Chapter 94: Ten Thousand Beast Sect Alliance, Zhilan's Heart Moves
The next day, at the first light of dawn, the small village on the outskirts of Dragon City where Ye Zhilan often went to practice medicine was shrouded in a thin mist.
Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, a stunning figure stood silently.
With hair like a silver waterfall and purple eyes like stars, she was none other than the Silver Dragon King, who had changed her mindset and strategy.
She no longer concealed her tracks, nor did she bother to engineer any "chance encounters" or "dangerous situations."
Instead, she chose the most direct method, one that best suited her current state of mind—to meet openly.
After a night of deep thought, she realized that when facing a woman as intelligent as Ye Zhilan, who also had someone like Yu Yuanchen backing her, any clever scheme might backfire.
It was better to use pressure... No, it was better to convince with "reason" and move with "benefit."
When Ye Zhilan arrived at the village entrance with two guards as she did every day, her first sight was the figure under the locust tree that could not be ignored.
The woman simply stood there, as if gathering all the spiritual beauty of heaven and earth.
Her cold and noble temperament was out of place in this rustic village, yet strangely, it did not feel abrupt; rather, it felt natural, as if she belonged there.
Ye Zhilan paused, a flash of surprise appearing in her beautiful eyes.
She remembered those eyes; the subtle feeling of being watched yesterday—was the source this person?
And, the other party seemed... to be waiting specifically for her?
Seeing Ye Zhilan looking over, the Silver Dragon King did not step forward but merely nodded slightly.
Her purple eyes were calm and waveless, yet they held a natural, heart-stopping majesty.
She walked forward slowly and stopped three yards away from Ye Zhilan.
This distance expressed respect while also showing her confidence.
"Miss Ye."
The Silver Dragon King spoke, her voice clear and melodious, like jade striking jade, carrying a natural sense of detachment and nobility.
"Please forgive my presumption in waiting for you here."
Ye Zhilan felt vigilant but remained calm on the surface, bowing slightly in return: "Your Excellency is?"
She could feel that the woman before her seemed to be only at the Martial Soul Saint level, but that unfathomable demeanor made her feel pressured, as if she were facing not a peer, but one of the Old Ancestors who lived in seclusion within the Sect.
"My name is... Gu Yue."
The Silver Dragon King paused slightly, giving this simplified name based on her true form.
"I come from the Ten Thousand Beast Sect."
"Ten Thousand Beast Sect?"
Ye Zhilan frowned slightly, quickly searching her memory for this Sect, but found nothing.
There seemed to be no such name among the well-known Sects and Families on the continent.
Seeing Ye Zhilan's confusion, the Silver Dragon King's expression did not change.
Following the script she had already prepared, she said calmly: "It is normal that you have not heard of it, Miss Ye.
My Ten Thousand Beast Sect has a long Legacy, but due to the teachings of our Ancestral Master, we have lived in seclusion for generations, away from the common world and the usual Sects."
She paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over the faint vine bracelet mark on Ye Zhilan's wrist, and continued: "Our Ancestral Master once received a great favor from a powerful hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast Senior during the ancient times, and thus was reborn.
Since then, our Sect has established a covenant with certain gentle and intelligent Soul Beast tribes, living in harmony for generations, calling each other brothers, and supporting one another."
As soon as these words were spoken, the two guard Disciples behind Ye Zhilan showed expressions of shock.
Living in harmony with Soul Beast tribes for generations? This was unheard of!
On the continent, the relationship between humans and Soul Beasts was almost always one of hunting and being hunted.
Even if a very small number of beast tamers or Soul Masters with Beast Spirits could communicate with specific Soul Beasts, there was absolutely no such thing as "living in harmony for generations and calling each other brothers"!
What kind of existence was this Ten Thousand Beast Sect?
Ye Zhilan was also deeply shocked, but she was meticulous and did not immediately believe it, simply listening quietly.
The Silver Dragon King took in everyone's reactions without a ripple in her heart, and continued: "Precisely because of our deep relationship with Soul Beasts, to avoid misunderstanding or intolerance from the world, the Disciples of our Sect have always adhered to the teachings of our Ancestral Master and lived in seclusion.
If it were not for the rise and fall of our Sect, I would not have stepped into the mortal world."
Her words were half-true and half-false.
The Ten Thousand Beast Sect was non-existent, but the relationship with Soul Beasts and the reason for seclusion secretly aligned with her identity and situation as the Silver Dragon King.
Speaking of it, there were no flaws, and the nobility and sense of vicissitudes originating from her Bloodline made people believe her by three points involuntarily.
"I see."
Ye Zhilan nodded slightly, her tone still calm.
"I wonder why Miss Gu Yue is waiting here today? Is there someone in your Sect who is injured or ill, and needs my help?"
The Silver Dragon King shook her head, her purple eyes looking directly at Ye Zhilan, her gaze sharpening a bit: "It is not to seek medical treatment.
Yesterday, I happened to pass by and witnessed Miss Ye punishing that petty villain."
Ye Zhilan's heart stirred.
Sure enough! The feeling of being watched yesterday was not an illusion.
The Silver Dragon King's gaze fell on Ye Zhilan's wrist, as if it could pierce through flesh and see the hidden vine guard: "What amazes me is not Miss Ye's skill, but... that Star Devouring Vine that shares your heart and obeys your every command."
Ye Zhilan's eyes narrowed slightly; the other party was indeed here for the Star Devourer!
"Because our Ten Thousand Beast Sect has a deep connection with Soul Beasts, I am confident that our understanding of Soul Beasts is second to none among any power in the world."
The Silver Dragon King's tone carried a hint of unquestionable confidence.
"Ordinary Soul Masters who tame and drive Soul Beasts do so by force or by temptation, all of which are superficial.
Even if the Soul Beast is driven, its intelligence is obscured, its growth is limited, and it is no different from a tool."
She changed the subject and pointed at Ye Zhilan: "But the relationship between you and that Star Devouring Vine is not like this!
I observe that the aura between you and it is intertwined, your fates are connected; it is not master and servant, but more like... symbiosis!
Your growth in cultivation directly drives its strength to soar; and its power can be used by you at any time to replenish your consumption and amplify your combat power.
This kind of wonderful connection is absolutely not something that ordinary beast-taming methods can achieve; it is more like an ancient and equal... contract!"
Ye Zhilan was shocked again!
This Gu Yue was truly extraordinary!
Just by watching once, she could see the essence of her relationship with the Star Devourer!
This level of insight, perhaps not even a Titled Douluo could possess!
This Ten Thousand Beast Sect was indeed mysterious and unfathomable!
Seeing the unconcealable surprise in Ye Zhilan's eyes, the Silver Dragon King knew she had hit the mark.
She suppressed the eagerness in her heart, maintained surface calm, and went straight to the point: "Miss Ye, our Ten Thousand Beast Sect is extremely interested in this kind of contract method that allows humans and Soul Beasts to benefit each other and grow together.
If you are willing, our Sect is willing to pay a sufficient price to exchange for this method.
Whether it is a Soul Bone, a spirit tool, lost secret manuals, or even... information about certain top-tier Immortal Herbs, our Sect can discuss it."
She cast the bait.
For her, who was the master of all Soul Beasts and possessed the entire Star Dou Great Forest, these things were just a drop in the bucket.
Ye Zhilan remained silent for a long time after listening.
The conditions offered were certainly tempting, especially the "information about top-tier Immortal Herbs," which touched her heart.
But...
She looked up, met the Silver Dragon King's gaze, and said frankly: "Miss Gu Yue has Wisdom Eye, and what you said is correct.
There is indeed a strange connection between me and this vine.
However..."
Her tone turned to regret and sincerity: "I am afraid I must disappoint Miss Gu Yue.
This method was not obtained through my deliberate cultivation or inheritance; it was achieved by chance and coincidence.
Even I have not fully grasped the key to it, knowing only what it is, but not why it is so.
Perhaps it is related to my Martial Soul mutation, or perhaps it is related to certain medicinal herbs I took at the time, or perhaps it is the result of multiple factors superimposed, making it impossible to replicate.
It is really... impossible to trade."
Ye Zhilan spoke these words sincerely.
The "contract" between her and the Star Devourer was indeed achieved by mistake under multiple factors such as Immortal Herb Body Tempering, Martial Soul evolution, and Yu Yuanchen's help in subduing the mad vine.
She was still in the exploration stage herself, so how could there be any mature "method" to trade?
A trace of imperceptible disappointment flashed through the Silver Dragon King's purple eyes, but she was not discouraged.
Ye Zhilan's answer made her even more convinced of the rarity and uniqueness of this "contract."
If it were a method that could be easily obtained and followed, it would not be worth her such attention.
"I see..."
The Silver Dragon King nodded slightly, seemingly accepting this explanation, but her tone immediately shifted.
"In that case, the transaction will be called off.
However, Miss Ye, your existence with this Star Devouring Vine proves that an unprecedented path is feasible!
Humans and Soul Beasts need not only be in opposition; mutual benefit and symbiotic growth are also highly promising!"
Her tone carried a hint of imperceptible excitement and seduction: "Our Ten Thousand Beast Sect has accompanied Soul Beasts for generations, knowing the difficulty of Soul Beast cultivation, and has also witnessed the speed of the rise of human Soul Masters.
If the two clans can find a path of harmonious coexistence and mutual support, for Soul Beasts, it can break the innate barriers and accelerate growth; for human Soul Masters, they can gain powerful assistance and increase their foundation!
This is a great cause that will benefit thousands of generations!"
The Silver Dragon King looked at Ye Zhilan with burning eyes: "Miss Ye, since you are a pioneer of this path, why not cooperate with our Ten Thousand Beast Sect to explore and perfect this method together?
Your Ye Family and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect possess top-tier Martial Soul research heritage and resources; while our Ten Thousand Beast Sect possesses the most complete and authoritative Soul Beast classics and knowledge on the continent, and our understanding of Soul Beast habits, potential, and even ancient secrets is unrivaled!
If we cooperate, combining the strengths of both sides, we will surely be able to carry forward this 'Way of Beast Taming' and create a brand new landscape in the Spirit Master's world!"
Her words were infectious, and the blueprint she painted was grand and tempting.
Joint research and perfecting the Way of Beast Taming?
Ye Zhilan's heart couldn't help but beat faster.
She knew deeply that the symbiotic relationship between herself and the Star Devourer had huge potential, but the road ahead was confusing, and she had to explore it all by herself.
If she could really cooperate with a powerful force that knew Soul Beasts inside and out, it would undoubtedly greatly accelerate the research process and avoid countless detours!
Moreover, the concept of "mutual benefit and symbiosis" proposed by the other party also coincided with her inherently kind nature and dislike of unnecessary killing.
More importantly, if this method could be maturely promoted, it would have a earth-shattering impact on the Yu Family, the Ye Family, and even the entire Spirit Master's world!
Its strategic value was immeasurable!
However, this matter was of great importance and could not be decided by her alone.
The interests, risks, and the true background of this suddenly appearing "Ten Thousand Beast Sect" all needed to be carefully evaluated.
Ye Zhilan took a deep breath, suppressed the waves in her heart, looked at the Silver Dragon King, and said with a much more solemn tone: "What Miss Gu Yue said is indeed moving.
However, this matter concerns the Legacy of the Sect and the future path, so I cannot make the decision alone.
I must report it to the Elders of the Family and discuss it with the Sect Master and Elders of the Sect before making a final decision."
This answer was within the Silver Dragon King's expectations.
She never expected Ye Zhilan to agree immediately.
As long as she was moved and took the information back, it was the first step to success.
"That is as it should be."
The Silver Dragon King nodded slightly, expressing understanding.
"In that case, I will stay in Dragon City for a few days and wait for the good news.
To show my sincerity, after half a month, no matter what your Sect decides, I will bring the Elders of my Sect to pay a formal visit and discuss the cooperation matters with the Senior management of your Sect in detail.
What does Miss Ye think?"
Giving a clear time could show sincerity and also impose a slight invisible pressure to avoid indefinite delays by the other party.
Ye Zhilan thought for a moment.
Half a month was enough to discuss carefully with Brother Yuanchen and their grandfather, so she nodded in agreement: "Good, then it shall be as Miss Gu Yue says.
After half a month, I will await your arrival."
"It is a deal."
The Silver Dragon King hooked the corner of her mouth into a very faint, almost invisible arc, and a glimmer of success flashed in the depths of her purple eyes.
She raised her hand, and a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with mysterious beast patterns, flew towards Ye Zhilan.
"This is the token of our Sect.
With this object, you can come to the 'Listening Wind Pavilion' in the city to find me."
Ye Zhilan took the token, which felt warm and cool to the touch.
As Soul Power circulated on it, the beast patterns glowed faintly.
It was indeed not an ordinary item, which made her believe the other party a few more points.
"Farewell."
The Silver Dragon King said no more, nodded slightly, turned and left.
Her silver hair fluttered, and her figure soon disappeared into the morning mist.
Ye Zhilan held the cold token, looking at the direction where the Silver Dragon King disappeared, her heart surging.
Ten Thousand Beast Sect... Way of Beast Taming... Cooperation...
Everything came suddenly, but it seemed to contain huge opportunities.
She no longer delayed and ordered her guards: "The free clinic is cancelled for today, return to the Sect immediately!"
She had to tell Brother Yuanchen and her grandfather about this as soon as possible!
This sudden "Ten Thousand Beast Sect" and the mysterious "Gu Yue" might bring an unpredictable storm to the Sect... or perhaps, an unprecedented Opportunity!
The morning mist in the village remained, but Ye Zhilan's heart had already flown back to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect in the center of Dragon City.
An undercurrent that might change the balance of power on the continent had quietly kicked off with this early morning meeting.
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