The next day, as the morning light dawned, the small village outside Dragon City where Ye Zhilan often went to practice medicine was shrouded in a thin mist. Beneath the old locust tree at the village entrance, a stunning figure already stood quietly. With hair like a silver waterfall and eyes like purple stars, it was none other than Gu Yuena, who had changed her mindset and strategy.
She no longer concealed her tracks, nor did she bother to engineer any "chance encounters" or "crises," choosing instead the most direct method—one that best suited her current state of mind: meeting with openness. After a night of deep reflection, she understood that when dealing with a woman as wise as Ye Zhilan, who was backed by someone like Yu Yuanchen, any clever scheme might backfire. It was better to overwhelm with presence... no, 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 that impossible-to-ignore figure beneath the locust tree. The woman simply stood there, as if gathering all the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. Her cold, noble temperament felt out of place in the rustic village, yet strangely, it did not feel abrupt; instead, it possessed a natural quality, as if she belonged there.
Ye Zhilan's footsteps faltered, a flash of surprise crossing her beautiful eyes. She remembered those eyes; the vague sense of being watched yesterday had originated from this person? And it seemed the other party... was waiting here specifically for her?
Seeing Ye Zhilan look over, Gu Yuena did not step forward, merely nodding slightly. Her purple eyes were calm and waveless, yet they held an inherent majesty that was captivating. She walked forward slowly and stopped at a distance of three zhang from Ye Zhilan—a distance that expressed both respect and her own self-confidence.
"Miss Ye." Gu Yuena spoke, her voice clear and resonant like clashing jade, carrying a natural sense of detachment and nobility. "Please forgive my presumptuousness in waiting here for you."
Ye Zhilan was vigilant inside but remained composed on the surface, bowing slightly in return. "And you are?" She could sense that the woman's cultivation level seemed to be only at the Soul Sage level, yet that unfathomable bearing made her feel a faint pressure, as if she were not facing a peer, but one of the reclusive ancestors within her sect.
"My name is... Gu Yue." Gu Yuena paused slightly, giving a simplified version of her true name. "I come from the Myriad Beast Sect."
"Myriad Beast Sect?" Ye Zhilan's delicate brows furrowed as she quickly searched her memory for this sect, but found nothing. It seemed no such name existed among the well-known sects and families on the continent.
Seeing Ye Zhilan's confusion, Gu Yuena's expression remained unchanged. Following the script she had prepared, she said calmly, "It is normal that you have not heard of it, Miss Ye. My Myriad Beast Sect has a long heritage, but due to ancestral teachings, we have lived in seclusion for generations, never interacting with ordinary worldly sects."
She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping over the faintly visible vine bracelet mark on Ye Zhilan's wrist, and continued, "In ancient times, our sect's founder received a great favor from a powerful hundred-thousand-year soul beast predecessor, which allowed them to gain a new life. Since then, our sect has established a covenant with certain gentle and intelligent soul beast tribes, befriending them for generations and supporting one another as brothers."
As these words were spoken, the two guards behind Ye Zhilan showed looks of shock. Befriending soul beast tribes for generations? This was unheard of! On the continent, the relationship between humans and soul beasts was almost always one of hunter and prey. Even if a rare beast tamer or a soul master with a beast martial soul could communicate with specific soul beasts, there was never any talk of "befriending for generations and calling each other brothers"! What kind of existence was this Myriad Beast Sect?
Ye Zhilan was also deeply shaken, but she was meticulous and did not believe it immediately, choosing instead to listen quietly.
Gu Yuena took in everyone's reactions without a ripple in her heart and continued, "Precisely because of our deep ties with soul beasts, to avoid misunderstanding or rejection by the world, our disciples have always adhered to the ancestral teachings and remained in seclusion. If it were not for matters concerning the rise and fall of our sect, I would not have stepped into the mortal world."
Her words were half-true; the Myriad Beast Sect was a fabrication, but the relationship with soul beasts and the reason for their seclusion aligned perfectly with her identity and situation as the Silver Dragon King. It sounded flawless, and the nobility and sense of age emanating from her bloodline made people believe her at least partially.
"I see." Ye Zhilan nodded slightly, her tone still calm. "May I ask why Miss Gu Yue is waiting here today? Is someone in your sect injured or ill, requiring my assistance?"
Gu Yuena shook her head, her purple eyes looking directly at Ye Zhilan with a sharper gaze. "It is not for medical help. Yesterday, I happened to pass by and witnessed Miss Ye punishing those petty scoundrels."
Ye Zhilan's heart stirred. Indeed! The feeling of being watched yesterday was not an illusion.
Gu Yuena's gaze fell on Ye Zhilan's wrist, as if she could pierce through flesh and blood to see the hidden Vine Guard. "What surprised me was not Miss Ye's skill, but... that Star-Eating Vine that shares your heart and obeys your every command."
Ye Zhilan's eyes narrowed. The other party was indeed here for the Star Eater!
"Because of our deep roots with soul beasts, my Myriad Beast Sect is confident that our understanding of them is second to none," Gu Yuena said with a hint of unquestionable confidence. "Ordinary soul masters tame and drive soul beasts through force or temptation. These methods remain superficial; although the soul beasts are driven, their intelligence remains clouded, and their growth is limited—they are no different from tools."
She shifted her tone, pointing at Ye Zhilan. "But that is not the case between you and the Star-Eating Vine! I observed that your auras are intertwined and your fates are linked. It is not a master-servant relationship, but rather... symbiosis! Your growth in cultivation directly drives its power to surge, and its power can be used by you at any time to replenish your consumption and amplify your combat strength. This marvelous connection is far beyond any ordinary taming method; it is more like an ancient and equal... contract!"
Ye Zhilan was shocked again! This Gu Yue was truly extraordinary! To see the essence of her relationship with the Star Eater after just one observation! This level of insight was something even a Titled Douluo might not possess! This Myriad Beast Sect was truly mysterious and unfathomable!
Seeing the undisguised surprise in Ye Zhilan's eyes, Gu Yuena knew she had hit the mark. She suppressed the eagerness in her heart, maintained her outward calm, and got straight to the point. "Miss Ye, my Myriad Beast Sect is extremely interested in this method of contract that allows humans and soul beasts to coexist and grow together. If you are willing, our sect is prepared to pay a sufficient price to exchange for this method. Whether it be soul bones, soul tools, lost secret manuals, or even... information regarding certain top-tier immortal herbs, our sect can negotiate."
She had cast the bait. For her, the Master of Soul Beasts who possessed the entire Star Dou Great Forest, these things were merely a drop in the bucket.
Ye Zhilan remained silent for a long time after hearing this. The conditions offered were undeniably tempting, especially the "information regarding top-tier immortal herbs," which had subtly touched her interests. But...
She raised her head, met Gu Yuena's gaze, and said candidly, "Miss Gu Yue has sharp eyes; what you said is correct. There is indeed a marvelous connection between me and this vine. However..."
Her tone turned regretful and sincere. "I am afraid I must disappoint you, Miss Gu Yue. This method was not something I intentionally cultivated or inherited; it was a result of a fortuitous coincidence. Even I have not fully grasped the intricacies; I only know the result, not the reason. Perhaps it is related to the mutation of my martial soul, or perhaps it is related to certain herbs I consumed at the time, or perhaps it is the result of multiple factors combined. It is difficult to replicate. Truly... there is nothing to trade."
Ye Zhilan spoke these words with complete sincerity. Her "contract" with the Star Eater had indeed been formed by chance through the tempering of immortal herbs, the evolution of her martial soul, and the help of Yu Yuanchen in subduing the Mad Vine. She was still in the exploration stage herself; how could she have a ready-made "method" to trade?
A trace of imperceptible disappointment flashed in Gu Yuena's purple eyes, but she was not discouraged. Ye Zhilan's answer only made her more certain of the preciousness and uniqueness of this "contract." If it were a method that could be easily obtained and followed, it would not be worth her such high regard.
"I see..." Gu Yuena nodded slightly, seemingly accepting the explanation, but then her tone shifted. "Since that is the case, the trade is off. However, Miss Ye, your existence and that of the Star-Eating Vine prove that an unprecedented path is feasible! Humans and soul beasts do not have to be in conflict; mutual benefit and symbiotic growth are also highly promising!"
Her tone carried a hint of imperceptible excitement and seduction. "My Myriad Beast Sect has lived alongside soul beasts for generations. We know the difficulty of soul beast cultivation and have witnessed the rapid rise of human soul masters. If the two races can find a path of harmonious coexistence and mutual support, for soul beasts, it can break the barriers of talent and accelerate growth; for human soul masters, it can provide powerful assistance and multiply their foundation! This is a great cause that will benefit generations to come!"
Gu Yuena looked at Ye Zhilan with burning eyes. "Miss Ye, since you are a pioneer on this path, why not cooperate with my Myriad Beast Sect to explore and perfect this method? Your Ye Family and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan possess top-tier research foundations and resources for martial souls, while my Myriad Beast Sect possesses the most complete and authoritative soul beast classics and knowledge on the continent. Our understanding of soul beast habits, potential, and even ancient secrets is unrivaled! If we cooperate and combine our strengths, we will surely be able to carry forward this 'Way of Beast Taming' and create a brand-new landscape for the soul master world!"
Her words were full of infectious power, and the blueprint she painted was grand and tempting. Jointly research and perfect the Way of Beast Taming? Ye Zhilan's heart could not help but beat faster.
She knew that her symbiotic relationship with the Star Eater had huge potential, but the road ahead was foggy, and she had to rely entirely on her own exploration. If she could truly cooperate with a powerful force that knew soul beasts inside and out, it would undoubtedly accelerate the research process and avoid countless detours! Moreover, the concept of "mutual benefit and symbiosis" proposed by the other party also aligned with her own kind nature and dislike for unnecessary killing.
More importantly, if this method could be matured and promoted, it would have a earth-shattering impact on the Yu Family, the Ye Family, and even the entire soul master world! Its strategic value was immeasurable!
However, this matter was of great importance and not something she could decide alone. The interests, risks, and the true background of this suddenly appearing "Myriad Beast Sect" all required careful evaluation.
Ye Zhilan took a deep breath, suppressed the waves in her heart, looked at Gu Yuena, and spoke with a much more solemn tone. "What Miss Gu Yue says is indeed tempting. However, this matter concerns the inheritance and future path of my sect, and I cannot decide it alone. I must report it to my elders and discuss it with the sect master and the elders before a decision can be made."
This answer was within Gu Yuena's expectations. She had never expected Ye Zhilan to agree immediately. As long as she was tempted and took the information back, it was the first step toward success.
"That is only right." Gu Yuena nodded slightly, expressing her understanding. "In that case, I will stay in Dragon City for a while and wait for the good news. To show my sincerity, in half a month, regardless of your sect's decision, I will bring the elders of my sect to pay a formal visit and discuss the cooperation in detail with your sect's leadership. What does Miss Ye think?"
Giving a clear time frame could show sincerity while also exerting a bit of invisible pressure to prevent the other party from delaying indefinitely.
Ye Zhilan thought for a moment. Half a month was enough to discuss it carefully with Brother Yuanchen and her grandfather, so she nodded and agreed. "Very well, I will follow Miss Gu Yue's suggestion. In half a month, I will await your arrival."
"It is a deal." A faint, almost invisible curve appeared at the corner of Gu Yuena's mouth, and a glimmer of success flashed deep in her purple eyes. She raised her hand, and a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with mysterious beast patterns, flew toward Ye Zhilan. "This is the token of my sect. With this, you can come to the 'Listen to the Wind Pavilion' in the city to find me."
Ye Zhilan took the token. It felt warm and cool to the touch, and as soul power flowed over it, the beast patterns glowed faintly. It was indeed an extraordinary item, which made her believe the other party a little more.
"Farewell." Gu Yuena did not say more, nodded slightly, and turned to leave. Her silver hair fluttered, and her figure soon disappeared into the morning mist.
Ye Zhilan held the cold token, looking in the direction where Gu Yuena had disappeared, her heart surging. Myriad Beast Sect... Way of Beast Taming... Cooperation... Everything had come so suddenly, yet it seemed to contain huge opportunities.
She did not delay and instructed her guards, "Today's free clinic is canceled. Return to the sect immediately!"
She had to tell Brother Yuanchen and her grandfather about this as soon as possible! This sudden "Myriad Beast Sect" and the mysterious "Miss 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 Clan in the center of Dragon City. An undercurrent that could change the power landscape of the continent had quietly begun with this morning meeting.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan