Chapter 224: Brigitte's Decision
After handing the multicolored Divine Stone to Di Tian, Ling Yun returned to the stage with a calm smile and addressed the crowd.
"Everyone, the Star Auction Pavilion's event has now come to a perfect conclusion. We welcome you all to attend our next grand auction."
With that announcement, she formally closed the proceedings and gracefully departed toward the back hall.
Di Tian carefully turned the Divine Stone in his hand, feeling the tremendous divine power pulsing within it. His heart leaped with excitement.
After all, this was no ordinary treasure—it was a potential key to divinity itself. The success rate might have been less than one percent, but that chance was still priceless.
"Let's go," said Gu Yuena softly as she rose to leave.
Her simple command carried weight. Di Tian and the other soul beasts followed immediately.
Across the room, Zhongli Wu of the Holy Spirit Cult, Mu En and Xuan Zi from Shrek Academy, and Du Bushi of the Body Sect—all the top powerhouses—watched the soul beasts with wary eyes.
Though tempted to act, none dared make the first move.
Individually, none of them were Di Tian's equal. Even if every Limit Douluo in attendance joined forces, cooperation among rival factions was impossible.
Moreover, they all sensed something far more terrifying than Di Tian himself—the overwhelming aura of the silver-haired woman beside him.
That presence alone kept their ambitions at bay.
As a result, the auction ended quietly, without a single battle breaking out.
Once the human factions accepted reality and departed the Star Auction Pavilion, those hoping for chaos had no choice but to sigh in disappointment and leave as well.
In less than an hour, Di Tian and his companions returned to the depths of the Star Dou Forest. It was time to investigate the secrets hidden within the Divine Stone.
"Master, please see if there's any way to increase the chance of success," said Di Tian as he respectfully offered the stone to Gu Yuena.
Among them, her divine knowledge and power were unparalleled—if anyone could discern the stone's mysteries, it was her.
"I'll take a look," she replied, nodding lightly.
Divine energy flowed from her body as she infused her power into the Divine Stone.
A moment later, an invisible wave of rejection burst forth, forcing her god energy back and furrowing her brow.
She tried again, but no matter how much power she poured in, the Divine Stone rejected it completely.
A strong rule-based force within the artifact repelled every attempt to enter.
Could this be the mysterious law the Star Auction Pavilion had mentioned—the very energy that enabled ascension to godhood?
"Master, even you can't see through its secrets?" Di Tian asked anxiously, the disappointment clear in his tone.
"There is indeed an incredibly powerful rule within this stone," Gu Yuena said seriously. "It completely rejects all external power. Only one who has entered a contract with it may channel energy into the stone."
She frowned thoughtfully.
"If that's the case," she continued after a pause, "then which of you is willing to enter the illusion and stake everything on becoming divine?"
Her silver eyes swept over the gathered beasts.
It was, undeniably, a chance at ascension—small, but real.
Though she personally disapproved of testing something so risky, Gu Yuena understood her subordinates' burning desire. Each of them dreamed of resurrecting the soul beast race, of storming the God Realm itself.
But the illusion created by the Divine Stone was said to draw out one's deepest desires—and those desires could easily turn into deadly traps.
The Ten Thousand Demon King, Bear Lord, and the other fierce beasts exchanged shaken glances.
They longed for godhood, yet the odds were only one percent. Who would dare to gamble their life on a chance so slim?
"I'll go," Di Tian said finally, sighing deeply. "Now that you've obtained the Nine-Yao Divine Lotus, your recovery is assured. Even if something happens to me, the soul beasts will still have your protection."
"Among us, my strength is the greatest, so I stand the best chance."
His tone was calm but resolute.
Gu Yuena did not answer immediately.
Strength alone had nothing to do with this—according to the Pavilion's words, even a weak being without a martial soul could succeed in the illusion if one's heart was pure enough.
Di Tian's reasoning was flawed.
"Nana-sister, why don't I go instead?" came a gentle voice.
The one who spoke was a young woman—Three-Eyed Golden Lion, her form radiant and serene in the dim forest light.
"No!"
The moment she spoke, Gu Yuena and every other beast shouted in unison.
She was the Auspicious Beast of the world, the key to the soul beasts' future. Losing her was unthinkable.
Though her fate-born powers and control over destiny might have granted her divine protection, Gu Yuena would not permit her to take even the slightest risk.
As the protests subsided, another voice rang out.
"I will go."
All eyes turned toward Brigitte, who had risen quietly from among them.
"Among us, my heart bears the least desire," she said plainly. "And since the Star Auction Pavilion mentioned that strength is irrelevant, I might stand a better chance than anyone else."
For centuries, she had watched her kin oppressed, hunted, and bound by the will of the gods.
If there was even a small possibility to change that fate, she would take it—for her people, and for the hope of a free future.
"If I succeed, I will use that power to protect everything I hold dear."
"No," Di Tian cut in sharply, his tone brimming with emotion. "You are the leader of the Emerald Swan clan, second in status only to the Lord herself. I cannot allow you to risk your life."
It wasn't only duty that drove his objection—there was genuine concern buried in his voice.
Gu Yuena's gaze moved between the two. Her instincts told her Brigitte might indeed be the best candidate.
Calm, pure-hearted, and selfless—among them, she alone harbored the fewest desires.
"Di Tian, you know the truth of our situation," Brigitte said softly, her eyes steady. "This Divine Stone may be the only way for a soul beast to bypass the God Realm's oversight and ascend."
"But there's less than a one percent chance!" Di Tian's voice wavered slightly, torn between logic and emotion. "I can't stand to see you take that risk."
"There's no need for further words," she interrupted gently but firmly. "My mind is made up. Please, Master, grant me permission."
Her eyes turned to Gu Yuena, awaiting the final decision.
(END CHAPTER)
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