"Di Tian—"
The three-eyed golden lion's drawn-out, childish voice held a clear hint of playfulness, causing even Di Tian's perpetually stern lips to twitch imperceptibly. He understood full well what his little ancestor wanted.
Earlier his attention had been all on Chen Yi, but with careful observation, he realized this human girl beside him possessed extraordinary talent. The light and fire aura within her was pure and vibrant, even faintly divine. Why her cultivation lingered at the level-70 threshold he did not know, but she was undoubtedly significant to Chen Yi.
Had he acted purely as a soul beast, he might have seized her as "food." But doing so would sever all ties with Chen Yi—and considering her potential, she might very well become a Goddess in the future. If that happened, the soul beasts and dragon clan would earn a powerful new ally. Di Tian understood the calculations all too well.
"Divine Beast,"
Di Tian lowered his head, looking at the expectant three-eyed golden lion by his feet. His tone softened, hinting at a willingness to negotiate.
"What do you say I have them prepare a grand, delicious feast just for you? I dare say you'll love it."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue, Snake Spear Douluo, and the others finally relaxed, cold sweat trickling down their spines. If Di Tian had agreed to take Qian Renxue, their chances of survival—even escaping the Star Dou Great Forest—would be slim indeed.
The three-eyed golden lion blinked her large eyes, glancing at Di Tian, then at Qian Renxue, seeming to grasp that her demand had placed Di Tian in a difficult spot. Though pampered and a bit willful by nature, she was no fool. Head bowed, she scratched the ground, grumbling,
"Fine..."
Her tone was reluctant, but the understanding could be heard. Suddenly she raised her head, pointed a paw right at Qian Renxue, and spoke haughtily again,
"In that case, I want her to do the cooking!"
She still remembered Qian Renxue saying she'd skin her for a coat. She had to get her revenge, or her dignity as a divine beast would be forfeit.
Seeing the lion's arrogance, Qian Renxue realized she had 'lost' the skirmish but still wanted some payback. Now completely free of tension, she couldn't help but laugh.
She saw it all now: this legendary imperial beast was, at heart, just a child—pampered and simple, though powerful.
"What are you laughing at!"
Embarrassed, the three-eyed lion bared her little sharp teeth, trying to look fierce.
Suppressing a smile, Qian Renxue curtsied in imitation of noble etiquette and answered playfully,
"Just a dinner, is it? Of course! I guarantee it will satisfy you."
She acted as though she were preparing a state banquet, not a meal for some terrifying divine beast.
The golden lion squinted, quickly calculating. Her gaze swept over the humans—Qian Renxue, the four Title Douluos, the odd one out Chen Yi. Her golden eyes flashed cunningly, and she giggled, pointing deep into the woods.
"Then I want the freshest phoenix brain from that stinky bird over there!"
To all present, this demand was baffling—even Chen Yi hadn't anticipated it. Star Dou had no history of phoenixes, but two millennia on, the Bright Phoenix appeared.
Scarlet King gasped, quickly stepping forward and whispering to the lion,
"Oh, my dear ancestor, don't ask for too much. That furry beast has cultivated for nearly 200,000 years—and he's slippery as they come. Even if you killed him, it'd hardly be worth it!"
Scarlet King then explained to Chen Yi's group, quickly revealing that a Bright Phoenix had resided in another perilous part of the forest for almost 200,000 years. This purebred being was the "delicacy" the lion always craved. But the phoenix was not only strong; it was fast, cunning, and suspicious. The three-eyed lion had tried countless times and always failed, becoming more resentful each time.
Upon hearing "200,000 years," everyone was astonished. Even with the Grand Elder's guidance, such a hunt would mean fierce battle and certainly waste their resources.
In the end, Di Tian made the decision. He looked at Chen Yi and Qian Renxue.
"Let's put aside the Bright Phoenix for now. In exchange—and as an ingredient for the divine beast's meal—I'll point you to a place."
"There you'll find a Sunlight God Dove with around 70,000 years of cultivation. It would make a perfect seventh spirit ring for this young lady."
"This bird, too, is of the light-fire attribute. Not as rare as a phoenix, but still exceptional. Its spirit ring's powers will greatly enhance your Seraphim Martial Soul. What do you say?"
"A Sunlight God Dove!"
Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled at this. Seventy thousand years and the perfect attribute match—she couldn't find a better fit for her seventh ring anywhere.
Chen Yi looked at her, saw her nod, and thanked Di Tian sincerely,
"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance. We appreciate it."
With both sides satisfied, the tension eased. Di Tian then described the Sunlight God Dove's usual habitat.
By this time, under Ye Cien's encouragement, Ye Lingling had already approached the lakeside. The Medusa's petrifying gaze and the trauma of falling had left the Sacred Feather Spirit Crane half-dead. Lingling steadied herself and performed the release.
As its spirit ring ascended, the three-eyed golden lion leapt over with a cheer, landing gracefully by the holy crane's corpse. She deftly split open its skull with her claws and started to devour the brain, brimming with pure light and life energy. She ate contentedly, momentarily forgetting her grudge against the Bright Phoenix and abandoning her teasing of Qian Renxue.
Watching this odd yet strangely harmonious scene, Dugu Bo and his peers finally managed to relax a little, huddling to guard Ye Lingling while digesting that day's extraordinary events.
But somewhere deeper, a guarded wariness remained. Those unlike oneself must surely be different at heart: an instinct rooted in the long struggle between spirit masters and beastkind. Even among their own, rivalry was common when interests clashed.
Trading and collaboration with central Star Dou's core fierce beasts could only ever be founded on strength and crystal-clear understanding.
Meanwhile, through a brief spiritual exchange, the Grand Elder learned far deeper truths about Di Tian—he was once not only a divinity himself but tutored directly by the Dragon God. The Grand Elder marveled.
After some hesitation, he stepped forward and saluted Di Tian earnestly.
"Lord Beast God, I often struggle in my cultivation of spirit power. Your realm is profound and your insights vast. May I ask for your guidance?"
Di Tian regarded him coolly, then glanced at Chen Yi, perceiving their closeness. Now that terms had been settled with Chen Yi, he saw no harm in showing favor.
"You may ask."
He nodded slightly, then offered concise, insightful remarks on the Grand Elder's question regarding spiritual sense. Though brief, his replies struck home, greatly enlightening the Grand Elder and filling his eyes with awe.
While Ye Lingling absorbed the spirit ring and the Sunlight God Dove's location was pinpointed, Chen Yi busied himself preparing dinner by the lakeside, using culinary tricks learned from Mu Xi plus his own skills as a gourmet in his past life. Pots and stoves lined the clearing, busy hands grilling, simmering, frying, and stir-frying, filling the air with delicious aromas and readied a lavish meal.
Gathered around a campfire, everyone felt much of their recent tension and fatigue melt away amid the savory scents.
Unsurprisingly, the three-eyed golden lion was the most voracious. Never before had she tasted such carefully prepared food—the flavors so layered and complex—compared to her usual diet of raw energy and essence.
She plunged her head into a dish larger than herself, digging with dainty paws, her nose greased, eyes happy, and tail gently swaying in contentment as she hummed with satisfaction.
During this, something small occurred. Noticing the lion liked grilled meat, Qian Renxue volunteered to make her a special serving. She picked a fine piece, grilled it to perfection, sprinkled it with Chen Yi's secret spices, then wrapped it in fresh leaves and handed it to the lion.
The golden lion at first turned her head haughtily away, but couldn't resist the aroma. Sneaking a peek at Qian Renxue, whose gaze was steady and honest, she tentatively took a bite—and instantly, her eyes lit up, head ducking down as she devoured the rest enthusiastically.
Thus, during this barbecue, the animosity and estrangement caused by earlier talk of "skinning for a coat" and "eating brains" greatly diminished.
Taking the opportunity, Qian Renxue, slicing her food, casually asked the lion,
"By the way, little three-eyed one, where does this Bright Phoenix you mentioned normally like to nest?"
Munching away, the lion, thinking Qian Renxue was proving to be a decent cook after all, replied between bites,
"That troublesome flat-feathered bird? Always nests at the top of a huge plantain tree down in a southern Star Dou valley, surrounded by glowing stones—very cozy."
"Once it smelled so good I went closer, but that stink tried to bite me and even set my tail on fire!"
She finished with a swish of her tail, as if recalling the fiery pain.
Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled with calculation even as she took in the information.
Not far away, Di Tian, resting with eyes half closed, briefly glanced at Qian Renxue, sensing her little plan but doing nothing to stop her. That Bright Phoenix's arrogant, unruly ways had long annoyed him, especially since it refused to follow them, isolating itself from his protection.
…
Seven days later.
Ye Lingling had finished absorbing the Sacred Feather Spirit Crane's spirit ring, her spiritual power stabilizing at level 52.
With the three-eyed lion's help, Qian Renxue hunted down the seventy-thousand-year-old Sunlight God Dove in the burning lava valley of Star Dou, successfully absorbing her new seventh ring. She officially advanced to the Spirit Saint rank, her power surging.
What surprised Chen Yi most was how this 70,000-year spirit ring neared the strength of eighth rings among titled Douluo. Qian Renxue must have prepared well over the years.
As the time came to part, Chen Yi turned and gave a deep bow to Di Tian, who had guided them to the core area's edge.
"Senior Di Tian, we are truly grateful for your patient guidance and assistance during our Star Dou journey. Thank you."
Di Tian stood with his hands clasped behind him, his black robe fluttering gently in the forest air. He replied calmly,
"Even without me, with your own abilities, it wouldn't have been difficult to find suitable soul beasts in this forest. I simply pointed you to the right path."
Standing at the boundary, Di Tian cast a final glance at the group.
"This is as far as I may escort you. Any further would be against our laws."
Chen Yi bowed again.
"Thank you for seeing us this far, Senior."
"There's no need for pleasantries," Di Tian said, holding Chen Yi's gaze. "This is merely a transaction. Just remember your promise."
Chen Yi replied with a firm nod, saying nothing further.
Trailing Di Tian, the three-eyed golden lion hesitated before turning back to look at Chen Yi, Qian Renxue, and Ye Lingling, her voice uncharacteristically subdued,
"Are you... leaving already?"
During this time, she had enjoyed countless delicious new flavors with Chen Yi, and the sweets Qian Renxue and Ye Lingling brought her left unforgettable memories. With them gone, she suddenly felt a little empty.
Ye Lingling smiled, crouched down, and gently stroked the lion's soft golden fur.
"Yes, little three-eyed lion. We must go. But don't worry—next time we meet, I'll bring you more snacks, okay?"
The lion grumbled, rubbing her head against Lingling's palm.
"You'd better keep that promise!"
After bidding farewell, Chen Yi and company turned and stepped into the outer mixed zone, soon vanishing into the depths of the woods.
Once their presence faded, Di Tian slowly shifted his gaze and let out a long sigh.
"These humans have infinite potential."
Scarlet King, puzzled, asked, "Di Tian, what makes you sigh? These people are certainly talented, but aside from Chen Yi and Qian Renxue, the others won't likely achieve anything so great. Is it really worth worrying over?"
Di Tian said nothing at first, his eyes seeming to pierce the very fabric of space, gazing deep into the future. After a long silence, he answered softly,
"Scarlet King, sometimes, reaching the highest throne depends not just on talent or power, but on one's journey and whether one can seize the right waves."
And with that, he looked back at the three-eyed golden lion, still gazing longingly after the departing humans.
"Let's go back."
"Mmm..." purred the golden lion in reply, casting one last look in their direction before wagging her tail and following after the Emperor.