The moment Di Tian emerged from beneath the Lake of Life, the Azure Bull Python's expression subtly shifted.
He hadn't expected that Qi Lin's appearance would actually draw out the Lord of the Star Dou Great Forest himself. What was even more startling was Di Tian's gaze—fixed on the Soul Ring beneath Qi Lin's feet.
Could it be… that the child's first Soul Ring truly was a million years?
Even the Titan Giant Ape let out a low, rumbling growl, wary and alert. His immense body tensed like a drawn bow.
Beside Qi Lin, Xiao Wu instinctively grabbed his hand, her delicate fingers trembling slightly, anxiety etched across her youthful face.
But Qi Lin?
He stood calmly, with only a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes. There was no panic, no fear—just quiet composure.
Within his Sea of Consciousness, however, the Skydream Iceworm was in complete turmoil.
"That damn Di Tian! I sacrificed myself already! Why's he still obsessed with me?"
"Little Ancestor, why did you expose me?! Now that Di Tian's noticed, who knows if I can even keep existing!"
Qi Lin's mental voice was steady and composed: Don't be afraid. Fate has its own designs.
Di Tian's piercing golden gaze locked onto him.
"That Soul Ring… It truly is a million years?" he asked, voice low and filled with suspicion.
Qi Lin nodded slowly. "That's right. My first Soul Ring is indeed a million years."
As he spoke, three Soul Rings rose beneath his feet—luminous white, radiant gold, and deep crimson.
Di Tian's pupils constricted sharply.
The white Soul Ring, though visually unremarkable, radiated the familiar aura of the Skydream Iceworm.
But it was the second and third Soul Rings that truly unsettled Di Tian.
Even among Spirit Beasts, very few could sense the divine. But as the most powerful Beast King beneath the gods, Di Tian felt it—an aura of supremacy, a sacred presence that surpassed the mortal plane.
These Soul Rings… they weren't just powerful. They were otherworldly.
Certainly not from a mere ten thousand or even hundred thousand-year-old beast.
But how?
The Skydream Iceworm had been swept away by a spatial storm. There was no time for any sacrifice—how had it become this child's Soul Ring?
Qi Lin, seeing the confusion in Di Tian's eyes, simply smiled and recounted the events of his first encounter with Tianmeng.
It sounded absurd. Like a dream.
Di Tian's brows furrowed.
Just then, a memory flashed in his mind—Lord Gu Yuena's voice echoing from not long ago.
"A wisp of the Asura God's divine sense has descended into the mortal realm… but someone interfered. I don't yet know who."
Could it be… this boy?
Di Tian narrowed his eyes, examining Qi Lin again with renewed intensity.
But almost immediately, he shook his head and chuckled.
Impossible.
That was the Asura God—his divine sense alone could shake the heavens. Even Di Tian himself would struggle to stand against it. How could a mere three-ringed Soul Elder possibly challenge such a power?
Just then, a clear and ethereal voice echoed in his ears—cold, yet unmistakably majestic.
"Di Tian… bring the boy… to me."
Startled, Di Tian turned toward the center of the Lake of Life.
"Yes, Lord Gu Yuena."
He bowed respectfully toward the lake, then turned to Qi Lin.
"Come. Lord Gu Yuena wishes to meet you."
Xiao Wu's face paled. She stepped in front of Qi Lin protectively.
"Where are you taking Brother Qi Lin?!"
The Titan Giant Ape and Azure Bull Python immediately stepped forward as well, their eyes fierce and unyielding, as if awaiting Xiao Wu's order to attack.
Di Tian gave them a cold glance.
"Do not be alarmed. His life is not in danger."
"To meet Lord Gu Yuena is an honor."
Without another word, he reached out and lifted Qi Lin by the collar, disappearing into the waters of the Lake of Life in the blink of an eye.
"Brother Qi Lin!"
Xiao Wu cried out, running to the water's edge, her voice trembling.
The Azure Bull Python placed a massive hand gently on her shoulder. "Sister Xiao Wu, Di Tian said he's not in danger. We must believe that... and wait."
But Xiao Wu's eyes reddened. Her fists clenched tightly.
If she had known things would turn out like this, she would never have brought Brother Qi Lin to the Star Dou Great Forest. Now that he was in danger, she could do nothing but wait.
---
Within the heart of the lake, Qi Lin found himself inside a crystalline palace, glowing with ethereal light. Its beauty far surpassed anything he'd seen—even in the movies of his past life.
His eyes widened in awe. And then... he saw it.
A massive silver dragon lay ahead, coiled atop a slab of glowing ice. Her form was noble and elegant, her silver scales glistening like condensed moonlight. Her appearance was like something from another world.
Two silver eyes like galaxies in the night sky focused on him.
"…You are beautiful."
Qi Lin paused, scratching his cheek sheepishly.
"Actually… I think 'handsome' might be more accurate."
Despite the pressure, his tone remained casual—natural even. This was simply how he'd lived across two lives: facing danger with a smile.
"You flatter me," the Silver Dragon King said coldly, her voice crystalline and calm. "You're the first in many years to say that."
Qi Lin blinked. "I guess I'm also the first human to get this close in years?"
The Silver Dragon King fell silent for a beat.
From behind, Di Tian scowled. "Impudent boy! How dare you speak so casually to Lord Gu Yue—"
"Di Tian," she interrupted, her voice still cool. "Mind your tongue."
Di Tian gritted his teeth and bowed his head, silenced instantly.
Qi Lin looked between them, confused. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No," Gu Yuena said. "You're quite correct."
Qi Lin chuckled. "You're surprisingly easy to talk to."
"What did you expect?" she asked. "That I'd kill you for speaking your mind?"
"But you did like my compliment."
The two—man and dragon—fell into casual conversation, much to Di Tian's quiet horror. He'd never seen his queen speak like this to anyone, let alone a human.
After a while, Qi Lin tilted his head. "So… is there a reason you wanted to see me?"
"There is," Gu Yuena replied. "Curiosity."
"Because of my Soul Rings?"
"That's part of it. But mostly, I had a theory to confirm."
Qi Lin didn't press. "Did you confirm it?"
"…Yes."
He raised an eyebrow, then asked with a grin, "Since you've gotten your answer, can I make a small request?"
He held up two fingers, mimicking a tiny gesture.
Gu Yuena seemed amused. "Speak."
"If you happen to have any… shed dragon scales, or a piece of this ice you're lying on—could I take a little?"
She was silent for a moment, then flicked her tail.
A shimmering silver scale and a chunk of radiant ice marrow floated toward him.
Qi Lin's eyes lit up. "Now that's generosity."
"Generosity?" Gu Yuena echoed.
"It means… you're magnanimous," he explained with a grin.
"…I see."
---
After Di Tian escorted Qi Lin away, Gu Yuena's starlit gaze pierced through the waters and into the sky above.
"I never imagined… that even the Asura God would stumble… because of this child."
"That power…"
"Could it be… the true power of fate? Even beyond the Three-Eyed Golden Lion?"