The earth's pulse seemed to tremble a few more times.
Di Tian's eyes gleamed, and all the fierce beasts attacked at once, with various colorful lights shooting into the Life Lake.
Dozens of extreme attributes wove a splendid picture.
A dragon's roar seemed to come from the deep abyss, and the water level of the Life Lake surged upwards. Two powerful Dragon Claws were the first to emerge from the ground, followed by a gigantic dragon, as vast as a mountain, soaring into the sky. She slowly opened her eyes, her aura looking down on the World, invincible.
“Silver Dragon King.” Jiang Mian swallowed. He had never imagined that the Silver Dragon King's appearance would be so stunning. Her entire body of dragon scales shone dazzlingly, making even the sun seem inferior to her.
Zhu Zhuqing and Qian Renxue, who were absorbing spirit rings, both trembled involuntarily. Their Spirits felt a pressure from the top of the food chain, an irresistible pressure.
A pressure originating from the deepest part of their hearts.
Qian Renxue was fine; her Seraphim was already an ultimate Divinity Spirit, so her reaction was not that strong. But Zhu Zhuqing was in trouble; her whole body trembled, and her divine soul was unstable.
Hu Liena instinctively wanted to prostrate herself. She couldn't see anything happening on the Life Lake's side because Di Tian had already released his spirit power to obscure the World. But how could the pressure from the Silver Dragon King, Ancient Moon Na, be completely concealed by Di Tian?
Hu Liena looked at Zhu Zhuqing worriedly, a little flustered. Now that Jiang Mian wasn't there, she could only pray for Zhu Zhuqing's safety.
Chi Wang had already transformed into a red light and rushed back to the Life Lake. With the Silver Dragon King's recovery, he, as a subordinate, had to go and pay homage.
“Welcome, Master.”
At the edge of the Life Lake, Di Tian was the first to kneel, followed by the other Spirit Beasts. The Snow Empress knelt on one knee. Although she also held reverence for the Silver Dragon King, it was definitely not as absolute as Di Tian's loyalty to the Silver Dragon King.
“I heard everything you said.” The Silver Dragon King's figure gradually dissipated, and a beautiful woman with flawless white skin, jade-like skin, and hair like a waterfall slowly descended. She walked naked to Jiang Mian and said lightly, “Thank you.”
“Mm.” Jiang Mian stared blankly at the Silver Dragon King, feeling that with her appearance, all beautiful things in the World would dim and lose their luster. She was too beautiful, like the beauty of all good things in the World condensed into one.
Like a white lotus that had just bloomed, so noble, so elegant.
“Master.” Di Tian was about to speak, but the Silver Dragon King waved her hand and said, “I can barely awaken, and my strength has not yet recovered. I need to continue recuperating for a period of time.”
“Let your subordinate protect Your Majesty,” Di Tian said loyally, covering his chest with his right hand.
“Mm.” Ancient Moon Na gently lifted Jiang Mian's chin and said, “Di Tian, protect him too.”
“Yes.”
Ancient Moon Na's eyes seemed to contain endless stars. Although she was no longer a Divinity, her knowledge remained. She stared at Jiang Mian and slowly said, “Perhaps, you truly are hope.”
“That's for the best.” Jiang Mian scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly.
“With you here, I can relax a bit.” The Silver Dragon King saw through people's hearts. Although she had been in a deep sleep, she still had a clear understanding of the outside World. She had witnessed Jiang Mian's actions.
Although Jiang Mian stood by and watched Bibi Dong hunt the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python, the relationship between humans and Spirit Beasts in the current Douluo World was not yet so broken. After all, Spirit Beasts subconsciously always believed in the law of the jungle.
Otherwise, the Auspicious Beast liked to eat the brains of other Spirit Beasts, and Di Tian never disciplined her. Although part of the reason was the Auspicious Beast's special status, ultimately, it was because Spirit Beasts' way of thinking differed from humans.
The law of the jungle, survival of the fittest, this is the way of Heaven.
“Di Tian, see them out.” The Silver Dragon King stroked Jiang Mian's delicate cheek and said, “Do not disturb me at the Life Lake within the next three years.”
Jiang Mian was slightly startled. The Silver Dragon King had already transformed into a silver light and entered the Life Lake. After all, how could a drop of divine blood completely heal her injuries?
Within three years, Jiang Mian estimated whether he could become a Titled Douluo within three years, after all, his ninth Spirit Beast had always been reserved for the Silver Dragon King.
Even if he didn't follow the traditional path to Divinity, he would still need the Silver Dragon King's Helping Hand to forge a new path.
“Xiong Jun, Chi Wang, take Jiang Mian and those three girls and leave the Star Dou Great Forest quickly.” Di Tian returned to his previous calm and composed demeanor and said, “Unless it's an emergency, do not return to disturb me.”
“Jiang Mian, and me.” The Auspicious Beast stood up, wanting to leave the Star Dou Great Forest with Jiang Mian.
“Auspicious Beast, you stay.” Di Tian stopped the Auspicious Beast and said lightly, “You are helpful for Master's recovery.”
“Xiao Meng doesn't want to.” The Auspicious Beast pouted and stomped her foot, shaking her head, “I want to go with Jiang Mian.”
“Jiang Mian.” Di Tian glanced at Jiang Mian, not speaking, but his gaze seemed to say, you'd better handle this to my satisfaction.
“Xiao Meng.” Jiang Mian stroked the Auspicious Beast's head and comforted her, “You stay here for a while. When things are done, I'll come pick you up.”
“You're lying.” The Auspicious Beast suddenly hugged Jiang Mian, burying her head in his embrace and crying, “Are you abandoning Xiao Meng?”
“How could I?” Jiang Mian gently hugged the Auspicious Beast and said softly, “Auspicious Beast is the best. Besides, when have I ever lied to you?”
“You…” The Auspicious Beast was momentarily speechless. She sniffled and pounded Jiang Mian's chest: “Alright, three years isn't too long anyway.”
“Who said you have to wait three years?” Jiang Mian pinched the Auspicious Beast's delicate nose and chuckled, “I'll come pick you up in a year.”
“Promise.” The Auspicious Beast extended her ring finger and made a pinky promise with Jiang Mian. Jiang Mian gently kissed the Auspicious Beast's forehead. He looked at the Snow Empress and asked with a smile, “What are your plans, Snow Empress?”
“If you lack protection, I can go with you.” The Snow Empress smiled faintly, “But I see Xiong Jun and Chi Wang following you, so you probably won't need me.”
“The more strong individuals around me, the better.” Jiang Mian laughed heartily. The spirit power here was several times denser than before due to the Silver Dragon King's recovery. Jiang Mian actually hoped the Snow Empress would stay here, as it would benefit her.
The Snow Empress smiled slightly, not responding to Jiang Mian's words.
Jiang Mian cupped his hands and laughed, “There will be plenty of time in the future. Three years is but a fleeting moment.”
“I await your return.” The Snow Empress touched her lips with her finger, her expression normal. The Ice Empress beside her had a slight change in expression, but since the Snow Empress didn't leave with Jiang Mian, she was already very content and no longer asked for anything more.
“Everyone, farewell.” Jiang Mian cupped his hands and bid farewell to each of the fierce beasts. Di Tian suddenly raised his hand, and a Dragon Claw scale floated into Jiang Mian's hand: “This is the hardest scale on my body; it can protect your safety. Moreover, the scale has been refined by me, and I can sense it if it's attacked.”
“Thank you.” Jiang Mian carefully put away the scale. Xiong Jun carried Jiang Mian on his back, and the two Spirit Beasts followed Jiang Mian to find Zhu Zhuqing and the other two.
“Jiang Mian, you're really something.” Xiong Jun clicked his tongue in wonder, “The Auspicious Beast used to be such an arrogant girl; you've turned her into a little kitten.”
“Can you stop talking nonsense?” Chi Wang rolled his eyes at Xiong Jun, speechless. How could this Xiong Jun dare to say anything?
“What are you meddling for? Am I bothering you?” Xiong Jun said aggressively, “Chi Wang, can you stop being so serious all the time?”
“Who's like you?” Chi Wang suddenly sped up, wanting to get away from Xiong Jun, this boor. But Chi Wang's cultivation was no match for Xiong Jun's, and the two Spirit Beasts were at a stalemate, almost coming to blows again.
“You two rivals.” Jiang Mian sighed. He patted Xiong Jun's shoulder and said, “Can't you two get along peacefully?”
“No!”
“Zhuqing, Nana-jie.” Jiang Mian looked at Zhuqing, who had finished absorbing her spirit ring, and Hu Liena, who was guarding her. He hadn't yet noticed Zhu Zhuqing's change, and immediately greeted them happily, “Did you miss me?”
“It's only been a few hours?” Zhu Zhuqing's face was a little pale. She forced a smile and teased, “How did Jiang Mian become so shameless too?”
“Little sister, don't talk anymore.” Hu Liena looked worried. She hugged Zhu Zhuqing and said, “You're still very weak right now.”
“I'm fine, big sister.” Zhu Zhuqing weakly raised her hand and patted Hu Liena's hand, smiling, “Nana-jie doesn't need to worry about me so much.”
“Little sister.” Hu Liena unconsciously hugged Zhu Zhuqing a little tighter. She had long since regarded Zhu Zhuqing as her own sister, so her concern for Zhu Zhuqing was genuine.
Zhu Zhuqing's nose tingled, and her eyes gradually moistened.
She truly longed for family affection.
“What's wrong, Zhuqing?” Jiang Mian immediately realized something was wrong with Zhu Zhuqing. He jumped directly from Xiong Jun's back, landed in front of Zhu Zhuqing, and demanded, “Who hurt Zhuqing?”
“A pressure suddenly came from inside the Star Dou Great Forest; it must have shocked little sister,” Hu Liena said anxiously, “Jiang Mian, what should we do?”
“Don't panic.” Jiang Mian suddenly realized. As the lord of all Spirit Beasts, the Silver Dragon King would definitely exert pressure on Beast Spirits. Zhuqing was still absorbing her spirit ring at the time, so she would definitely be affected.
A faint green light emanated from Jiang Mian's palm. He held Zhu Zhuqing's hand and slowly treated her injuries. Zhu Zhuqing's complexion gradually improved, slowly regaining color.
“Such a miraculous healing method?” Qian Renxue appeared from the side at some point. She stared at Jiang Mian's technique and couldn't help but exclaim, “It can even rival the Nine Heart Begonia.”
Jiang Mian scoffed. The Nine Heart Begonia, in terms of utility, could indeed be called the number one auxiliary Spirit in the World. If not for the Nine Heart Begonia's Curse, where each generation could only have one inheritor and no more than two living inheritors, how could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit compare to the Nine Heart Begonia?
But Jiang Mian's healing method was that of the Jadeite Swan Bi Ji! In terms of healing alone, no one in the World could surpass her!
Jiang Mian gave Qian Renxue, who stood indifferently to the side, a deep look, which made her feel a little uncomfortable.
“What do you want to do?” Qian Renxue instinctively took two steps back. She demanded, “You can't mess around; I am the Crown Prince's friend.”
“The Crown Prince's friend, hehe.” Although Jiang Mian knew Qian Renxue's personality, he was still a little angry that she didn't care about Zhu Zhuqing. He said indifferently, “You are the Crown Prince yourself. Did you think I didn't know?”
“Who exactly are you?” Qian Renxue trembled all over, her eyes filled with murderous intent: “Who told you?”
“Still want to kill me?” Jiang Mian stood up, with Chi Wang and Xiong Jun standing on either side of him: “You don't have that ability. Even if Qian Daoliu were here, he wouldn't dare say he could kill me.”
Qian Renxue bit her lip and said, “What do you want? I can give you anything.”
“I want you to be the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire.” Jiang Mian's expression suddenly changed, and he laughed heartily, “With my Helping Hand, do you have the confidence to ascend the throne and become Emperor?”
“You want to help me?” Qian Renxue was greatly surprised. She couldn't help but ask, “Why?”
“No why, perhaps I also want to stir up the World.” Jiang Mian spread his hands. He couldn't very well say, 'I'm actually your father,' could he? Bibi Dong had already slept with him, so Qian Renxue was his nominal daughter.
Jiang Mian would not do anything to Qian Renxue. After all, no matter how lustful he was, he couldn't commit such a beastly act, could he?
“Good.” Qian Renxue's eyes sparkled: “If you can make me Emperor, I am willing to appoint you as Grand Pillar Nation. I will give you the greatest power in the Empire.”
“I don't need power.” Jiang Mian clenched his hands. He said lightly, “I am just preparing for a rainy day.”
Making Qian Renxue Emperor would, firstly, promote peaceful coexistence between humans and Spirit Beasts; secondly, it could deal with the future war initiated by the Sun Moon Continent's Tackle; and thirdly, Jiang Mian had a grand plan in his heart that required the World to be united.
Jiang Mian helped Zhu Zhuqing up. He held Zhu Zhuqing's and Hu Liena's hands and said indifferently, “I can bring people to assassinate Emperor Xue Ye. Isn't the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School supporting the Heaven Dou Empire? Then let them be destroyed together!”
“That quickly?” Qian Renxue asked with some surprise, “Isn't that too fast?”
“No.” Jiang Mian chuckled, “Bibi Dong also has a plan to destroy the Upper Three Sects, which will complement yours perfectly. I'll just act as a liaison.”
“Her?” Qian Renxue frowned slightly, clearly not approving of her mother.
“You two are bound by blood.” Jiang Mian was somewhat annoyed by Qian Renxue's attitude. He said indifferently, “If you truly want to accomplish your great ambition, go to Spirit Hall yourself and talk to Bibi Dong. Once the plan is agreed upon, I can provide you with combat power.”
“Good.” Qian Renxue gritted her teeth. A person who wants to achieve great things must be able to bend and stretch, especially when it's her own mother. Although the two had always been at odds, what did it matter? At most, they would only discuss business!
Bibi Dong had transferred all her hatred for Qian Xunji onto Qian Renxue. Qian Renxue had also never felt motherly love from Bibi Dong. In fact, the reason why the two were so stiff was entirely because of Qian Renxue's father.
Jiang Mian felt that he needed to act as a lubricant between them.
Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena exchanged glances, feeling that Jiang Mian was a little too crazy. There were only two Empires and Seven Great Sects in the Douluo Continent, yet Jiang Mian spoke of replacing one Empire and destroying one Sect?
This ambition was a bit too grand.
“Interesting.” Xiong Jun scratched his head and said, “Little fellow, it's no problem for you to be Emperor. Remember to give me a high official position too. I've lived so long, and I've never experienced that.”
“Definitely.” Qian Renxue's brows relaxed. She now only felt that her great ambition could be achieved. She had been lurking for more than ten years; it was truly too long.
“In that case, we need to prepare this plan carefully.” Jiang Mian smiled slightly and said, “Let's return to the Heaven Dou Empire first. You go find Bibi Dong as Xue Qinghe, and I'll help you mediate.”
“Can you call for more experts?” Qian Renxue asked somewhat timidly.
“Aren't these two enough?” Jiang Mian scoffed and said, “Qian Renxue, two powerhouses comparable to 99th-level Titled Douluo, isn't that enough?”
“It's enough.” Qian Renxue truly couldn't get angry with Jiang Mian now. Just with these two 99th-level powerhouses behind Jiang Mian, she had no temper.
“Let's go.” Jiang Mian got into the carriage. Now that Xiong Jun and Chi Wang were back, he didn't need to drive the carriage himself. He immediately embraced Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena and went inside the carriage to enjoy himself.
Qian Renxue felt a little awkward. She chose to sit outside the carriage with Xiong Jun. Chi Wang, however, didn't mind and sat casually inside the carriage to protect Jiang Mian.
Jiang Mian looked up at the cloudless sky and sighed, feeling that things were about to change...