Glistening ripples, calm waters without a ripple.
Heavenly light above and below, ten thousand acres of emerald green.
Such a scene appeared before Chen Junting's four people.
The lake water was smooth as a mirror, the pale green water like the most beautiful natural jadeite, flickering with life-filled green light. Only when a wisp of breeze brushed past could waves form, breaking the tranquility.
On the lake surface, faint water mist moistened the air, carrying the unique fragrance of plants that hit one's face. Around the lake, towering ancient trees that reached straight into the clouds were filled with life aura.
Here, the vitality was at least several times stronger than the outside world, and various natural elements of all attributes were active, their concentration making this a treasured land no less than the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well.
This was like the place where life originated, as if all creatures of the Great Star Dou Forest were born from here. Here, it was also filled with the flavor of heaven and earth's ultimate principles. It seemed any sound at all would destroy the peace and beauty here.
The Great Forbidden Land?
No, it should be called a paradise on earth.
"So beautiful."
An involuntary murmur broke the silence.
Di Tian slowly stepped forward, quietly standing beside Chen Junting's four people, asking, "Beautiful, isn't it. This is a miracle belonging to nature. The lake before your eyes is our Great Star Dou Forest's most sacred Lake of Life. As early as one million years ago, this lake already existed. It gave birth to all creatures of the Great Star Dou Forest. And it used one million years to give the Great Star Dou Forest its own ecological balance. Back then..."
Speaking here, Di Tian paused. His eyes were full of memories and melancholy, and also contained several parts reverence.
After recovering his senses, he gazed at this Lake of Life.
"If you hadn't produced artificial soul rings and artificial soul bones, then this Lake of Life would very likely disappear in the future. Perhaps in ten thousand years, or perhaps in one hundred thousand years."
Turning his head, he looked at the four humans beside him.
"Humans' destruction of nature is too great."
These words—none of Chen Junting's group had any way or ability to refute them. Because what Di Tian said was indeed the truth.
Compared to ten thousand years ago, the Great Star Dou Forest's area had already shrunk inward by a circle due to human activities. Other soul beast forests need not be mentioned—basically only a few scattered locations remained.
What caused this was undoubtedly the gradual extinction of soul beasts, causing their habitats to be gradually replaced by humans.
After a long silence, Chen Junting spoke, "Soul beasts and soul masters alike are miracles created by this nature, indispensable. From now on, humanity and nature should also coexist in harmony."
"Yes, coexist in harmony. What a beautiful vision."
Warm words like wonderful music rang beside the ear, as a stunningly beautiful woman walked gracefully over.
A head of emerald green hair spread behind her, jadeite-like eyes rippling with light, revealing indescribable gentleness. A water-green long skirt perfectly outlined her slender figure, a pair of snow-white arms like tender lotus roots exposed outside. The delicate wings behind her hung down, like they were carved from gems, dazzling and resplendent, the vivid dripping green filled with life aura.
Standing there, she was like a nature goddess moving people's hearts.
Gentle eyes passed over Di Tian, gazing at Chen Junting and the others beside him, and a soft smile subsequently appeared on her face.
"I am Bi Ji. Welcome to the Great Star Dou Forest."
Finally, her gaze fell upon Chen Junting.
Originally possessing goodwill toward all life, and being the most gentle ferocious beast toward humans. Upon learning that this human before her had successively created spirit souls, artificial soul rings, and artificial soul bones—all of which could prevent soul beasts from suffering necessary persecution—her goodwill toward Chen Junting and those close to him grew even stronger.
Chen Junting's four people, seeing this, also respectfully said,
"Greetings."
"No need for this."
Bi Ji gently waved, and emerald green light points scattered.
The moment Chen Junting's group came into contact with them, they immediately felt their minds clear, and their already negligible fatigue completely dissipated at this moment, their bodies also feeling indescribably relaxed.
"Come with me."
Bi Ji nodded slightly toward Di Tian, then smiled at Chen Junting's four people, "You've come as guests, we as hosts should also fulfill our duties of hospitality. And Yao'er is also waiting for you."
Thus, under Bi Ji and Di Tian's lead, they arrived beneath the shade of trees by the Lake of Life. Under the cover of the tree shade, sunlight sprinkled like broken gold upon a round table.
Sitting beside the table was no other person.
It was precisely Di Yao!
Realizing that the "Yao'er" in Bi Ji's mouth was Di Yao, only Wu Feng—who didn't know the truth—was instantly dumbstruck, even subconsciously ignoring Di Tian and Bi Ji beside her, shouting:
"It's you!? How are you here?"
Di Yao brushed aside the golden hair falling at her temple, the corner of her mouth slightly rising, "This is my home, why can't I be here?"
Then she turned her head, looking at Chen Junting.
"What? You didn't tell her?"
Chen Junting was helpless, "I'm not a gossip."
"Oh? Is that so."
Di Yao's gaze looked at Ning Tian who was greeting her, and Gu Tianchen who nodded in acknowledgment, and didn't say more. But the meaning contained in her eyes was just one thing—"I don't believe it."
Seeing this, Chen Junting rarely showed an embarrassed smile.
And now, Wu Feng also came to her senses.
"You're a hundred thousand year soul beast transformation?"
"No."
Di Yao raised her head proudly, rather self-satisfied.
"I am the Imperial Auspicious Beast—the Three-Eyed Golden Lion."
"Imperial Auspicious Beast? Three-Eyed Golden Lion?"
Clearly, Wu Feng didn't know about this kind of existence, only knowing that soul beasts with the title "Imperial Auspicious Beast" were very extraordinary.
Of course, she was also still thinking about one thing.
That was, when a soul beast transforms, their martial soul should be their soul beast body, right. Then what was with her Golden Dragon martial soul?
The few people conversed while sitting down. Upon the stone table were arranged fruits, melons, and wine water—undoubtedly existence like heavenly materials and earthly treasures.
After a while, Di Tian suddenly said, "Remember that artificial soul bone I took from you one month ago. At that time, I said I would return it to you with something else."
Chen Junting, hearing this, couldn't help but wave his hand.
"No..."
However, before he could fully get his words of refusal out, he saw Di Tian flip his palm, and a piece of emerald green metal the size of a human head appeared in his hand, emitting dense and incomparable life aura. Instantly, it made Chen Junting swallow his words back.
"Li... Life Gold!"
Di Tian's brows slightly raised, "You recognize it?"
Suppressing the shock in his heart, Chen Junting looked at this Life Gold half the size of a human head, which seemed to have a bite taken out of it, with feigned calm. Suddenly thinking of something, a smile secretly rose in his heart as he nodded, acknowledging it.
"I was fortunate enough to obtain a piece before."
"Then you should also understand."
Di Tian reached out and tossed it, throwing it to Chen Junting. Even he couldn't help but flash a pained expression at this moment.
But compared to the importance of artificial soul rings and artificial soul bones to the soul beast race, and the merit even his master had acknowledged. He still let out a long breath, saying, "This is the return gift. Although I don't know which fellow took a bite out of it, it doesn't hinder anything."
Chen Junting stared blankly at this substantial piece of Life Gold, opening his mouth to speak, yet following his heart and closing it.
Refuse?
He felt he might… no!
He simply couldn't refuse at all!
Thus...
"Many thanks, senior!"
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