The two clashed palms, and a violent surge of energy tore through the area.A simple palm strike carried terrifying power.
Even the Xuanming King Snake, only touched by the shockwave, was blasted away.And just that shockwave alone injured him heavily—one could imagine the immense force behind the two leaders' strikes.
"What are you doing?!"After being pushed back dozens of meters, Di Tian stabilized himself and roared in anger.
The Five-Element Qilin did not back off—instead, he grew angrier.
"I should be asking you that!He made a mistake wanting to attack, but it's not a crime worthy of death!Are you really going to kill him just because of what that man said?"
"We soul beasts are already on the brink of extinction.If we lose another three hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, it would be a devastating blow!"
The Xuanming King Snake retreated further, its tongue flicking, eyes cold—clearly bearing resentment toward Di Tian.
"Roooaaarrr!"
Other soul beasts raised their voices, hostility toward Di Tian rising.
Not only were they supporting the Five-Element Qilin—they were also closing in.At the same time, more than ten soul beasts spread out to surround Yun Ze and Gu Yuena.
These soul beasts had lived together in a tiny pocket world for years.Their relationship with each other was strong, and now they stood united against outsiders.
Their memory of the "Soul Beast Lord" was vague—they did not harbor the proper reverence.Identity meant nothing here. If your strength was insufficient, you could still be torn apart.
"If they won't behave, then kill them all.Let's not waste time."Yun Ze said calmly.
Gu Yuena's quasi-Dragon God bloodline was not just for show.If she fully activated her bloodline power, these soul beasts would instantly lose at least half of their combat ability.
Couple that with Yun Ze's pre-arranged formation and Di Tian's presence—Wiping out every soul beast here wouldn't be difficult.
"Fine."Gu Yuena's expression darkened.Seeing these beasts closing in and treating her like prey—killing intent surged within her.
She had gone through the trouble of rescuing them—not to have them turn around and attack her trio.
"Aoooong—!!!"A soaring dragon roar echoed across the land.
Gu Yuena released her Quasi-Dragon God martial soul.
Her bloodline power erupted without restraint, and a supreme, crushing pressure swept across the surroundings.
The Magic Wolf, leading in front, froze the instant he sensed her aura.A primal fear surged up from his very bloodline, making him tremble uncontrollably.
"Ahh—…"
The Magic Wolf couldn't hold back a suppressed howl—not a challenge, but closer to a whimper of submission.
And he wasn't the only one.
The Dragon Turtle, Vajra Tiger, Light Unicorn, and many other soul beasts were all affected.
Their bloodlines shook, their bodies weakened, and they trembled violently—Not one dared to move closer.
Gu Yuena's silver hair danced in the wind, her expression solemn.An innate nobility and supreme authority radiated from her.
Her gaze swept across them.Any soul beast her eyes landed on immediately lowered its head and avoided making eye contact.
"No one act rashly!"The Five-Element Qilin shouted, shocked by how quickly the situation escalated.
He had only wanted to save those three hundred-thousand-year soul beasts—he never intended to attack the Soul Beast Empress.
"Now you're telling them not to act rashly?Don't you think it's a little late?"Gu Yuena turned toward the Five-Element Qilin—her purple eyes cold and heavy with pressure.
Her voice was icy, tinged with fury.She already had killing intent toward him—what she needed were allies, not obstructions.
Under Gu Yuena's frigid gaze, the Five-Element Qilin felt tremendous pressure.
He might be a Qilin, but he was nowhere near the level of the Qilin Ancient God.Against the Dragon God bloodline, he was naturally suppressed.
And the suppression was not mild—Even his soul power became disordered and unstable.
"C-Common Lord—"The Qilin bowed, but before he could finish, Gu Yuena cut him off coldly.
"With my current bloodline, calling me Dragon God would be more appropriate."
Her bloodline could already be considered Dragon God bloodline—only with some imperfections.Calling her "Dragon God" wasn't an exaggeration.
The Five-Element Qilin froze.After a brief hesitation, he spoke:
"Dragon God… my Lady, please don't be angry."
"Don't be angry?"Gu Yuena laughed in fury as she looked around at the surrounding beasts, then stared directly at the Qilin.
"That's interesting.My own people were about to slaughter me, yet you tell me not to be angry?"
"What should I do then?Wait until they tear off my arm, or bite off my leg, before I'm allowed to be angry?!"
"N-no…"The Qilin denied quickly.He meant something like that, but also not exactly that—He simply didn't know how to explain.
Gu Yuena didn't stop.
"I begged Yun Ze to help save you.He and Di Tian spent effort breaking you all out of that small space."
"And the moment you come out—you give me such a wonderful surprise."
"That Fire-Scaled Golden Python tried to swallow me.And after it was killed, don't think I didn't feel the anger and killing intent from the rest of you."
"That hostility wasn't just toward Yun Ze—it was toward me."
"In your hearts, the life of that Fire-Scaled Python is more precious than your Dragon God?"
"For his sake, you dared to raise your claws against me.Wonderful. Truly wonderful."
"Seems the Qilin Ancient God raised a truly excellent brood of soul beasts…"
Hearing her mention the Qilin Ancient God with sarcasm, the Five-Element Qilin's brows tightened.
He respected the Qilin Ancient God deeply.Insults toward the Ancient God were something he could not tolerate—Not even from the future Dragon God.
Gu Yuena noticed the flash of coldness in his eyes.Her anger surged further.
Very good.
Just one mild criticism and he already harbored hostility.If she spoke harsher words, would he attack her on the spot?
She respected the Qilin Ancient God and appreciated his contributions to the soul beast race.
But respect didn't mean she had to pretend he was flawless.
For example, the barrier he created, which led to hundreds of thousands of soul beasts dying inside—That was a mistake, pure and simple.Even if his intentions were good, he deserved criticism.
Everyone makes mistakes—that's normal.Was she supposed to praise him just to avoid hurting the Qilin's feelings?
"How do you think this should end?"Gu Yuena asked coldly, barely holding back her fury.
"Think very carefully,"Di Tian warned softly, not wanting the Qilin to say something foolish.
"Shut up."Gu Yuena snapped.
The draconic pressure she exerted on Di Tian shifted instantly from enhancement to suppression.
Di Tian's face changed, and he quickly bowed.
"Forgive me, Young Lady. I spoke out of turn."
Gu Yuena ignored him and stared back at the Qilin.
"Tell me.What's your solution?"
The Five-Element Qilin's mind raced.
He needed a solution that would both appease the Dragon God's fury and preserve the soul beasts' lives.
He wasn't stupid—Di Tian's warning clearly meant:A few must die to calm Gu Yuena.
If they wanted to quell her wrath, they had to kill the three beasts who followed the Fire-Scaled Golden Python—And the ones who had just tried to attack her.
"But… sigh…"The Qilin felt helpless.
He simply couldn't bring himself to be that ruthless.
(End of Chapter)