Tension between Wang Feng and the Voidroot Serpent continues—one wants to turn the other into a spirit ring, while the other sees its opponent as prey. Yet, neither can gain the upper hand.
Finally, with a flick of its forked tongue, the Voidroot Serpent makes a decision. This human isn't worth the effort. There are far easier prey in this forest.
The serpent's body glimmers as it begins to vanish into the void, the dimensional rift closing behind it like a closing eye. Wang Feng can only watch in frustration as his prey escapes—his current strength isn't enough to forcibly subdue a thirty-thousand-year-old spatial spirit beast.
Just as the last traces of the serpent's energy fade away...
**ROARRRR!!!**
A deafening dragon's roar shakes the forest.
Wang Feng sharply turns toward the core region of the forest, the source of the sound. An overwhelmingly dominant aura blankets the area, making the air feel heavy.
The clear sky suddenly darkens. Black clouds part to either side, and a colossal black dragon that blots out the sun slowly emerges from within them.
Xuan Zi, who had been hiding near Wang Feng, immediately dashes to his side, his expression wary.
The black dragon lands near Wang Feng, then gradually transforms into the middle-aged man from the Lake of Life.
"Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, what is your purpose here?!" Xuan Zi shouts, his stance slightly forward as if shielding Wang Feng.
Di Tian merely glances at him dismissively before turning his golden gaze directly to Wang Feng.
"Human," his voice booms like thunder, "You possess something that does not belong to you."
Wang Feng tenses. "And what would that be?"
"Dragon bloodline." Di Tian answers. "A dragon lineage of such purity should not be possible for a mere human like you. Where did you obtain it?"
Wang Feng: "It comes from my Martial Soul."
Di Tian frowns. Though humans possess many types of Martial Souls, it seems impossible to him that a human could awaken one with a lineage so similar to that of a Dragon God.
"Human, a distinguished being wishes to meet you. You will come with us, or..."
Xuan Zi's expression turns icy, his Hyper Douluo power flaring. "Or what? Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, don't forget I'm still here. As long as I live, I won't let you harm him."
Di Tian merely smiles faintly. "Your strength is indeed formidable among humans, but against me, it is not enough."
Xuan Zi narrows his eyes, scanning his surroundings for an opportunity to escape.
He knows Di Tian speaks the truth. Even as a level 98 Hyper Douluo, facing the number one of the Top Ten Fierce Beasts leaves him powerless. Perhaps only Mu En could stand against him.
Di Tian seems to read his thoughts. "You won't be escaping anywhere. The strongest beasts of the Great Star Dou Forest have already gathered here."
The moment he says this, several powerful spirit beasts emerge from the forest, revealing themselves.
Among them, three stand out the most. One of them takes human form.
A massive purple-black dragon, its scales radiating an aura of destruction.
A middle-aged man, unremarkable in appearance, with a slightly pale face. His jade-green eyes seem to pierce through one's soul, and his overly long hair trails over ten meters behind him.
Lastly, a towering bear. Its massive frame is covered in thick, dark golden fur, its arms thick and extending past its knees. Its shoulders bulge like small mountains, and its claws are terrifyingly sharp.
"Bear Lord, Myriad Demon King, Zi Ji..."
Xuan Zi's face darkens as he slowly recites their names one by one.
Originally, he wasn't even confident about escaping under Di Tian's watch—now, surrounded by so many powerful spirit beasts, the situation is hopeless.
Di Tian turns back to Wang Feng. "The choice is yours, human. Come peacefully, or I will take you in a way you won't enjoy."
Wang Feng exhales, resigned to his fate. He closes his eyes and says, "Very well. Lead the way."
With his surrender, the oppressive atmosphere in the forest eases, replaced by the whispering leaves as if murmuring of an inevitable destiny.
Di Tian nods in satisfaction, his golden eyes gleaming. "You are wiser than I thought, human."
"Wait," Xuan Zi interrupts, his voice firm. "I'm coming with you."
Bear Lord sneers. "How bold, old man."
"Let him come," Di Tian says flatly. "His Majesty did not forbid it."
---
Along the journey, Wang Feng cannot relax at all. How could he, when surrounded by spirit beasts hundreds of thousands of years old—three of them, no less?
Di Tian leads the way, Zi Ji in human form watching closely, while Bear Lord and Myriad Demon King guard Wang Feng and Xuan Zi from behind, ensuring no escape.
Even Xuan Zi, who usually lounges around eating chicken and drinking wine, is dead serious in this situation.
They soon enter the core region, where the trees are so thick that multiple people would struggle to wrap their arms around them. The towering trunks stretch hundreds of meters into the sky, blocking sunlight and leaving the forest damp and dark even at noon.
The ground is littered with layers of decaying leaves and the occasional skeletal remains of unknown spirit beasts, emitting an unbearable stench. Wang Feng even has to cover his nose.
After some time, they finally emerge from the dense forest into a flat plain. The air here is dry, free of foul odors, and Wang Feng immediately feels more at ease.
Unbeknownst to him, they've entered the true heart of the Great Star Dou Forest.
Before long, a refreshing mist drifts toward them, carrying a revitalizing energy that eases their tension.
Sure enough, after walking less than 500 meters, a vast lake comes into view.
The lake is crystal clear, its surface like a mirror, reflecting shimmering light under the sun. A gentle breeze carries the mist, washing away Wang Feng's fear.
"Beautiful..."
He can't help but murmur. The endless clarity of the water clears his mind.
Di Tian stops. "Old man, this is as far as you go. The one who wishes to meet this human is not someone you may see."
Xuan Zi tenses. "What do you mean? I won't let you take my student into unknown danger!"
"You have no choice," Di Tian says calmly, his golden eyes cold. "If you resist, we will make you stay."
Xuan Zi clenches his fists, spiritual power gathering. But before he can act—
"Enough, Elder Xuan."
Wang Feng places a hand on his shoulder, signaling him to stand down.
"If they wanted me dead, they would've done it already," he says quietly. "I'll go alone."
Xuan Zi hesitates but finally nods. "Fine. But if you don't return within a reasonable time, I'll come for you—no matter what stands in my way."
His sharp gaze challenges Di Tian, who remains unfazed.
"Come, human."
Di Tian strides toward the depths of the lake, while Myriad Demon King, Zi Ji, and Bear Lord stay behind to guard Xuan Zi.
Wang Feng follows, his heart pounding.
After a short walk, Di Tian suddenly opens a spatial rift.
"Enter. He has been waiting for you."
Wang Feng steps inside, and everything turns dark.
He doesn't know how long they walk before a light appears at the end of the tunnel.
One by one, they step into a radiant chamber at the end.
Wang Feng instinctively closes his eyes against the blinding light.
When he opens them again, his surroundings have completely changed.
At the end of the passage lies a room bathed in inexplicable light, filled with scattered treasures and priceless artifacts.