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When Ye Wen's Sea God affinity reached 100%, he seemed to have established a special connection with the vast blue ocean.
It felt as though the ocean itself had some kind of consciousness supporting him, its intangible power ready to transform into his divine strength at any moment.
Glancing at the two mother-daughter figures who were affectionately caressing the now-infantile Deep Sea Demon Whale King, Ye Wen spoke warmly.
"That's all for today, Lady. I wish you all the best in your lives. If you encounter any issues, feel free to seek help on Sea God Island. I hope you reach a million years of cultivation soon!"
The opportunity to ascend to godhood was incredibly precious for any being on Douluo Star, even without a divine position.
The wife of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King bowed deeply to express her gratitude before she and her family submerged back into the ocean.
"Now it's time to deal with the final matter. Don't you plan to come over and talk?" Ye Wen muttered softly to himself.
In his perception, dozens of kilometers away, a cold and elegant beauty hovered in mid-air, her gaze complex as she stared at him.
This was none other than Xue'er (Snow Empress), who had silently disappeared for over a decade.
Ye Wen had once wondered why she left without a word after he absorbed his soul rings, despite clearly having something to discuss with him. What deeper meaning lay behind that?
Or perhaps Xue'er had been secretly protecting him all along. He often felt a faint presence watching him, but with his previous weak cultivation, he could never confirm it.
For someone like Xue'er, who could be called a peak Limit Douluo, this distance was trivial. In the blink of an eye, she appeared before Ye Wen.
"It's been a long time, Snow Empress," Ye Wen said, his gaze complex as he continued. "Have you been protecting me all these years?"
Xue'er, with her cold and aloof nature, gave a slight nod.
As expected. However, due to Ye Wen's cautiousness and lack of overly powerful enemies, there had been no need for her intervention.
Yet, this act of protection weighed heavily on Ye Wen. They were not related by blood or bonds—what could have driven Xue'er to do this? Perhaps it was the will of the world that appeared to him in his dreams during the absorption of his soul rings.
Ye Wen smiled gently. "Thank you for everything, Snow Empress."
"No, I merely watched from afar. I did nothing."
"That was more than enough. So, Snow Empress, what are your plans now?"
A flicker of confusion passed through Xue'er's clear, captivating eyes.
"You're only half a step away from becoming a god. You no longer need my protection. I suppose I'll return to the Extreme North Ice Plains to continue cultivating."
"Is that so?" Ye Wen murmured to himself.
Then, with seriousness, he looked at Xue'er and said, "Snow Empress, I'm still missing one final soul bone. My target is the Emperor Scorpion of the Extreme North Ice Plains."
At this, Xue'er, who had been calm and composed, suddenly erupted with overwhelming killing intent. Her icy voice cut through the air.
"The spirit beasts of the Extreme North Ice Plains who are over 100,000 years old—you are forbidden from hunting them. That is my territory, and it is my duty to protect their safety."
Ye Wen raised his hand to calm her. "Calm down, Snow Empress. I understand your relationship with the spirit beasts of the Extreme North Ice Plains.
Originally, because of the kindness you showed me in the past, I didn't intend to fight you. As a compromise, I chose the 300,000-year-old Emperor Scorpion, as only her age matches my current strength. Other spirit beasts are insignificant to me.
However, upon realizing that you've been protecting me all these years, I've had another idea. Would you be willing to hear me out?"
Ye Wen's gentle voice steadied Xue'er's turbulent emotions. She glared coldly at him. Even if he was the chosen one of the world, if he crossed her line, Xue'er wouldn't hesitate to take action.
"Speak."
"Snow Empress, you are a spirit beast born and nurtured by the world's will under the unique conditions of the Extreme North Ice Plains. If not for the rules of the Douluo World targeting spirit beasts, you would have long possessed the qualifications to ascend to godhood. One might even say you were born to be the Goddess of Ice.
However, as long as you remain in your spirit beast form, you will eventually perish under the heavenly tribulation. The rules of the Douluo World dictate that spirit beasts cannot ascend to godhood.
Surely, the heavenly tribulations you've faced throughout your cultivation have left you increasingly powerless to resist. The next tribulation, at 700,000 years, may very well end your life."
Here, Ye Wen gazed earnestly at the breathtaking beauty before him, his eyes filled with pity and regret.
Xue'er was moved, nodding pensively.
"So, you want me to offer myself to you and ascend to the divine realm with you, thus avoiding the threat of heavenly tribulations?"
Though she hadn't noticed earlier, Xue'er couldn't have missed the commotion just now. She simply didn't know that Ye Wen had promised the Deep Sea Demon Whale King a position as a divine official.
Overall, she wasn't wrong. Ye Wen was about to nod when Xue'er shook her head and replied.
"Thank you for your kindness, Chosen One. But as you said earlier, I was born from the will of Douluo Star, and my mission is to safeguard the survival of the Extreme North Ice Plains. If I ascend to the divine realm, it would contradict the very purpose of my existence. I cannot abandon the spirit beasts of the Extreme North Ice Plains for my own selfish desires.
However, if you can save Bing'er (Ice Girl) from the suffering of being a spirit beast, then let her ascend to the divine realm with you. I will stay behind to protect the Extreme North Ice Plains."
Despite her seemingly delicate appearance, she remained resolute in her mission. Her noble stance reminded Ye Wen of the martyrs from his past life—those who perished in flames for their faith.
Deeply respecting Xue'er's resolve, Ye Wen still spoke.
"I believe you misunderstand, Snow Empress. Bringing you to the divine realm doesn't mean abandoning the Douluo World. The reason I am the Chosen One is that the world has bestowed upon me a divine mandate—to save the world from the clutches of the divine realm. Therefore, I need your strength. Ascend to the divine realm with me, Snow Empress, and together we will save the Douluo World from within the divine realm."
Looking into the sincere eyes of the young man before her, a ripple stirred in Xue'er's heart, which had remained unmoved for years.
"Is that…true?" Xue'er asked, her voice trembling.
As a naturally born and nurtured spirit beast, Xue'er had once possessed the potential to directly achieve godhood.
But she was stripped of her status, reduced to a hunted spirit beast. Even after reaching 100,000 years of cultivation, she still faced the harsh tribulations imposed by the divine realm. Failing meant annihilation. Despite her current strength at 600,000 years, she lived in constant fear of the next tribulation.
At this moment, Ye Wen's invitation felt like the first ray of hope piercing through the darkness.
Ye Wen nodded firmly, extending his hand in invitation.
"Yes, I intend to save this world, and I need more powerful allies. Your potential will undoubtedly aid me in the future. Join me, Snow Empress."
A flicker of confusion passed through Xue'er's previously cold eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination. Awkwardly mimicking the knightly salute of human society, she grasped Ye Wen's hand and pressed her forehead against it.
This unexpected gesture left Ye Wen momentarily stunned.
"Chosen One, Xue'er pledges to follow your will and liberate Douluo Star from the tyranny of the divine realm. From this moment on, you are my king, and I shall be the sword in your hand."
A pure white aura enveloped the area as Xue'er's body completely disintegrated into soul power, merging into Ye Wen's right arm.
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