By the Life Lake in the Star Dou Great Forest.
A group of "people" gathered together, seemingly discussing something.
"Di Tian, how is the task I assigned you going?"
Gu Yuena looked at Di Tian, her gaze akin to that of a chairman inspecting a general manager.
"Reporting to the master, we have already found many clansmen willing to sacrifice themselves. They are ready to contribute to the Soul Spirit Method," Di Tian replied, cupping his hands respectfully.
"Tell them that the Soul Spirit Method is merely a different way of existence, not true death. The relationship with humans is one of equal contract, with no hierarchy or superiority. Of course, if they become partners with humans, they must fight alongside them," Gu Yuena said expressionlessly.
She believed that Zhongli would definitely find a way to preserve the soul spirits even after the humans died.
As for one of Zhongli's proposals, Gu Yuena still felt somewhat bewildered.
The idea was to make soul spirits partners of soul masters, where soul masters would nurture the soul spirits and form bonds with them.
This would lead to the widespread promotion of soul spirit battles, where two or more soul spirits would engage in combat.
But... soul masters are not ordinary people. What if the soul masters themselves joined the fray?
Thinking of such a scene, even Gu Yuena couldn't help but chuckle.
"Di Tian, let's go together!"
"Di Tian, use Dragon God's Claw!"
"Di Tian..."
At this thought, Gu Yuena's eye twitched, and she glanced at Di Tian.
She had already decided that once the issues with the Soul Spirit Method were fully resolved, she would "transform and cultivate anew" to rid herself of the troubles brought by the Asura God's power.
Moreover, she would vigorously promote soul spirit battles, especially those involving Di Tian!
With Di Tian dealing maximum damage, Gu Yuena would secure the MVP, while the other soul beasts would simply reap the rewards.
"Di Tian, about what I mentioned earlier..." Gu Yuena probed cautiously. If Di Tian was unwilling, she wouldn't force him.
Hearing this, Di Tian didn't hesitate. He knelt on one knee and said, "If this method is feasible, Di Tian is willing to become the master's soul spirit!"
At this point, Di Tian paused and glanced sideways at Xiong Jun.
Xiong Jun: "???"
"Master, Xiong Jun is an unstable factor. Without absolute strength to suppress him, he might rebel! Di Tian requests that the master fuse with Xiong Jun first!"
Xiong Jun: There's something I really want to say right now!
The moment Di Tian looked at him, Xiong Jun felt a chill run down his spine, accompanied by a sense of foreboding.
He never expected that Di Tian, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, would say such a thing!
Among soul beasts, there was no beating around the bush. What was said was what was meant. Although Xiong Jun was surprised by Di Tian's words, he wasn't shocked.
The other fierce beasts present were well aware of Xiong Jun's temperament and fully agreed with Di Tian's assessment!
"Xiong Jun, as a member of the soul beasts, don't you want to contribute a little to the development of our kind?" Di Tian glared at Xiong Jun.
The threat in his words was palpable!
If Xiong Jun dared to say no, Di Tian would surely deal with him before becoming a soul spirit!
Xiong Jun's heart was "excited," and his hands trembled. He knew exactly what Di Tian was implying.
"Master, I am utterly sincere! If the master doesn't mind, I am willing to be the first to become the master's soul spirit!"
Becoming a soul spirit wasn't so bad. Once Gu Yuena ascended to the divine realm, her soul spirits could be resurrected and directly become gods.
This was a significant attraction for the fierce beasts.
What irked Xiong Jun was that he was being forced by Di Tian to become a soul spirit!
"Damn you, Di Tian! One day, I will defeat you and crush you under my foot!" Xiong Jun thought to himself, though his expression remained unchanged.
"Very well, Xiong Jun. It's good that you have this intention," Gu Yuena said.
Hearing this, Xiong Jun breathed a sigh of relief.
But Gu Yuena's next words nearly made him spit out blood.
"Then you will be the first to become a soul spirit."
Xiong Jun: "..."
It seemed the master didn't trust him much either!
So, everyone's just bullying the old bear, huh?
He had worked diligently for years, never stepping out of line... well, except for that one time he ambushed Di Tian and never concealed his ambitions, which led to this situation.
"Yes, master!" Xiong Jun replied, on the verge of tears. He still had many years before his lifespan ended, but now he had to switch to a different form of existence ahead of time.
How would he survive without his female Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear?!
Seeing Xiong Jun reluctantly agree, Gu Yuena nodded. She then looked around at the others and continued, "Di Tian, Xiong Jun, gather the clansmen willing to become soul spirits and accompany me to Liyue."
The journey from the Star Dou Great Forest to Liyue wasn't too far, especially for beings of their strength.
But for ordinary people, it would take a month or even longer to travel from the Star Dou Great Forest to Liyue.
"Yes!"
No one objected to Gu Yuena's arrangements, but Xiong Jun knew why she was bringing him along.
Gu Yuena was planning to transform and cultivate anew!
For Gu Yuena, undergoing this transformation under the watchful eyes of the Martial God in Liyue was actually the safest option.
Before long, hundreds of soul beasts set out together, making their way to the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest in a grand procession.
To an outsider, it might have looked like a beast tide.
Among these soul beasts were hundred-year, thousand-year, ten-thousand-year... and even a hundred-thousand-year-old Golden Turtle!
Its actual age was two hundred thousand years, but it dared not reveal that...
If Gu Yuena and Di Tian found out its secret, it wouldn't just be a matter of becoming a soul spirit, it might not even die with dignity!
The path from the Star Dou Great Forest to Liyue, if taken directly, would pass through Shrek City.
At this moment, Mu En and the others felt a slight tremor in the ground and frowned.
What was happening now?
The movement of hundreds of soul masters naturally caused some commotion.
"Let Xuan Zi... no, let Shao Zhe... forget it, I'll go see for myself."
Shrek Academy couldn't afford any more trouble. If Xuan Zi and Yan Shao Zhe were allowed to "perform" again, today might very well be the academy's last day!
Realizing this, Mu En sighed and used his soul power to fly toward the academy gates.
Although his body had suffered significant damage, he was still a Limit Douluo, with soul power as deep as the ocean. It was more than enough for him to check the academy gates, let alone travel to the far north or the capital.
Although Mu En didn't call for Xuan Zi or Yan Shao Zhe, they still arrived at the academy gates, frowning as they observed the scene.
"Hundreds of soul beasts, including ten-thousand-year-level ones..."
"Is Di Tian launching a beast tide...?"
Before Xuan Zi could finish his sentence, the soul beasts turned and headed east.
"Uh... what's going on??"
Not only were Xuan Zi and the others utterly confused, but even Mu En was at a loss.
Wait, this direction...?