"You two, what brings you here?" The Asura God looked at the God of Kindness and God of Evil standing before him, his expression the picture of innocence.
"Hmph, Asura, you've overstepped." The God of Evil's tone was cold.
"Have I? I wasn't aware." The Asura God spread his hands.
"Asura, you shouldn't interfere with the mortal realm. The Angel God has long fallen your conflict should be resolved." The God of Kindness sighed.
Both the Asura God and Angel God had ascended from Douluo Continent.
They had clashed even before ascension, fighting fiercely.
"I merely transferred what rightfully belonged to Tang Chen to Tang Hao." The Asura God had prepared his defense. "The Rakshasa God destroyed my chosen heir. Am I not entitled to some interest?"
"Even Destruction hasn't spoken up. Why are you two in such a hurry?" The Asura God smirked.
"Asura, don't forget the Divine Realm forbids interference in the mortal world. You're the Divine Realm's law enforcer. Will you break the rules you uphold?"
"What rules have I broken?" The Asura God countered. "The divine power I granted Tang Hao was something Tang Chen should have earned through the Asura Trials."
"If you insist I've erred, go ask Destruction's subordinate, Rakshasa."
"You !" The God of Evil couldn't stand the Asura God's mocking, punchable expression.
With a furious flick of his sleeve, he turned.
"Kindness, let's go."
Without waiting for a response, he vanished in a streak of white light.
"Asura, we'll let this pass." The God of Kindness spoke gravely. "But let there be no next time. You know your actions, while technically justifiable, violate the spirit of our laws."
"Understood. As the Divine Realm's law enforcer, I won't directly intervene in mortal affairs again."
Though the Asura God scorned the God of Evil, he heeded the God of Kindness's counsel.
"See that you don't." With a final sigh, the God of Kindness departed.
Watching them leave, the Asura God exhaled in relief.
"Tang San, I await your performance. Don't disappoint me again."
Through divine power, he observed Tang Hao and Tang San's conversation.
...
Blue Silver Forest.
Ning Rongrong and the others sensed the Blue Silver King's aura rising steadily.
Its blue hue deepened, the crystalline surface of its vines radiating life force far beyond before.
"Approaching the 100,000-year level."
Ning Rongrong was more attuned to 100,000-year soul beasts than Sword Douluo or Ning Fengzhi.
Having battled the remnant will of the Evil Spirit Orca King up close, she understood soul beasts and rings better.
Suddenly, the blue light surrounding the Blue Silver King converged inward.
Then breakthrough.
A brilliance like flowing blood, translucent and dazzling.
100,000 years.
By absorbing Ah Yin's soul ring and remnants, the Blue Silver King had evolved into the Blue Silver Emperor.
All Blue Silver Grass bowed in homage, pledging allegiance to their new ruler.
Moments later, the vines coiled around ancient trees began to pulse.
The Blue Silver Emperor's human-like face grew even more lifelike.
"Congratulations on reaching 100,000 years." Ning Rongrong smiled.
The blue vines swayed gracefully, tracing intricate patterns in the air.
When no response came, the Blue Silver Emperor finally spoke: "I can help you erase the previous Blue Silver Emperor's imprint."
Without hesitation, Ning Rongrong tossed the soul bone to it.
Soon, the distinctive aura vanished leaving only a bone with flight and regenerative skills.
After verifying no traps remained, Ning Rongrong stored it away.
"Blue Silver Emperor, what do you think of our earlier proposal?"
"My heavenly tribulation for human form is still a millennium away. Can you wait that long?" The Blue Silver Emperor replied. "As a plant soul beast, even at 100,000 years, I cannot venture far."
To leave the forest, it had two options:
First, like Xiao Wu in the original story, transform into a human with innate full soul power.
Second, endure the tribulation in 1,000 years to walk the continent freely.
Both required immense time.
"Give us time. We can accelerate your tribulation."
Studying the Blue Silver Emperor, Ning Rongrong signaled Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo.
"Father, let's return for now. We'll revisit this later."
After bidding farewell, they departed.
Once outside, Sword Douluo couldn't hold back. "That creature dismissed our words. It seems unwilling to honor our agreement."
"I agree." Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"The Blue Silver Emperor still clings to Ah Yin's memory." Ning Rongrong mused.
"But it did remove the imprint honestly. That's enough for now."
"Father can safely absorb the 100,000-year soul bone without Tang Hao recognizing it."
"For now, staying hidden suits us best."
Ning Fengzhi agreed ambush tactics were preferable.
"Rongrong, what of the Blue Silver Emperor?" Sword Douluo asked. "A 100,000-year soul ring and bone are invaluable."
"If it won't cooperate, we'll resort to alternatives."
"Father's breakthrough to rank 90 will take time. The soul beast isn't going anywhere."
"Once stable at rank 89, we'll return to claim it."
"Then Father's pagoda will have a red ring if nothing else, it'll look impressive."
"Just wait patiently. I'll find a way to evolve your pagoda to nine treasures."
Ning Fengzhi fell silent at his daughter's ambition.
Is she trying to make me a dragon?
With matters settled, Sword Douluo escorted them back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Anxious for their safety, Bone Douluo paced the hall impatiently.
"Coward, you're back." He greeted Sword Douluo cheerfully.
Sword Douluo's face darkened.
"Any gains?" Bone Douluo ignored his thunderous expression.
"Excellent. Unprecedented. We recorded valuable footage."
Sword Douluo shoved the telescope's recordings into Bone Douluo's outstretched hand.
"See for yourself!"