Chapter 102: The Human King Returns, Gu Yuena's Dilemma
Qin Chuan was dressed in white, his demeanor otherworldly.
He stepped out from the torn space, and as his eyes opened and closed, and with every movement he made, divine radiance surged around him like liquid mercury, illuminating him like a true deity descending into the world.
"Huh."
The Sea God widened his eyes in shock and murmured,
"Lord Human King, you…"
"You guessed right."
Qin Chuan nodded calmly, his presence magnetic.
"I've indeed gone through it once more…"
The Sea God gave a helpless smile and raised his thumb in admiration.
"You truly live up to the title of Human King."
But his smile quickly faded. He turned and swept his gaze across Poseidon and the others.
"You may all leave."
Though still shaken, Poseidon and the seven holy pillars obeyed. Though they were curious and eager to engage with the gods, the Sea God's command was absolute.
"Lord Human King, may we talk in the Sea God Temple?"
The Sea God asked with a respectful tone.
"Alright."
Qin Chuan agreed with a smile.
In the next instant, both figures vanished. When they reappeared, they were already seated inside the Sea God Temple.
"I was a bit reckless earlier… Seems I almost demolished your Sea God Temple."
Qin Chuan said with slight embarrassment, glancing at the disarray around them.
"Lord Human King is certainly bold."
The Sea God waved it off with a chuckle.
He casually snapped his fingers, and the chaos within the temple rewound like time in reverse. Every piece of furniture and decoration returned to its original place.
"I must ask, have you found the one you were searching for?"
The Sea God's tone turned contemplative.
The Human King's departure from the cosmos had long become a myth among the gods, especially his quest—shrouded in endless speculation.
"I have."
Qin Chuan smiled.
"Haha, then allow me to congratulate you."
The Sea God paused, stunned for a moment, before clasping his hands with a sincere expression.
…
Star Dou Great Forest — Core Circle
In the deepest region of the Star Dou Great Forest, Gu Yuena trembled as she held an open scroll in her hands.
"Master… what's wrong?"
Bi Ji asked cautiously.
Since the moment Gu Yuena saw the portrait Xiao Wu had drawn, her composure had collapsed. Her spiritual aura fluctuated uncontrollably.
"You go for now. Tell Di Tian to come see me."
Gu Yuena took a deep breath, trying to quell her rising emotions.
"Understood."
Bi Ji nodded, then turned to Xiao Wu.
"Come with me."
After the two soul beasts left, Gu Yuena couldn't resist unfolding the portrait again.
The man depicted had refined features, striking looks, and an aura that transcended the mortal realm.
Who else could it be but Qin Chuan?
"Human King… is it truly you?"
Gu Yuena murmured with complex emotions in her eyes.
Before long, Di Tian—the Black Dragon King—strode in, dressed in black, his expression calm.
"Master."
Di Tian bowed respectfully.
"Look at this."
Gu Yuena handed him the portrait.
The moment Di Tian's eyes fell on it, his pupils contracted sharply.
"The Human King?"
"Yes."
Gu Yuena turned to him.
"You really do recognize him."
Di Tian forced a smile.
"I once glimpsed him beside the Dragon God."
"I remember."
Gu Yuena exhaled softly.
"I can now confirm his current identity."
Di Tian grew solemn, still gazing at the portrait.
"My lord… what do you plan to do?"
Gu Yuena abruptly changed the topic.
"Do you remember how the Dragon God died?"
Di Tian's face hardened at the memory.
"The Dragon God… was in a deteriorated mental state."
"His instability enraged the Asura God, who used the opportunity to eliminate him."
Di Tian's fists clenched with fury.
The Dragon God had led the soul beasts. His power had once been matchless—an existence even the Human King dared not confront head-on.
Yet not long after the Human King's departure, the Asura God struck.
"Which is why, while the Human King may have once stood opposed to us, the Asura God is our true enemy."
Gu Yuena's voice was cold and decisive.
"Do you mean to form an alliance with the Human King?"
Di Tian was stunned. Memories of the Human King—commanding and untouchable—flooded back.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Gu Yuena smiled faintly.
Just then, a golden streak leapt onto her shoulder.
"Sister Gu Yuena, I sensed that aura again."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion's voice trembled.
Gu Yuena blinked in surprise, while Di Tian's gaze sharpened.
"You mean… the Human King?"
Gu Yuena asked softly.
"Yes. I can feel it. His aura now blankets the entire Douluo Continent."
"It's overwhelming… like he's everywhere."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion shivered.
Gu Yuena gently picked it up, stroking its fur with care.
"Little one… tell me."
"If I choose to ally with the Human King, what future do you see?"
Di Tian watched closely as the lion's third eye opened.
Golden light swept into Gu Yuena's body.
A moment later, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion screamed, its fur bristling, and it shot out of Gu Yuena's arms like lightning.
"Little guy, what's wrong?"
Di Tian caught it mid-air.
"It's death… total annihilation of the soul beast race!"
The lion screamed in terror, blood and tears pouring from its third eye.
Gu Yuena trembled.
"Impossible… how can that be?"
"An alliance should protect us—unless the Asura God is now stronger than the Human King."
"Then…"
Her voice darkened.
"Try again."
"What if we ally with the Asura God?"
Still trembling, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion steadied itself.
It took two slow steps forward, and the third eye opened again.
Another beam of golden light flowed into Gu Yuena.
But this time…
The backlash was even worse.
Its eye bled profusely. The lion collapsed, wailing and thrashing in agony.
"What's happening!?"
Di Tian restrained it again, but golden blood streamed from the lion's vertical eye.
"Biji, hurry!"
Di Tian shouted urgently toward the outer chambers.
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