Chapter 2: The Divine King's Calculations

A gentle, ethereal glow suffused the illusionary space, which nonetheless possessed an enchanting sense of substance. In the distance, the vague outline of a majestic palace rose, at once unreal and strikingly tangible.

A tall figure stood amidst the drifting clouds and mist, gazing far into the distance. His deep blue eyes were as fathomless as the sea, and the emptiness within them seemed to pierce through endless nothingness.

"The fate of the Douluo Continent has shifted..." he murmured softly. Ripples of water shimmered across his resplendent blue robe, and a shadow crossed his handsome face.

"Is the consciousness of the Douluo plane still struggling in vain? It truly courts its own destruction." He was observing, through the endless void, the very world of his birth—Douluo Continent. Ever since ascending to the Divine Realm, he had watched every change on Douluo with great attention, treating it as his own inviolable domain.

Under his gaze, the plane’s fortune, which had recently resided within the Star Luo Empire, now appeared within the Heavenly Soul Empire—the former territory of the Heaven Dou Empire.

It was as if two stars were flickering: the one over Star Luo rapidly dimming, while the other within Heavenly Soul shone ever brighter and more radiant.

"Do they think such tricks could deceive me?" The man sneered playfully, the corners of his lips curving into a faint, ironic smile, his bearing one of dignified righteousness.

"No matter what, destiny lies with Douluo, and this child must surely be fated to my Tang clan."

"Third Brother." A gentle call sounded as another figure stepped out of the illusion, naturally slipping her arm through the blue-robed man's.

She was a young woman in a pale pink gown. Her long hair was braided into a scorpion tail that hung softly down her back. From the side, her graceful neck and exquisitely sculpted collarbones could be seen. The cinched waist of her dress accentuated her striking figure perfectly.

"Third Brother, are you watching over Douluo Continent again?"

With her arrival, the darkness on the blue-clad man's face vanished in an instant, his aura becoming gentle and warm as he smiled.

"Since the collision between the Sun-Moon Continent and Douluo, many unforeseen changes have occurred. Though the Tang Sect began to decline at that time, destiny has always favored Douluo. Now, a new star has arisen, one who will usher in transformation for the continent."

"You rate him that highly?" The pink-gowned woman stared in surprise. "Is this really the Third Brother I know?"

The man only smiled and said nothing, instead drawing her indulgently into his embrace.

"Hasn't little Qi always wanted to go out and explore? This time, let her descend to the lower realm for some experience. As a Divine Realm Enforcer, I may not interfere directly with the Douluo plane, but surely it is reasonable for my daughter to guide this new star onto the right path."

As the saying goes, family members belong under the same roof. The pink-gowned woman saw nothing amiss in his words; her attention was elsewhere.

"Can you really bear to let little Qi leave our side?"

"How can the young ever see the rainbow if they do not brave the storm..."

Nightfall found Ye Xixuan and Tang Ya seated around a campfire, warming themselves as the flames danced in their eyes and the occasional snap of burning branches rang out.

Perhaps out of innocence, or perhaps because she saw nothing to fear in the six-year-old boy, Tang Ya took the initiative to share her story.

Not long ago, the Tang Sect estate in Heaven Dou City had been forcibly seized by the Ironblood Sect. She alone had escaped and was now bound for Shrek Academy to seek help.

Comparing this information with memories of his previous life, Ye Xixuan could roughly piece together the current timeline.

Tang Ya was now nine, and he had just awakened his martial soul at six—making him the same age as the original protagonist, Huo Yuhao, in his past-life memories.

But why, he wondered, had he encountered Tang Ya before Huo Yuhao ever did?

Ye Xixuan certainly hadn't forgotten the impartial Godking, nor could he guess what schemes might be at play.

Yet, a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. Whatever plans the Godking had, Tang Ya had truly saved his life.

And to this kind-hearted girl, whose background he knew well, Ye Xixuan shared his own origins in a great soul master clan and the tragedy of his family’s destruction, omitting only a few details.

Both having suffered misfortune, an unspoken bond grew between them.

Hearing Ye Xixuan's tale, Tang Ya did not, as in his memories of Huo Yuhao, exclaim that classic line, "That's wonderful!" Instead, she empathized deeply, her face softening with sympathy.

"Little Xixuan, what do you plan to do next?"

"The elders at home told me to seek refuge at Shrek Academy, so, Sister Ya, our paths are one and the same," Ye Xixuan replied, steadying his emotions. In truth, there were many things he needed to ascertain.

Why had the little-known Ye clan suddenly risen to prominence in just over a hundred years? And why had they been wiped out so inexplicably? Why had the elders insisted he seek shelter at Shrek Academy? And why that particular token...

"Perfect! I'll bring you along to Shrek Academy, and we can watch out for each other," Tang Ya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. She placed all her hopes in Shrek's aid. With the Academy's might, surely justice could be done for the Tang Sect.

Tang Ya was, for now, still wonderfully innocent.

"By the way, little Xixuan, is your martial soul of the darkness attribute? Was that ability you used a soul skill? You really startled my martial soul right out of me!"

In the world of soul masters, it was considered quite rude to ask about another’s martial soul or soul skills. Yet, looking into Tang Ya’s clear, guileless eyes, Ye Xixuan nodded after a moment.

"That’s my martial soul’s innate ability. Though I have full innate soul power, I haven't obtained a soul ring yet."

"Innate ability?" A strange look flickered across Tang Ya’s face, as if recalling something, but she soon returned to her carefree manner.

"I’ve never met a soul master with full innate soul power before! I bet even Shrek Academy doesn’t have many students like you—they’re sure to accept you. With their help, you’ll get a soul ring that truly suits you and advance to soul master. Once you become one, you’ll get a gold soul coin stipend every month!"

High-spirited, Tang Ya chattered away, wrapped in a fur blanket beside Ye Xixuan. Whether she was avoiding heavy topics or simply a cheerful chatterbox by nature, she tirelessly told him all sorts of things about Shrek Academy.

It was as if she possessed a special magic; anyone who spent time with her would feel at ease.

Ye Xixuan suddenly found himself understanding why, in his past life’s memories, Bei Bei had been so drawn to Tang Ya. Ever since his escape, for the first time his taut nerves began to relax.

For most of the night, it was Tang Ya who spoke, while Ye Xixuan listened quietly by her side.

At last, with the coming of dawn, the first light pierced the sky, bathing the entire Tianling Mountain Range in its glow.