Category: I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets!

Chapter 225: Sorrowful Saintess is Lian Xing’s Wife? p2

Sea Soul World Divine Ruins, Water Soul World.

During the forced teleportation, Lian Xing sensed something amiss. She tried to speak, but it was too late.

The moment she arrived in the Water Soul World, her entire lineup was blocked.

An overwhelming pressure enveloped her, forcing all her Pet Beasts into a temporary slumber.

Even the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s resistance was futile.

Then…

Lian Xing’s consciousness entered a long wait.

She lost track of time, perhaps four or five days.

Though her life signs were stagnant, she vaguely felt her thoughts freezing, unable to break free.

Finally, after a week, she regained sensation.

It was cold…

As if her entire body was frozen solid.

With great effort, she opened her eyes, finding herself encased in an ice coffin.

What was going on…?

Outside the coffin, within a dark, cold cave, a beautiful woman with blue, mermaid-like twin tails and eight teardrops on her cheeks smiled at her, her eyes like those of someone examining a new toy.

Sorrowful Saintess had spent a week traveling from the Ice Soul World back to the Water Soul World, capturing Lian Xing upon her arrival.

Under the Sea Soul World’s system corruption, Lian Xing couldn’t even sense her Pet Beasts, let alone resist.

She felt like an ordinary person, no longer a Beast Tamer…

Was this the system suppression of a different True Spirit World…?

Lian Xing shivered, feeling utterly helpless.

Seconds later, the ice coffin began to melt.

Lian Xing, like melting butter, collapsed onto the ground, soaked and disheveled, her pale skin tinged with an unhealthy white from the cold.

In this weakened state, even a High-Tier Pet Beast could impregnate her seven or eight times over, let alone Monarch or Emperor-Tier enemies.

The blue-haired, teardrop-eyed woman crouched before the helpless, golden-haired beauty, cupping her own face in her hands and gazing curiously into Lian Xing’s starry eyes.

Then, her first words sent a chill down Lian Xing’s spine.

“What’s the difference between the physical structure of a Moon Soul World being and ours?”

“…”

“…”

“M-M-Moon Soul World? What’s that? I don’t know!!!” Lian Xing’s eyes widened, feigning confusion and innocence.

Inwardly, she cursed the Twelve Moons.

How could they send her to the Sea Soul World to die?

Why did even a Beast Tamer from a subordinate Soul World know her identity? She was doomed…

She wouldn’t mind dying in battle, but she couldn’t even summon her Pet Beasts now. To be tortured and killed like this would be too unjust!

“I am the Sorrowful Saintess of the Water Soul World, Gong Lian Yue. And how should I address this little beauty from the Moon Soul World?”

“Your Sorrowful Saintess-ness, you misunderstand. I’m not a Beast Tamer from the Moon Soul World. I stumbled here from the Rain Soul World. I encountered powerful enemies, and my Pet Beasts were all killed. They’re still in their resurrection cooldown period.”

Lian Xing lied effortlessly, her fabrication skills honed to perfection. Her words, without a shred of hesitation, sounded incredibly genuine.

However…

Sorrowful Saintess waved her hand, and pure blue water Pet Essence formed an image of Lian Xing crossing the finish line in the first round of the Lunar Divine Festival.

Lian Xing’s face turned ashen.

Why could a Beast Tamer from the Water Soul World see images from the Moon Soul World!?

She would haunt the Twelve Moons for selling her out like this!

Sorrowful Saintess chuckled.

“Now, let me think… how should I torment you~~~”

“Your Pet Essence is billions of times denser than a normal person’s. How interesting. It seems anyone who touches you would make your mind and body a mess~~~”

“Could it be… you’re the type anyone can have?”

“I’m not…!!!”

“I’m a married woman, experienced in battle. Such things don’t affect me.”

Lian Xing continued to feign resistance.

Sorrowful Saintess pressed a soft, fleshy mermaid tail against Lian Xing’s abdomen, gently squeezing.

The golden-haired girl shuddered as if electrocuted, her breathing ragged, her face flushed, her eyes unfocused, and her breath hot.

This was something only a Married Pet Beast could do…

Lian Xing lowered her head, feeling utterly humiliated.

Seeing her reaction, Sorrowful Saintess laughed, a classic villain’s cackle. Usually, she was the one being ravaged by her Married Pet Beast. Finding a toy she could bully was like discovering a precious treasure.

She wouldn’t let this woman go easily.

“Still resisting?”

“N-No… I give up…” Lian Xing whimpered.

She was utterly helpless.

With her abdomen being pressed, she was like a Saiyan grabbed by the tail, a Devil Fruit user encountering Seastone, a Jinchuriki stripped of their tailed beast, an Ultraman without light – utterly hopeless.

If she weren’t a Shining Species Beast Tamer, she wouldn’t be so spineless.

“Anyway, tell me about the Moon Soul World. Your punishment depends on your honesty~~~”

“By the way, there are ten levels of punishment for lying. The first is a billion vibrations per second, the second is a baptism of your Pet Essence with holy water, the third is…”

“The sixth is… oh right, since you already lied, we’ll start with the fifth level.”

Sorrowful Saintess, Gong Lian Yue, stopped mid-sentence.

Her teardrop eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as she stared at the golden-bunned girl.

Those who understood, understood…

Wait…

Just verbal threats were enough to reduce her to this state? How pathetic!!!

This… this was too much fun!!!!

Sorrowful Saintess excitedly swished her fleshy mermaid tails, splashing water as she said with a sweet smile, “Alright, start from your birth. We have three weeks. I’ll take good care of you~~~”

“…”

“…”

It took Lian Xing several minutes to recover.

Her starry eyes, unfocused, had lost all hope. She said listlessly, “I was born in a small village in the Moon Soul World…”

“Good, another lie. Sixth level punishment~~~” Sorrowful Saintess interrupted without hesitation.

“Why!?” Lian Xing protested weakly.

“Let’s start with how you transmigrated to the Moon Soul World~~~”

Lian Xing fell silent.

She felt like this woman had seen through all her secrets.

Strange…

This woman’s strength and realm were undetectable, yet she exuded an unfathomable aura.

Lian Xing had truly messed up this time…

Resigned to her fate, she abandoned all hope of escape and began recounting her story.

Wearing white stockings at five, watching adult videos at six, starting a harem at seven… she glossed over these embarrassing details, focusing on the Beast Taming Evolution Duel online game.

Sorrowful Saintess listened intently, her eyes occasionally gleaming with intrigue.

As a fellow transmigrator from a shattered world, she was familiar with computers and online games, knowing Lian Xing had no reason to lie about this.

However…

Just as Lian Xing reached the exciting part of her story, where she dominated the first game league with a single Moonlight Rabbit, their conversation was interrupted by a cold aura.

A snow woman in pure white mourning clothes entered the cave.

Lian Xing instantly recognized her as the one who had encased her in ice for a week.

This snow woman was strangely powerful…

Though seemingly just a Monarch-Tier Elemental, she possessed energy purer than a Myriad-Level Emperor, carefully concealed, leaking only a fraction of her true aura.

The Snow Monarch, leader of the Supreme Seven Concubines of the Water Soul World…

Lian Xing sensed the snow woman’s status and prestige in this world.

However, Sorrowful Saintess’s expression was even more rigid than Lian Xing’s.

“Honey, why are you here?”

“Didn’t I say I’d be finished soon…?”

[Returning after over a decade without even seeing your own daughters.]

[Your body carries the marks of so many Cloud Soul World Pet Beasts.]

[How many wild delicacies have you enjoyed in these past years?]

The Snow Monarch’s voice was icy.

Sorrowful Saintess began to sweat, stammering excuses.

“No, honey, listen to me. I just returned from the Cloud Soul World, and…”

[Kneel.]

[Strip.]

“Thud!”

As a deep-seated fear overwhelmed her, the previously imposing Sorrowful Saintess collapsed to her knees, her face pale and her body trembling, obediently removing her bathrobe.

Lian Xing nearly choked on her own saliva.

This Gong Lian Yue had just been gloating over her, and now her true colors were revealed.

Another unfortunate soul controlled by her Married Pet Beast…

However…

Facing her impending doom and seeing the captive golden-haired woman’s amusement, Sorrowful Saintess was displeased.

Even if she were to die, she would drag this mocking woman down with her.

She summoned a group of water-type Pet Beasts.

“Eternal Holy Water, Unforgettable Autumn Water, Ice-Forged Ten Severing, Frozen Stone Flow Slaughter, Sea Breath Cradle, Water Marsh Nether Ring, Extreme Cold Domain, Nine Waterfalls Plunging Abyss, Cold Star Sinking Iron, Nether Winter Snow Soul, please attend to this beauty~~~”

Droplets and dewdrops, exuding auras similar to the seventy-two Legends, materialized in the air.

Hmm?

Reincarnated bodies…?

This Sorrowful Saintess had too many Pet Beasts!

And they were all incredibly rare support types!!!

Before Lian Xing could react, the ten water-formed Pet Beasts surged into her skin.

Billions of Pet Essence particles within Lian Xing were engulfed by flowing water, various currents coursing through her blood and flesh.

This peculiar sensation was beyond words.

In short, those who understood, understood.

[One hundred million words omitted here.]

—

While Lian Xing suffered, Sorrowful Saintess wasn’t faring much better.

The Snow Monarch, ignoring the insignificant prisoner from the Moon Soul World, began fulfilling her duties as a Married Pet Beast in public.

Seeing Sorrowful Saintess’s agony, Lian Xing felt slightly better.

Heh, who was she to talk about high Pet Essence density?

This 100% water elemental had no right to judge.

However…

Amidst her suffering, Lian Xing discovered that the ten holy waters were helping her adapt to the Sea Soul World’s system corruption.

Though she still couldn’t summon her Pet Beasts, the Eleventh Zodiac’s True Spirit aura within her was being cleansed, gradually restoring her lifespan.

She stopped struggling, enduring the purifying pain.

The sacred water flowed through her Pet Essence, cleansing all impurities, even clarifying her thoughts.

Then, before the Snow Monarch finished, more Pet Beasts arrived, seemingly Sorrowful Saintess’s past lovers.

Supreme Seven Concubines, Dark Night Concubine.

Supreme Seven Concubines, Peach Love Concubine.

Supreme Seven Concubines, Ice Antelope Grand Concubine.

Even without prior knowledge, Lian Xing instinctively recognized their titles.

She also discovered a secret: these Supreme Seven Concubines, while terrifyingly strong among Monarch-Tier, were still within that realm.

Only the Snow Monarch was different…

This snow woman wasn’t Monarch-Tier at all. Even a fraction of her aura was on par with the other Supreme Seven Concubines.

Lian Xing had initially assumed all the Supreme Seven Concubines were this powerful, but it turned out only the Snow Monarch was special.

Lian Xing suspected she was on par with the six Guardians of the Moon Soul World.

While Sorrowful Saintess was occupied with her amorous reunions, Lian Xing, having regained some clarity amidst the ten holy waters, focused her attention on the entire Water Soul World.

As expected, she discovered another being as powerful as the Snow Monarch.

And it was another Moonlight Rabbit…

Supreme Seven Concubines, White Moon Monarch.

This was the Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit she had seen during her invasion, a counterpart to her Ancient Moonlight Rabbit.

So that was why she had failed so miserably! Two inhumanly powerful beings were hidden here!

Though Lian Xing could sense the flow of Pet Essence again, she felt troubled.

The Water Soul World hid two top Guardian-level combatants.

Even if she accumulated her Pet Essence until the last day, unleashed her full power, and summoned the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit, victory wasn’t guaranteed.

Though she wanted to repay Sorrowful Saintess for the holy water, she rationally decided against a desperate gamble, maintaining her harmless, weakened facade.

Ten peaceful days passed. Then, without warning, something happened.

While Sorrowful Saintess was being “interrogated” by her former lovers, a Pet Beast emerged from her body.

Lian Xing froze upon seeing this familiar figure.

It was a beautiful deer woman with snow-white hair and icy antlers. Her mature figure and appearance reminded Lian Xing of her wife, Moonwalker, whom she might never see again.

A wave of emotion washed over her.

However…

The cave fell silent as the white-haired deer woman appeared.

The four concubines stopped their “reunion” with Sorrowful Saintess.

In the ensuing silence, Sorrowful Saintess looked up, asking in bewilderment, “Cold Deer King, why are you here!?”

This deer-shaped Pet Beast was the most unique in Sorrowful Saintess’s lineup.

Like the reincarnation trait of the seventy-two Legends of the Moon Soul World, she was reborn after each death, resulting in three distinct personalities sharing her consciousness.

The first was Sorrowful Saintess’s primary wife, a petite, innocent deer girl, White Flower Moon-Treading Deer’s third incarnation.

The second was a gentle, accommodating woman, the former Supreme Seven Concubines’ Illusion Sea Concubine, discovered by Sorrowful Saintess during her travels in the Cloud Soul World, who never refused any of Sorrowful Saintess’s requests or peculiar desires.

However, the personality that had appeared now was White Flower Moon-Treading Deer’s first incarnation, the Cold Deer King from tens of thousands of years ago, a terrifyingly domineering and violent being.

Lian Xing sensed an aura similar to a Fallen Species from this Pet Beast.

If not for the Water Soul World’s Divine Ruins suppression, she would likely have become a Fallen Species!!!

Strangely, Lian Xing noticed Sorrowful Saintess seemed unfamiliar with this Pet Beast.

During Sorrowful Saintess’s time in the Cloud Soul World, the Cold Deer King personality had appeared once, instantly killing a Mythical-Tier Pet Beast that had nearly killed her other Pet Beasts, then forcing herself upon Sorrowful Saintess.

Their relationship consisted of that single encounter, so their interactions were somewhat awkward.

Sorrowful Saintess hadn’t expected the Cold Deer King to appear now.

Had returning to the Water Soul World triggered something within her?

However…

The white-haired, antlered woman turned to the golden-bunned girl cowering in the corner, still being “baptized” by the ten holy waters.

“Are you from the Moon Soul World?”

“Yes…” Lian Xing nodded obediently, her body weak and powerless.

She had no resistance to the three-meter-long icy antlers, as if Moonwalker herself stood before her.

If she angered this Pet Beast, she might not die, but she would be crippled.

“Do you know the Fourth Guardian of the Moon Soul World, Moonwalker?”

“Moonwalker is the Third Guardian…”

“Hmm, it seems you do know. I was just testing you.”

The Cold Deer King seemed satisfied with Lian Xing’s answer.

Then, she asked, “Have you heard… if that Moonwalker has any descendants?”

“Uh, I think she has one…”

“I don’t know Moonwalker personally. I just heard rumors. I’m not sure.”

“Little one, I’ll give you another chance.”

“Forgive me, Moonwalker is my external Married Pet Beast, and Little Moonwalker is my goddaughter.”

Under the Cold Deer King’s fierce glare, Lian Xing confessed everything.

She had intended to gauge the deer woman’s intentions, but her physical weakness betrayed her courage. She knew her limits.

After confessing, Lian Xing closed her eyes, bracing for the consequences.

However…

The Cold Deer King remained silent for a long while.

Several minutes later, she turned to Sorrowful Saintess with a complex expression, opening and closing her mouth, hesitant to speak.

Finally, after another agonizing silence, she said, “Release her…”

“Huh? Why!?”

“This woman is your wife’s past life’s past life’s past life’s wife’s wife. In Pet Beast terms – she is your wife.”

“…”

“…”

Sorrowful Saintess: ?

Lian Xing: ???

Chapter 225: Sorrowful Saintess is Lian Xing’s Wife? p1

Eyes that make the heavens weep, a single tear turns myriad worlds into a vast ocean.

Sea Soul World, Eight Emperor Tears!!!!

As these words appeared, almost every being in the Moon Soul World was stunned. Except for those like Lian Xing, who ascended from the Bubble Pet Beast World, all inhabitants of the six True Spirit Worlds knew about the Sea Soul World.

Only some from the Bubble Pet Beast World and the transmigrated players of the Beast Taming Evolution Duel game were clueless.

Even so, the words alone conveyed a chilling atmosphere.

The five Lunar Divine Festival participants were to be randomly transported to subordinate worlds of the Sea Soul World…?

An instinctive fear, etched into their very beings, arose.

The Sea Soul World… the name itself sounded dangerous…

Even Tai Yin, who had orchestrated several attacks against the Sea Soul World, frowned deeply. She had infiltrated the Sea Soul World’s system before, but that was a meticulously planned operation, using the Mechanical Mountains and Seas to scout and bringing numerous companions and subordinates to overcome the initial system conflict.

But now, random teleportation? That was too much…

If she were sent to the Rain Soul World, the most dangerous of the three Divine Ruins, even her top ranking among the seventy-two Legends wouldn’t matter.

The Divine Ruins were the birthplaces of the Sea Soul World’s ancestors.

Within them, all beings’ realms were suppressed to their limits.

Conversely, all inhabitants were constantly tempered by the True Spirits’ aura, ensuring that those who emerged were extraordinary Beast Tamers.

They were also ideal vessels for the Eight Emperor Tears.

According to Tai Yin’s intelligence gathered over tens of thousands of years, four Saintess candidates had emerged from the Rain Soul World, two from the Cloud Soul World, and one from the Water Soul World. Only one remained, and then the Eight Emperor Tears’ vessels would converge upon the Sea Soul World.

Then, the evolutionary systems of the six True Spirit Worlds would be overturned.

Everything would be corrupted by the Sea Soul World’s traits.

However, it had only been a few tens of thousands of years since the seventh, [Azure Falling Sky Spring], emerged from the Water Soul World. The eighth shouldn’t awaken so soon.

The Moon Soul World still had time to prepare…

Tai Yin felt a sense of relief.

Having adapted to the Sea Soul World’s system, she held a significant advantage in the second round. With a bit of luck, she would be fine.

She would likely achieve a landslide victory in this round!

—

Meanwhile—

In the Ice Soul World, thousands of worlds away, the water elemental was ecstatic.

“Report! Report it quickly!”

“Report to the Sea Soul World’s higher-ups! Eliminate the Moon Soul World’s chosen ones! Locate their coordinates and wipe them out!”

“Report what? It took me ten years to conquer the Cloud Soul World. They only have a month. I doubt they’ll even find the exit from the Ice Soul World. Who are we going to report to…?” Sorrowful Saintess interrupted her excited mother-in-law.

The water elemental blinked, deflated.

Such a great opportunity, wasted…

If she had recovered even a fraction more of her power, she could have relayed this information across several Soul Worlds.

***

In the Moon Soul World, at the Lunar Divine Festival arena, the moment the name “Sea Soul World” appeared, many veteran Emperor-Tier experts and Guardians wore expressions of grave concern and shock.

As one of the six True Spirit Worlds, the Moon Soul World wasn’t afraid of a direct confrontation with the Sea Soul World.

However, the infamous saying about the Eight Emperor Tears instilled a primal fear in all beings, making their hair stand on end.

This resulted in a strange phenomenon…

Even without personally descending, the Eight Emperor Tears of the Sea Soul World posed a greater threat than the Twelve Moons of the Moon Soul World, or even all the ancestors of the six True Spirit Worlds.

Moreover…

The Sea Soul World was the only True Spirit World without any post-natal True Spirits.

This meant they didn’t need more of their kind, no further increase in power.

This was the ultimate display of arrogance…

Finally, the Sea Soul World held the largest territory, having conquered and absorbed the seventh True Spirit World billions of years ago…

Even Nether Concubine simulated the future with a grave expression.

She found she couldn’t change their destinations, only their actions after arrival, influencing the second round’s rankings.

But then, she saw something that made her turn sharply, staring at the nonchalant, golden-bunned girl with utter disbelief.

“How… how is this possible!?”

“How can such a thing happen!?”

Nether Concubine was stunned.

She had simulated Lian Xing with Qianqiu the moment she saw her, even before the Lunar Divine Festival began.

She knew where Lian Xing would be sent in the second round.

But somehow…

Her latest simulation showed Lian Xing returning from a different location.

This meant Lian Xing’s predetermined destination had been changed…

But why?

When had Lian Xing’s fate been altered?

Was it the moment she stepped onto the first step?

Meanwhile, the Divine Machine within Mist Colt sensed something, muttering with uncertainty, “The fifth time used, two remaining…”

“What’s going on? Even a random map selection triggers a miracle. It seems this journey will be extraordinary…”

Star Goddess and Ice Queen made their preparations.

Changing combat skills, comforting their Pet Beasts.

Seeing the second round approaching, Lian Xing also checked her Pet Beast lineup.

[Legendary Overlord · Mechanical · Divine Machine LV17190]

[Legendary Emperor · Elemental · Star Sand LV12005]

[Legendary Emperor · Viral · Mist Colt LV3110]

[Emperor-Tier · Weapon · White Silk Weaver Girl LV4650]

[Fallen Species · Emperor-Tier · Nether Leaf Dark King’s Court LV4500 (One of the Four Great Calamities, Avalanche)]

[Ancient Species · Myriad-Level Emperor · Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit LV14999]

Though some weren’t contracted yet, as long as they were within Mist Colt’s viral space, it made no difference.

After confirming everything, Lian Xing waited patiently.

Finally, the hour-long break ended.

A blurry, miniature spinning wheel appeared above the meteorite platform.

It displayed hundreds of subordinate Soul Worlds within the Sea Soul World’s territory.

[Rain Soul World] [Snow Soul World] [Ice Soul World] [River Soul World] [Cloud Soul World] [Water Soul World]

Though each large Soul World contained numerous shattered worlds and Bubble Pet Beast Worlds, the destinations this time would be drawn from the formal Soul Worlds.

The five participants, represented by cartoonish Q-version figures, spun simultaneously.

“Whirr, whirr, whirr—”

As everyone held their breath, the five pointers spun across the map of the Sea Soul World. Tai Yin felt a bead of sweat trickle down her forehead.

Not Rain Soul World, not Snow Soul World, not Rain Soul World, not Snow Soul World… she prayed silently.

But as everyone knows, what you fear most is what comes to pass.

After spinning for several seconds, Tai Yin’s pointer landed firmly on the [Rain Soul World] icon.

Her face drained of color, pale as a ghost.

[Rain Soul World, a region bordering the Sea Soul World, one of the Divine Ruins, extremely dangerous, currently guarded by the Sea Soul World’s seventh Saintess candidate (Azure Falling Sky Spring).]

Next, Nether Concubine’s pointer stopped.

[Snow Soul World, a region bordering the Sea Soul World, extremely dangerous, currently guarded by the Sea Soul World’s sixth Saintess candidate (Snow Robe White Lotus).]

Seeing Nether Concubine’s fate, Tai Yin’s despair turned to schadenfreude.

They had both drawn hellish destinations, comrades in misfortune.

But then, she realized something.

Looking at Nether Concubine’s impassive expression, her smugness faded.

Nether Concubine had Qianqiu’s simulations. She already knew her fate, ensuring there would be no dead ends.

Seconds later, Star Goddess’s pointer stopped.

[Vast Soul World, a second-tier region bordering the Sea Soul World, moderate danger.]

Star Goddess’s expression remained unchanged.

Unlike Nether Concubine and Tai Yin, she had no prior knowledge of the Sea Soul World’s subordinate forces.

To her, any destination was the same.

Soon, Ice Queen’s turn came.

[Ice Soul World, a third-tier region bordering the Sea Soul World, negligible danger.]

As the result appeared, Ice Queen exhaled slowly, under Tai Yin’s envious gaze.

Negligible danger. This was practically a guaranteed safe zone.

Meanwhile, in the Ice Soul World, the water elemental laughed out loud at the result.

The blue-haired mermaid woman coughed slightly.

What strange luck…

They could eliminate a powerful opponent from the Moon Soul World with no effort.

Newly arrived, these Beast Tamers from the Moon Soul World couldn’t possibly adapt quickly to the Sea Soul World’s system. Capturing them would essentially end the game.

And they could interrogate them, perhaps even deciphering the Moon Soul World’s evolutionary system.

However…

The next second, as the final participant’s result appeared, several people were stunned.

Even the water elemental and Sorrowful Saintess stared in disbelief.

Tai Yin’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

[Water Soul World, a peripheral region bordering the Sea Soul World, one of the Divine Ruins, the location of the most recent True Spirit aura eruption, danger level unobservable.]

It was… the Water Soul World!!!

Lian Xing blinked in surprise.

She had just controlled Tai Yin’s sand projection to invade this place, failing miserably. Now, she was going there herself? What a coincidence…

The water elemental behind Sorrowful Saintess shrieked.

“Return to the Water Soul World, now, immediately!!!”

“Forget about Ice Queen! Capture this woman!!!”

“The True Spirit observing Ice Queen is only the Tenth of the Twelve Moons, a post-natal True Spirit, insignificant.”

“But behind this golden-haired woman is one of the original Seven Miracles of the Moon Soul World, an existence on par with the Eight Emperor Tears!!!”

“…”

“…”

“I, I understand~~~” Sorrowful Saintess replied, finally reacting.

Even without her mother-in-law’s urging, she would have returned immediately.

The Water Soul World was her home turf!!!

Her four daughters were there. How could she allow enemies from the Moon Soul World to infiltrate?

Moreover, the first round of the Lunar Divine Festival had proven that this golden-bunned, white-stockinged gambler was the most dangerous opponent. Eliminating her early was paramount.

Even Ice Queen, practically on her doorstep, was now a secondary concern.

With this in mind, Sorrowful Saintess summoned a Pet Beast.

“Whoosh—”

A Mythical-Tier snow woman descended amidst a flurry of snowflakes.

Her pure white, graceful figure, clad in a white shroud, resembled Snow Flower, one of the seventy-two Legends of the Moon Soul World.

Mythical-Tier was equivalent to Emperor-Tier in the Moon Soul World.

After summoning the snow woman, Sorrowful Saintess instructed, “Darling, inform your mother to freeze the entire Water Soul World until I return!”

“Yes…” the snow woman nodded obediently, then began transmitting a message through their bloodline connection.

Meanwhile, Lian Xing, unaware that her location had been completely exposed to the Sea Soul World’s enemy, was still pondering the scenery of the Water Soul World…

Completely oblivious to her impending doom.

Moments later, the second round of the Lunar Divine Festival officially began.

With flashes of light, Nether Concubine, Star Goddess, Tai Yin, Ice Queen, and Lian Xing vanished from the arena.

And almost instantly, Tai Yin and Lian Xing’s live projections were cut off by an unobservable force.

[The Divine Ruins cannot be penetrated by the Moon Soul World’s system. Therefore, this round will only show the perspectives of the other three participants.]

Many of Lian Xing’s fans expressed their disappointment.

They had hoped to witness her heroic performance in enemy territory, but now they could only watch Star Goddess and the others.

***

Chapter 224: Sea Soul World, Eight Emperor Tears! p2

***

“I won?”

“I actually won?”

“How is that possible…?”

Meanwhile, on the twelfth step, less than a few hundred meters from the blank True Spirit, the golden-bunned girl’s expression shifted from calm to shock.

A wave of disbelief washed over her.

Even Lian Xing herself couldn’t comprehend her inexplicable victory.

One of the Twelve Moons, an unobservable True Spirit…

Had been suppressed by Star Sand and the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit!!!

Lian Xing had intended a desperate gamble, but she never expected to win so easily, without even a hint of resistance.

“Is this not an illusion?”

“Could it be that I’m already dead?”

“Is this… fantasy time?”

“…”

“…”

“Lian Xing, there’s no need to doubt. You won…” the Divine Machine, residing within Mist Colt’s viral space, said, its voice slightly trembling.

Though it still couldn’t fathom what Lian Xing had encountered in that false tenth-anniversary map, it had finally understood something else.

It realized who had granted Lian Xing eligibility at the start of the Lunar Divine Festival…

And who had allowed her to ascend the staircase.

Though it had guessed, the Divine Machine couldn’t hide its shock.

Why would a True Spirit of that rank pay attention to the Lunar Divine Festival…?

And now, the miracle had been used four times.

Once for eligibility, once for Mist Colt’s evolution, once for Star Sand’s seal, and once for the Moonlight Rabbit.

Three chances remained…

As someone observed by the [Seventh Moon], could Lian Xing reach the end of the Lunar Divine Festival, touching the pinnacle of this era?

As Lian Xing basked in the spotlight at the finish line, Star Goddess and Ice Queen, still enduring their ordeal, felt a pang of dejection.

They were each the pinnacle of their respective eras. In their time, all rivals and obstacles were fleeting illusions. They had walked a lonely path to the top, surpassing all Emperors, overlooking the world.

Yet, they had been surpassed by someone from millennia later…

And the fact that this woman was the romantic partner of her great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-granddaughter’s online social media account made Ice Queen even more speechless.

Star Goddess felt similarly disheartened.

When she first awakened, Sharp Edge Seven King Mother had mentioned this woman.

Since Lian Xing’s rise to fame, many had speculated she was Star Goddess reincarnated or her illegitimate daughter, even calling her “Little Star Goddess.”

Yet, she had been defeated by her own substitute, a humiliation beyond words.

Outsiders could spread rumors, but Star Goddess knew whether she had descendants or not.

She hadn’t even been touched by her Married Pet Beast, having entered the contract solely to strengthen it.

It was this purity and innocence that had brought her this far.

Gradually…

Star Goddess reached her limit.

She stood midway up the twelfth step, unable to move, paralyzed by the True Spirit’s pressure.

Ice Queen followed close behind, sighing dejectedly.

White Abode was nearing its limit as well…

As for attacking a True Spirit?

Such a preposterous notion had never crossed her mind.

Lian Xing had done it because she wasn’t normal. Normal people wouldn’t even consider it.

It was like hearing a voice telling you to commit suicide to be reborn in the past. Would you do it?

Likely not.

And even if someone did, they’d probably find themselves in heaven, realizing they’d hallucinated.

Star Goddess and Ice Queen faced the same dilemma.

Helpless against the True Spirit’s pressure, they couldn’t bring themselves to attack it.

Thus, they could only stop here…

***

In the Ice Soul World, Sorrowful Saintess and the water elemental had remained silent since Mist Colt’s dash.

After a long while, the water elemental realized the Pet Essence within her had stopped flowing.

She gasped, exclaiming in alarm, “Attacking a True Spirit…?”

“So this woman isn’t a Beast Tamer from the Moon Soul World, but a transmigrator…”

“Transmigrator? I’m not a transmigrator! Don’t spout nonsense!!” Sorrowful Saintess, with her blue mermaid hair, retorted defensively.

But she couldn’t deny her unease.

After thirty years in this world, this was the first time she’d heard the term “transmigrator.”

The water elemental rolled her eyes.

“Do you need to announce it? Any deity could tell, but they’d just assume you’re a Saintess candidate descended upon the Sea Soul World. Only a companion Pet Beast born within you, like me, would know you came from a shattered world.”

“So what if I’m from a shattered world? Are things more exciting there? Are people more attractive?”

“Besides, aren’t you a transmigrator to the Ice Soul World now? What’s the big deal?”

“Oh, okay…” Sorrowful Saintess nodded innocently.

If any other Pet Beast spoke to her like this, she’d scold them and make them copy the Soul World Pet Beast Ethics Manual a thousand times.

But this water elemental was her recently born companion, claiming to be the mother of her first Married Pet Beast, Nether Spring Narcissus, a claim Narcissus herself had confirmed.

Thus, Sorrowful Saintess dared not disrespect her mother-in-law.

After her reprimand, the water elemental explained, “My point is, this woman is also from a shattered world outside the Moon Soul World. That’s why she could attack a True Spirit. Natives of the True Spirit World cultivate using the residual aura of True Spirits. They wouldn’t dream of attacking the source of their evolution.”

“The fact that she conceived of and acted upon such a notion proves she isn’t from the Moon Soul World!”

“But this golden-haired woman is truly absurd. Perhaps even the eight Saintesses of the Sea Soul World combined wouldn’t be a match for her. It seems even our flourishing Sea Soul World will face some challenges…”

“More importantly, the Seventh Moon of the Moon Soul World, Seven-Stringed Lyre Star, has opened its eyes after two hundred million years. We must inform the Sea Soul World immediately.”

The water elemental rambled on, but Sorrowful Saintess didn’t quite understand.

She felt her mother-in-law was acting like a brainwashed devotee of the Sea Soul World.

“Our Sea Soul World”? She was practically speaking on behalf of God…

“Our Water Soul World” would be more accurate…

Sorrowful Saintess’s teardrop eyes narrowed, glancing meaningfully at the golden-haired girl in the projected image.

This woman was strong…

And her path of Beast Taming was the complete opposite of her own.

Lian Xing treated her own experience and knowledge as absolute truth, forging the strongest Pet Beasts based on the fundamentals of Beast evolution, remaining undefeated.

Undoubtedly, she was blessed with extraordinary miracles…

Sorrowful Saintess, on the other hand, simply focused on producing offspring.

If she encountered an unbeatable enemy, her Pet Beasts would evolve on their own.

What, they wouldn’t evolve?

Then she had plenty of other Pet Beasts eager to!

She let her Pet Beasts’ instincts guide her, viewing everything else as insignificant dust, like a clear spring or gentle rain, letting nature take its course.

Suddenly, Sorrowful Saintess asked curiously, “By the way, old lady, you mentioned the Eight Emperor Tears of the Sea Soul World. The Moon Soul World has Twelve Moons. Does that mean they’re stronger than the Sea Soul World…?”

“…”

“…”

“Heh, you’ll understand eventually,” the water elemental replied with a cryptic chuckle, dodging the question.

While her mother-in-law was distracted, Sorrowful Saintess rolled her eyes like a slot machine, finally settling on a blank stare devoid of focus or irises.

Other humans could roll their eyes easily, like pressing a key on a keyboard.

But for her, selecting a blank stare from hundreds of patterns was like using the mouse wheel to switch weapons in a first-person shooter: difficult and slightly clumsy.

***

Under the countless gazes, time passed.

Several days later, the other four participants reached their limits.

They stood before the final stretch of the staircase, enduring the solidified pressure of the blank True Spirit, crawling forward at a snail’s pace.

Besides Lian Xing, Star Goddess was decisively in the lead.

Ice Queen and Tai Yin followed closely, neck and neck.

Only Nether Concubine trailed behind, seemingly resigned to her fate.

Finally, the first round concluded.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!!!”

Four flashes of light.

When Star Goddess and the others opened their eyes, they stood on the final platform, alongside the golden-haired girl, who sat leisurely, eating snacks and drinking.

Lian Xing, startled, straightened up, abandoning her casual posture and feigning seriousness.

Unbeknownst to her, her reclining position over the past few days had been broadcast to trillions of viewers, revealing even the delicate curves of her thighs above her knee-high stockings.

While this level of exposure was insignificant to true exhibitionists and professionals, Lian Xing’s status amplified every action.

Even the shape of her slender hand exposed beyond her sleeve was enough to make hearts race and noses bleed.

This meager fan service was enough to make many impressionable young girls swoon.

Now, even Silver Dragon, Lian Xing’s first romantic partner, felt a strange excitement. She had bathed with Lian Xing before, but it paled in comparison to this feeling.

Indeed, the title of “Strongest Beast Tamer” made even a dog feel aroused…

It evoked the image of the world’s strongest woman bowing before her, wagging her tail in submission.

The mere thought made their scalps tingle with pleasure.

Of course, fantasies were just fantasies.

They were self-aware.

Since ancient times, only Married Pet Beasts could accompany a Beast Tamer to the end of their evolutionary journey and their life.

Human relationships were merely fleeting diversions.

Back to the main topic.

As the timer ended, the other competitors materialized one after another.

Seeing this, the golden-bunned girl in white stockings adopted a serious posture, as if she held her opponents in high regard…

Yet, she hadn’t even wiped the snack crumbs from her lips.

The first round of the Lunar Divine Festival didn’t provide specific rankings.

However, the True Spirit had likely witnessed every participant’s performance.

In both progress and actions, Lian Xing’s dazzling performance was overwhelmingly first, an unprecedented, unmatched display.

Based on the first round alone, her victory seemed assured.

But…

The others hadn’t given up.

This was just the first round; three more remained.

Especially the third round, the fertility test, a nightmare for all Shining Species Beast Tamers!

If nothing unexpected happened, the currently triumphant Lian Xing would likely face an unprecedented Waterloo in the third round…

Seconds later, under everyone’s watchful eyes, the blank True Spirit blocking the entrance dissipated like a gentle breeze, vanishing without a trace.

The second round was about to begin…

Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, Tai Yin, and even the dazzling Star Concubine Lian Xing held their breath, their expressions turning serious.

The second round, the Aptitude Test…

The term “aptitude” seemed similar to “talent.”

However, according to the previous rules, the Talent Test assessed their abilities as Beast Tamers, while the Aptitude Test assessed their resistance to True Spirit corruption.

Likely another True Spirit-related test?

The specific rules were unknown, not only to Lian Xing and the other Beast Tamers but even to Tai Yin, a previous participant.

After all, each Lunar Divine Festival was different.

After a tense silence of several seconds, the Lunar Divine Festival arena changed once more.

“…”

“…”

“Whoosh—”

First, the starry staircase connecting the meteorite platforms collapsed and vanished.

Then, cryptic rules materialized as lines of text, like bubbles in water, appearing in the minds of all participants and spectators.

Gradually, with the flow of invisible Pet Essence, the text became clear.

And in that instant, upon seeing these words, a strange atmosphere descended upon the Moon Soul World.

Simultaneously, the same chilling silence gripped the beings of Star Soul World, Flame Soul World, and other subordinate regions.

The world fell silent, like an empty, lifeless realm.

Trillions of beings watched, their expressions grim.

The very first sentence made Tai Yin’s pupils constrict, a chilling shiver running down her spine.

“…”

“…”

[Eyes that make the heavens weep, a single tear turns myriad worlds into a vast ocean.]

[Eight True Spirits reside in the Sea Soul World, named the Eight Emperor Tears, high and mighty, viewing all beings as insignificant dust and ants, seeking to unite all evolutionary systems under a single banner.]

[The second round of the Lunar Divine Festival, Aptitude, tests your resistance to the corruption of a True Spirit’s dimensional descent.]

[After an hour’s rest, you will be randomly transported to a subordinate Soul World of the Sea Soul World. Find a way to resist and decipher the True Spirit’s corruption, adapting to the Sea Soul World’s evolutionary system.]

[Time limit: one month. Good luck.]

Chapter 224: Sea Soul World, Eight Emperor Tears! p1

“Let’s go, to the finish line…”

Under the watchful gaze of countless spectators, the golden-bunned girl on the seventh meteorite platform of the Lunar Divine Festival spoke calmly. Though the unobservable, blank True Spirit stood before her, its overwhelming pressure like a black hole bearing down on her, Lian Xing felt no fear or panic.

Strangely, after witnessing the True Spirit, she felt indifferent, even experiencing a sense of déjà vu.

Where had she seen a True Spirit before…?

Honestly, Lian Xing couldn’t recall.

Regardless, she had to surpass every Beast Tamer here!

Unlike Star Goddess, she didn’t crave the realm of a True Spirit. She cared little for the victor’s reward. She had no regrets in life, no yearning for immortality.

But… the desire to defeat all Beast Tamers and make her Pet Beasts the strongest was the fundamental belief driving her on this path… This underlying motivation, hidden within most Beast Tamers, was the reason she stood here now!

“…”

“…”

“Thud!!”

As Lian Xing spoke, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit perched on her left bun jumped down, its soft ears rotating like helicopter blades as it landed.

Lian Xing, stepping on White Silk Weaver Girl’s tongue, bent down and gently stroked the Ancient Rabbit’s head.

They were about to depart for the finish line, but seemingly without the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit.

The Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s expression remained unchanged, instead scratching its ear with a dazed look.

As countless spectators watched with apprehension, Lian Xing, leaving the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit behind, commanded Mist Colt into a sprinting stance.

Green smoke billowed from its rear, like the roar of an engine, forming two illusory, scaled horns. Translucent green crystals covered the sharp tips, like armor.

Before Mist Colt even moved, the other four participants, sensing its intent, instinctively moved aside.

Then—

“Whoosh—!!!!”

A tempest of green energy surged outwards.

Propelled by this terrifying force, Mist Colt’s emerald horns lowered, aligning perfectly with the staircase.

The next second, the scene before the spectators vanished.

“BOOM!!!!!”

A deafening roar shattered the eardrums.

The entire starry sky was cleaved by a bolt of lightning.

Mist Colt’s green horns, wreathed in arcing lightning and fiery clouds, shattered the trillions of miles of staircase, creating a chain of sonic booms as it arrived on the eleventh platform with blinding speed.

The smoke cleared, revealing a trail of shattered steps.

Seconds later, as everyone’s vision returned, the other participants stared dumbfounded at Mist Colt’s landing point.

It had traversed four meteorite platforms, from the seventh step to the eleventh, in less than an instant!

The lingering green smoke faintly outlined the colossal horns.

Then, in the ensuing silence, the golden-bunned, starry-eyed girl emerged from the haze.

Lian Xing…

The strongest Beast Tamer of this era, stood before the Twelve Moons, the ancestral True Spirits!!!

Under the world’s gaze, the golden-bunned girl, across the final, longest stretch of the staircase, briefly locked eyes with the blank, higher-dimensional being blocking the entrance to the finish line.

For a moment, perhaps an illusion, Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and Tai Yin all sensed the blank elemental figure’s pupil dilate slightly.

Undoubtedly…

Lian Xing had entered the True Spirit’s line of sight!!!!

[Emperor-Tier—Viral—Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament]

Mist Colt had evolved from the Royal-Tier Cloud and Dream’s Promise to the Legendary Emperor-Tier Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament in less than half a month!!!

Though astonishing, even Lian Xing herself was slightly bewildered.

She felt like she hadn’t fulfilled certain conditions, like mastering bloodline combat skills or refining her own experience.

Yet, Mist Colt had evolved inexplicably, as if she’d used cheat codes.

Of course, she hadn’t.

Even if her account was mistakenly banned, it would be because her friend had borrowed it.

“…”

“…”

“This, this, this… if I remember correctly, I was competing against this Pet Beast just a year ago?”

“Is the time flow in the Moon Soul World different from ours?”

“It feels like I’ve missed millennia…” Moon Princess at the Beast Tamer Alliance headquarters muttered in disbelief.

She wasn’t alone. Every Beast Tamer who had competed against Lian Xing, even her former teammates, questioned reality.

A year ago, the High-Tier Mist Colt, Cloud Dream Calamity, had shocked the entire league. Before Calamity Sun, Star Sand, and Heaven-Gracing Curtain, Cloud Dream Calamity single-handedly dominated the 4v4 survival round, becoming Moon Rabbit Lian Xing’s signature.

And now…

Just a year later, Mist Colt had grown beyond their comprehension.

It stood before an unobservable being called a True Spirit in the Lunar Divine Festival, hosted by gods!!!!

Now, not even the Emperor-Tier overlords of the various level 2 regions within the Bubble Pet Beast World, nor even the six Guardians of the Moon Soul World, could perceive Mist Colt’s instantaneous speed.

As everyone’s worldview shattered, after a brief pause, the Emperor-Tier Mist Colt, Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament, erupted with another powerful burst of energy.

Undoubtedly, it intended to break through the blank True Spirit’s aura in one go!

To the other participants, this was suicidal.

Was it going to ram the True Spirit directly…?

How was that possible?

Mist Travel!!!!

“BOOM!!!!!”

A green ray pierced through the Lunar Divine Festival map.

As the Moon Soul World watched in disbelief, the purely Pet Essence-formed viral body tore through the starry sky, arriving before the blank elemental figure with overwhelming force.

For an instant, it was almost level with the immobilized Star Goddess.

However, just as Mist Colt and Lian Xing were about to pass the True Spirit, the brilliant light surrounding them dimmed, stopping at a distance similar to Sharp Edge Seven King Mother’s.

An invisible mountain of solidified pressure emanated from the blank True Spirit.

If even Sharp Edge Seven King Mother, the pinnacle of Shining Species, couldn’t cross it, then Mist Colt, even with its unparalleled speed among the seventy-two Legends, couldn’t break through this insurmountable barrier.

Its body and Pet Essence were instantly suppressed, its emerald horns and viral shield slowly dissolving.

“Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring!!!”

At the critical moment, the angelic halo above Lian Xing’s head shimmered, restoring Mist Colt to full health.

Though Mist Colt’s body began to disintegrate again within a second, as long as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring continued its frantic restoration, Mist Colt still had a chance.

Repeatedly shattering and reforming, Azure Sky Jade Soaring Firmament expelled explosive clouds of energy, attempting to brute-force its way through the blank True Spirit’s aura.

Ten seconds, thirty seconds, five minutes…

As everyone watched in silent awe, Mist Colt, exhaling scorching breath, stubbornly pushed forward against the True Spirit’s eroding aura, its body unmoving.

Though no longer as effortless as before, it was still several times further than Star Goddess.

Only a negligible hundred million miles remained between it and the blank True Spirit blocking the finish line.

Gradually, Lian Xing’s face paled from the constant use of Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring.

“As expected, is it truly impossible to reach a True Spirit…?”

“Even if Mist Colt breaks through to level ten thousand, it will still be stuck here.”

“This is the minimum distance between a True Spirit and a living being, separated by countless dimensions…”

Lian Xing began to realize that no one could pass the first round of the Lunar Divine Festival.

The Twelve Moons of the Moon Soul World, the True Spirits, had created an immense gap between the end of the Beast Taming path and their existence.

It was like reaching level 99 in an online game, only to discover twelve level one hundred million beings above you, with no monsters in between to bridge the gap. No matter how many level 99 monsters you defeated, you could never reach even a fraction of their level.

It fundamentally denied the possibility of humans surpassing True Spirits.

But was there truly no way to pass…?

Was there truly no Beast Tamer in this world who could reach the realm of a True Spirit?

Staring at the indomitable blank elemental figure, the starry patterns in Lian Xing’s eyes dimmed slightly.

Seconds later, a barely perceptible glint of malice and darkness flashed within her fading eyes.

[Starless Shackles]

“Whoosh!!!!”

Suddenly, a wave of golden sand swept across the starry sky, engulfing the entire world in a sandstorm.

Not only were the Guardians outside dumbfounded, but even Tai Yin, who had been waiting for a good show, was stunned.

After a few seconds, she shrieked in disbelief.

“Is this person crazy!!!!?”

“She’s attacking a True Spirit!!!!”

This was the Lunar Divine Festival, hosted by the Twelve Moons themselves.

Attacking a True Spirit was akin to directly challenging the organizers. Like slapping the referee during a boxing match!

How could this be allowed!?

It was too late for anyone to intervene.

Yet, Lian Xing’s expression remained unchanged.

If she wanted to breach the True Spirit’s aura, defense alone wouldn’t suffice.

If the True Spirit dared to stand in her way, she dared to attack!

Under everyone’s gaze, the swirling sand reached every corner of the starry sky.

An invisible shackle began to materialize around the blank elemental figure at the finish line.

Star Sand’s sealing ability was now confronting a True Spirit!!!!

Then—

“Crack”

With a crisp shattering sound, the pressure surrounding the blank elemental figure dissipated.

A golden, ring-shaped shackle bound it.

As Nether Concubine watched with anticipation, and Star Goddess, Tai Yin, and Ice Queen stared in disbelief, the True Spirit’s pressure vanished from the starry sky.

Time itself seemed to freeze.

How… how was this possible…?

A mere Emperor-Tier Star Sand had successfully sealed a True Spirit!?

Had the order and rules of this world collapsed?

A flicker of confusion appeared in the blank True Spirit’s eyes.

It looked towards the void, as if sensing a familiar, strange power.

And then…

At that very moment!!!

Though Lian Xing herself doubted her success, she didn’t hesitate. The instant the blank True Spirit turned its head—

“Rabbit!!!!”

“BOOM!!!!!”

With Lian Xing’s cry, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit on the seventh platform exploded, like a drawn sword, pulverizing the meteorite beneath its feet and transforming into a blazing white comet, hurtling forward.

[Moon Chase!!!!]

Along its path, the other participants were sent reeling by the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s explosive aura.

This was why Lian Xing had left the Ancient Rabbit on the seventh step!

The further the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit traveled with Moon Chase, the greater the impact and momentum.

Using the previous steps as a runway amplified its final collision to terrifying levels.

Keeping it by her side would have limited its power.

“Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!!!!”

A shockwave comparable to a cosmic explosion erupted within the Lunar Divine Festival arena.

As the audience watched in awe, the white-haired rabbit girl with a giant tail charged forward relentlessly during her jump.

Like a heavily armored tank, her body shattered every step in her path, pulverizing meteorites and stars alike.

Without hesitation, she smashed all obstacles into dust, her power absolute.

Finally, she shattered the remnants of the blank True Spirit’s aura, which hadn’t yet reformed after Star Sand’s seal was broken, scattering it into nothingness.

Then, with a sliding kick, she bypassed the True Spirit, leaving a long trail of fire as she landed on the twelfth platform, the finish line.

“…”

“…”

“Hooo~~~”

In the ensuing silence, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit exhaled a scorching breath, its crimson, paw-marked eyes slowly lifting, as if glaring at the audience watching through the projections.

A chilling silence fell over the Moon Soul World.

Only then did the blank True Spirit react, turning its head to look at the Moonlight Rabbit with bewilderment.

The other participants were utterly stunned.

What monster was this!?

It had shattered a True Spirit’s aura?

How was that possible!?

And Star Sand, momentarily sealing a True Spirit’s ability… none of this made sense!

Wait, was the True Spirit holding back?

Was Lian Xing the predetermined victor?

Though absurd, this was a billion times more plausible than Lian Xing’s Pet Beasts genuinely overpowering a True Spirit.

Under everyone’s gaze, after a few seconds of silence, the blank elemental figure offered no further resistance, allowing Mist Colt to carry Lian Xing past it and onto the finish line.

The first round of the Lunar Divine Festival.

Star Concubine Lian Xing, victorious!

Perhaps most of the audience didn’t grasp the significance of this event.

But Tai Yin and the others, who had participated in a previous Lunar Divine Festival, and the Guardians outside, were completely dumbfounded.

Even Moonwalker, one of Lian Xing’s Married Pet Beasts, was stunned.

She never expected Lian Xing to pass this seemingly impossible first round.

Reaching and crossing a True Spirit’s aura meant…

Lian Xing now possessed the potential to defeat a True Spirit!!!

Lian Xing wasn’t even eighteen yet!

This was beyond absurd…

Under Yaochi’s, the Sixth Guardian’s, bewildered gaze, Moonwalker puffed out her chest slightly and coughed.

As Lian Xing reached the finish line, the blank True Spirit released its pressure again, blocking Star Goddess and the others.

But now, they had no desire to continue.

Every being in the Moon Soul World, including its subordinate Soul Worlds, focused on the radiant golden-haired girl.

Tai Yin, along with Lotus Concubine Tai Sui and Dao Yao within her, also stared at Lian Xing’s graceful figure, falling silent.

After a long while, Tai Yin sighed.

It seemed she had been utterly defeated.

Nether Concubine and Qianqiu’s simulations must have been wrong…

With this naive thought, Tai Yin turned to Nether Concubine.

“…”

“…”

“?”

Seeing Nether Concubine’s impassive face, a large question mark appeared above Tai Yin’s head.

What was going on? Didn’t Nether Concubine seem surprised at all?

This outcome couldn’t possibly align with her simulations…

However…

As if noticing Tai Yin’s gaze, the black-haired woman with the queenly hairstyle turned and smiled.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Tai Yin asked, “Nether Concubine, did Qianqiu not foresee this outcome?”

“I did. What’s wrong?” Qianqiu, within Nether Concubine, replied with a bewildered tone.

Tai Yin’s expression became even more strained.

“But if you foresaw it, why are you so calm? Don’t you intend to compete for the championship?”

“Indeed, we never intended to. I simulated our defeat long ago. I’m simply accompanying my master on a stroll, walking this final path with her~~~”

As Qianqiu spoke, Nether Concubine gently stroked the purple butterfly in her arms, her beautiful face gentle as water.

Tai Yin nearly spat out blood.

Damn it! Nether Concubine’s composure wasn’t from confidence, but from accepting defeat and choosing to coast!

And she had been fooled by their act, accompanying them on this stroll, playing the perfect foil.

Tai Yin felt a surge of anger, exacerbated by Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s constant complaints within her. She wanted to retort, “If you’re so capable, why don’t you do it yourself?”

Just then, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui glanced at the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit at the finish line with a complex expression.

Then, she warned gravely, “Tai Yin…”

“What?”

“In the final round, be wary of that monster. She attacks with full force, giving no opportunity for recovery.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful…” Tai Yin nodded solemnly.

Undoubtedly, in this Lunar Divine Festival, the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit and Sharp Edge Seven King Mother were the two strongest individual combatants, second only to the Twelve Moons.

Below the True Spirits, they were practically invincible…

Chapter 223: Sorrowful Saintess

“Crescent Frost Flower, can you share the images in your mind?”

Within the endless snowy plains of the Ice Soul World, the blue-haired woman with eight descending teardrops and a mermaid tail asked curiously.

After all, in her thirty-plus years of life, and with four children, she had never witnessed the True Spirit World.

Crescent Frost Flower, her Pet Beast, naturally obliged, sharing the images within its mind.

Instantly, a vast starry sky and a meteorite staircase appeared before the blue-haired woman. She could clearly see five graceful figures competing in a race.

Nether Concubine, Star Goddess, Ice Queen, Tai Yin, and… Lian Xing, the golden-haired woman trailing behind.

“That golden-haired woman possesses such a powerful life aura… Is this a Beast Tamer from the True Spirit World?”

“And this map, I can sense its potent corruption. Just looking at it makes my own Beast Taming system feel distorted…” the blue-haired mermaid woman said with a serious and solemn tone.

The golden-haired woman she referred to was the one with brilliant golden hair, starry eyes, and a beautiful, aloof demeanor. Flawless, dreamlike, like a constellation.

Yes, it was the renowned—

Star Goddess!!!

The aura of Sharp Edge Seven King Mother, one of the Shining Bipoles, was beyond the blue-haired woman’s comprehension. Even the Heaven Devouring Flower King they had defeated in the Cloud Soul World half a year ago seemed like insignificant dust compared to Sharp Edge Seven King Mother.

However, a feminine figure formed of water materialized behind the blue-haired woman, scoffing at her exaggerated words.

“Heh, it’s the Lunar Divine Festival. No wonder the time flow is synchronized.”

“But my dear, you’re overreacting. Beast Tamers from the True Spirit World are nothing special. Even if their True Spirits came to the Sea Soul World, they’d be suppressed to the point where I could slap them silly~~~”

“BOOM!!!”

Just as the graceful, blue water elemental finished speaking, the Legend-evolved Mist Colt, carrying the golden-bunned girl, stepped onto the fourth meteorite platform with earth-shattering momentum.

The sheer force of their initial burst nearly shattered the world constructed by the True Spirit.

Witnessing this awe-inspiring scene, the blue-haired woman looked at the water elemental with confusion.

Wasn’t this powerful enough…?

The water elemental coughed awkwardly.

“Uh, well, True Spirit World Beast Tamers aren’t a big deal, but those participating in the Lunar Divine Festival are the pinnacle of Beast Tamers. Naturally, they pose some threat~~~”

“But just enjoy the show. Don’t delve too deeply into their evolution system. We beings of the Sea Soul World have our own path, no less inferior than theirs~~~”

“Besides, Sorrowful Saintess, you’re one of the eight Saintess candidates of the Sea Soul World. Now that we’re free from the Divine Ruins’ suppression, in a few years, all these Lunar Divine Festival participants combined won’t be a match for you~~~”

***

Meanwhile, with the unexpected addition of new viewers, almost the entire Moon Soul World was stunned by Mist Colt’s evolution.

To rush from the latter half of the second step to the fourth platform in one go… what was this…?

Setting aside the increasing pressure of the True Spirit, the distance alone was equivalent to the length of three Droughts!

While everyone was still reeling, after a fifteen-second pause, the Legendary Mist Colt, Jade Soaring Firmament, erupted once more with explosive mist from its horn.

“BOOM!!!!!”

The next second, another resounding boom.

When the shimmering golden-haired girl reappeared, she stood firmly on the fifth platform.

Seeing this, Star Goddess frowned, unleashing the full force of her Shining Species’ aura.

With a flash of sword light—

“Whoosh!!!!!”

A golden flying sword, trailing explosive energy, lifted Star Goddess into the air. In an instant, she surpassed Ice Queen and Nether Concubine, arriving at the second platform.

Logically, they should have conserved their Pet Beasts’ full power for the later stages, where the True Spirit’s pressure was strongest.

But Lian Xing’s bizarre actions had forced their hand.

While theoretically, this was a competition of distance, what if Lian Xing maintained this speed and reached the finish line directly?

Wouldn’t they be utterly defeated?!

The moment Mist Colt began its mad dash, the nature of the competition changed. It was no longer about who had more hidden cards, but about who could endure the True Spirit’s pressure and reach the end.

Seeing Star Goddess and Lian Xing’s frantic rush, Ice Queen also released Cold Moon’s aura.

Chains of ice pulled her forward, accelerating her ascent. While far slower than Seven King Mother, with White Abode negating much of the initial pressure, she faced the least resistance.

Only Nether Concubine remained motionless.

After a brief simulation with Qianqiu, she remained calm, seemingly anticipating the outcome.

Meanwhile, Tai Yin, the silver-haired woman trailing at the back, wore a mocking smile.

“Trying to brute-force their way through the True Spirit’s pressure? They must be dreaming…?”

“No one can force their way past the twelfth step. Conserving energy is paramount~~~”

Moreover, judging by Nether Concubine’s calm demeanor after using Qianqiu’s simulations, it was clear which strategy was correct.

Under everyone’s gaze, Jade Soaring Firmament initiated its third acceleration.

“BOOM!!!”

“BOOM!!!!!”

Two consecutive bursts of acceleration.

Before the third even ended, a fourth burst followed seamlessly.

This double explosion propelled Lian Xing’s speed into a new dimension, beyond time and comprehension.

The trailing cloud of vapor stretched for billions of miles.

In an instant, when the golden-haired girl with twin buns opened her eyes, she stood firmly on the seventh platform.

Silence fell over the Moon Soul World.

Everyone, whether they knew Lian Xing or not, was dumbfounded.

Unfortunately, after two seamless accelerations, Mist Travel entered a temporary outage.

The surrounding Pet Essence condensed into sharp blades.

The True Spirit’s pressure on the seventh step was hundreds of times stronger than on the second.

The difficulty had increased exponentially, like going from faintly sensing a True Spirit’s aura to inhaling its fragrance up close.

Within Mist Colt’s viral shield, Lian Xing barely managed to stand, unable to take another step.

Seeing Lian Xing stalled, Star Goddess and Ice Queen, in hot pursuit, breathed a sigh of relief.

Reaching the seventh step in one go…?

Fortunately, it was still manageable.

Alarming, but ultimately, only the seventh step!

After pondering for a moment on the seventh platform, Lian Xing continued circulating the seventh step’s Pet Essence through Jade Soaring Firmament, the Monarch-Tier Legendary Mist Colt.

Jade Soaring Firmament’s Legendary strength wasn’t limited to speed; its defense was also top-notch. While not as potent as White Abode’s death-prevention ability, its advantage lay in its incredible mobility as a personal shield, not a cumbersome shell.

Once Jade Soaring Firmament reached Emperor-Tier, its Legendary rarity would soar to new heights.

Therefore, Lian Xing wasn’t in a hurry.

She planned to use the seventh step’s True Spirit pressure to further temper and refine Mist Colt, attempting a breakthrough to Emperor-Tier right here.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the golden-haired girl sat down, crossing her silk-clad legs, and closed her eyes to rest under the True Spirit’s observation.

Everyone, please turn off the lights for Lian Xing; she’s going to sleep…

Seeing this bizarre scene, Star Goddess, still in pursuit, remained expressionless.

Riding her silver, cascading flying sword, she shot forward like a comet, blasting through the seemingly insurmountable steps from the third platform with overwhelming force.

Even at Seven King Mother’s full speed, it took her two minutes to reach the seventh step, nearly a hundred times longer than Mist Colt.

But she didn’t stop…

Upon reaching the seventh step, the increased pressure had no effect on Star Goddess!

She had faced the Eleventh Zodiac directly; this meager pressure was nothing.

Without hesitation, she passed Lian Xing and continued charging towards the eighth step, her indomitable spirit stunning all who watched.

This was Star Goddess…

Unlike the seemingly unambitious Lian Xing, her resolve had been set from the beginning.

She wouldn’t just win the Lunar Divine Festival; she would become the thirteenth Moon of the Moon Soul World!

She would become a True Spirit, and then—

Reverse the past, mend her regrets!

From the start, her opponents weren’t the other Beast Tamers, but the unattainable, lofty gods at the finish line!

Gradually, watching Star Goddess’s unwavering figure, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and Tai Yin stopped, their gazes fixed on the brilliantly shining golden-haired woman.

It was as if they were witnessing her final destiny.

There was no point in chasing now.

They might as well enjoy the show.

If Star Goddess reached the finish line like this, she would become an unprecedented, dazzling figure in the history of the Lunar Divine Festival, transcending the comprehension of all beings in the Moon Soul World.

Eighth step.

Ninth step.

Sweat beaded on Star Goddess’s forehead.

Her silver flying sword began to crack.

Just as she neared her limit, a miraculous light erupted from her.

“Whoosh—!!!”

With an explosive roar, six more flying swords of various shapes burst forth, accompanying her flight.

The six swords cleaved through the True Spirit’s pressure and aura, allowing her to traverse the distance almost unimpeded.

Tenth step…

Eleventh step…

Under everyone’s anxious gaze, upon reaching the eleventh step, Star Goddess finally slowed, almost coming to a complete stop.

This wasn’t intentional; the surrounding True Spirit aura had solidified into a dense, gelatinous pressure, like a gateway to another dimension.

All of Star Goddess’s Pet Essence was compressed to its limit.

She looked up, her starry eyes contracting sharply as she stared in disbelief at the illusory figure at the finish line.

So close to the end…

Why was this happening…?

A “True Spirit” blocked the gateway.

It was a blank, ethereal, humanoid elemental figure. Unlike Snow Flower’s pure white, this being was colorless, hence the term “blank.”

It lacked any color on a biological level, but to living beings, it was perceived as “white” because its concept was emptiness.

This was the last of the Twelve Moons.

She had achieved True Spirit status later than the Eleventh Zodiac, but she had erased all traces of her existence, creating a vast void in the Moon Soul World’s spacetime.

Now, this True Spirit stood before the finish line.

Anyone attempting to pass had to face her directly.

“It seems this is as far as I can go…?”

“…”

“…”

The instant she saw the True Spirit, Sharp Edge Seven King Mother’s seven flying swords shattered.

Star Goddess smiled bitterly, the starry markings in her eyes dimming.

As expected, no one could reach the end…

***

“Heh…”

Meanwhile, at the back, First Emperor, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, within Tai Yin, scoffed.

She wasn’t mocking Star Goddess, but expressing disdain for the blank True Spirit.

A mere Fallen Species had become one of the Twelve Moons of the Moon Soul World, a disgrace to all its inhabitants.

The Four Great Calamities had merely disrupted the environment and reduced the population.

But what had this one done?

Upon becoming a True Spirit, to erase all traces of her existence, she had turned millions of years of the Moon Soul World into a blank slate, causing many Emperor Pet Beasts to awaken to a world utterly transformed.

Compared to this most disgusting of Fallen Species, Storm was practically a virtuous woman…

But Dao Yao, Tai Yin, and Lotus Concubine Tai Sui remembered her well.

They were the participants in the Eleventh Zodiac’s Lunar Divine Festival. She could erase everything, but not the Eleventh Zodiac’s existence…

As if sensing Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s hostility, the blank True Spirit’s lips curved into a subtle smile.

Ten days passed as everyone continued their ascent.

Under the constant scrutiny of the True Spirit, Star Goddess was drenched in sweat, pale and exhausted, yet she persisted, taking a difficult step every few hours.

Ice Queen followed, reaching the eleventh step, trailing Star Goddess by tens of thousands of meters. Even with White Abode’s protection, it was arduous.

Tai Yin and Nether Concubine slowly reached the ninth step.

Beyond the eleventh step, the True Spirit treated everyone equally.

Now, the competition wasn’t about speed or skill, but about endurance and resilience, about who could progress further under the True Spirit’s gaze.

The audience couldn’t see the True Spirit.

They only saw the participants struggling on the eleventh step, barely able to move.

And then…

Lian Xing, who had remained on the seventh step for ten days, finally stood up.

She calmly examined her lineup panel and then glanced at the blank, higher-dimensional being at the finish line.

Its presence was like a blank sheet of paper, devoid of anything, yet eerily terrifying, as if a single glance could erase one’s existence.

This was the first time Lian Xing had seen a True Spirit.

Yet, for some reason, she felt strangely calm.

After a few seconds of silence, she sighed softly and spoke in a flat tone.

“Let’s go, to the finish line…”

Chapter 222: Legendary Mist Colt!!!!

All those qualified to participate in the Lunar Divine Festival were Beast Tamers who had reached the pinnacle in ancient times.

While they only displayed a few Pet Beasts outwardly, their others hadn’t vanished, but simply faded from public knowledge over millennia.

For example, millions of years later, Lian Xing’s legacy might be remembered for her Shining, Ancient, and Fallen Species, and her numerous Legendary Pet Beasts, but not her entire lineup. Listing it all would be too absurd…

Therefore, despite being thoroughly disgusted by Star Sand on the first step, everyone displayed their unique abilities when faced with the more terrifying True Spirit aura, ascending without much hesitation.

Of course, this was just the beginning.

The further up the staircase, the denser the True Spirit’s aura became.

By the time they faced the True Spirit directly, it was uncertain how many would remain standing.

Meanwhile, many spectators watched with apprehension as Lian Xing’s progress resembled a snail’s crawl compared to Nether Concubine and Ice Queen. She had to stop every few steps for Mist Colt to expel the accumulated pressure.

After all, Mist Colt was still a Royal-Tier newborn, tens of thousands of times weaker than a high-ranking Legendary Emperor like White Abode.

After some time, Tai Yin and Star Goddess caught up, easily overtaking Lian Xing.

Setting aside Tai Yin, who frequently interacted with True Spirits, Star Goddess had battled the True Spirit-level Eleventh Zodiac. She wouldn’t be fazed by this minuscule, illusory pressure.

“…”

“…”

“Hoooo~~~”

After Mist Colt once again expelled the pressure and congestion as steam, Lian Xing unhurriedly crawled forward a few steps.

This wasn’t a race about reincarnation speed, but about who could climb higher and further.

She only needed to advance at her own pace.

After several hours, under the constant influx of the True Spirit’s aura, Mist Colt’s level and realm became indistinct.

Its capacity for the aura increased severalfold.

It was as if the repeated expansion and contraction had forcibly stretched the capacity of its viral shield.

“Not good, is its realm about to break through?” Lian Xing frowned slightly.

Having met the conditions for multiple evolutionary paths, Mist Colt showed signs of forcibly breaking through to Monarch-Tier.

While a direct breakthrough would result in a decent Monarch-Tier combatant, it wouldn’t suffice for the later stages of the Lunar Divine Festival.

After pondering, Lian Xing snapped her fingers.

“Snap!”

With Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring, Mist Colt’s state was instantly reset to its initial condition.

Its blurring realm cleared once more.

Yes, she would use this method to repeatedly refine Mist Colt’s proficiency… Lian Xing thought with satisfaction.

Preventing her Pet Beast’s evolution; she was probably the first to do so.

Back in the Cloud Mist Sea Palace during the Married Pet Beast battle, she herself had been repeatedly reset by Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring, inexplicably remaining untouched, as if nothing had happened.

However…

While Lian Xing amused herself, her progress slowed further.

Her supporters grew anxious.

Within the Bubble Pet Beast World, at the Beast Tamer Alliance, both the original inhabitants of White Moon Continent and the Earth players worried about Lian Xing’s progress.

Somehow, Lian Xing seemed to be struggling!?

The other participants, however, appeared relatively at ease.

Was her short career truly insufficient to compete with these ancient Beast Tamers…?

There were no comments or discussions during the Lunar Divine Festival broadcast, so everyone could only watch anxiously in silence.

This was especially true for the second wave of Earth transmigrators.

Having never witnessed Lian Xing in action, they mistakenly believed she was the weakest.

The students of Youlan Academy in White Moon Continent felt similarly.

The last time they saw Lian Xing fight was during the All-Pet Beast Tournament. While Drunken Glaze Eight-Star Bewitching Moon and Nether Leaf Dark King’s Court had put on a dazzling display, their current opponents weren’t Tear Heavenly Maiden, but the strongest Beast Tamers of millennia. Could Lian Xing truly stand out among them?

It had only been a year since Lian Xing left Youlan Academy!!!

Even the second White Moon Continent League had ended just a month ago…

Meanwhile, Lian Xing’s harem of potential suitors, including Silver Dragon, remained calm, perhaps accustomed to her peculiar behavior.

Even Star Goddess was using her Shining Species’ aura to resist, yet Lian Xing hadn’t even bothered to activate Shining Moonlight Rabbit’s aura. Clearly, she was plotting something.

Perhaps she was feigning weakness, secretly scheming…

***

Three days passed quickly.

Star Goddess and the others showed signs of fatigue on the second staircase.

Fortunately, they were nearing the end of the second section.

Only Lian Xing remained in the latter half, still engrossed in her game, repeatedly resetting Mist Colt with Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring, returning its shield capacity to zero.

Effectively, Mist Colt hadn’t received any enhancements.

However, there was one crucial difference…

A body tempered by a True Spirit’s aura wouldn’t forget that experience easily.

Even with its state completely reset, the memory remained, etched eternally.

The first change began with its Life Crystal.

Deep within Mist Colt, the surface of its jade-green, translucent Life Crystal began to shift, transforming from an irregular shape into a perfect cube.

Then, under everyone’s gaze, Mist Colt ceased expelling mist to resist the pressure.

Atop its viral shield, its two thick, dreamlike antlers dissolved, replaced by intricate, swirling patterns of cubic particles that enveloped Lian Xing.

Geometric viral blocks surrounded her, forming an impenetrable barrier, their fragmented, abstract forms swirling around her, their surfaces covered in striking scales.

Noticing this strange phenomenon, Tai Yin on the staircase, Dao Yao within her, White Abode and Cold Moon within Ice Queen, Inverse Time within Star Goddess, the various Guardians outside, and all seventy-two Legends, stared in disbelief.

Was this…

The birth of a Legend!?

“…”

“…”

“How is it?” Lian Xing asked the Divine Machine, currently residing within Mist Colt.

After a long silence, the Divine Machine displayed a list.

[(Day and Night), one of the original seventy-two Legends, has been removed. Legendary traits retained, but reincarnation eligibility and uniqueness revoked. Future Beast Tamers may awaken with a companion Pet Beast of the same lineage as (Day and Night).]

[Mist Colt replaces (Day and Night) as one of the seventy-two Legends, gaining Legendary traits and reincarnation eligibility. From now on, no Beast Tamer can awaken with Mist Colt as a companion Pet Beast.]

[Awakened form altered.]

[Arcane Art potency enhanced by Legendary status.]

[Innate talents gain Legendary traits.]

“…”

“…”

“Whoosh—!!!!”

Seconds later, a dreamy green aura exploded outwards.

A colossal, iridescent, emerald-green horn, covered in scale-like patterns, sprouted from the top of the cubic viral shield, extending hundreds of kilometers, its proportions wildly disproportionate.

But, it looked…

Incredibly fast?

Within Lian Xing, the Divine Machine, Death Sentence, Snow Flower, Star Sand, and Replay all sensed a kindred spirit.

Mist Colt, Legendary Evolution!!!

[Monarch-Tier · Viral · Jade Soaring Firmament (Mist Colt)]

Tempered and compressed by the True Spirit’s aura, Mist Colt had finally taken this step, becoming one of the seventy-two Legends!!!

Although currently an incomplete Monarch-Tier form, it was likely the only Legend born through transformation by a True Spirit’s aura!!!

Therefore…

Both the Divine Machine and Lian Xing understood.

Having just ascended to Legend, Mist Colt was already a high-ranking Legend, even surpassing Returning Dust and Star Sand in rank.

Under everyone’s stunned gazes, the golden-haired girl within the green viral shield issued a command.

“Whoosh—!!!!”

A raging, green, flame-like cloud erupted from the tip of Jade Soaring Firmament’s massive horn, swirling around the scale patterns and billowing outwards, the smoke trailing behind it exploding.

The starry staircase blurred amidst the fiery cloud.

“Boom!!!!!”

A deafening roar echoed as the girl and the horn vanished.

The explosive shockwave extended from the latter half of the second step to the fourth, engulfing all the participants, including Tai Yin, in its fiery wake. Even the vast starry sky trembled from the impact.

Moments later, as everyone’s vision cleared, the smoke dissipated.

The golden-haired, starry-eyed girl with twin buns stood on the fourth step, looking back at her dumbfounded competitors.

……

……

Silence descended.

Utter shock gripped everyone.

What speed was that…?

If measured using the longest Pet Beast, the Fallen Species and former Great Calamity known as Drought, Mist Colt had traversed the distance of three Droughts in a single second!!!

[Legendary Talent · Mist Travel]

Grants an additional instance of extreme acceleration.

After extreme acceleration, a temporary power outage occurs.

The more accelerations used, the shorter the outage duration.

After three consecutive outages, the fourth acceleration incurs no outage and resets the cooldown.

Even as a Legend, Mist Colt possessed no offensive abilities, but instead, an unparalleled speed.

Now, not even Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s signature ability, [Moon Chase], could compare.

Moon Chase allowed instantaneous jumps to any location.

However, “instantaneous” was still a unit of time.

At least, during Mist Colt’s sprint, Moon Chase couldn’t keep up.

***

Meanwhile, in the Ice Soul World.

The Ice Soul World was a mid-sized Soul World subordinate to the True Spirit World, Sea Soul, and a sister world to Sea Soul’s ally, the Snow Soul World.

Located within a vast, snowy landscape, a woman in a bathrobe with twin blue ponytails stopped abruptly.

Her eyes were composed of teardrops, resembling Tear Heavenly Maiden.

However, she had three distinct blue teardrops beneath each eye, as if perpetually crying.

Her twin tails weren’t hair, but two fleshy, moving mermaid tails.

She wore a transparent, steamy bathrobe because her tails constantly sprayed water, soaking any clothing she wore.

After a moment of silence, she looked inwards thoughtfully.

“What’s wrong, Crescent Frost Flower…?”

“…”

“…”

[My homeland, the Moon Soul World’s time flow has synchronized.]

[Why didn’t I notice in the Cloud Soul World?]

[Now, upon arriving in the Ice Soul World, I immediately sensed something amiss!!!]

[Moreover, the events unfolding in the Moon Soul World were forcibly projected into my mind!!!!]

As the Pet Beast, Crescent Frost Flower, spoke in alarm, the blue-haired woman blinked in surprise.

Moon Soul World…?

The time flow of the legendary True Spirit World had synchronized?

While Crescent Frost Flower couldn’t understand, the blue-haired woman had a hunch.

Perhaps because the Cloud Soul World and Water Soul World were Divine Ruins, they remained unaffected by other True Spirit systems.

However, the Ice Soul World was different.

Crescent Frost Flower, despite being tens of thousands of miles away, had been forcibly influenced by the presence in the Moon Soul World.

“Crescent Frost Flower, can you share the images in your mind?” the blue-haired woman asked curiously, touching her mermaid tails.

Chapter 221: Lian Xing’s True Spirit

“BOOM!!!”

Golden light and yellow sand exploded, the deafening shockwave rippling to the very edges of the starry sky.

With the first meteorite platform as the epicenter, a radiant golden domain instantly enveloped everyone present, illuminating the entire world and dissolving all the stars except the staircase into scattering dust.

Every spectator stared, dumbfounded, their hearts trembling uncontrollably.

Ground, planets, Pet Essence, pebbles – everything within view was swept away by the sandstorm, transforming into golden motes rising into the air.

Simultaneously, the Pet Beast panels of Star Goddess, Nether Concubine(Nether Traveler), Ice Queen, and Tai Yin, Lian Xing’s four competitors, dimmed.

As long as they remained within the bounds of the Pet Beast World, their skills and talents couldn’t escape this effect!!!

Inverse Time felt particularly aggrieved.

She had been so careful…

She wasn’t stupid; she’d naturally taken precautions against the pre-Legend strength of each competitor, wary of being used as a stepping stone.

Yet, this momentary lapse was seized upon by Lian Xing. The instant she realized Star Sand’s life stage had regressed too far, Lian Xing used Replay to lock Star Sand in that state!!!

[Emperor-Tier Star Sand · Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown!!!!]

Level – 10870!!!!

As a golden, feminine figure gradually emerged from the golden sandstorm, all the Seven Heavens members within the Bubble Pet Beast World were ecstatic.

The Huang Li within Silver Dragon was particularly agitated, emitting sharp cries.

Even Calamity Sun within Lian Xing narrowed its eyes, recalling unpleasant memories.

In her past life, she had almost conquered the entire Bubble Pet Beast World, only to be sealed by Star Sand at the last moment.

Calamity Sun was the ultimate weapon of destruction, known for its slaughter.

Star Sand, on the other hand, was just a local tyrant clinging to power within the Bubble Pet Beast World.

Yet, even so, Calamity Sun had been helpless against Star Sand’s sealing talent…

“Whoosh—”

The next second, Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown, clad in a robe woven from sand and wearing a crown, floated out of the sandstorm. The fireflies flickering around her seemed to absorb all other light, dimming everything else in the vicinity.

Besides external objects and combat skills, Star Sand possessed no offensive abilities.

Even so, the aura she exuded was overwhelmingly powerful, creating a sense of breathtaking pressure.

Facing the regal Star Sand, even Inverse Time struggled.

Her combat skill panels were uncontrollably shutting down, forcing her to pour all her Pet Essence into reversing her state, a complete reversal of the Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring situation.

Star Goddess’s expression turned strange as she looked back and forth between Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown and the child-like Lian Xing.

This Pet Beast was absurdly powerful, single-handedly suppressing everyone present across thousands of levels.

Even at this level, it wasn’t within the top ten Legends…?

Meanwhile, sensing her Pet Beast lineup dimming, Nether Concubine, at the front of the group, continued walking forward, unfazed after a moment of silence.

Qianqiu’s simulations indicated Lian Xing had no intention of targeting her for now.

Ice Queen, on the other hand, wasn’t faring so well.

Fortunately, she had borrowed her daughter, Heavenly Maiden’s, White Abode. Its defensive capabilities were enough to contend with Star Sand’s seal.

Provided…

Lian Xing showed some restraint!

If she went all out, even White Abode couldn’t withstand the combined assault of Star Sand and Replay.

The atmosphere became strangely balanced.

If not for the prohibition on combat in the first round, Lian Xing would likely be facing a group beating…

“Now, is it alright…?”

Under everyone’s gaze, the golden-haired child muttered to herself before the staircase, unsure who she was addressing.

Then, she tentatively extended a delicate foot.

“Tap!”

Her foot landed.

Lian Xing successfully stepped onto the first step of the Lunar Divine Festival, her brow relaxing.

Success…

Undoubtedly, this meant she had once again attracted the attention of a True Spirit and gained the favor of some powerful being!

Seeing this, all the Bubble Pet Beast World and Earth players cheered.

However, the Guardians of the Moon Soul World wore expressions of disbelief and shock.

In the Cloud Mist Sea Palace, Moonwalker and Yaochi exchanged glances, both stunned.

Freed from Inverse Time’s interference, Lian Xing’s child form quickly reverted to her original, curvaceous, mature figure. Accompanied by the floating Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown, she continued ascending the staircase.

Within moments, her Pet Beast lineup returned to normal.

Only Star Sand’s life stage remained locked, exploiting a blatant bug with the help of the Divine Machine and Replay.

Star Goddess and Tai Yin, however, remained immobile at the starting point, completely countered by Star Sand and Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring’s abilities.

Yet…

Tai Yin looked at Lian Xing’s back with a mixture of shock and despair.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, as if she had witnessed something unimaginable.

“Just now, for a moment, did the flow of time in our world reverse?”

“How is that possible…?”

Who was it that observed Lian Xing and granted her this power…!!!

There was no perceptible sign, no disturbance, as if a casual action had been taken and then its traces erased…

This was definitely beyond the capabilities of the Eleventh Zodiac, the lower-ranked among the Twelve Moons!!!

Why, why could this pawn, abandoned by the Eleventh Zodiac, garner the attention of a higher-ranked True Spirit!?

Tai Yin couldn’t comprehend it.

Logically, for their generation of Lunar Divine Festival participants, attracting the attention of the Nine-Colored Deer was the absolute limit.

Higher-ranked True Spirits were beyond their reach.

After all, their dimensions and planes of existence were entirely different. No matter how high an ant jumped, it couldn’t enter a god’s line of sight.

She had suspected it more than once.

Perhaps the higher-ranked True Spirits couldn’t even perceive the Lunar Divine Festival.

Everything in the world was but insignificant dust to them.

But at this moment, for the first time, Tai Yin felt confused and bewildered by Lian Xing’s existence.

Which True Spirit had been roused by the awe-inspiring appearance of Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown…?

***

Under everyone’s gaze, Lian Xing, transformed back into her mature form, continued her indifferent ascent, holding the third position on the endless starry staircase.

Nether Concubine, in first place, was far ahead. Ice Queen, in second, struggled to resist the combined pressure of Star Sand’s seal and Heaven’s Ring’s teleportation, relying solely on White Abode.

Star Goddess and Tai Yin remained at the starting point, motionless.

They silently watched Lian Xing’s retreating figure.

Unable to break Star Sand’s seal, they couldn’t even leave the starting line.

Suddenly, Tai Yin turned to Star Goddess.

“I’ve heard of you, Agent of the Eleventh Zodiac.”

“…”

“…”

Star Goddess didn’t respond, feigning ignorance with an aloof expression.

Although she hadn’t met Tai Yin, she knew that the First Emperor and the First Guardian had fought alongside each other in a Beast Tamer’s lineup long ago, so she wouldn’t give Tai Yin a warm welcome.

After a moment of silence, Tai Yin continued, using an aura barrier to shield their conversation from the audience.

“Our faction is essentially in a resurrection match from the last era. Having lost one round, we have almost no chance of victory.”

“Unless we secure first place in the first, second, and fourth rounds, we have no hope. Therefore, I have no intention of competing for overall victory.”

“How about a deal…”

“In the fourth round, we’ll join forces to defeat the other three participants. Then, I’ll forfeit. In exchange, you’ll leave the remaining three contract slots for us…”

Star Goddess’s pupils constricted slightly.

It seemed the fact that she retained two contract slots, plus the special slot for the Lunar Divine Festival invitation, was no longer a secret.

However, an alliance…?

Star Goddess didn’t immediately agree. While acquiring Tai Yin, Dao Yao, and the First Emperor’s three Pet Beasts was an irresistible temptation, the First Emperor had killed her Ancient Species. They shared a bitter enmity.

Rashly incorporating them into her lineup could negatively impact the morale of her other main forces…

“There’s no rush. The fourth round is still far away. Think about it during this time~~~”

Leaving behind these words with a smile, Tai Yin stepped onto the staircase.

The next second, the golden shackles of Star Sand’s seal around her shattered, replaced by a vast, swirling tapestry of code.

The Mechanical Legend, Mountains and Seas!

While Mountains and Seas couldn’t fully counter Star Sand, by maintaining a semblance of resistance, Tai Yin could leverage her own realm and rarity to overcome the seal.

Star Goddess was left alone at the starting point.

She remained silent for a long time before finally stepping onto the staircase.

Her long, golden hair flowed upwards, ignited by a blazing golden aura that dyed the surrounding Pet Essence.

A terrifying sword intent threatened to cleave the starry sky.

If what came before was child’s play, this display was truly shocking to the inhabitants of the Moon Soul World.

The aura of Sharp Edge Seven King Mother, one of the two Shining Bipoles, erupted without reservation.

The concept of Shining Species was revealed for the first time to many remote regions and the Bubble Pet Beast World.

Sensing this sharp aura, Lian Xing recalled the slightly disintegrating Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown.

Star Sand had done well to force out Sharp Edge Seven King Mother.

From now on, she should exercise some restraint, lest she become too obnoxious…

Thinking this, Lian Xing glanced at her Pet Beast panel.

[Emperor-Tier—Elemental—Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown LV10900]

Hmm…

As long as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring remained intact, Star Sand could revert to this bugged state at any time.

Replay had memorized Star Sand’s current life form.

***

Under the watchful eyes of the Moon Soul World, the five participants spent several days traversing the first platform before reaching the second.

However, before even stepping onto it, Nether Concubine frowned deeply.

She sensed a tangible, terrifying aura, shaking her to the core.

It was like the helplessness and despair mortals felt before an Ancient Species.

[The closer to a True Spirit, the stronger the sense of one’s insignificance.]

[Only Beast Tamers standing at the world’s pinnacle are qualified to walk alongside True Spirits.]

[Approach a True Spirit, glimpse a True Spirit, touch a True Spirit. Attempt to reach the end of this path. This is the meaning of the Lunar Divine Festival.]

As the new rules were announced, Nether Concubine hesitantly took a step forward.

“BOOM!!!!!”

The next second, like an exploding comet, she was flung backwards by the immeasurable pressure.

After a few seconds of silence, a black, viscous liquid seeped from her skin, forming a butterfly-winged eggshell that dragged her forward.

The first trial of the Lunar Divine Festival, Talent, tested the entirety of a Beast Tamer’s being.

Whether they were worthy of being called the pinnacle of Beast Tamers was only just beginning to be revealed.

Soon, the ice-cold, white-haired Ice Queen, a Legendary Beast Tamer, arrived.

Without hesitation, she charged forward with White Abode.

The snow maiden frowned slightly but pressed on after a moment of contemplation. She was, after all, perfectly suited for this.

Despite White Abode’s protection, she felt the strain.

Experiencing the pressure of a True Spirit firsthand was daunting, especially as it intensified with each step.

With eleven more platforms ahead, she dreaded the ordeal to come.

A few hours later, Lian Xing, with her two golden buns, limped to the second platform.

She had been mere minutes behind Ice Queen, but White Silk Weaver Girl made walking difficult, significantly widening the gap.

“Eh?”

The moment she sensed the True Spirit’s pressure, Lian Xing’s golden eyes widened slightly.

She sensed something and retracted the auras of her other Pet Beasts, summoning only Mist Colt and its viral shield.

“Whoosh!!!”

As Lian Xing stepped onto the platform, the invisible pressure slammed against Mist Colt’s shield like a storm.

Just as the shield threatened to shatter, Mist Colt inhaled deeply, expelling all its injuries and exhaustion as dense mist.

Repeating this several times, Mist Colt’s body filled with the True Spirit’s pressure, circulating like blood through its Pet Essence.

Soon, one of Mist Colt’s exceptionally rare Throne-level Monarch evolution conditions was met.

However, after some deliberation, Lian Xing suppressed Mist Colt’s evolution.

A few hours later, a Legendary aura emanated from Mist Colt, swirling like ribbons of cloud and mist.

Lian Xing had a premonition.

This path towards the True Spirit, within the Lunar Divine Festival, could mend all her shortcomings and weaknesses.

And then, in the final stage, the ultimate showdown would begin!!!!

Chapter 220: Emperor-Tier Star Sand Appears!! p2

***

Moon Soul World, Cloud Mist Sea Palace.

“Magnificent. I haven’t seen this since… well, the last time,” Yaochi, the Sixth Guardian, a Legend in her Overlord stage, said with a sigh, sitting across from Moonwalker.

Whenever the Lunar Divine Festival began, all beings within the evolutionary system felt the presence of that higher dimension.

The victor would ascend to the pinnacle of the Moon Soul World, witnessed by all!

But no matter how awestruck they were, they couldn’t transmit this feeling to the next generation.

They were merely witnesses.

After this, even their memories might be erased by the True Spirits.

But at least…

This moment would be spectacular!

Moonwalker, in her human form, smiled faintly, taking a sip of wine.

A massive image of a meteorite-filled starry sky appeared in the minds of trillions of beings.

Seven graceful figures stood on the lunar surface.

Tai Yin, Dao Yao, Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and…

Lian Xing!

While the Beast Tamers and Pet Beasts of the Moon Soul World were merely awestruck, this scene was a dimensional reduction for the beings of the subordinate worlds, their worldviews shattered and trampled upon.

Each figure in this image was beyond their comprehension.

After all, though the subordinate worlds inherited the Moon Soul World’s system and rules, they hadn’t seen Ancient Species, Shining Species, or Fallen Species, not even high-ranking Legends.

[Time flow synchronized between the True Spirit World and subordinate Soul Worlds.]

[The Lunar Divine Festival is about to begin. All combat and aura clashes within the Twelve Moons’ vision are forbidden.]

Lian Xing, standing on the lunar surface, calmly faced the gazes of all beings.

If she were still the girl she had been a month ago, she might have felt embarrassed by her attire, especially White Silk Weaver Girl’s awakened form.

But now, after her experiences, she no longer cared…

Having transformed from a girl to a woman, her enthusiasm had only intensified!

She glanced at Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Tai Yin, and Ice Queen.

In past competitions, she had always been the underdog, a hidden threat. Whether against Dead Ash, Tear Heavenly Maiden, or during the Shining Six Stars Banquet, no one had expected her to win.

But now, the situation was different.

This was the Lunar Divine Festival, with only five participants.

Every opponent was at the pinnacle of Beast Taming; no one would underestimate her.

[The first trial of the Lunar Divine Festival, Talent, is about to begin.]

[Participants, please prepare.]

[…]

[…]

[BOOM!!!!]

A deafening roar, and the starry sky seemed to explode.

The countless meteorite fragments on the lunar surface swirled upwards, rapidly forming a staircase that stretched for trillions of miles towards another meteorite.

The swirling debris continued, piercing through eleven more giant meteorites, creating a starry ladder resembling the twelve signs of the zodiac, forming a massive constellation in the vast starry sky.

All beings within the Moon Soul World’s system were stunned by this miraculous sight.

What level of power was this…?

It was beyond comprehension.

[Those who have been observed by a True Spirit can ascend this ladder to the pinnacle. This is the only requirement for the Lunar Divine Festival.]

[Recall… has there been a strange, inexplicable moment in your life? A scene you couldn’t understand, even after reaching the peak of your world?]

As the rules appeared, the four Beast Tamers fell silent.

Star Goddess, of course, had spent her life entangled with the Eleventh Zodiac.

Nether Concubine suddenly remembered a small, nine-colored plum blossom deer she had often seen before encountering danger in her youth. Each appearance had heralded a crisis, a mystery she hadn’t understood even until her death.

Ice Queen, in her shroud, recalled her near-death experiences. She had faced death three times on her Beast Taming path, each time awakening to find herself unharmed, surrounded by endless ice and snow.

[Participants cannot attack each other in the first round, but interference is allowed.]

Star Goddess, the center of attention, stepped onto the meteorite staircase first, followed by Ice Queen and Nether Concubine. The three beauties ascended together.

After a deliberate pause, Tai Yin, with a chuckle, recalled Dao Yao and Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, then floated upwards on her silver moon.

Under everyone’s gaze, only the starry-eyed girl with the golden twin buns and unconventional footwear remained motionless.

It wasn’t that Lian Xing was trying to be dramatic.

She had simply… forgotten how to walk.

Standing before the endless starry staircase, Lian Xing was bewildered.

What… what was going on?

Why had she forgotten how to walk…?

Star Goddess, Nether Concubine, Ice Queen, and Tai Yin all turned to look at her.

“…”

“…”

“She has been rejected by the True Spirit…” Inverse Time, within Star Goddess, said with a sigh.

This was likely the first time in the history of the Lunar Divine Festival that someone invited had been rejected.

Lian Xing was the first…

If Drought hadn’t died, Star Goddess would be in the same situation.

Both Lian Xing and Star Goddess had been observed by the Eleventh Zodiac. Star Goddess had followed the rules of a Shining Beast Tamer, but Lian Xing hadn’t. She had defied the True Spirit’s system, collecting all three special evolutions, causing the Eleventh Zodiac to withdraw its aura.

This had turned Lian Xing into a mere tourist in the Lunar Divine Festival…

She had sensed the fading aura of the Eleventh Zodiac during her Fallen evolution, but she hadn’t cared. Now, she was facing the consequences.

“Is she stupid?” Tai Yin muttered, looking at the bewildered golden-haired girl.

Without a True Spirit’s blessing, Lian Xing was essentially eliminated from the Lunar Divine Festival before it even began.

However…

Under everyone’s gaze, and the worried eyes of her friends and family…

The golden-haired woman raised her head, the stars in her eyes shimmering brightly.

Eliminated at the very beginning?

Fine, then no one gets to play!

Under the gazes of countless beings, Lian Xing snapped her fingers.

“Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring!!”

“Click—”

The silver halo above her head shimmered, teleporting the four women back to the starting point.

The spectators were dumbfounded.

Even Star Goddess and the others were stunned.

How could she do that?

Even if it wasn’t a direct attack, it was incredibly unfair…

What a disgusting ability!

A stopwatch appeared above Star Goddess’s head.

Inverse Time, the Second Guardian, activated her power.

Star Goddess’s figure flickered, reappearing instantly on the staircase.

And Lian Xing could sense that under Inverse Time’s protection, Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring couldn’t affect Star Goddess anymore.

But that was fine. Nether Concubine and Ice Queen were still there…

As Ice Queen and Nether Concubine glared at her, a purple butterfly emerged from behind Nether Concubine.

Qianqiu, of the Three Saints Palace…

Instead of interfering with Lian Xing, Qianqiu whispered something to her.

[Mother-in-law… Star Concubine, for my sake, let my master go. Ice Queen and Tai Yin are still here.]

[As compensation, I’ll give you a hint…]

Lian Xing frowned, skeptical.

Qianqiu’s reputation wasn’t exactly stellar. Could she be trusted?

This was the Lunar Divine Festival, held once every ten million years.

She might resort to any means necessary to ensure her Beast Tamer’s victory.

But with Ice Queen and Tai Yin still trapped, letting Nether Concubine go first didn’t matter. If Qianqiu’s hint didn’t work, Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring could always bring her back.

Lian Xing waved her hand at Nether Concubine.

“You can go~~~”

“…”

“…”

“Thank you, you’re so kind.” Nether Concubine smiled sweetly at Lian Xing, then turned and left, under Ice Queen and Tai Yin’s frustrated gazes.

After a moment of silence, Ice Queen extended her hand, a white aura enveloping her.

White Abode, the sixth-ranked Legend!!!

With White Abode activated, Ice Queen glanced at Lian Xing, then turned and left.

Undoubtedly, in this non-combative first round, all grudges and rivalries would be settled in the third round…

“Sigh, that old woman actually borrowed her daughter’s Pet Beast. How shameless…” Lian Xing thought as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring’s suppression of Ice Queen also failed.

Ignoring the scowling Tai Yin, she looked at Star Goddess.

Qianqiu had said the key to breaking through was with Star Goddess.

She would test that theory…

[Divine Machine]

[Replay]

“Whoosh—”

Two powerful Mechanical auras erupted from within Lian Xing, instantly breaking through Inverse Time’s protection. Star Goddess was teleported back to the starting point.

She frowned, Inverse Time activating again, returning her to the starry staircase.

But the next second, Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring teleported her back again.

The two abilities clashed, trapping Star Goddess.

Those familiar with Lian Xing weren’t surprised by this shameless tactic, but many unfamiliar with her were amused.

Even Tai Yin chuckled, not bothering to move yet.

The endless staircase couldn’t be ascended quickly, and greater challenges lay ahead…

“Enough!!!” Star Goddess snapped after being pulled back for the seventh time.

Inverse Time’s aura erupted, engulfing the starting point.

Under everyone’s gaze, Lian Xing’s appearance regressed, her robe loosening as she transformed into a seven or eight-year-old girl, her soft, white skin exposed by the oversized robe.

Lian Xing’s age had been reversed by Inverse Time!

Silver Dragon, Heavenly Maiden, Tears Maiden, Thunder Fly, and other admirers gulped, wanting to cuddle the adorable child.

Though mortified by this transformation, Lian Xing couldn’t use Replay on herself; she had to keep refreshing Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring to prevent its level from dropping.

But besides the Ancient Rabbit, whose high resistance kept her unaffected, the levels and realms of Starlight Never Diminishes, Moon Eternal, Snow Flower, Calamity Sun, Star Sand, Mist Colt, Golden Leaf, and even the Divine Machine began to regress uncontrollably.

This was the power of Inverse Time, the Second Guardian…?

Lian Xing, suppressing her shock, focused on refreshing Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring, countering Inverse Time’s power.

If Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring regressed, she was out of the game.

As long as Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring remained unaffected, her other Pet Beasts could be restored.

Star Sand, with the lowest level, was the first to regress, reverting to a High-Tier newborn.

A High-Tier Pet Beast in the Lunar Divine Festival was incredibly rare, yet here it was, the only one of its kind: Star Sand!

And not only Star Sand, but Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring was also nearing its limit.

Inverse Time was a top Legend and an Overlord. Even with Replay’s ability, the Monarch-Tier Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring couldn’t fully resist her.

Soon, Lian Xing was cornered.

After Star Sand, Mist Colt also regressed, and Star Sand was about to revert to its pre-birth state.

Damn, tricked by Qianqiu…

Her lineup suppressed by Inverse Time, unable to deploy the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit, the child Lian Xing frowned.

However…

As Star Sand regressed, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from within it.

Wait, this was…

Had it reverted to its past life?

Before Lian Xing could fully process this, Inverse Time withdrew her aura from Star Sand, stopping its regression.

Having experienced similar situations with other Legends, Inverse Time had anticipated this, stopping the moment Star Sand’s Emperor aura appeared, not giving her a chance to shine.

As a Guardian, Inverse Time wasn’t a mindless villain, acting as a stepping stone for others’ evolutions.

But then, Lian Xing’s eyes widened in realization.

Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring stopped refreshing itself.

Ignoring her own state, she refreshed Star Sand, returning it to the moment before its regression.

“BOOM!!!!!”

The next second, under everyone’s awestruck gaze, a golden sandstorm erupted, engulfing the entire Lunar Divine Festival arena.

And as Star Goddess’s starry eyes narrowed, everyone present—every Pet Beast, every combat skill and Arcane Art, every talent—dimmed.

In their place, amidst the golden sandstorm, stood a radiant, god-like, golden elemental figure.

Below a True Spirit, all were equal.

Emperor Star Sand · Imperial Concubine’s Moon Crown, had arrived!

Chapter 220: Emperor-Tier Star Sand Appears!! p1

Earth.

A month had passed since the mass transmigration of Beast Taming Evolution Duel players.

The world had gradually accepted the existence of another world, their shattered worldviews reconstructed.

After all, with miniature Pet Beasts running rampant, they had no choice but to face reality.

After a month of repairs by Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring and the Divine Machine, Beast Taming Evolution Duel’s server was finally back online.

Today was the day the game reopened.

Millions of people gathered in a bustling city square, waiting for the server to go live.

According to the official announcement, every major city in the world had a designated portal. Those who arrived within ten minutes of the server opening would receive a teleportation notification.

Each city’s portal led to a different Bubble Pet Beast World within the Moon Soul World’s jurisdiction.

And this city’s destination was where the dream began—

The Beast Tamer Alliance Tournament!!!

A year ago, facing the seemingly invincible Ancient newborn, a golden-haired, starry-eyed girl had emerged, wielding Moonlight Rabbit, Golden Leaf, Star Sand, Mist Colt, and Calamity Sun, defeating Dead Ash in a one-versus-five battle, shocking the entire Beast Tamer Alliance and becoming famous throughout the Pet Beast World as the only dual-Legend Beast Tamer.

Even now, just recalling that battle sent shivers down the spines of those who had witnessed it.

Dead Ash had replaced North Wind Marquis as one of the Alliance’s Four Marquises.

And the golden-haired girl, a fleeting sensation, had become the renowned Star Concubine, continuing her Beast Taming journey in the higher-level Moon Soul World.

On a rooftop overlooking the city’s bustling commercial district, a golden-haired woman in white stockings stood at the edge, her long, shimmering hair flowing in the wind, her starry eyes gazing down at the masses below like a god.

Many had commented that Lian Xing didn’t look like a powerful being.

During the Baiyue Province League, the Beast Tamers had thought so.

During her battle against Dead Ash, the members of the Beast Tamer Alliance had thought so.

Even the audience at the All-Pet Beast Tournament had thought so.

It was slightly better in the Moon Soul World, as her Shining Species’ aura couldn’t be hidden.

But now…

Anyone who saw her would be awestruck by her transformation.

Two white, plump Moonlight Rabbits perched on her golden twin buns, a silver, mechanical halo floating above her head. Her curvaceous figure was clad in a white, knitted robe adorned with shimmering golden stars.

And most notably, the robe’s hem was connected to a pair of white, thigh-high stockings held up by suspenders and a pair of custom-made white high heels.

The stockings, tightly clinging to her thighs, were a typical, suggestive addition to Lian Xing’s attire.

But what was truly remarkable was the double-layered, hollow structure of her high heels, within which a white tongue flicked playfully.

What kind of… punishment was this…?

This was White Silk Weaver Girl’s awakened form. It had taken Lian Xing three days to even stand properly, and she still couldn’t walk, relying on Mist Colt to carry her.

A small, red phoenix circled her, and a brass gear hovered nearby.

As the crowd below grew, many noticed the golden-haired woman on the rooftop.

Among the predominantly black-haired Earthlings, her appearance was as striking as an alien’s, instantly recognizable.

Many players gasped.

“Wait, is that Lian Xing?”

“…”

“…”

“No way, it’s cosplay, right? Lian Xing wouldn’t be here!”

“But… her aura is strange…”

“What if… just what if… it’s really her? I heard this portal leads to her hometown. Maybe she’s just visiting…”

“You just noticed? I’ve been watching for minutes! I almost peed myself…”

“Damn it! Why didn’t you say something earlier!?”

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

Seconds later, Lian Xing turned and walked towards Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring’s Star Gate.

This was likely her last visit to Earth.

Soon, the concept of “Earth” would likely disappear, its human resources gradually absorbed into the Moon Soul World’s various Bubble Pet Beast Worlds.

“Whoosh—”

Stepping through the Star Gate, Lian Xing returned to her palace in Cloud Mist Sea.

Moonwalker, in her white deer wedding dress form, and Little Moonwalker, perched on her back, were waiting.

“Too bad we ran out of time. We could have produced some offspring…” Moonwalker said, her voice filled with regret, as she saw the golden-haired beauty return.

“Don’t worry, I won’t lose, Mother. Now, tell me more about the Lunar Divine Festival.” Lian Xing took out the invitation.

The previously plain white card was now a shimmering gold, as if about to burst into flames.

Thanks to the invitation, her Pet Beast and Married Pet Beast slots had each increased by one.

Lian Xing hadn’t used these slots yet.

Her main lineup was full, and Moonwalker and the little phoenix, though not officially part of her lineup, were undoubtedly allies, sharing a… close relationship, and wouldn’t betray her.

She could use these slots for powerful wild Pet Beasts she captured later.

Like Tai Yin…

Moonwalker nodded, then explained gently, “As I mentioned before, the Lunar Divine Festival is a Beast Taming competition under the observation of several True Spirits. The better you perform, the higher your chances of receiving their blessings.”

“It’s the only way for ordinary beings to reach the True Spirit realm.”

“The First Emperor lost to the Eleventh Zodiac in the past, leading to her current state, even driving her to madness, hunting other Ancient Species. And the Eleventh Zodiac, after becoming a True Spirit, erased its existence from the Moon Soul World’s history to prevent other True Spirits from traveling back in time and killing its weaker self.”

“So, if you ever find information about the Eleventh Zodiac, it’s likely a fabricated version created after its erasure. Even if you travel to that time, it won’t be there.”

“The victor of the Lunar Divine Festival might not become a True Spirit, but they will definitely gain the favor of the Moon Soul World’s twelve True Spirit ancestors, the Twelve Moons. So, if possible, try to win.”

“…”

“…”

“And my enemies?”

“Who are they?” Lian Xing asked.

She already knew some of them: Lotus Concubine Tai Sui and Tai Yin.

But who were the others?

The Lunar Divine Festival, a divine event held once every ten million years, couldn’t possibly have only one Beast Tamer participant, right?

Was it Heavenly Maiden?

Uh…

Lian Xing doubted Heavenly Maiden was strong enough to face the First Emperor.

Moonwalker’s voice turned serious.

“Your enemies are the top Beast Tamers who emerged after the previous Lunar Divine Festival. Some might have died in battle, others from old age. But during the Lunar Divine Festival, the rules and order of the Moon Soul World are overturned.”

“The concept of death is erased by the True Spirits, awakening these ancient Beast Tamers from their slumber—”

“Like… Star Goddess!!!”

Lian Xing’s expression turned strange.

Fighting Beast Tamers from the past?

Facing Star Goddess…?

Though confident in her own abilities, she couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down her spine.

Her lineup still had weaknesses.

The little phoenix, Heaven’s Ring, Snow Flower, Calamity Sun, even the Shining Rabbit, hadn’t reached Emperor-Tier yet.

Mist Colt and Star Sand were even weaker, practically useless against ancient Beast Tamers.

And the Shining Rabbit’s Star Pole Awakening had faded; she likely couldn’t activate Triple Awakening anymore.

This meant her only reliable combatants were the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit and the Fallen Golden Leaf. Would that be enough…?

Her growth had been too rapid.

It had only been a year and a half since she transmigrated.

Her peers were still playing house at Youlan Academy, while she was already facing legendary Beast Tamers from ancient times.

If she had another six months, the situation wouldn’t be so dire…

Lian Xing quickly calmed herself.

She wouldn’t lose, no matter the opponent.

Even against revived ancient Beast Tamers, she had to win, to witness the True Spirit realm!

The invitation glowed brighter, hotter, as if about to ignite.

And then, it burst into flames.

“Whoosh—”

Lian Xing vanished like a bubble.

Moonwalker looked at the empty space, then at the dazed Little Moonwalker, the two Moonwalkers exchanging melancholic glances.

***

Lunar Divine Festival.

A vast, endless starry sky, on the surface of a meteorite.

Though just a meteorite drifting through space, its size exceeded the entire Moon Soul World, its edges beyond even a Guardian’s perception.

The golden-haired woman in suspender stockings and tongue-shaped high heels was the last to arrive.

Three women were already waiting.

The first was a breathtakingly beautiful woman with long, flowing golden hair that nearly reached the ground, her flawless face a divine creation, her starry eyes identical to Lian Xing’s.

The Shining Beast Tamer, Star Goddess…

The second woman was equally beautiful, with jet-black hair styled in a vintage queenly fashion, twelve black hairpins adorning her elaborate updo, a long, black, water-patterned robe trailing behind her, revealing glimpses of black silk-clad legs beneath the slit skirt.

The Fallen Beast Tamer, Nether Concubine.

The last woman’s appearance was the most unusual. Her pale skin, covered in frost-like patterns, resembled a snow woman’s, her icy blue hair like needles, her attire a shroud similar to Snow Flower’s.

The Super Legendary Beast Tamer, Ice Queen!!!

If Star Goddess was the current generation’s idol…

Then millions of years ago, Nether Concubine and Ice Queen were the twin stars of the Moon Soul World, the beloved muses of countless Emperors!

Three legendary Beast Tamers of the Moon Soul World, all revived for the Lunar Divine Festival!!!

As Lian Xing arrived, the three women paused, Nether Concubine and Ice Queen glancing at Star Goddess, wondering about their potential blood relation.

Could Star Goddess be Lian Xing’s mother?

But Star Goddess herself frowned in confusion.

She shouldn’t have had any children…

Had someone… tampered with her body?

Lian Xing, stepping on White Silk Weaver Girl’s tongue, walked forward, glancing at the three beauties before moving aside to wait, not bothering to interact with her potential rivals.

Then, the fifth participant arrived.

Tai Yin, the First Guardian, seated on a phantom moon.

Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, the First Emperor, in a patterned black robe.

And Dao Yao, in a silver-white priestess robe…

As the three Pet Beasts appeared, Star Goddess and Nether Concubine glared at Lotus Concubine Tai Sui, while Tai Yin scowled at Lian Xing.

Then, a message appeared in the minds of all Beast Tamers present.

[Tai Yin, Dao Yao, and Lotus Concubine Tai Sui are the highest-ranked candidates from the previous Lunar Divine Festival. Though they didn’t win, they received immunity from death and eligibility for this Lunar Divine Festival.]

[Tai Yin will participate as the Beast Tamer, with Dao Yao and Lotus Concubine Tai Sui as her Pet Beasts. To compensate the other participants, this group will automatically forfeit the third round.]

Lian Xing blinked.

The third round…?

How many rounds were there in this Lunar Divine Festival?

Another message appeared.

[The victor of the Lunar Divine Festival will be determined through four trials:]

[1. Talent]

[2. Aptitude]

[3. Fertility]

[4. Combat Power]

“…”

“…”

Seeing the third trial, Lian Xing and Star Goddess, both Shining Beast Tamers, froze.

Nether Concubine and Ice Queen remained impassive.

F-Fertility?

Was fertility related to becoming a True Spirit?

But it couldn’t be a competition of… skill. A Beast Tamer’s physical body, no matter how capable, was just a plaything for a Married Pet Beast.

Perhaps, to a True Spirit, her fragile, easily broken body was actually an advantage…

Lian Xing comforted herself, grateful that Tai Yin’s group was exempt from the third round. Otherwise, Tai Yin would definitely take revenge, making her life a living hell.

And the first trial, Talent, and the second, Aptitude, were probably similar, right?

As Lian Xing thought this, the rules appeared.

[1. Talent: Tests the participant’s overall talent as a Beast Tamer.]

[2. Aptitude: Tests the participant’s aptitude as a being of the Moon Soul World, their ability to resist or decipher the corruption of other True Spirit Worlds’ Beast Taming systems.]

[3. Fertility: Tests the participant’s ability to produce offspring. The True Spirits will judge the outcome.]

[4. Combat Power: The final round. The Pet Beast lineup that survives is declared the victor. However, poor performance in the previous rounds might result in disqualification even with victory in this round.]

[The victor will receive a token from a random True Spirit and the ability to observe True Spirit-level beings.]

[The entire Lunar Divine Festival will be broadcast to all beings in the Moon Soul World and its subordinate Soul Worlds. After the festival, all information about it will be erased, existing only in the memories of this generation, unable to be transmitted through words or text.]

“Wait, broadcast?”

“L-Live stream…?”

Lian Xing froze again.

Was she supposed to demonstrate her fertility before all the Earth players, her former friends and family, and all the random strangers, trillions of beings?

Even if the footage wasn’t preserved, her reputation in this era would be ruined!

No wonder all True Spirits erased themselves from history after their ascension.

This rule was absurd!

Nether Concubine, resting her chin on her hand, murmured, “I see… that’s why only vague rules about the Lunar Divine Festival have survived. Even if someone told me the details, I wouldn’t understand. The True Spirits have erased the information at its source.”

“And everyone in the Moon Soul World and its subordinate forces can watch? A true divine spectacle…”

***

Bubble Pet Beast World, Alliance Tournament.

Moon Princess, daughter of Hidden Moon Marquis, was guiding the Earth players, directing them towards the newbie villages prepared by the Beast Tamer Alliance.

This was Lian Xing’s instruction: let the second-generation players fight among themselves. Only the strongest could enter the Alliance for higher-level battles.

But then, everyone froze.

The Bubble Pet Beast World’s natives and the newly arrived Earth players all stared in disbelief.

Hidden Moon Marquis and Moon Princess exchanged shocked glances.

Lian… Lian Xing!?

Why was she appearing in their minds?

At the same time, the Beast Tamer Alliance, Baiyue Province, Youlan Academy, Dominating Cauldron Palace, Worry-Free Pond —every being in the Bubble Pet Beast World was captivated by the live broadcast.

And not just the Bubble Pet Beast World, but also the Moon Soul World and its subordinate Soul Worlds.

Even the warring factions stopped fighting.

It wasn’t that they were interested in the broadcast, but an invisible force had bound all beings within the Moon Soul World’s evolutionary system.

This was the Lunar Divine Festival, held once every ten million years.

During the festival, under the True Spirits’ gaze—

Only time was allowed to flow…

 

Chapter 219: Lian Xing Attacks the Water Soul World??

“Bang!!!”

Under everyone’s gaze, Legendary Moonlight Rabbit Dao Yao’s sleeve was torn, her paw pulverized.

Silence fell over the arena.

Sumeru and Mountains and Seas, observing the battle, felt a chill run down their spines.

That was Dao Yao…

How could she be injured by a mere Moonlight Rabbit!?

Tai Yin’s eyes narrowed, realization dawning.

“So that’s how Lotus Concubine Tai Sui was injured…”

“And the final participant in the Lunar Divine Festival…”

“It seems a remarkable individual has emerged during my absence…”

As Dao Yao stared at the two Moonlight Rabbits in stunned silence, Lian Xing, sitting on the massive, colorful phoenix, activated Unbreakable Heaven’s Ring, quickly analyzing the data of the Legendary Moonlight Rabbit and all other beings within the Tai Yin Kingdom.

[Legendary Overlord · Biological · Dao Yao LV20400]

[Legendary Overlord · Elemental · Tai Yin LV19900]

[Legendary Emperor · Viral · Sumeru LV11217]

[Legendary Emperor · Mechanical · Mountains and Seas LV9400]

Seeing the four Pet Beasts’ stats, sorted by level, Lian Xing’s heart skipped a beat.

As expected, the Moonlight Rabbit hadn’t looked like Tai Yin.

It was Dao Yao, the fifth-ranked Legend, renowned for her unparalleled combat prowess.

Tai Yin was likely observing from behind the scenes…

Dao Yao, Mountains and Seas, and Sumeru were likely Tai Yin’s protectors, rarely appearing alone in the Moon Soul World.

Legends were as difficult to level as Ancient Species, yet Dao Yao had surpassed level twenty thousand. She was a true monster!

Lian Xing stroked Death Sentence and White Silk Weaver Girl’s heads, praising them.

“You fought her in your unequipped state?”

“Impressive! You’ve grown stronger~~~”

“Death Sentence has become an Emperor, and the little phoenix has become a true Fallen Species. You three did well~~~”

Lian Xing had noticed that despite Moon-Severing Decapitation Song and White Silk Weaver Girl being Weapon Species, Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan hadn’t equipped them. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have struggled so much.

The little phoenix’s obsession with cleanliness was truly severe. Since Death Sentence was the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s weapon, she refused to merge with it.

Tears welled up in Death Sentence and White Silk Weaver Girl’s eyes as they heard Lian Xing’s praise. The smooth white silk stocking wrapped around Lian Xing’s leg like a snake as they asked the question that had been worrying them: “Mommy, is there still a place for us in your lineup?”

“Not sure right now, but Mommy won’t abandon you!!”

“We’ll figure out the lineup later. Let’s go home first~~~”

“Hmph—” Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan snorted, then flicked her tail, scooping up the two falling Moonlight Rabbits and placing them gently on her back.

The Ancient Rabbit stumbled, and Death Sentence quickly floated over to support her.

As Lian Xing reunited with her former Pet Beasts, Tai Yin’s Legends exchanged uneasy glances.

Sumeru narrowed its eyes. “Should we help Dao Yao? The enemy’s numbers have increased…”

But Tai Yin remained silent, frowning.

Suddenly, Mountains and Seas trembled, its voice filled with terror.

“Tai Yin, let’s retreat! The enemy’s lineup is… unsettling!”

“Retreat? Why? This is my world!” Sumeru retorted, confused.

But upon receiving Mountains and Seas’ analysis, it froze.

[Legendary Overlord · Mechanical · Divine Machine LV17190]

[Legendary Commander · Elemental · Star Sand LV100]

[Emperor-Tier · Weapon Species · White Silk Weaver Girl LV4650]

[Fallen Species · Emperor-Tier · Nether Leaf Dark King’s Court LV4500 (One of the Four Great Calamities, Avalanche)]

[Ancient Species · Myriad-Level Emperor · Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit LV14999]

What!?

Six Legends, a Fallen Calamity, and a Myriad-Level Ancient Species! How was this possible!?

Who was this woman!?

Tai Yin and Dao Yao also received the analysis, their initial reaction disbelief.

With Lotus Concubine Tai Sui around, how could an Ancient Species reach Myriad-Level, even approaching Overlord…?

And a human Beast Tamer couldn’t possibly have so many powerful Pet Beasts…

But if this were true… few in the entire Moon Soul World could stop her…

Like Lotus Concubine Tai Sui’s recent injury…

Should they continue fighting?

After a moment of silence, Tai Yin’s cold voice echoed across the Tai Yin Kingdom.

“Divine Machine, what are you doing?”

“How did a Beast Tamer capture you!?”

“Why are you causing trouble in my territory!!”

“…”

“…”

“Uh, I wasn’t captured! I’m just taking a stroll with my boss!”

“And this is all a misunderstanding! Let’s just forget about it, okay? Give me some face!!” the brass chip replied innocently.

Seeing the Divine Machine’s meekness, Tai Yin hesitated.

She suspected the Divine Machine had tampered with Mountains and Seas’ analysis.

As a fellow Mechanical species, the second-ranked Divine Machine could easily do that.

This woman’s lineup probably wasn’t as powerful as the data suggested…

Then, Lian Xing spoke.

“Tai Yin, want to join me?”

“I actually came here for you…”

Tai Yin, Dao Yao, Mountains and Seas, and Sumeru were all stunned.

What was this woman saying?

She wanted to capture Tai Yin, the First Legend?

Was she insane?

Tai Yin governed over a dozen Soul Worlds, a god-like being to trillions of beings. How could a mere human capture her!?

Even Lian Xing’s own Pet Beasts were outraged, especially Death Sentence and White Silk Weaver Girl, who weren’t currently in her lineup. Death Sentence rolled around in Lian Xing’s arms, while White Silk Weaver Girl wriggled under her skirt, their jealousy evident.

However, after a long silence, Tai Yin smiled.

She descended, landing before Lian Xing and her Pet Beasts.

“Oh, you want me?”

“Not impossible~~~”

“But we’ll have a competition. If you lose, your three uncontracted Pet Beasts are mine~~~”

“If you win, I’ll willingly become your Pet Beast~~~”

“No, Tai Yin, absolutely not!!!” Mountains and Seas and Sumeru shrieked, while Dao Yao frowned.

However, Lian Xing, looking at the beautiful, silver-haired woman, narrowed her eyes and refused.

“No, I won’t gamble my Pet Beasts.”

“How about this: if I lose, I’ll forfeit the Lunar Divine Festival and even send a Pet Beast to help you win.”

“After all, you’re also a participant, right?”

“…”

“…”

“Fine, it’s a deal.” Tai Yin smiled, glancing at the white silk stocking peeking from beneath Lian Xing’s skirt.

A pity…

She had wondered whose descendant this woman was.

Clearly, Lian Xing didn’t know the stocking’s true value. But Beast Tamers who wouldn’t abandon their Pet Beasts were the most difficult to negotiate with; it was their core belief, their chosen path.

“So, what’s the competition?” Lian Xing asked casually.

With her well-rounded, powerful lineup, she was confident she wouldn’t lose, no matter the challenge.

However, she hadn’t anticipated Tai Yin’s next words.

The silver-haired woman on the moon phantom smiled, glancing at the Pet Beasts around them before looking at Lian Xing.

“Let’s compare our… fertility.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“?”

Lian Xing was stunned.

Tai Yin had seen through her facade.

The two Moonlight Rabbits on the phoenix’s back also froze. As Lian Xing’s Married Pet Beasts, they knew her weakness in this area.

“No, I’m a Beast Tamer. How can I compete with a Pet Beast in fertility? It should be Pet Beast vs. Pet Beast!”

“I’ll send one of mine to compete with you!”

Lian Xing had a malicious plan.

If Tai Yin agreed, she would send Golden Leaf, crushing her with the Fallen Species’ power.

However, Tai Yin simply lifted her skirt slightly, revealing a smooth, white leg.

“But I’m still a virgin~”

“You want to capture me? Is it wise to… cripple yourself beforehand?”

“Isn’t it a master’s duty to… enjoy their Pet Beast first?”

“Gulp…”

As Tai Yin spoke, everyone saw Lian Xing swallow nervously.

She was tempted!

The Shining and Ancient Rabbits exchanged exasperated glances.

This woman was hopeless…

Had she forgotten the horrors of the past month?

Some habits never changed…

“Let’s… choose another competition~~~” Lian Xing finally said, waving her hand dismissively.

Though losing meant forfeiting the Lunar Divine Festival and gaining a free… experience with Tai Yin, she couldn’t agree so shamelessly before her Married Pet Beasts. They would definitely retaliate.

And if Moonwalker found out…

Just then, Dao Yao, who had been observing silently, stepped forward.

“I’ll challenge your two Moonlight Rabbits in a one-versus-two fertility contest. If I lose, I’ll join your lineup!”

“…”

“…”

Uh, was she just trying to freeload…?

Not only Tai Yin, but even Lian Xing’s Pet Beasts glared at Dao Yao.

Tai Yin might not lose much, but Dao Yao would definitely win, regardless of the outcome.

This wasn’t entirely Dao Yao’s fault. At their level, it was rare to find a worthy opponent, let alone the chance to sample both a Shining and an Ancient Species. Such a dream was beyond even their wildest fantasies.

To prevent Dao Yao’s defection, Tai Yin sighed.

“Let’s decide this with our Beast Taming abilities.”

“You know there are many independent subordinate Soul Worlds outside the Moon Soul World. Since they’re not part of the main True Spirit Worlds, their inhabitants’ realms are severely suppressed.”

“Our subordinate Soul Worlds are currently at war with another True Spirit World’s subordinates. Let’s each send a reinforcement and see who wins.”

A translucent sand table appeared before Tai Yin, displaying the detailed battle situations of over a dozen Soul Worlds, including Cloud Soul World, Water Soul World, Snow Soul World, and Rain Soul World.

The sand table showed the combat power data of each Soul World. The Water Soul World was the weakest, its strongest being barely Emperor-Tier, the others stuck at the peak of Monarch-Tier.

The Rain Soul World, however, possessed terrifyingly powerful beings, their data nearing the level of Moon Soul World Guardians.

“You can choose any of my Pet Beasts and any Soul World to attack. I’ll do the same. Since you’re unfamiliar with the situation, you choose first…”

Lian Xing studied the data carefully.

The Water Soul World was clearly the weakest. If she sent one of Tai Yin’s Emperor-Tier Pet Beasts from the Star Soul World, it would be a guaranteed victory.

However, Lian Xing noticed something strange.

There was a [Back-Tailed Moon-Chasing Demon Rabbit] in the Water Soul World. Though sharing the same name as her Ancient Rabbit, it wasn’t an Ancient Species, its aura more akin to a Fallen Species.

Was this due to the different evolutionary system rules?

Lian Xing studied the data further.

The Water Soul World’s sand table showed no enemy Emperor-Tier beings, only a neutral Emperor, [Time and Space]. But their side had a sleeping Emperor-Tier Pet Beast, [Nine Extinguished Divine Courts].

Even without reinforcements, they should be able to win easily.

Lian Xing nodded.

“I choose first?”

“Yes~~~” Tai Yin stepped back, gesturing for Lian Xing to proceed.

Lian Xing chose to attack the Water Soul World without hesitation.

Tai Yin smiled.

She had infiltrated the Water Soul World before and knew it well. It was one of the Sea Soul World’s Divine Ruins, a place where strange things happened, and the realms of its inhabitants were severely suppressed. Even Emperors would be reduced to Monarch-Tier, unless it was a top Legend like herself, who would be suppressed to ordinary Emperor-Tier.

Or like Nine Extinguished Divine Courts, which had adapted to the Water Soul World’s system after a long stay, reaching Emperor-Tier through a different path.

It was Lian Xing’s turn to choose her “troops.”

Without much thought, she sent [Heavenly Fire Rabbit], a member of the Moonlight Rabbit evolutionary line. Though not Emperor-Tier, it possessed a Shining-like aura.

Tai Yin was slightly surprised, then glanced at Lian Xing meaningfully.

Had this woman realized the realm suppression in the Water Soul World?

If she sent an Emperor, it would be suppressed to Monarch-Tier, useless. But she had chosen a powerful Monarch-Tier Moonlight Rabbit. This was intriguing.

Lian Xing returned the sand table to Tai Yin.

Tai Yin, instead of choosing the weakest Soul World, chose the mid-tier Stream Soul World, sending a top Emperor there.

“The time flow in our True Spirit World is different from these subordinate worlds. One year for us is ten years for them. Though this is a war, we’ll have the results in a few hours~~~”

Tai Yin enlarged the sand table, displaying it for all Pet Beasts to see.

However, to Lian Xing’s surprise, her Heavenly Fire Rabbit hadn’t made any progress in the past half hour, seemingly stalled by the Water Soul World’s natives.

Minutes later, Tai Yin’s Emperor Pet Beast conquered the Stream Soul World.

Lian Xing had lost…

She fell silent.

Tai Yin, to ensure fairness, also remained silent, observing the situation in the Water Soul World.

The situation worsened. First, Heavenly Fire Rabbit was defeated. Then, even Nine Extinguished Divine Courts, the only Emperor-Tier Pet Beast, struggled, until finally…

Just as it was about to achieve victory, a blue question mark appeared on the sand table.

A chill ran down everyone’s spines.

“Pfft!!!”

Tai Yin, the sand table’s controller, vomited blood, her Pet Essence fluctuating wildly, just from seeing the blue question mark.

Then, all Flame Soul World Pet Beasts on the sand table vanished, including Nine Extinguished Divine Courts, as if they had never existed.

Lian Xing had been utterly defeated…

But she showed no sign of discouragement, staring at the residual aura of the blue question mark.

“Is this… a being like the Eleventh Zodiac…?”

“How could such a weak battlefield attract such a powerful being!?”

“I don’t know, but you lost… As agreed, you can’t participate in the Lunar Divine Festival, and you have to send a Pet Beast to help me!” Tai Yin said, a triumphant smile on her face despite her disheveled appearance.

But seeing the change in Lian Xing’s expression, Tai Yin felt a sudden unease.

“When did I agree to that?” Lian Xing asked innocently.

“I was just playing with your sand table~~~”

“Check the previous conversation~~~”

“…”

“…”

“As a Beast Tamer, how could you!?” Tai Yin exclaimed, incredulous. In her millions of years, she had never encountered such shamelessness. Especially from someone who had reached this level. Everyone honored their agreements.

Lian Xing’s expression became even more innocent, like a pure white lotus.

“What did I do? I never said I was serious. I told you to check the conversation. Why are you so insistent?”

“I’m leaving. See you at the Lunar Divine Festival~~”

“Next time, I’ll defeat you all~~~”

Lian Xing patted the white phoenix beneath her.

As Dao Yao looked on with reluctance, and Mountains and Seas, Sumeru, and the stunned Tai Yin glared angrily, Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan soared into the sky, leaving the Tai Yin Kingdom.

Sumeru instinctively reached out to stop them, but remembering the terrifying lineup, it hesitated and withdrew its hand.

Minutes later, the white phoenix and Lian Xing’s Pet Beasts were far from the Tai Yin Kingdom.

The golden-haired woman, her face flushed, sat on the white feathers, her expression complex.

She was still thinking about the blue question mark.

A True Spirit…

Was this the Eleventh Zodiac’s level?

Even a mere observation from such a being could inflict serious injuries, even on Tai Yin, the First Guardian. It was an existence she couldn’t currently challenge.

Would she encounter such beings during the Lunar Divine Festival?

Just then, White Silk Weaver Girl’s pleading voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Mommy, Mommy, add me to your lineup! You have a free contract slot!!!”

“Mommy, choose me! I’m more obedient!” Death Sentence chimed in.

The two Emperor-Tier Pet Beasts bickered.

Lian Xing sighed, stroking their heads affectionately.

“As planned, I’ll contract Death Sentence first. Weaver Girl, you can use my Pet Essence for Awakening. My body is different now. I can provide you with the necessary power even without a contract.”

Death Sentence spun excitedly in the air. As the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit’s dedicated weapon, it could only reach its full potential within the lineup.

Though slightly envious of Death Sentence, White Silk Weaver Girl was also happy. She could be trampled by her master’s delicate feet again.

However, after their initial excitement, Death Sentence, White Silk Weaver Girl, and the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit looked at the phoenix.

Though it said nothing, its rapidly flapping wings spoke volumes.

Lian Xing was now an Emperor-Tier Beast Tamer. Her final contract opportunity was when the Ancient Moonlight Rabbit reached level fifteen thousand and became an Overlord.

As explained before, Overlord wasn’t a separate rank, but more like an Emperor’s ultimate form.

But that final contract slot… probably wouldn’t be used on Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan, right?

Lian Xing’s lineup was already overflowing with power. Her priority should be solving her lifespan issue.

Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan’s addition wouldn’t change anything…

However…

Just as the white phoenix’s eyes dimmed slightly, a pair of delicate arms wrapped around its neck, the golden-haired girl climbing onto its back.

Lian Xing leaned close to the phoenix’s ear, whispering, “Little Phoenix, want to experience the perks of being a Married Pet Beast… early?”

Hearing her former master’s soft whisper, Smelting Fire Wrathful Luan felt a shiver run down its spine, its flight becoming unsteady.

After a long silence, it finally conveyed its true desire to Lian Xing.

“I want it… very hard… very intensely…”

“…”

“…”

“No problem. I can’t die now anyway~~~” Lian Xing smiled, a look of relief on her face.