Chapter 230: A Marriage Meeting?
After a brief moment of eye contact, it was Ye Cheng who finally broke the silence.
"Apologies for disturbing you at this late hour."
Although their relationship in the future video had been close even life and death partners this was their first real meeting. In reality, they were complete strangers, making the situation somewhat awkward.
If one had to describe it, it felt like a blind date, where both sides were quietly evaluating each other.
Silver Dragon King studied the dignified, graceful young man before her. The more she looked, the more she found him to her satisfaction. Her first impression of Ye Cheng was exceptionally good.
"Not at all. Please, come in and have a seat."
She gestured invitingly, showing no arrogance despite her status as the ruler of all soul beasts. She did not assume a superior demeanor, nor did she act distant due to her strength.
Of course, this was only natural. Pride had to be measured against the right opponent.
While Ye Cheng's current power was not yet on par with hers, his potential was limitless.
If the future video was accurate, he would one day surpass even the Divine Kings and reach an unknown higher realm.
More importantly, because of their contract, she too had benefited immensely. In the end, she had been the biggest winner, achieving an evolution even beyond her creator, Dragon God.
Thus, Silver Dragon King was already considering something.
Should she sign a contract with Ye Cheng right away?
In the video, after Ye Cheng's final breakthrough, even she had ascended to a level beyond the Divine Kings.
For someone like her who had always lived in the shadow of Dragon God this was of extraordinary significance.
From the moment she became self aware, she had known she was not Dragon God, merely a new life born from his fragmented power.
Her growth had a limit, and surpassing Dragon God to reach a level beyond the Divine Kings was theoretically possible, but extremely difficult.
But now…
If she formed a contract with Ye Cheng, given his potential, he might be able to lead her beyond Dragon God's constraints.
The future video had already shown proof of this.
Had he not chosen to perish alongside the Abyss Lord, he would have eventually taken her to that higher realm.
At this thought, Silver Dragon King had no resistance toward forming a contract with Ye Cheng. In fact, she was eager.
Ye Cheng followed her inside.
After taking a seat, Zi Ji and Bi Ji respectfully served tea. Then, like proper attendants, they silently stood aside without joining them at the table.
Every movement was flawless, their etiquette impeccable.
Despite being soul beasts, the three had spent years studying human culture, knowing they would inevitably have to interact with humans.
After three years in White Cloud City, they had thoroughly learned the unspoken rules of human society.
Ye Cheng took a sip of tea, then set his cup down and looked at Silver Dragon King.
"We may be meeting for the first time, but thanks to the future video, we already have a certain level of understanding of each other."
"So let's not beat around the bush. You've come looking for me because of the Soul Beast Contract, correct?"
Silver Dragon King appreciated his directness. She nodded lightly and replied, "Indeed. That is my purpose."
"That makes things easier."
Ye Cheng nodded as well.
"To be honest, I only recently developed the Soul Beast Contract. Had you come to me three years ago, you would have left empty handed."
"However, before I pass this method to you, I need to clarify something."
Ye Cheng's expression became serious.
"The current situation is completely different from the video. The Abyss has not yet invaded, the world's energy density has not increased, and most importantly… I do not represent all of humanity!"
"Do you understand what I mean?"
Silver Dragon King nodded thoughtfully.
Of course, she understood.
Right now, humanity was not facing a desperate crisis like in the future video.
The Abyss had not yet arrived, and thus, humans did not feel any sense of urgency or unity.
Furthermore, the Condensation Ring Method was still in its infancy, known only to a few select individuals, and had not yet become mainstream.
Most soul masters still relied on soul rings to grow stronger.
At this stage, publicly announcing the Soul Beast Contract would not benefit soul beasts at all.
Instead, it would invite trouble.
Many unscrupulous humans would undoubtedly try to exploit the contract for their own gain.
Additionally…
Human society was still fragmented.
The Spirit Hall, the two great empires, and the major sects each faction was acting independently, constantly scheming against each other.
There was no unified front, no common enemy forcing them to work together.
If Ye Cheng suddenly revealed everything at once, those factions would never unite.
In fact, they might even think they could replicate his achievements on their own, further deepening their divisions.
Silver Dragon King was quiet for a moment, then asked, "So, what is your plan?"
"We'll start with a trial phase in White Cloud City," Ye Cheng said.
"This city is under my control. We can allow a select few to form contracts with soul beasts. Once it reaches a certain scale, we'll gradually open it to more people."
"In other words, the contract method remains firmly in our hands. That way, we maintain control."
Ye Cheng was not some selfless saint.
If he publicly released the Condensation Ring Method and the Soul Beast Contract too soon, then White Cloud City would lose its unique advantage.
Thus, he had no intention of making everything public right away.
Even when he taught the city's leaders the Condensation Ring Method, he left hidden safeguards in place.
No one could reveal the method through any means conscious or forced.
If anyone attempted to extract the knowledge through mind reading or torture, the safeguards would automatically retaliate.
At the same time, Ye Cheng would be alerted immediately, allowing him to track down and eliminate the offender.
In his long term plan, White Cloud City was to become a sanctuary a sacred land for humanity.
To accomplish this, it needed an irreplaceable advantage.
That advantage was the Condensation Ring Method and the Soul Beast Contract.
Eventually, Ye Cheng would establish the White Cloud Academy, opening its doors to students from across the continent.
Even the heirs of major clans and powerful factions would be welcome.
Once the city had produced countless strong individuals who owed their success to its teachings, then the Condensation Ring Method and the Soul Beast Contract could be fully released to the world.
At that point, it wouldn't matter anymore.
By then, White Cloud City would already be the dominant force in the world.
But in these early stages, it was absolutely crucial to retain control.
If he gave everything away too soon…
Then White Cloud City would be no different from any other place.
(End of Chapter)
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