However—
Neuvillette's expression turned somewhat strange. Would the auspicious beast also know of his memories from his previous life…?
(Author's note, before anyone complains: No, it does not.)
"Forget it." He shook his head.
Even if it did know, so what?
It's not like it could punch through the dimensional wall from the Douluo Continent to Earth.
He turned his gaze outside the cage.
Meeting Elder Xuan's smiling face, Neuvillette gave a slight nod. The elder understood at once and slowly put away the golden cage.
"Are you all right, little one?"
The Scarlet King flashed over to them in a rush, his three fierce eyes casting a complicated glance at Neuvillette before he shielded the Three-Eyed Golden Lion behind him.
He had not interfered earlier—partly because of what Elder Xuan had said.
Secondly, because the one who had locked eyes with the auspicious beast was Neuvillette himself, the youth his master had specifically warned him about.
And lastly, because this refined, elegant young man—who looked completely harmless—was someone he probably could not defeat…
"I'm fine."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion looked at Neuvillette with complicated eyes, memories of this youth flashing rapidly.
The differences between human life and that of soul beasts, the countless varieties of soul. The contrast between human life and that of soul beasts, the vast array of soul tools, and above all, the extraordinary, almost unnatural power this youth had displayed in just seventeen years—everything about him captivated its curiosity.
"Let's go."
Elder Xuan waved his hand, then disappeared in a flash.
"As for the beast tide you just stirred up, it would be best to resolve it quickly," Neuvillette said calmly.
A soul beast of this level—any sudden disturbance would cause a major upheaval in the forest. And that outburst just now, with its aura unleashed in full, had been like a tidal wave crashing outward.
Countless soul beasts had scattered, flooding off in every direction.
If not curbed in time, the casualties would be innumerable.
Human and beast alike.
Having said his piece, he paid no heed to the Scarlet King's expression, gave the Three-Eyed Golden Lion one last glance, and turned away without another word.
Cause and effect had already been sown. From here, things would most likely develop exactly as he had foreseen.
There was no meaning in lingering any longer.
When both figures had vanished, the Scarlet King turned to the weakened but unharmed Three-Eyed Golden Lion and sighed helplessly.
"You little one, always so reckless. I've told you before—among us soul beasts, humans are the most dangerous creatures."
"If the one who came this time hadn't been from Shrek Academy, then with his strength, you would have been in grave danger. We might not even have had the time to save you. From now on, remember—never leave the core circle lightly."
His deep voice was gentler now, even tinged with affection.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion lifted its head, its gaze glimmering with something odd.
"That human said… you're only using me. I wasn't the auspicious beast; if I couldn't bring you fortune, you wouldn't treat me so well… Was he telling the truth?"
The Scarlet King was silent for a moment before replying quietly.
"Little one, this world isn't simply black or white. What that human said was true. But your place in the soul beast world is far beyond mere 'use.'"
"After so many years together—even if you lost your auspicious power now—you would still be my friend, the Myriad Demon King's friend, and our lord's child. As long as I live, anyone who dares hurt you will face my wrath."
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion lowered its head, eyes full of grievance.
"I'm sorry, Scarlet King. I shouldn't have doubted you. I was wrong. Let's go home."
The Scarlet King's voice softened even further.
"Good. Let's go home."
Yet just as the Three-Eyed Golden Lion took a step forward, it suddenly looked back toward the direction Elder Xuan and Neuvillette had disappeared.
Within its mind, the fragments tied to that young human sharpened and clarified, yet to truly absorb them would require a long time.
"Teacher Neuvillette! Are you all right?"
As soon as Neuvillette appeared, Wang Dong threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly.
Even with Elder Xuan present and her trust in her teacher's strength, the soul beast's terrifying aura moments ago had still left her deeply shaken.
And with night all around—endless darkness, no news—her mind had been racing with wild fears.
Luckily, it wasn't long before Neuvillette returned.
"Hehe, I'm fine."
Neuvillette gave a light smile, casually running a hand through his hair.
Right now, he only feels refreshed and at ease.
Waiting for the rabbit to come to him.
Wang Dong'er had no idea she had just gained a terrifying rival. For now, she simply burrowed into Neuvillette's embrace, greedily savoring his scent.
Chances like this were rare.
Ever since that intimate encounter, she'd rarely had the chance to get close to him again. Every attempt she made was always met with Neuvillette's righteous refusals.
"Neuvillette, are you all right?"
Several figures arrived.
Ma Xiaotao's stunning face was grave as she strode forward, long legs stepping in crimson heels until she stood before Neuvillette.
"Senior Neuvillette, that aura just now—what was it?" Dai Yueheng asked, his expression equally serious.
"Hehe, merely a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Elder Xuan and I happened to encounter it, but it has already left…"
Neuvillette replied lightly, explaining to the group.
As for the auspicious beast, he never mentioned it at all.
(End of Chapter)