Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 165: Dark Power Multiplied by Threefold (Part 1)

In an instant, a surge of violet lightning exploded, raging outward over dozens of meters around. However, given Ye Wen's physical resilience, this kind of attack posed no threat. Yet he could clearly sense an overwhelming wave of anger and distrust emanating from Ah Yin's spirit.

"Ah Yin," Ye Wen said calmly, "I'm not lying to you. I don't have that kind of time to waste."

Gradually, the wild lightning subsided, and Ah Yin's form seemed to wilt in defeat, her spirit visibly drained. She understood now that, as a god, Ye Wen had no reason to deceive her. Even with her former power as a 200,000 year old spirit beast, she knew she was insignificant in comparison. Such a powerful being would have no need to lie to a mere spirit beast turned human like herself.

The vine leaned toward Ye Wen, resembling a gesture of supplication, maybe even a silent prayer. Through her spirit's fluctuations, Ye Wen sensed her plea: Revive me. Let me see them. I'll give you everything in return, mighty god.

Ye Wen smiled faintly. He hadn't misled her and indeed had no desire to do so. However, since Ah Yin had once been chosen by the God of Asura to be Tang San's mother, the game around her had been set the moment she transformed. If he interfered now, what harm would it do?

Ye Wen raised his left hand, summoning his Time Gem. Ten golden soul rings encircled him. With divine power, it had been easy to construct his own soul rings, tailor made for his abilities. With both martial souls imbued with ten soul rings, Ye Wen had acquired a terrifying divine technique a trump card he was saving for any future enemies.

Soft, golden light enveloped the vine, and the small bamboo shoot dissolved into thin air. A spectral image of a woman gradually appeared where it had been. When the golden light finally faded, Ah Yin's resurrection was complete.

Due to her body's stored imprint, she returned as a 59th level Spirit King, nullifying five years' worth of cultivation. But as she stood before Ye Wen, her spirit exhausted, her human form was as stunning as ever. Her perfectly proportioned, graceful form made Ye Wen blush. He quickly retrieved a set of clothes from his spatial storage, handed it to her, and respectfully turned his back as she dressed.

Resurrected, Ah Yin looked beautiful as ever, but her once bright, heroic spirit seemed hollow and empty. She moved slowly, robotically, as she dressed, her expression stiff and drained of life.

"Lord God, are you certain you haven't deceived me?" she finally asked.

Looking at her now, as beautiful as the day she died, Ye Wen nodded. "I would have no reason to lie to you. From the moment you took human form, you were caught in another god's scheme, though I happened to interfere. As for your species, you must understand that reaching 200,000 years as a Thunderous Hell Prison Vine is impossible without external interference."

Ye Wen's words struck a chord. The Thunderous Hell Prison Vine was among the most elite of plant based spirit beasts, but its kind was often called the "Heaven Cursed Spirit Beast." The vines grew erratically, and all members of the species felt a bloodline connection whenever one of them surpassed 100,000 years. This was the memory she recalled from her own evolution.

But besides her, not a single member of her kind had ever surpassed the 60,000 year mark. Moreover, there had been a period when her cultivation advanced unusually fast. Back then, she'd been naïve, with no experience in the outside world, so she hadn't questioned it. She thought nothing of her abnormal growth, especially since her lightning energy was stable. Before long, she was breaking through to the 200,000 year threshold when suddenly, her energy went haywire. Desperate, she turned to the only option her bloodline offered her: transformation.

"Divine interference?" she murmured in disbelief, anger surging within her. If there was one kind of person who could ignite hatred like nothing else, it was those who toyed with emotions someone who would make others fall into a trap, only to reveal their betrayal at the last moment.

As a human woman, Ah Yin's emotions had intensified, and learning that her life had been manipulated by some unknown god made her once suppressed feelings erupt. Her glare became so fierce that, for the first time, even Ye Wen felt unsettled. However, after that surge of fury, her expression went eerily calm.

What good would anger do me? she thought. Her opponent was a god, and she, a mere 59th level human spirit master. However, she couldn't quench the last flicker of hope she clung to.

"Would you take me to see Hao and my child?" she asked, her voice laced with despair.

Her composure surprised Ye Wen. He scratched his head, slightly uncomfortable with the situation. "I could, but I'd suggest waiting until tomorrow. By then, you'll see their true colors."

Though she was eager, Ah Yin could only nod in resignation, knowing she had no choice.

The next day, Ye Wen led Ah Yin to the village where Tang Hao and Tang San lived. It seemed Tang Hao was still blissfully unaware that the soul bone had been stolen kekeke. A fake note, no matter how clever, would eventually reveal its flaws. Soon, Ah Yin could write the message herself, and everything would fall into place.

Staring at the rundown shack they called home, Ah Yin felt a surge of disbelief. Tang Hao was a Titled Douluo how could he live in such dire poverty?

Peering inside, she saw a small boy silently preparing rice in the early hours, placing it in a pot over a cold fire before slipping out of the house.

"What…?" she whispered, her face etched in shock.

Even without extensive knowledge of human society, Ah Yin recognized that something was wrong. What kind of young child would wake up before dawn to cook in the pitch dark, without even a candle to light his way? It was eerie.

Then Ye Wen led her to watch Tang San's morning routine. As she observed his silent, disciplined practice, her gaze grew colder and colder. Without a doubt, she now believed Ye Wen. Her child was dead. The person occupying his body was something else entirely.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Who would do this, and why?" Ah Yin's voice rose, trembling with rage.

If not for Ye Wen's divine skill at concealing her presence, Tang Hao would have been alerted by her fury long ago.

"Calm down, Ah Yin," Ye Wen said, trying to ease her wrath.

Ah Yin turned on him, her anger flaring hotter. "Don't call me that! I have no husband! No son!" Her eyes were fierce, filled with burning hatred. "Tell me! Who's the damned god that plotted all of this?"

(Chapter End)

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