"It was indeed Xia Yi who instructed Spirit Fox Douluo to save you back then," Ya Li said inside the Heavenly Fox Hall, rubbing her temples. "But don't overthink it. At the time, Xia Yi was simply trying to prevent the Star Luo Empire's scheme from succeeding and didn't want the Heavenly Fox Domain to be forced into conflict with the Sun Moon Federation."
Continuing, Ya Li said, "As for your Fallen Angel martial soul, Yuanen, you don't need to worry, and there's no need to seal it. I've spoken to Sister Yaozhu about your situation. That little demon plane—if they dare to use you to invade the Douluo Plane again, we'll finally have a reason to retaliate for all the times they've plundered it."
Ya Li snorted coldly. The demon plane had invaded the Douluo Plane multiple times using Fallen Angel martial souls.Each time, they stole vast amounts of heavenly energy and fled through the Demon Gate before Douluo's powerful forces could react.
Leng Yaozhu had long since devised a way to stabilize the Demon Gate. If the demon plane dared to open it again, she could instantly take control of it.
"But I heard from Titan Douluo that once a Fallen Angel martial soul user breaks through to Titled Douluo with nine soul rings, their martial soul begins to influence them. If Yuanen doesn't seal her soul beforehand, won't she be affected?" Ye Xinglan asked worriedly.
She didn't particularly care about the demon plane itself—that was someone else's concern.What she feared was that powerful figures like Leng Yaozhu might decide to sacrifice Yuanen Yehui for the greater good.
"Don't worry," Ya Li smiled gently. "I can protect Yehui's spiritual world. The Fallen Angel martial soul won't affect her. The real issue now isn't how to deal with her martial soul—it's how to divide the demon plane. Xia Yi and Gu Yue have had their eyes on it for a while. The Douluo Plane obviously can't monopolize it alone. The soul beasts will definitely want a share."
"Ah! Your Grace, are you saying Xia Yi already knew that the Fallen Angel martial soul was connected to the demon plane?" Yuanen Yehui's eyes darkened.
"Yes." Ya Li looked at her with sympathy. She understood what Yehui was thinking and added,"Don't overthink it. Xia Yi may have gotten close to you because of the demon plane, but he wouldn't use you. Even if he's planning something, he wouldn't let you get hurt. And frankly, even if it angers you, when Yun Ming brought you to Shrek Academy from the Titan Clan, it was also because of the demon plane. But even Yun Ming couldn't stabilize the Demon Gate. The plan at the time was to delay sealing your martial soul and only consider it if you were close to breaking through to Titled Douluo. No one expected Shrek Academy to be destroyed before you even got there."
"Your Grace, I want to return to my clan with Grandfather," Yuanen Yehui bit her lip.
"It's time you went back. Have Titan Douluo wait a while. I'll go with you once I handle a few things."Ya Li sighed. She hadn't told Yuanen Yehui the truth all these years, fearing she would secretly return to her clan on her own.
Yehui's mother had caused great losses to the Titan Clan back then—even Yehui's second uncle Yuanen Tianshang's wife had died in that disaster.
Though her mother was dead, the clan would likely direct their grief and anger toward Yehui.Even with her current strength, facing a hidden clan like the Titans would be dangerous.
Ya Li didn't feel comfortable letting her face it alone.
"I'll go talk to Grandfather now," Yehui said. She didn't refuse. By herself, she wasn't sure she had the courage to face her clan's wrath.
With Ya Li accompanying her, she felt more confident.
After Yehui and Ye Xinglan left, Ya Li immediately sought out Xia Yi and told him everything.
"So Yuanen Yehui is Er Ming's descendant? That's interesting," Xia Yi chuckled. "You're going with them, right? Can you do something for me?"
"What is it?" Ya Li asked curiously.
"Keep an eye on Tang Hao and Ah Yin, the Plane Lord and the Core of Life. With Er Ming and Da Ming now in the Douluo Plane, they won't miss the chance to win over those two. I need you to remind them if the time comes."Gu Yue had already warned Xia Yi about this.
He wasn't afraid Tang Hao would win Da Ming and Er Ming over and cause trouble for him.Though once friends with Tang San, the two had also built the Ten Thousand Beast Platform to protect endangered soul beast lineages.
Xia Yi knew their hearts were with the soul beasts. But if Tang Hao and Ah Yin used Xiao Wu or Tang Wulin to pressure them, there was a real risk they'd compromise.
He didn't want to stop them from returning to the Douluo Plane or from seeing Er Ming's descendants.All he could do was ensure Ya Li reminded them at the right moment. Whether they listened was up to them.
"If the Plane Lord and Ah Yin really show up, I'll remind them." Ya Li nodded."But I can't be away from the Spirit Healing Hospital for too long. Once I return with Yehui, I'll go straight back to Shrek City."
"Working on your wedding night? At least take a honeymoon!" Xia Yi grumbled.
"We're not kids anymore. Go take a honeymoon with your dear Muxi." Ya Li rolled her eyes.
"To me, you'll always be eighteen," Xia Yi said shamelessly, pulling her into his arms.
"Scram!" Ya Li's cheeks reddened, but she didn't resist. She nestled quietly into his embrace.
"I've got a few things to handle too. Head back first—I'll join you after," Xia Yi said softly.
"What things?" Ya Li snorted. Xia Yi was known for shirking responsibility—what could he possibly be busy with?
"Sky City, of course," Xia Yi shrugged. "It's as big as Shrek City. Now that it's built, we need to put it to use."
He tightened his arm around Ya Li. "According to our plan, Sky City will be the central hub connecting the Douluo Plane and the Genesis Origin. Both humans and soul beasts can live and trade there. Yulai and I will be building teleportation arrays from key cities to Sky City. But once people live there, it'll need a manager. I want you…"
"Stop right there!" Ya Li cut him off. "Don't tempt me. I have zero interest in being a deputy city lord. I'm just a doctor—no management experience. Get Yulai to do it—she's better suited and more obedient."
"Yulai already said no. You're the Sea God Pavilion Master—how can you not have management experience?" Xia Yi hung his head. He knew he could pressure either woman into accepting, but then it wouldn't mean anything.
Sky City was meant to be jointly built by humans and soul beasts. From the start, Xia Yi was made city lord—Gu Yue and Leng Yaozhu insisted on it.
Because of the city's pivotal role, only someone like Xia Yi could ensure both humans and soul beasts were treated fairly.
Knowing he wouldn't handle the daily grind, Gu Yue and Leng Yaozhu also arranged for two deputy lords—one human, one soul beast.
Gu Yue personally appointed Bi Ji as the soul beast deputy. Gentle by nature, she was ideal for working with humans.
Xia Yi's first human choice was Leng Yulai—but she declined, due to Leng Yaozhu not letting her go.
If Douluo became a god realm, Leng Yaozhu wouldn't manage alone. She needed her best people.
"I'm just a figurehead Pavilion Master," Ya Li sighed. "Find someone else—I'm not interested."
"Fine. Recommend someone for me, and I won't pressure you," Xia Yi said reluctantly.
He had his reasons. If Bi Ji and Ya Li were both deputies, managing the city would be a breeze.
"I have four suggestions," Ya Li said."First, Titan Douluo. He's Er Ming's descendant and would work well with soul beasts. But his reclusive clan and lesser fame might cause problems."
"Second, Battle God Douluo of the Qian Gu Clan. Famous and qualified, but the clan's past persecution of soul beasts might cause resentment."
"Third, Spirit Fox Douluo. She could pass her current role to her sister. Most people think you're from the Heavenly Fox Tribe anyway. But her cultivation is a bit low."
"Fourth, Deep Crimson. Leng Yaozhu is clearly grooming her as a successor. Assigning her this role could train her. But again, her cultivation is weak."
"Couldn't you just pick one?" Xia Yi sighed.
"Then don't appoint anyone and do it all yourself," Ya Li rolled her eyes and walked away.
After she left, Xia Yi immediately sought out Leng Yaozhu.
"Yulai won't take the role, and I won't force her. But since you represent humanity, you should decide. Here are four candidates," Xia Yi said.
"No Ya Li? I thought you'd use this to tie her to you," Leng Yaozhu said in surprise.
"She's your right-hand too. I wouldn't steal her," Xia Yi replied shamelessly.
Right now, Leng Yaozhu could still manage. But once Douluo rose to godhood, the current system would collapse.She'd need Ya Li more than ever.
"That's the right attitude," Leng Yaozhu nodded. "I'll ask Titan Douluo and Spirit Fox Douluo. If either agrees, they can take the role. Regardless, I want Deep Crimson to also hold an important post. Help her grow into a leader."
"Why not just take her as your student?" Xia Yi suggested. "It'd save trouble."
Deep Crimson's mother had only just broken through to Titled Douluo. Once Sky City opened, there'd be many strong figures—many wouldn't respect her.
But if Deep Crimson were officially Leng Yaozhu's student, even Limit Douluos would show respect.
"You think I haven't tried? She's not willing." Leng Yaozhu rolled her eyes."Apprenticeship is sacred. Not everyone treats it like you and Yue'er, using it as a bargaining tool. Hmph! Unfilial scoundrel!"
"Hey! I don't mind you insulting Yue'er, but leave me out of it—I never took you as my teacher!" Xia Yi protested.
"Last night you kept calling me 'teacher' over and over," Leng Yaozhu smirked. "Traitorous and hypocritical."
"Alright, alright, ease up already. Don't make me out to be a villain."Even Xia Yi, with his thick skin, was a little embarrassed by her blunt mockery.
He couldn't help but think—these sisters, Yulai and Yaozhu, really were cut from the same cloth.
(End of Chapter)