NOVEL NEXT Chapter 59: Zhu Yin
"Hello, master," she said, her tone filled with unwavering devotion and respect, as the glow around her began to stabilize, signifying the completion of her transformation. Her delicate features betrayed no hint of the storm that brewed beneath her calm demeanor.
"Zhu Yin, stop acting like you don't know me," Li Tian said, his voice cold and measured, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "I already added your soul into that body. Don't think you can fool me with your pathetic acting." His expression remained emotionless, though his words carried a weight that made the air feel heavier.
A sharp, chilling laugh escaped Zhu Yin's lips, her face twisting into a manic grin. "Hehehe, Li Tian—or should I say Levi? To think you actually succeeded in your plan." Her voice grew louder, her laughter echoing in the chamber. "I've been waiting for this day for almost two million years in this cursed world. You've played your part well, but don't think for a moment that I wasn't prepared for this."
Li Tian's expression remained unflinching, his calm tone cutting through her laughter. "Now, come on, we need to focus on the task at hand. It's time to begin and complete the creation of the Gu we've both been waiting for." He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied her, the manic gleam in her eyes still shining brightly. His presence radiated an unyielding authority, undeterred by her outburst.
"Well, first, can you increase my cultivation?" she asked, her tone suddenly shifting to one of playful innocence, her lips curling into a deceptively sweet smile. "I don't enjoy being this weak, you know."
"Not so fast," Li Tian replied, his voice firm and resolute. "First, it's me, then you. I will ascend to Rank 8, and then we can proceed." He turned and began walking toward the pavilion with an air of unshakable determination.
"Nope, that's not happening," Zhu Yin retorted, her sweet smile vanishing, replaced by a sharp, calculating look. "The moment you become Rank 8, I will stop helping you. Even as a soul fragment, I have my ways. I can still send messages to my main soul. Don't think you can outwit me."
"Fine," Li Tian replied, his tone icy but measured. "Then you will remain as you are—neither ascending to Rank 8 nor Rank 9. If you try to betray me, I will find another way, no matter how many attempts it takes."
Zhu Yin was a woman with an ambitious plan to create the Rank 10 Gu, though who would claim the Gu after its creation was a fierce point of contention.
Li Tian required her assistance due to her unique connection with Heaven's Will, an uncontrollable force known to yield only to the Star Constellation Immortal Venerable.
However, in the altered timeline, two anomalies existed that even the most intelligent and knowledgeable Star Constellation could not foresee: Li Tian and Zhu Yin.
Li Tian's existence was an enigma, as he had been born in a different era, outside the scope of Star Constellation's understanding.
Zhu Yin, on the other hand, had hidden herself within the soul of Star Constellation, evading detection even from the venerable figure.
This was possible because Zhu Yin was the progenitor of the Reality Path, an otherworldly demon originating from the same world as Li Tian.
During the era when Star Constellation merged with Heaven's Will, Zhu Yin executed a plan. She severed one-fourth of her soul and sent it to the Door of Life and Death, while the remaining part merged with Heaven's Will.
This clever maneuver allowed her to survive undetected and gave Li Tian a unique advantage. By leveraging her fragmented soul, he could orchestrate tribulations for his clones that were not only manageable but beneficial, ensuring their continuous growth.
Although Zhu Yin could not rival Star Constellation in direct confrontations of Will, her prolonged existence within the venerable's soul granted her unparalleled attainment in both Star and Wisdom Paths.
This allowed her to partially dominate the combined power of Heaven's Will and Star Constellation, though only briefly. Her influence, however, ensured higher success rates for their endeavors and turned tribulations into opportunities.
This unique dynamic made Zhu Yin an indispensable ally to Li Tian, her abilities and history creating a perfect synergy for their shared goals.
She was also the one who altered the Fate Revelation using Heaven's Will. However, her control was gradually slipping as both Star Constellation and Heaven's Will actively worked to eliminate the anomaly she represented.
This mounting resistance was why Li Tian had felt an increasing urgency to accelerate his cultivation and preparations—there was only one month left before Zhu Yin's influence over Heaven's Will would diminish to a critical point, leaving her unable to manipulate it any further.
Initially, Li Tian was unaware of the full scope of the situation. He had no recollection of the intricate details until he captured the Door of Life and Death.
It was only after encountering Zhu Yin's fragmented soul within the door that he learned the truth. Her revelations brought clarity to the story, allowing him to piece together the threads of their shared fate and the precarious timeline they now faced.
"Since we are not planning on ascension, we need to focus on the next phase of the plans. Let's move," Zhu Yin said, her voice firm yet laced with an undercurrent of urgency.
Li Tian nodded subtly and turned to Kang Jun, who stood silently nearby, ever vigilant. "Kang Jun," he commanded, his tone sharp and precise, "send a message to everyone. Tell them to prepare immediately. We leave at once."