"It really was too short."
The God of Destruction thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.
Even if the Eternal Gold, formed purely from the power of time and space, had gained sentience, transforming it into a soul would still take tens of thousands of years. Just like himself back then—it was only after countless years that his divine consciousness emerged from Destruction Condensate, eventually solidifying into a true soul. Reincarnating as a living being and a natural spiritual awakening of a heavenly material treasure are two entirely different things.
It's like the difference between living and non-living things—fundamentally distinct.
The more powerful the heavenly material, the harder it is to develop intelligence. Eternal Gold was precisely such an existence.
If it had truly developed a soul and some degree of intelligence, that piece of Eternal Gold wouldn't have been foolish enough to crash headlong into the Divine Realm, and certainly wouldn't have been chased down so miserably by Tang San.
If it had a soul, it would be a born innate deity capable of wielding time and space elements—enough to rival Tang San.
"Little Zi, let me try communicating with this child," the Goddess of Life said. "Let's see if we can get more information—and offer a response as well."
"This child has clearly received the favor of destiny. That means this plane already recognizes his earlier words, and believes that spreading our faith is beneficial to its development. Since he's now our believer, giving him some form of response wouldn't violate the Divine Realm's laws."
As she spoke, she seemed to think of something, and smiled lightly.
"Little Zi, you're always so serious. The other gods respect you, but they also don't dare to get too close."
"If this child really is a reincarnated ancient god, perhaps that's exactly why he subconsciously resists you and can't recall your appearance."
The God of Destruction's expression stiffened. In his mind, he recalled Ming Hui's earlier dream description: how the first time he saw the Goddess of Life, he felt a deep familiarity—while with him, although he felt awe, he also felt a severe sense of pressure.
Recalling this, he opted for selective silence.
So he really just doesn't want to see my face, huh?
The Goddess of Life smiled again and waved her hand, releasing the Light of Life onto Ming Hui. Though not intense, it was like a warm, gentle sunlight—emanating a faint golden glow.
Even so, it was vivid and unmistakable.
"???" Again?! The gathered crowd in the plaza was shocked to see the divine light descending once more from the sky.
"This life aura… it's real!" Princess Weina's expression changed dramatically.
The Goddess of Life had truly responded?!
The upper echelon of the various sects—like the Undying Poison—were just as stunned.
This wasn't a simulation. This was real. A genuine manifestation of divine life energy, and the aura matched perfectly with the one Ming Hui had simulated earlier.
Even without directly bathing in the light, merely being illuminated by it was enough to awaken the vitality within their bodies—they could feel it.
Their soul power began to circulate faster without conscious effort. Their pores opened wide, greedily absorbing the radiance to enhance their life force.
Ming Hui felt the same—intensely so—an unprecedented clarity and refreshment washing over him.
And then, the next moment, a soft, warm, and intimate female voice echoed directly in his mind.
"Child, did you see anything else in that dream?"
"!!!" Ming Hui was startled, his spiritual energy surging. Even the illusion beside him began to flicker.
"The Goddess of Life?!" The title instinctively sprang to mind.
She had actually responded!
Regaining composure, he forced himself to stay calm and tentatively asked, "Is this the esteemed Goddess of Life?"
Her voice was clear and gentle—completely genuine, treating him like a true child.
"It's me, child. I heard everyone's prayers," the Goddess of Life replied warmly, like a spring breeze.
"And I also heard your story."
"It made me curious—why would I appear in your dreams? So, I came to ask."
He's talking to someone! The Undying Poison, who was watching covertly from the corner of his eye, was stunned.
Bathed in the golden light, his disciple's lips were clearly moving.
Dear heavens, the Goddess of Life really came! He quickly lowered his head, pretending not to notice.
His disciple was clearly speaking, but no sound came out. It was obvious the Goddess of Life had silenced the conversation, not wanting outsiders to overhear.
"Replying to the Goddess of Life," Ming Hui paused, then gave the prepared explanation:
"I'd been training really hard lately and was exhausted. One night, in my sleep, I dreamed of two people."
"But everything was blurry. I could only make out that one wore black and the other wore white—one male, one female. They seemed to be fighting an enormous soul beast."
"I'm sorry, Goddess of Life," he added earnestly.
"During the dream, everything was foggy. I felt overwhelmingly sleepy, like I was drifting off, and much of the scene was glowing red. I couldn't make out what that creature really looked like."
"In my vision, it was like a moving rainbow—seven-colored and shifting."
"Evil and good... and the Dragon God?" The Goddess of Life's expression changed drastically. The God of Destruction's brow also furrowed.
"Then everything suddenly went black," Ming Hui continued. "I woke up in an instant, heart pounding, drenched in sweat."
"Since then, I've always thought of it as a nightmare. I was probably just too tired."
"That's all, Goddess of Life. I haven't had any strange dreams since."
The Goddess of Life and the God of Destruction both fell silent, exchanging glances.
Suppressing her thoughts, the Goddess of Life spoke softly, "That truly does sound like a frightening nightmare. Thank you, child, for telling me this."
"And thank you—and everyone else—for trusting me and Destruction."
"However, the Divine Realm has strict laws. Deities are forbidden from interfering in the mortal world. That's something both Destruction and I must abide by. So today, we cannot offer too much in response. The only thing we can do—"
"—is bestow our blessings upon you and your companions."
"We hope all of you grow up safe and healthy."
"Child, if fate allows it, both Destruction and I sincerely hope to meet you again in the Divine Realm someday."
"Goddess of Life, I will do my best!" Ming Hui answered solemnly.
Excellent. Judging from this, Life and Destruction didn't probe my memories—and they've taken me for a reincarnated ancient god who once fought in the war.
This is true camaraderie from the battlefield—far beyond Tang San, that parachuted newcomer.
With this kind of backing—hell, why should I fear Tang San? God King or not, I'll still mess with you!
Tang San, oh Tang San... if you're still alive, then please—by all means—go torment Huo Yuhao mercilessly in the future!
Goddess of Life, God of Destruction—my lords, I accuse! Sea God Tang San is interfering with the lower realms!
You yourselves said that deities of the Divine Realm are forbidden from meddling in the mortal world. As a faithful follower—your once little brother—I've remembered that rule all these years.
Now I'm actually kind of looking forward to what's coming.
"We'll await that day," said the Goddess of Life softly. "Then farewell, child."
With that, she withdrew her divine consciousness.
Then, placing her hands together, she summoned the last of her divine power stored within her consciousness and activated a divine skill—
Blessing of Life!
In the next second, the soft golden glow enveloping Ming Hui surged to brilliance—radiant and dazzling.
Seeing this, the God of Destruction remained calm and said nothing.
These believers, though faithful, hadn't yet contributed to the Divine Realm's development. If they were all blessed, it would be favoritism—abusing power to interfere in the lower realm. Any benefit they received just by being near Ming Hui was incidental.
That was simply the effect of his wife's soul skill.
Ming Hui, as the originator who spread their faith, was expanding the Divine Realm's influence and divine will in the lower plane—clearly beneficial. The descent of fortune by the plane's will proved this was a meritorious act.
So, whether for the present or the future, such a reward was deserved.
His wife bestowing the Blessing of Life to heal Ming Hui's failing organs was both a reward and an encouragement—well within Divine Realm law.
Not to mention, the child had once contributed to the Divine Realm back when he was a god.
Even if the Divine Realm Enforcer Tang San came afterward to question him, he'd have ample justification to respond.
Meanwhile, basking in the Light of Life, Ming Hui felt too comfortable—his entire body seemed to be transforming. It was simply impossible to focus. He couldn't help but withdraw his soul skill.
A few blinks later, the light faded, and peace returned.
That's it? Ming Hui opened his eyes, feeling a little reluctant.
And just then, a human-shaped illusion suddenly appeared midair in front of him.
Clad in a violet cloak, with a handsome face that looked around thirty, short dark-red hair spiked like steel needles, and a pair of cold, awe-inspiring crimson eyes that gazed down.
"Well said. Keep cultivating."
With those words, the figure vanished.