The sunlight, like golden threads, filtered through the gaps in the ancient forest, dappling the forest floor with scattered patches of light.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a faint rustling sound.
Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, a graceful figure dressed in a blue and gold palace gown was quietly reclining against the thick trunk of an ancient tree, her eyes closed as if resting.
Behind her, the massive tree had an unusual appearance. Its entire form was a clear, deep blue, with a crystalline, translucent hue. Countless slender vines climbed upward, and at the center of the tree was a mark resembling a human face.
This person and the tree were none other than Ah Yin, who had returned to the Blue Silver Grass Forest nearly a year ago, and the unique plant-type soul beast, the Blue Silver King, that grew in the heart of the forest.
At this moment, several thick vines dangled and swayed, sweeping aside the dense foliage to reveal a narrow path.
The warm spring sunlight streamed through, bathing Ah Yin in its glow, wrapping her in a golden halo.
Under the sunlight, her delicate skin appeared even fairer, radiating a lustrous glow like freshly fallen snow. Her refined and gentle face was peaceful and serene, as if she had completely merged with the ancient forest around her.
However, her state of existence differed fundamentally from Su Cheng's harmony with the external environment.
She seemed more like a being in symbiosis with nature. No, more precisely, the entire natural forest was benefiting from her presence.
Ah Yin herself was the core and foundation of this forest, connected to the earth, exuding a presence that no one could ignore.
"Your heart seems heavy. Would you like to share it with me?"
The old face in the center of the ancient tree showed a deeply human-like concern as it spoke.
"You noticed?" Ah Yin opened her eyes and gently brushed aside a strand of hair that had fallen by her cheek.
"Hehe, I noticed a long time ago, but you didn't say anything, so I didn't ask."
The Blue Silver King's voice was calm and kind, with a faint hint of laughter.
Compared to Ah Yin, who once possessed a hundred-thousand-year cultivation, the Blue Silver King now seemed more like a wise and compassionate elder.
In fact, the Blue Silver King had indeed lived much longer than Ah Yin.
When she was first born, this Blue Silver King was already the ruler of the Blue Silver Grass Forest.
The so-called cultivation age of soul beasts doesn't truly represent their biological age, as in addition to natural growth, soul beasts can also cultivate by absorbing external soul power to increase their years.
With her exceptional Blue Silver Emperor bloodline, Ah Yin obviously didn't need to rely solely on time to accumulate cultivation, allowing her strength to grow rapidly.
Moreover, unlike Ah Yin's somewhat muddled cultivation and slumber during her soul beast years, the Blue Silver King had gained wisdom long ago and had lived for tens of thousands of years since.
Though it couldn't move, the entire forest served as its senses, having witnessed countless events, joys, and sorrows over the years.
It carried the wisdom that comes from time and experience.
To this familial Blue Silver King behind her, Ah Yin had nothing to hide. Or perhaps, she indeed felt the urge to express her thoughts—many things she simply had to get off her chest.
After a moment of silence, she softly said, "I made a mistake."
"Oh? Is it because of that young powerhouse, Su Cheng?"
"How do you know?" Ah Yin was momentarily stunned.
"Hehe, in this year since you returned, you've only mentioned his name. Besides, I also have a strong impression of that person."
"…" Ah Yin's delicate face blushed slightly, then a trace of worry crept into her brow. "It seems my feelings are no longer under my control. Even though I know it's wrong—whether for me, for him, or for others—this change shouldn't be happening…"
"Are you referring to human emotions?"
"Yes, humans are deeply emotional," Ah Yin nodded gently.
"To friends, they should be tolerant and sincere; to lovers, loyal and unwavering; to family, selfless and forgiving… But it seems I've failed in all of these. Do you think I've made a mistake? Should I give up on this wrongful behavior and emotion?"
"Are you asking me? But I'm just a tree."
Ah Yin: "…"
"Hehe, but I think I understand what you mean." The smile on the Blue Silver King's face, composed of tree bark and vines, grew more pronounced, and its vines swayed gently. "My King, you are overthinking it."
"Hmm?"
"I'm just a tree, and my emotions aren't as complex. I can't tell the difference between friendship, love, or familial affection. But I would ask you this: If it is wrong, could you bear to give it up?"
"…" Ah Yin fell silent.
Give up?
How could she give up?
After finally getting everything back on track, could it really just end like this?
If that were the case, why would she have stayed in Spirit Hall for so long, enduring cold stares and loneliness?
But precisely because she couldn't let go, the pain and confusion in her heart grew stronger.
The softer and kinder a person is, the more they tend to blame and feel guilty for the harm they cause others, leading to internal torment.
"My King, I have seen many humans entangled in grudges and feuds because of various emotions.
"The ethics and morals humans speak of are rules they've established over time to create collective order and maintain society. However, these rules constantly change with the times. Different classes of people have different rules to follow.
"You haven't spent much time in the human world, so you might not feel this deeply, but I've seen it countless times…
"I also know that humans, in addition to their rich and complex emotions, possess desires and ambitions far beyond other beings, grand aspirations and dreams, and a constant yearning to break free from restraints.
"However, many eventually have to conform to the rules of 'normalcy' and 'order,' whether due to life's hardships or societal pressure. But in the beginning, who hasn't had dreams and impulses?
"But, my respected King, you are different. You are not an ordinary person. You are the one and only Blue Silver Emperor in this world, a ruler among millions. Why then, should you trap yourself in a cage?"
The Blue Silver King's calm and compassionate voice slowly reached her ears.
"What was the reason you initially wanted to integrate into human society? Do you still remember your original intent? Was it simply to cultivate by taking human form?"
"My… original intent?"