Chapter 338 Seven Soul Steps

Chapter 338 Seven Soul Steps

The Elders on the viewing platform watched the cruel scene below, their bodies shivering as Wu ripped Vyleria's eye and admired it from up close. Elder Nyx was the most affected, her face red in anger and helplessness. Vyleria was like a daughter to her and she couldn't do anything to protect her.

"Founder Maria, I understand and respect your rules, but I once again request permission to intervene," Elder Nyx implored the Founder, her voice filled with urgency. If she were to step in, the stolen eye could still be reattached to her disciple.

"Denied," Founder Miara replied coldly, her eyes fixed on the arena. "This is the result of her own weakness. She must suffer the consequences."

"But—"

"Elder Nyx, are you questioning my judgment?" Founder Maria's eyes narrowed, her voice turning sharp.

"I apologize, Founder, but I can't watch her get hurt anymore," Elder Nyx continued, her eyes falling on the blood-soaked teen.

"You are only worried that your Legendary Artefact is being stolen," the Founder pointed out the obvious. "If it's about your disciple's health, you don't need to worry about it. She is already receiving proper treatment."

As she spoke, Wu kept the bloody eye in a treasure box before withdrawing a pill which she fed to Vyleria. A golden light covered her eye cavity and a new red-colored eye filled the empty space. It only took a few seconds before she was able to see again, her new eyelid blinking at Wu with a shocked expression.

"You look much prettier with matching eyes," Wu commented softly, casually caressing Vyleria's cheek. "Are you feeling better? I know that eye has been corrupting your Soul since you got it."

"How did you know...?" Vyleria blurted out, reaching out to touch her new eye.

"Because I saw it with my own eyes when I invaded your Soul earlier. I witnessed the darkness you have been fighting and couldn't help but do something about it," Wu explained with a smile. "I assume you didn't tell your Elder how overwhelmed you are, right? Each time you used your Eye of Truth, the darkness grew stronger, threatening to consume your Soul."

"No, I didn't..." Vyleria lowered her head, her face flushing in shame.

"I figured. You didn't want to disappoint her," Wu continued, her voice gentle and caring. "You are a talented cultivator, and I am sure you will achieve great things if you focus on your own strength. Artifacts should only complement your abilities, not define them."

"I... Thank you," Vyleria's cheeks burned in embarrassment, her heart pounding in her chest.

"There is no need to thank me. I only did what was right," Wu smiled and helped her stand. "Don't worry, I won't just take this Eye for myself. I will return it to the Founder and let her decide what to do with it."

Vyleria's eyes brightened, looking at Wu with admiration. "I'm sorry for misjudging you. I really thought you aimed to steal it, yet you were only trying to help me. Thank you once again."

Elder Lysandra paled, realizing what Miara was implying. "No, Founder Mira, I didn't."

"Then who gave you the right to tell me what I should or shouldn't do with my own treasure?" Miara asked coldly, the pressure in the air rising. "Aren't you embarrassed to ask for a Legendary Artifact even after your disciples were defeated by a mere Soul Blast? What did I spend all those resources for? You all raised a bunch of weaklings who don't even deserve my blessing."

The Elders looked down to avoid Miara's gaze.

"Even if Wu took it for herself without asking, I wouldn't care since that's her right. She defeated everyone fairly, and deserves to take whatever loot she pleases," Miara continued, her eyes falling back on Wu. "Don't worry, no one will disturb us again. Just treat them as flies and let's continue our discussion."

Miara waited until Wu kept the treasure box and commented, "I'm impressed how you won your duel. You recognized you couldn't overpower them directly so you used Soul Illusion to provoke an outbreak of the Eye of Truth. Even though your Soul hasn't completed the first refining, your control is exquisite."

"It's nothing. My sisters could easily defeat me in my current state," Wu revealed honestly. "With how fast they are growing, I can only aim to keep up with them. Becoming your disciple and learning the Seven Soul Steps should help me achieve that goal."

Miara didn't mind her friendly tone, finding it refreshing. "I like your boldness. No one talks about learning my ultimate Soul Art with a smile on their face. I hope Emi informed you about the risks involved? Many had their Souls shattered before they could even master the first step."

"I didn't ask and I don't care about the risks," Wu shook her head. "It's my duty as my husband's wife to become his pillar of support. I will do whatever it takes, even if it puts my life on the line."

"You mention your husband quite often. Emi also has a favorable opinion of him even though she has always considered men as toys and food," Miara pointed out curiously. "What kind of man could have changed her mind so quickly?"

Wu glanced at Emi who immediately denied her thoughts with an eye signal. It was clear she didn't want to be exposed in front of Miara so Wu respected her wish.

"I mentioned my sisters often too, but we are not really blood related. The truth is they are also my husband's wives, all brilliant in their own way," Wu spoke while caressing the ring on her finger. "Even though my potential was great, I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for him. He is the man that brought the best out of me, showing me every day what it means to love and care for someone. He would also willingly give up his life for me without a moment of hesitation, and he proved it many times already."

"I see, you are into the hero type," Miara nodded in approval. "I am more into the toxic type. Unless they are obsessed with me, I don't want him."

Even the Queen froze at her founder's words, not believing she was hearing right. Was it really their Founder Miara speaking, the woman who reigned over hundreds of Realms with an iron fist?

"The last man I had cheated on me with another Constellation and I killed them both, taking all of their Realms for myself. I respect your patience but I can't stand unloyal men. Either you love me and only me, or you can scram. I'm too possessive when it comes to love," Miara expressed while clenching her fist before forcing herself to calm down. "Anyway, I will accept your request and accept you as my disciple. The Seven Soul Steps will have to wait until you complete your first refining, but until then, I can teach you some other things."

Miara finally stood up and formed a golden ball made of Fate Qi, everyone gasping when they saw it.

"This is a Celestial Blessing which contains part of my real Soul. It will allow you to draw my power anytime you wish, either to protect your Soul from your enemies or to defeat them. Once you accept my blessing, you will officially become my disciple and I will help refine your Soul as a first gift from your new master." Miara explained as she glanced at Emi. "I hope you don't mind that I'm stealing your disciple."

"Of course not. This is exactly what I was aiming for," Emi replied politely, urging Wu with a bright smile. "Just place your hand on the ball and the contract will be completed."

Everyone assumed they would have a new colleague once Wu accepted the blessing in front of her, but she only glanced at it indifferently and shook her head, "I'm afraid I can't do that."