Chapter 247: The Golden Fairy’s Dual Souls

As the announcement faded, the heavens fell silent.

Even Hai Ying Tian and Hai Fei Yun, who had begun to depart, reappeared mid-air, their eyes flickering with intrigue.

Under countless gazes, an ancient palanquin pierced through space, materializing above Elf Island. From it emerged four graceful figures, each breathtakingly beautiful, exuding elegance and nobility beyond words.

Cheng Bich wore a form-fitting purple cheongsam, accentuating her ripe, peach-like curves. Bao Qiao's white princess gown fluttered, its deep neckline revealing a smooth, voluptuous chest, fatally alluring. Li Huan, in a kimono, smiled with serene gentleness unmatched by others. The fourth woman surprised Lan An. Clad in black battle armor, her tanned skin stood out vibrantly, chestnut hair cascading wildly, brimming with untamed energy. Her large, obsidian eyes gleamed like the night, her high nose and red lips striking, her toned, agile frame towering half a head above the others.

"She's a beast…" Lan An murmured, easily deducing her nature. Accompanying Cheng Bich, Bao Qiao, and Li Huan, she was undoubtedly one of the Four Great Maidens serving Tian Die Dao. Yet, her beastly origin, akin to Xiao Shi and Su Mai, was unexpected.

"Shadow Panther, a beast excelling in Dark Attributes, its speed multiplying at night, with razor-sharp attack prowess," Jin'er explained, eyeing the armored woman.

Lan An nodded, shifting his focus to Cheng Bich's aura—Early Void Refinement. Last he saw her, she was Peak Spirit Transformation. Her breakthrough in such a short time spoke to Myriad Treasures Pavilion's vast resources, though Lan An didn't know she'd been stuck at that bottleneck for years, making her ascent far from simple.

The Four Maidens' arrival sparked envy among the Elves, their beauty humbling even the island's natives. Dan Vo Hanh and Dan Manh's eyes blazed with awe—few men could resist such allure. The air grew heavy, breaths quickening.

Anticipation for Tian Die Dao surged.

"That beast woman—know her?" Lan An asked Yan Yue Qi softly.

"Wu Ji, 17th on the Golden Rank, dubbed Shadow Fairy. She's the strongest of the Four Maidens," Yan Yue Qi replied casually.

Lan An nodded. Wu Ji, a Mid Sixth-Grade beast, naturally boasted formidable strength. A mere maiden ranking 17th on the Golden Rank heightened his curiosity about Tian Die Dao.

He wasn't alone; the crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager for the palanquin's occupant to emerge. They weren't disappointed. The Four Maidens bowed gracefully, saying in unison, "We've arrived at Elf Island. Please, Holy Maiden, reveal yourself."

As their voices fell, a delicate foot emerged from behind the curtain, quickening every heartbeat. Bare, luminous, and jade-like, its exquisite toes half-curled, unadorned yet pure, it captivated all. Dan Manh and Hai Fei Yun's pulses raced at the sight.

When her full figure stepped out, time seemed to freeze.

The sky dimmed, the Four Maidens' beauty paling beside her radiant glow. Golden hair cascaded dazzlingly, half draping her shoulders, half spilling over her shapely hips. Clad in thin golden soft armor, it hugged her flawless form—high chest, slender waist, proud hips—breathtakingly perfect, stealing the breath of onlookers.

Her every frown, every smile, could topple empires, a true enchantress. Yet, her eyes, the most precious gems, were veiled by phoenix-wing silk, concealing their brilliance. Beneath, her glossy lips, rosy and full, parted slightly, revealing perfect white teeth, irresistibly alluring. Her jade-carved chin and delicate collarbone were flawless.

She was Tian Die Dao, 4th on the Golden Rank, the Treasure Dragon Fairy, an Early Body Saint at 300 years—a terrifying prodigy. Given time, none dared predict her limits, likely reaching the pinnacle of Viet Dragon Star's heavens.

Unlike others who veiled their faces, leaving eyes exposed, Tian Die Dao hid only her eyes, fueling male curiosity to unbearable heights. Elf Island fell silent for ten breaths, even women momentarily entranced.

"Hmph!"

A delicate huff shattered the spell. Lan An snapped back, gazing tenderly at Yan Yue Qi, transmitting playfully, "Jealous? Don't worry, my home's beauties are the best. Others are just for looking."

"Hmph, look at whomever you want. What's it to me?" Yan Yue Qi turned away, ignoring him.

Lan An rubbed his nose sheepishly, taking her hand to leave. He needed to nurture his bond with his beloved; the Holy Maiden could wait.

But someone had other plans. A fragrant breeze wafted over, intoxicating as an immortal realm. Tian Die Dao stood before them, stretching languidly, her lithe form making Lan An's throat dry.

"Kiki, why rush off? Dao Dao missed you so much," she purred, her voice meltingly sweet, enchanting the crowd.

Yan Yue Qi's face soured. "I've no interest in your company. Move aside."

"Kiki, you wound me! Dao Dao's heart is breaking," Tian Die Dao pouted, stomping petulantly, her Top 4 gravitas nowhere in sight. If her eyes weren't veiled, she'd likely be teary.

Lan An's jaw twitched, his image of a mighty fairy crumbling. "So annoying. I need to talk to my Junior Brother. No time for you," Yan Yue Qi said, shooing her like a fly. Their personalities clashed, leaving little common ground.

The Four Maidens descended. Cheng Bich, Bao Qiao, and Li Huan nodded to Lan An, while Wu Ji glared. Lan An smiled politely, helpless at Yan Yue Qi's entanglement.

"Junior Brother?" Tian Die Dao's focus shifted to Lan An, her lips parting casually. "Dao Dao's curious about Little Lolo, too. Kiki, Lolo, come with Dao Dao for a private chat."

She'd researched the rising genius Lan An, her interest long piqued. "No time," Yan Yue Qi shot back, four words sharp as blades.

Tian Die Dao's face fell, her chest heaving with indignation. The Four Maidens pretended not to notice, unwilling to rein in their Holy Maiden.

"Ahem, Treasure Dragon Fairy and esteemed friends, guest quarters are ready. Please rest," A Lian Ya coughed, intervening.

"Oh, Nga Nga's getting prettier! Dao Dao missed you!" Tian Die Dao squealed, reaching to hug A Lian Ya, who shivered and flashed thousands of miles away.

"Why do you all dodge Dao Dao? This Holy Maiden's mad!" Tian Die Dao huffed, her cheeks puffing.

Her Early Body Saint aura erupted, shattering space. Her demeanor flipped—golden hair billowing, her face cold and proud. Lan An jolted. Was she an actress? From innocent to imperious in a blink.

"She's not ill. Tian Die Dao has a second personality—aloof and arrogant, opposite her naive side. It shifts with her emotions, a congenital trait, untreatable. Best keep your distance," Jin'er giggled.

Lan An was speechless. The Four Maidens remained unfazed, clearly accustomed. Tian Die Dao's transformation completed, she lifted her chin, pointing at Yan Yue Qi and Lan An. "Join this Holy Maiden for tea," she commanded, her voice carrying undeniable authority, a queen issuing an edict.

This was her other self. Without sensing malice, Lan An might've thought she was picking a fight. Yan Yue Qi opened her mouth, but Hai Fei Yun swooped in, fawning, "Greetings, Treasure Dragon Fairy. Fei Yun's honored to meet you."

"Scram!" Tian Die Dao snapped, her tone icy.

"You—" Hai Fei Yun froze, stunned by her disdain. Trembling with rage, he retorted, "We're both Golden Rankers. Show some courtesy, Treasure Dragon Fairy."

"This Holy Maiden told you to scram!" Tian Die Dao raised her hand. Blinding Golden Light flared, a faint Great Peng's silhouette looming behind her, proud and supreme.

Hai Fei Yun's face paled as her palm struck, sending him crashing like a beaten dog, humiliated, back to Hai Ying Tian's side.

Seeing his son slapped away, Hai Ying Tian frowned, asking sternly, "What's the meaning of this, Treasure Dragon Fairy?"

Tian Die Dao ignored him, her focus on Lan An and Yan Yue Qi. "Approaching the Holy Maiden without cause—does Young Master Fei Yun intend to assassinate Myriad Treasures Pavilion's Holy Maiden?" Cheng Bich asked lightly.

"That…" Hai Ying Tian shuddered. Neither he nor the Sea Palace could bear such a charge. With a wave, he turned and left, disappointed in Hai Fei Yun's lack of cunning compared to Hai Tam.

The crowd exchanged glances. Dan Manh sighed in relief, glad he hadn't rushed forward. Sneering at Hai Fei Yun, he fueled the latter's fury.

"It's all that damned brat's fault," Hai Fei Yun seethed, jealousy consuming him as Lan An was surrounded by beauties.

Lan An ignored him, his mind on Tian Die Dao's strike. It carried a familiar yet alien force—Metal Attribute, but far stronger. "Correct, Young Master. Tian Die Dao possesses Strange Metal," Jin'er confirmed.

Lan An's heart stirred. A Holy Maiden with a Strange Attribute was expected. "Which one?" he asked inwardly.

"Great Peng Star Metal, tied to the Divine Beast Golden-Winged Great Peng," Jin'er replied gravely.

Lan An's eyes narrowed. The Golden-Winged Great Peng, legendary even in his past life, was said to descend from the Phoenix alongside the Peacock. Famed for devouring True Dragons, its ferocity and pride were unmatched, rivaling the Golden Crow or Vermilion Bird among top Divine Beasts. Tian Die Dao's possession of its Strange Metal was staggering.

"Well? Join this Holy Maiden," Tian Die Dao pressed, her interest in Yan Yue Qi and Lan An undimmed, her tone lofty.

"No time. Can't your four maids control your Holy Maiden?" Yan Yue Qi glared at Cheng Bich and the others.

"Holy Maiden, let's rest tonight. We're weary, and there are three days left. Meeting Kiki and Lolo tomorrow isn't late," Li Huan said gently, her soothing voice warming hearts.

The other three maids nodded. Their Holy Maiden responded to softness, not force—a dynamic they knew well. "Fine. If Kiki and Lolo don't come within three days, this Holy Maiden will fetch you herself," Tian Die Dao huffed, departing with her maids under an Elven guard's guidance.

Watching this, Lan An turned to Yan Yue Qi, puzzled. "Why's she so clingy with you?"

Yan Yue Qi shot him a look, spitting out three words: "She's got issues!"