Divine Emperor of Death



"Now… you're going to ask for such a thing?" Davis's brows raised.

"You do realize the value of even one of their heads is considered equal to the realm concoction pill due to their potential and status, right?"

"…"

Vereina bit her lips. Of course, she knew what she was asking for, but there was also a good- no, humongous reason she wanted this soul essence as it concerned the growth of her soul physique, even more so than the pill from the dark flower, which was a Mid Stage Immortal Emperor Grade heavenly resource.

Contemplating to the fullest, she took a deep breath and moved her lips.

"My soul physique is called the Violent Punitive Soul Physique. It is capable of crushing soul essences and allows me to absorb and strengthen myself, but the purity is not high. Utmost, I can refine thirty to forty percent of the soul essence I absorb. Those were the results of countless absorptions I have done. However, a Six-Headed Hydra's soul can probably change that…"

Vereina circulated her soul force and entered a state of relaxation.

Slowly, a purple energy swam out of her head and manifested over her head. It was a vague silhouette, but Davis could see three necks lording over Vereina. They shook and danced like snakes, glaring at him with wide, serpent eyes, causing him to blink.

"That… is a three-headed hydra?"

Davis made an astonished expression. He was honestly surprised as he was starting to think that Vereina's soul physique was similar to Tia's Karmic Guardian Physique, where the latter had the manifestation of a Daedalian Guardian Turtle that was four meters tall.

Like Tia, Vereina's manifestation was also tall, but it was only three meters high, perhaps corresponding to the number of heads.

Nonetheless, it made him wonder if these strange, heaven-defying physiques descended from the Twelve Paragon Magical Beasts, which made him wonder if there were other ten heaven-defying physiques out there that was as broken as the Violent Punitive Soul Physique that refined soul essences and the Karmic Guardian Physique that provided immunity to karmic attacks and even the backlash from the heavens.

"I don't know."

Vereina shook her head and relaxed again, causing the manifestation to disappear, "They look a bit different than a Three-Headed Hydra, but I presume absorbing the Six-Headed Hydra soul essences would be highly beneficial for me. In truth, I felt my soul unsettled in that Empyreal Monarch's presence. I wanted to ask Myria, but I decided to wait until you came back and relaxed."

She spoke in a soft voice, trying to explain her situation to him.

Davis just gazed at her in silence.

It took a few seconds before Vereina turned ashamed again and lowered her head.

"What…? On top of you letting you research my physique, I'm willing to work hard under your… command to return these favors…"

She raised her head, hitting her bosom, "I can do a lot. I survived on my own back in my realm and have a lot of experience dealing with adversities. I can be of great use to you, even do your bidding if you want me to kill someone of high status in the future."

"Hmm. You're also good with disguises and lies, so I suppose you can do that."

"Wait… I'm not lying. I really mean when I said-"

"I know. You cannot lie to me, or should I say you will not lie to me as you understand the consequences."

Davis smiled and took a step forward to her, causing Vereina to move away from his path.

She already knew about the fact that he could use Heart Intent and could find any irregular emotions while speaking. When a person utters something, they would generally know whether it's a lie or not, as they keep doubling down on that lie unless they have convinced themselves that it is the truth at a subconscious level.

She wasn't that treacherous or knew a technique to fake it, so she was rather heartened that he knew her character but was also pissed as she didn't like the fact that he knew that she couldn't go against him. It was vexing.

However, her eyes suddenly widened as she saw him enter her personal space, causing her to raise her head and stare at him. He took a step forward once more, causing her to flinch and move back before she found herself back against the wall.

"You-"

Vereina's eyes trembled as she saw him block her exit path with one hand placed against the wall. She turned to look at the other side that was open, but it was the side of refusal to his demands, causing her to look at him with a gaze full of questions and trepidation.

Indeed, Davis placed a hand over the wall, cornering her into a situation where she couldn't easily leave. He towered over her, looking at her with his sapphire eyes that radiated a cold gleam, which caused her to shudder.

Her mind panicked as to what he was going to do, causing her to look away, but he caught her chin and made her look at him, making her almost blank out.

However, even after a few seconds, he didn't do anything, causing her to come out of her reverie.

"Wha- What do you want?"

Vereina asked, but her voice was meek as she moved her gaze away.

Davis narrowed his eyes, finally moving his hand away from her chin as he placed it on her forehead as though pointing at her.

"Do you realize how delicious you are to me? If you were my enemy, I would've done everything to hunt you down and steal or decipher your physique using whatever means necessary. However, you turned out to be a person who's willing to be my ally."

He took his finger back, continuing to gesture with an annoyed expression, "I had you in the palm of my hands, not once but twice. However, I let you go because you were a good woman."

"Still, you keep asking for treasures that you cannot obtain with your current strength while tagging along with me for protection. You take advantage of my easygoing attitude again and again. Do you really expect me not to be tempted when you ask for so many favors from me?"

Finally, he let her go and turned around, spreading his hands as he chuckled to himself.

Vereina looked at him with a complicated gaze but saw him dropping his hand and turning to look at her.

"Your sincerity is good, but it's not enough. Sorry, I cannot give you that Empyreal Monarch's soul essence. On the other hand, our deal is still relevant. You will allow me to research your soul physique in exchange for the pill you asked for in a day or two. Feel free to deny this deal, which, in case, I won't attack or hold it against you as you have every right to protect your soul from anyone. Instead, I will simply expel you from this group. You're good at surviving, right? I'm sure you can take care of yourself out there."

"…"

Vereina watched him leave with a dumbfounded gaze and saw him enter his room, leaving her still standing against the wall.

"..." It felt like there was a long period of silence.

She eventually turned around and walked away. However, her back seemed quite lonely, devoid of luster.