Reforging a magic treasure.

In truth, Xuan Ji had planned this in advance. Of course, if not for Ye Zichens relationship with Ye Rong, she wouldnt have cared.

But given that this was her dear friends treasured son and that he called her Auntie, she naturally had to do a little something for him.

Reforge the Yiyuan Soul Pearl? Ye Zichen couldnt help but frown. Hed inherited the memories of his past life as the Yellow Emperor, and he had deep feelings for the Yiyuan Soul Pearl.

Although its artifact spirit, Tenner, didnt communicate with him as much as Xuan-Yuan Xiang did, he knew that Tenner was constantly watching out for his soul and protecting his sea of consciousness.

If they reforged the pearl, that meant that everything about it would be wiped clean and built anew.

Naturally, that would also mean reforming the artifact spirit.

You dont want me to? Xuan Ji held the Yiyuan Soul Pearl and laughed. Dont you know that, earlier today, that man broke through your sea of consciousness?

Ye Zichen naturally understood that. That middle-aged mans spiritual attack was highly effective against him specifically because it could break into his sea of consciousness despite Tenners protection. Had the Yiyuan Soul power been stronger, it could never have happened.

Someone broke through your sea of consciousness? Ye Rong was startled. The soul and sea of consciousness were cultivators foundations. If someone broke past this line of defense, it put the cultivator in an incomparably vulnerable state. Enemies could even go through the spiritual sea of consciousness to seize control of your body and make you into a puppet!

Furthermore, damage to the sea of consciousness could render you incapable of comprehending the dao of heaven and earth, resulting in your cultivation stagnating.

Naturally, when she heard that someone broke into Ye Zichens sea of consciousness, Ye Rong was visibly horrified.

Dont worry. I was there. How could I let anything happen to him? Xuan Ji noted Ye Rongs expression and understood her concerns, so she immediately reassured her. Next, she turned to Ye Zichen and said, The former Yellow Emperor forged this magic treasure, but at that time, he hadnt even become a supreme. A divine-grade soul-protecting artifact, down in the Lower Realms where he lived, was naturally invincible. But you need to understand that you do not live in the Yellow Emperors era, nor are you in the Lower Realms anymore. Youre now a sky supreme, and your opponents will be other sky supremes and diviners. At your level, the Yiyuan Soul Powers spiritual defenses are no longer of much use to you.

Ye Zichen was well aware that Xuan Ji was right. Hed long since realized that the Yiyuan Soul Power was struggling to keep protecting him.

However, although Tenner had struggled, this was his first time letting an opponent break into his spiritual sea.

That middle-aged mans spiritual attack had completely shattered Tenners defenses, putting Ye Zichen in an incomparably precarious position.

Im already working as hard as I can, said Tenner piteously.

Of course I know that, said Ye Zichen, smiling back at him.

This is your best opportunity to reforge the Yiyuan Soul Pearl. If you dont, you might as well just skip using an artifact to protect your soul altogether. Relying on his meager defenses is no different from having no protection at all.

Listen to Auntie Xuan Ji. Defending your sea of consciousness is no small matter. If you reforge your divine artifact, you can increase its level and guarantee your spiritual seas safety, chimed in Ye Rong.

In her eyes, nothing mattered as much as Ye Zichens safety.

Even so, Ye Zichen couldnt make a decision right away. Instead, his gaze landed on Tenners floating artifact spirit.

Tenner was looking right back at him. In the boys immature features and dark eyes, Ye Zichen saw unspoken hurt, as if hed been deeply wronged. But he also saw an internal struggle.

From the moment Tenner first came into existence, he knew that his mission was to protect his masters sea of consciousness.

Hed followed Ye Zichen throughout nine reincarnations and had never once let him down.

But now, in this lifetime, Ye Zichens cultivation increased without end. Even Tenner himself was aware that his power was no longer sufficient.

Ye Zichens opponents were getting stronger and stronger, and their spiritual attacks were getting more and more vicious.

But Tenner was still his usual self. He. couldnt protect Ye Zichen anymore.

He was now unqualified to protect his master. He could no longer guarantee the safety of his masters soul.

Hed worked really hard, but in the end, he was still too weak.

He felt aggrieved but also self-recriminating.

When Xuan Ji suggested reforging him, he was mostly inclined to agree. As a defensive divine artifact, his mission was to protect his masters safety no matter what. He was no longer capable of fulfilling his only mission, so reforging himself was his only hope.

But reforging meant his consciousness would disappear, taking with it all his memories.

He didnt want to forget all hed been through with his master, and more than that, he didnt want to forget.

That house, and the girl with whom hed piled up firewood. Back then, theyd been close as could be. They said theyd be friends forever.

Hed agreed and promised to be her friend forever.

But now, it looked like hed have to break that promise.

....I.... After looking Tenner in the eye for a long while, Ye Zichen decided not to reforge him.

Although soul-protecting divine artifacts were rare and precious, so long as he was alive, he had hope of finding one of a sufficiently high grade to protect him. However, if he reforged the Yiyuan Soul Pearl, Tenner wouldnt be Tenner anymore.

I agree. However, before Ye Zichen could open his mouth, the Yiyuan Soul Pearls artifact interrupted him. Tenner pressed his lips into a smile and floated up to Xuan Ji.

As a defensive divine artifact, protecting my master will always be more important than anything else. Right now, I can no longer guarantee your safety, and my weakness has put you in peril. Ive failed at my mission. I am willing to be reforged and protect your spiritual sea and soul once more. The Yiyuan Soul Pearls artifact spirit, Tenner, looked like a young boy, but as he spoke, he looked utterly determined. That kind of resolve looked out of place on a child so young.

Ye Zichen, whod been just about to refuse Xuan Jis offer, knit his brows and tried to connect with Tenners consciousness.

Ive already decided. Tenner flashed him a radiant smile at the sight of Ye Zichens distress. Thank you for trusting me for so long and for forgiving my mistakes. You brought me into existence, and Ive worked hard to prove that that was the right decision. Reforging is an unavoidable turning point in my life. I just didnt expect it to happen so soon. I am your soul-protecting divine artifact, and protecting your soul and consciousness is my top priority. Please, respect my choice, and let me be reforged.

What a good child. Xuan Ji couldnt help but sigh. While reforging you, Ill do my best to preserve your memories, but. I cant guarantee Ill preserve them.

No need. Please just focus on making me as strong as possible. Memories are the product of experience. After reforging, Ill have plenty of time to form new memories. Although Tenner smiled and sounded determined, his gaze contained a hint of despondence. Shes the only one I cant let go of. Im sorry; I have to break my promise to you.