In the sacred clearing of the Star Dou Core Area, an awkward silence lingered in the air. All eyes were fixed on the small, squishy, snow-white creature lazily blinking on a leaf — the nearly one-million-year-old Tianmeng Ice Silkworm.
✨ **Snow Emperor's Calm Delivery**
Snow Emperor's voice remained calm:
"Although its combat ability is... modest, its silk is priceless, and its future potential is immense. It will serve the child well in the days to come."
Tang Yan gazed curiously at the lazy fluffball, while the System whispered:
[ Host, new pet acquired: Lord Squish! Threat level: 0.1%. Cuteness Level: MAXIMUM. ]
Tang Yan fought the urge to giggle.
But before anyone could dignify the moment, a cold, teasing voice sliced through the air.
✨ **Ice Empress's Relentless Teasing**
The air frosted slightly as Ice Empress appeared, hovering elegantly with a smirk curling her lips. She tilted her head, pretending to study the Tianmeng.
"Well, well... if it isn't the Great Heavenly Treasure."
The Tianmeng Ice Silkworm wriggled proudly.
"Hmph! I am an ancient being nearing a million years!" he squeaked.
Ice Empress snorted:
"Oh, yes. Ancient. In the same way, mouldy bread is ancient."
Everyone choked, hiding their smiles. Tianmeng flared his little antennae indignantly.
"I'm powerful! I'm wise! I once—!"
Ice Empress cut him off:
"Once rolled down a hill and couldn't get back up for a week, wasn't it?"
Tang Yan coughed into his tiny fists to hide his laughter. Tianmeng vibrated angrily.
"My silk is prized beyond measure!"
Ice Empress fake-gasped:
"Oh yes, used by the noblest babies to make... diaper sashes."
Gu Yuena covered her mouth gracefully. Tianmeng huffed again:
"I can feed thousands with my energy reserves!"
Ice Empress added sweetly:
"Yes, the world's most expensive rice cooker."
Di Tian chuckled lowly. Tianmeng puffed himself up.
"I once consumed a heavenly herb that—!"
Ice Empress clapped mockingly:
"And fell asleep for two hundred years straight. True heroism."
Bi Ji giggled helplessly. Tianmeng sputtered:
"I—I—am revered by all spirit beasts!"
Ice Empress patted him condescendingly:
"Of course. Revered. In the 'Please don't embarrass us further' sort of way."
The Three-Headed Mastiff wheezed in laughter. Tianmeng trembled.
"My future is bright!"
Ice Empress smiled wickedly:
"Yes, very bright. Like a slow-cooked stew over low heat."
Everyone cracked up. Tianmeng tried again:
"My silk is blessed by the heavens!"
Ice Empress beamed:
"Blessed indeed. For making luxurious pacifiers and milk bibs!"
Tang Yan internally collapsed. Finally, Tianmeng wailed:
"Stop bullying me! I'm precious!"
Ice Empress's smile turned angelic:
"Yes, precious. Like a soft dumpling. Easily eaten, rarely respected."
The entire clearing roared with laughter. Even the ancient trees seemed to shiver with glee.
✨ **The Ferocious Beasts Join In**
Gu Yuena gently teased:
"Perhaps our future Emperor can practice sewing using Tianmeng's silk? Little booties for his feet?"
Di Tian rumbled:
"Or perhaps a new silk diaper for our Great Milk Sovereign?"
Bi Ji laughed:
"Heaven's most pampered silkworm, fit only for weaving pyjamas for babies!"
Three-Headed Mastiff barked gleefully:
"I say we wrap Tianmeng like a burrito and offer him to the Life Tree as tribute!"
Each teasing drove Tianmeng deeper into visible despair. The fluffy creature flopped onto the ground dramatically.
"Bullying! Bullying! I demand justice!"
In the end, Snow Emperor gently picked up the pitiful Tianmeng and handed him to Bi Ji.
"For now, he will be in Bi Ji's care... until Tang Yan's second birthday."
Tianmeng meeped softly. His destiny was sealed.
✨ **Inside Tang Yan's Mind: Total Meme Chaos**
Meanwhile, Tang Yan's mind was a whole different circus. The System pulled out a virtual dressing room:
[ Host! Suggested uses for Tianmeng's silk: ]
- Baby dresses (pink frilly with bows)
- Tiny tuxedos (with glitter)
- Sparkly onesies ("Future Emperor" logo)
- Formal wedding outfit (just in case, gotta plan ahead!)
Tang Yan screamed internally.
"No! I'm a MAN! A proud man! Not some silk fashion doll!"
The System purred in a sultry voice:
[ Host, don't fight destiny. Sparkles await you. ]
Tang Yan despaired as the System continued projecting cursed fashion shows inside his mind. Thus ended the legendary day:
A silkworm humiliated.
A baby crowned as a milk tyrant.
New clothes planned in secret.
New bonds quietly forming.
And somewhere deep inside, the future trembled in anticipation.
🌑 To be continued...