Regarding the Snow Empress's request for help—
Contrary to what one might assume, she wasn't trapped in some inescapable space that required… ahem, intimate relations to break free.
As the sole inheritor of the Ice God, there were conditions restricting her from freely leaving the Extreme North before completing certain trial tasks.
This was far from the conspiracy theories swirling in Huo Yuhao's imagination.
After receiving the Ice God's Seventh Trial, the Ice God's consciousness had been exceedingly kind to the Snow Empress, granting her significant authority.
In truth, she had already become the true inheritor—unlike Tang San, who had once been deliberately delayed by the Sea God's High Priest for personal reasons.
The Ice God's consciousness operated like a cold, unfeeling machine, executing its duties step by step.
Ever since receiving the inheritance, the Snow Empress could freely leave the Ice Temple, a designated area within the Ice God's ruins.
However, aside from occasionally visiting the Ice Bear King, Little White, she spent most of her time in secluded cultivation.
After all, she had already relinquished her position as Ruler of the Extreme North to the Titan Snow Demon King.
Her only task now was to strengthen her cultivation and complete more divine trials.
Normally, after finishing two divine trials and reaching Level 40 (Soul Ancestor), she should have been permitted to leave the Extreme North—as per the information the Ice God's trials had provided.
But reality was different.
Snow Empress: I want to leave the Extreme North.
Ice God's Consciousness: No. Enemies lie beyond.
Snow Empress: But I need to train among humans to grow stronger.
Ice God's Consciousness: Denied. Train slowly here.
An endless loop.
For a reborn soul beast, rapid cultivation growth required prolonged exposure to humans—absorbing the human aura essential for their transformation.
According to the Ice God's consciousness, the current planar laws made it nearly impossible for soul beasts to ascend to godhood.
Merely undergoing rebirth was a perilous ordeal, let alone inheriting a divine position.
Though the Ice Temple was dilapidated, it still held the power to conceal the inheritor's presence within the Extreme North.
Venturing beyond? Far too risky.
If the God Realm detected the aura of a divine inheritance, the consequences—under their current soul beast suppression policies—would be dire.
A reborn soul beast remained a soul beast in essence until reaching the Soul Sage level. If killed before then, they would still drop a 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone.
Thus, only at Soul Sage could one roam freely.
And given the Heavenly Snow Woman's unique nature, she needed at least Soul Emperor strength.
Had it been any other ice-attribute soul beast, they wouldn't even qualify for the Ice God's inheritance.
The stringent requirements, coupled with the Extreme North's isolation, had led to the Ice Temple's gradual decay.
After the first-generation Ice God fell in battle, the divine throne vanished, and the temple sealed itself away, becoming the ruins it was today.
Now, having finally found a worthy successor, the Ice God's consciousness refused to let her die outside.
This was likely its last chance.
It couldn't afford to wait for another inheritor.
Slow cultivation was better than certain death.
Thus, it repeatedly rejected the Snow Empress's pleas.
So, she turned to Huo Yuhao for help.
Huo Yuhao: Don't worry, ally—I've got you!
Since soul contract communication was intermittent and inefficient, he decided to come in person.
…
The Snow Empress stepped out of the Ice Temple.
Her gaze first swept over the two spirits perched on Huo Yuhao's shoulders before settling on him.
Their eyes met briefly.
A faint smile touched her lips, and her usually cold voice softened imperceptibly.
"You're here."
"Yeah. Sorry for the wait."
Seeing the Snow Empress in her current form—a young girl—Huo Yuhao couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia.
The legal loli appearance was gone, but he didn't dwell on it.
He had already glimpsed her future through the Ice Empress's origins.
Her long, crystalline hair cascaded like a waterfall, her flawless figure draped in a flowing white dress that fluttered in the wind, occasionally revealing glimpses of slender, snow-white legs and delicate bare feet hovering just above the ice—enough to stir the imagination.
Her sky-blue eyes, clear as a winter's day, accentuated her ethereal beauty.
"Snow Empress! Long time no see!" The Ice Empress's voice brimmed with excitement.
"Half a year isn't long. Though, given how much you've experienced with Yuhao in that time, it must feel like a lifetime."
Skydream's teasing remark earned a glare from the Ice Empress: "Shut up, worm!"
"For us, half a year used to pass in a blink. But after rebirth, even this short time feels urgent."
The Snow Empress sighed. "Yuhao, this is why I called for you."
She briefly explained her predicament.
Huo Yuhao finally understood.
A certain past-life meme surfaced in his mind:
Snow Empress: "Hello, everyone! I am the former Ruler of the Extreme North, Snow Empress. After rebirth, my strength is but 1% of what it once was. If anyone can lend me 50 to aid my cultivation, I'll appoint you as Great General of the Extreme North once I regain my peak!"
Of course, Huo Yuhao was more than willing to take the bait.
Their bond, forged through the Ice Empress and the Conferred God Platform, ran deep.
Add the soul contract binding their fates, and his trust in her character—he had every reason to help.
Luckily, he had a solution: Secret Crossing Immortal Gu!
[Secret Crossing Immortal Gu: Sixth-turn Immortal Gu. Can isolate aura, obscure heavenly secrets, and prevent divination.]
Not only could it mask the Snow Empress's soul beast aura, but it could also completely conceal the divine trial's presence.
A full-power concealment would last two to three years—plenty of time for her to reach Soul Emperor.
Unless a god-level being actively probed, the effect would hold.
After consuming the stored energy of the Golden Ancient Tree, the deed was done.
Even the Ice God's consciousness, standing right outside the temple, could no longer sense its inheritor.
Ice God's Consciousness: "I don't understand… but I'm impressed."
No wonder this boy had refused its inheritance earlier—he already had a master's backing.
[Achievement Triggered!]
[Achievement: Resolved Snow Empress's Troubles. Reward: Flying Snow Gu (Tier 5)]
[Flying Snow Gu: Fifth Tier Gu—Activates a blizzard, transforming a thousand-step radius into an icy domain.]
[Evaluation: "What is heavy snow? Emperor's Sword, Emperor's Palm, Emperor Frosts the Sky!]
With the issue resolved, Huo Yuhao wasn't in a rush to leave.
Since he was already in the Extreme North's core, why not deepen his understanding of Ultimate Ice?
He exchanged insights with the Snow Empress, wielding the Ice Emperor Sword and his Ice Soul Body's domain.
Though the Snow Empress was only a four-ring Soul Ancestor, her experience far surpassed the Ice Empress's brute-force approach.
Her techniques were skill-based, emphasizing finesse over raw power.
With four minds and two spirits working together, they refined their self-created soul skills.
But after witnessing Huo Yuhao's arsenal, the Snow Empress was stunned.
'Damn… did I just become a substitute?'
His Emperor Sword was so pure, she'd believe him if he claimed to be its creator.
Shaking off her shock, she imparted her Heavenly Snow Woman's secrets without reservation.
Three Great Skills:
1. Sword – Frosts the Heavens
2. Palm – Freezes the Earth
3. Domain – Eternal Winter
She drilled Huo Yuhao relentlessly.
Snow Empress: "Yuhao, do you remember?"
Huo Yuhao: "Yes, all of it."
(After a demonstration...)
Snow Empress: "Now, do you remember?"
Huo Yuhao: "I've forgotten half!"
Snow Empress: "Good!"
True mastery meant adapting the skills to oneself.
Due to soul skill limitations, Huo Yuhao couldn't fully replicate her techniques without matching soul rings/bones—unless he became an Heavenly Snow Woman himself.
'I could… but no thanks.'
He cherished his masculinity. Gender-swapping? Absolutely not.
After several days, it was time to leave.
Huo Yuhao suddenly recalled—he'd promised a certain girl two grilled fish meals.
"I'm really late on that…"
The Snow Empress decided to accompany him, both by agreement and necessity.
Naturally, the Ice Bear King, Little White, wanted to tag along.
"Where Snow Empress goes, I go!" Little White said as a matter of fact.
''Snow Empress frowned, "Little White, even if a fierce beast takes human form, their soul beast traits remain obvious. Your aura would be like a beacon in Shrek's territory..."
A 200,000-year soul beast in Shrek? That was suicide.
Xuan Zi, salivating: "A free soul ring for Huo Yuhao! And bear-paw stew!"
But Huo Yuhao had a plan.
"Don't worry, I've got this!"
Not a soul contract—that felt too forceful for a future family member.
Instead, he offered his Spectral Demiplane as a hiding spot.
Snow Empress finally felt relieved, "Good. If we face overwhelming danger, we can summon Little White as backup."
Huo Yuhao's expression twitched.
If he couldn't win, Little White would be cannon fodder.
After stashing the Ice Bear King away, preparations were complete.
Before leaving, Huo Yuhao planned to add a soul ring to his Ice Soul Body.
With his current physique, he could absorb 100,000-year soul rings—perfect for rapid power growth.
Strong bloodline + compatible attributes = ideal.
He could even attempt higher-tier rings.
So long as his body didn't explode, the Life Gold could heal any backlash.
Skydream could also seal excess energy if needed.
In short, Huo Yuhao was playing Douluo Continent on easy mode.
But 100,000-year beasts were rare, let alone older ones.
The Top Ten Fierce Beasts were only 200,000+ years old.
Anything beyond was legendary.
Thus, Huo Yuhao wasn't picky—100,000 years was enough.
After consulting the Ice and Snow Empress, they suggested the same target: The Deep Ice Blue Dragon!
A dual ice and spirit-attribute beast—the source of the Deep Blue Glory Skull bone Shrek once auctioned.
In bloodline, they rivaled even the Ice Jade Scorpions.
Had they not been few in number and prideful to a fault, they might've dominated the Extreme North.
The Snow Empress recalled one in particular—a 100,000-year-old variant with Ultimate Ice.
She'd once hoped it could revive its clan, but instead, it grew arrogant and rebellious, wreaking havoc in the core regions.
Though no match for the Titan Snow Demon King or Ice Bear King, its strength made it a nuisance.
With the Ice Empress gone and the Snow Empress secluded, it had run rampant.
She'd intended to deal with it before leaving—now, Huo Yuhao offered to handle it.
"Perfect. Since Deep Ice Blue Dragon's a nuisance for Extreme North, I shall turn it into my third ring." Huo Yuhao was filled with righteousness at this moment.
'Son of Fortune indeed.'
When sleepy, a pillow arrives—couldn't ask for better.
...
"Ice… God… Third…"
The fragmented voice reached the Snow Empress' ears, and her brows furrowed slightly.
'What's going on?'
Her gaze shifted toward Huo Yuhao.
This was most likely the effect of the other party's secret transmission.
"What's wrong?" Huo Yuhao asked.
He wasn't feigning ignorance—he had merely sensed a fleeting ripple of divine power from the Snow Empress and traced its origin back to the Ice God's divine consciousness within the Ice God Temple.
But Huo Yuhao naturally had no idea what had transpired.
It had to be said that the Spirit Eye's perception was truly first-rate.
Especially now, with the Eye of Destiny transformed and combined with the Spirit Eye's second awakening ability, it seemed capable of piercing through all illusions and capturing the essence of all things.
The Snow Empress explained, "The Ice God has issued the third trial, but the concealment effect of your Gu is too strong—I haven't received the specifics yet."
It was as if the signal had been blocked.
Huo Yuhao immediately proposed a solution: "Then let's go into the Ice God Temple and try?"
If the reception was poor here, they'd just have to move closer to the source.
Who would've thought that the Immortal Gu's stealth would even block its own allies?
This was also related to Huo Yuhao's current control over the Gu.
Ordinary Gu posed no issue.
With his improved cultivation, mental strength, and experience from repeated use, Huo Yuhao's understanding of Gu had deepened significantly.
'Man is the spirit of all living beings, but Gu is the true essence of heaven and earth!'
The nature of Gu was that of Dao Marks, corresponding to the fundamental power of martial souls.
The Immortal Gu, however, was the embodiment of the Tao—a manifestation of laws only accessible to god-level existences in the Douluo Plane.
Each Immortal Gu was unique, equivalent to a godhood with specialized functions.
This was why Huo Yuhao was so confident in his path to godhood.
Whether through faith or inheriting a god's position, neither could compare to forging his own path through strength.
Given Huo Yuhao's profound mastery over spiritual essence, using mortal Gu below the sixth rank was practically effortless.
With near-universal spiritual essence as fuel, sustaining them was no issue.
Gu related to his Spirit Eye and Ice Jade Empress Scorpion were even easier to wield.
In fact, Huo Yuhao had already considered upgrading the Ice and Snow Path's mortal Gu using his wisdom.
But Immortal Gu were an entirely different matter.
Compared to ordinary Gu, the difference was like that between a firefly and the bright moon—utterly incomparable.
For others, activating an Immortal Gu without godhood was nearly impossible.
Even Huo Yuhao had to wait until his soul power reached a higher level.
Right now, he was forcibly borrowing external power to utilize the Immortal Gu, mostly as one-time trump cards—fine control was difficult.
Hence, the current predicament.
…
As expected, once the Snow Empress entered the Ice God Temple, the trial updated successfully.
Ice God's Third Trial – Suppressing Rebellion
Repel, exile, or kill a 100,000-year soul beast in the Arctic Icefield that disobeys the Arctic Lord's rule. External assistance is permitted. Time limit: One month.
"It seems I'll have to return to the Ice God Temple to update the trials from now on," Huo Yuhao sighed.
Fortunately, the rewards for completing the Ice God Trials weren't affected by the method of completion.
Otherwise, he might have had to reconsider sparing the beast's life.
"You're right—but if I can endure everything in this world, why not you?"
Exile was the greatest mercy.
With that, the two souls mounted the Ice Bear King and set off immediately.
"Little White, let's find that Deep Ice Blue Dragon that disturbed us earlier."
"Understood!"
The Ice Bear King beneath them responded, activating his keen sense of smell to identify the direction before charging across the snow.
"Did that Deep Ice Blue Dragon come looking for trouble before? How stubborn," Huo Yuhao remarked curiously.
He remembered that while normal Deep Ice Blue Dragons weren't social, they were gentle by nature. Despite their draconic bloodline, they rarely fought.
If not for their robust physiques, they might've been hunted to extinction by soul masters.
"Mm," the Snow Empress confirmed. "This one is different—it mutated into a rare dark attribute. Though it barely qualifies as Ultimate Ice, its energy isn't pure, making it extremely aggressive."
The Ice Empress cut in, "Ah, I remember now—the one that calls itself the Deep Ice Shadow Dragon, right? Thirty thousand years ago, the Snow Empress banished it from the core region, forbidding its return..."
Through their explanation, Huo Yuhao gradually pieced together the story.
In short—a prodigy turned traitor!
When the Deep Ice Blue Dragon was weak, it mutated into a dark attribute, allowing it to touch the realm of Ultimate Ice.
As a result, its kin coveted its bloodline, and once its cultivation was sufficient, they subjected it to a mutually voluntary breeding life.
Truly, a creampie existence!
At first, the dragon complied—even enjoyed it. But after excessive oppression, it rebelled.
Eventually, it severed ties with its clan, renaming itself the Deep Ice Shadow Dragon, and began wandering, growing stronger alone.
Yet, perhaps due to its childhood trauma, the dragon developed a twisted nature—it took pleasure in stealing mates from other species.
Thirty thousand years ago, it bit off more than it could chew, provoking the Snow Empress, who banished it from the core region.
Recently, however, having broken through to 100,000 years and sensing the absence of the Ice and Snow Empress, the arrogant dragon had sneaked back.
"..." Huo Yuhao's lips twitched.
'This guy really has a death wish.'
Not only did it defy the Arctic Lord's decree—it even sought revenge?
Most likely, the dragon had detected the Ice Bear King's movements and attempted to ambush the Snow Empress during her seclusion.
"Originally, I planned to have Artai eliminate this pest," the Snow Empress said calmly.
In a one-on-one fight, the 100,000-year-old Deep Ice Shadow Dragon could still escape the 200,000-year-old Titan Snow Demon King or Ice Bear King using its mental prowess.
But if the two beasts teamed up, it would be doomed.
The Ice Empress snorted. "Hmph! Acting so brazenly, it must have ulterior motives. It only dared to return because it sensed my absence—truly seeking death!"
Skydream nodded. "Leave it to us. A mere 100,000-year soul beast is no match. We'll ensure it never returns!"
"I'll handle it personally," Huo Yuhao declared.
"Anyone who defies the Arctic Lord shall die!"
This dragon was indeed a pest.
Had it never heard of reproductive isolation?
Before, the Snow Empress suppressed its depravity. Now, unchecked, it had grown worse.
Had the Snow Empress still been at full strength, a single palm strike would've sufficed.
As the ruler of a soul beast domain, mercy was not an option. Making an example of rebels was standard practice.
No matter how rare or powerful its bloodline, any threat to the ecosystem had to be purged!
Huo Yuhao had no intention of making it his soul ring.
He refused to harbor a mate-stealing scoundrel in his spiritual sea.
"Disgraceful!"
Huo Yuhao's soul demanded excellence—only pure and virtuous soul beasts were worthy.
The Ice God's timing was impeccable.
But was it not absurd to task a four-ringed Soul Ancestor with slaying a 100,000-year soul beast?
Especially one whose bloodline rivaled the Sky Azure Bull Python or Titan Giant Ape?
Even an ordinary Titled Douluo wouldn't dare provoke it lightly.
Yet, thanks to the rewards from the first two Ice God Trials, the Snow Empress' soul power had improved, and her soul ring age had increased.
Her current configuration—three purple, one black—surpassed even Huo Yuhao's.
Coupled with her combat experience, the four-ringed Snow Empress could likely challenge a seven-ringed Soul Sage without resorting to trump cards.
But reaching Huo Yuhao's monstrous level was still difficult.
"Snow Empress, are you still the Arctic Lord? I thought you passed the title to the Titan Snow Demon King?" Huo Yuhao asked curiously.
The Snow Empress fell silent.
The Ice Bear King, her staunch supporter, declared, "Of course she is! The Snow Empress is the one true ruler of the Extreme North!"
Skydream added, "I believe the Titan Snow Demon King is merely her successor—his current strength isn't enough to truly claim the title."
Huo Yuhao understood.
This was a case of retiring in name but retaining control!
To put it bluntly, the Snow Empress had no intention of reclaiming the throne—for now.
Her earlier arrangements stemmed from her desperation.
After her sister, the Ice Empress, was presumed dead in a Heavenly Tribulation, the Snow Empress faced her own impending demise—forcing her to transform as a human.
Had she chosen the former path—failing to form a Yin-Yang Complementary Soul Core—she would've perished.
The latter path was a gamble with death.
Bringing the Ice Bear King along was merely insurance.
But that was all.
In truth, the Snow Empress could no longer protect the Extreme North.
Mortal limits bound her.
Even an Ultimate Douluo only lived a thousand years—a blink in the lifespan of soul beasts and the Arctic Icefield.
Only godhood could fulfill her wishes.
Huo Yuhao knew the Seven Ice God Trials were limited.
The fractured Ice God's consciousness lacked the power to bestow a godhood seed or full divinity.
Thus, the trials stopped at Ultimate Douluo.
The Snow Empress' future likely lay in faith-based ascension—a path tied inextricably to the Arctic Icefield.
Reclaiming her throne was inevitable.
…
Huo Yuhao's eyes narrowed as he gazed into the distance.
"I'll be back soon."
With those words, his figure vanished from the Ice Bear King's back.
The next moment, he appeared directly above a 15-meter-long draconic lizard, its body covered in interlocking blue-black scales—both massive and agile.
This was the moment to test his recent training.
"Ice Soul Domain!"
A deep-blue domain erupted from Huo Yuhao, instantly engulfing the surrounding space in a world of its own, silencing even the howling winds.
The abrupt invasion startled the resting ''Deep Ice Shadow Dragon''.
"ROAR!"
It tensed, unleashing a thunderous roar.
But to its shock, its Ultimate Ice—its pride—was completely suppressed.
No time to think.
Its wings spread, the horn on its head glowing darkly as it fired a barrage of shadow orbs at Huo Yuhao.
Yet, the attacks phased through him harmlessly.
"God's Power: Intangibility!"
In that instant, Huo Yuhao's soul skills were ready.
"Ice Empress' Sword!"
"Absolute Zero!"
Gripping the glacial blade, he stood above the dragon's head like a deity overlooking the frozen wastes—dominant and merciless.
With a cold focus, the sword descended like a falling meteor, its edge singing with indestructible sharpness.
It was as if a hidden dragon roared from the heavens, heralding the beauty of destruction!
The blade split space itself, cleaving through the dragon's shadowy defenses and piercing straight through its skull.
After a final spasm, the dragon's blue-black eyes dimmed.
Deep Ice Shadow Dragon – Killed!
With a flick of his wrist, Huo Yuhao extracted a glowing blue-black soul bone—a left arm bone.
Though high-quality, it didn't fit his needs.
"Snow Empress, if you want it, it's yours." Huo Yuhao tossed it to her.
Snow Empress expression was complex, but she accepted. "Thank you."
"No need for formalities."
Huo Yuhao then began absorbing the 100,000-year soul ring, guarded by Skydream, the Ice Empress, the Snow Empress, and the Ice Bear King.
As he meditated, the Snow Empress watched him, her usual frosty gaze softening slightly.
A 100,000-year soul bone—a priceless treasure.
Huo Yuhao's strength and character had far exceeded her expectations.
In that case…
She couldn't afford to disappoint him.
…
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