Under the guidance of the middle-aged man, the Ice Empress withdrew the nine soul rings she had fabricated with her spiritual power and quickly followed the others.
Although her spiritual power might not rival that of the Snow Empress, creating a visual illusion was effortless for her. With just a faint release of her aura combined with spiritual projection, she could distort what others perceived without concern.
After all, unless a Titled Douluo specialized in spiritual attributes—or possessed a martial soul with such traits—there was no way they could see through her disguise. And besides, wasn't the Snow Empress there as a safeguard? What did she have to worry about?
…
Stepping into the vast estate, Shu Yan could not help but admire the refined taste of the upper ranks of the Earth Dragon Sect.
The architecture was classical and elegant, evoking the feeling of stepping through time. Pavilions and towers stood amid gently flowing streams, everything imbued with a tranquil and graceful beauty.
Before long, hurried footsteps approached. The middle-aged man returned, leading a graceful middle-aged woman toward them. Behind the pair trailed a young girl who bore a striking resemblance to the woman, sneaking along curiously. They were clearly mother and daughter—the Sect Master of the Earth Dragon Sect, Nan Shui Shui, and her daughter, Nan Qiuqiu.
Nan Shui Shui's gaze swept swiftly across the four visitors. A flash of astonishment passed through her eyes before she bowed slightly in a formal salute and spoke:
"I wonder which senior has honored us with a visit. I am Nan Qiuqiu, Sect Master of the Earth Dragon Sect. If my subordinates have shown any lack of courtesy, I ask for your forgiveness…"
Naturally, these words were directed at the Ice Empress and the Snow Empress.
As a sect master, Nan Shui Shui was skilled at judging people by their bearing. Though Shu Yan and Xu Jiujiu possessed extraordinary temperaments, the youthful traces on their faces revealed they were certainly no older than eighteen. The Ice Empress and Snow Empress, however, were different. Even without releasing the slightest aura, the natural poise in their every movement was something no ordinary soul master could possess.
Yet beneath her astonishment, Nan Shui Shui felt unease. While the Earth Dragon Sect was not among the absolute top factions, it held considerable standing within the Heaven Soul Empire. Still, she could not believe that alone would attract the attention of a Titled Douluo with two hundred-thousand-year soul rings—and an even more mysterious existence besides.
Were they truly just passing by for a casual visit?
Even if Nan Qiuqiu were reborn from the furnace, Nan Shui Shui would not believe such a thing.
Shu Yan glanced at the Snow Empress and raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
The Snow Empress immediately understood. Her calm, rippleless gaze swept over Nan Shui Shui before she spoke:
"Our origins are not convenient to disclose. However, Sect Master Nan need not worry—we bear no ill intent. We have come today merely to discuss a business proposal with your sect."
Nan Shui Shui's eyes narrowed slightly. Her gaze flicked between Shu Yan and the Snow Empress, noting their striking resemblance. Then she stepped aside with a polite smile.
"In that case, please allow me to escort our honored guests to the reception hall. With so many eyes and ears here, this is hardly the place to discuss business."
The Snow Empress nodded gently and followed her with composed elegance.
…
Inside the classical reception hall, faintly scented with incense, uniformly dressed maids served tea and pastries. Nan Shui Shui sat nearby and dismissed the attendants with a wave. Once they had all withdrawn, she spoke softly:
"May I ask what it is that you seek? If the Earth Dragon Sect possesses it, we will not conceal anything."
The Snow Empress lifted her teacup and took a light sip before glancing at Shu Yan. Nan Shui Shui's attention followed.
Shu Yan smiled gently at the worry and tension hidden in Nan Shui Shui's eyes.
"Sect Master Nan, my elder sister has a rather cold temperament and is not particularly skilled in social matters. I hope you will not take offense."
Nan Shui Shui was momentarily taken aback before responding quickly, "Not at all, young master—you are too courteous. I only wish to know the true purpose of your visit. Please speak plainly."
Setting down his teacup, Shu Yan's smile remained.
"Very well, Sect Master Nan. I will be direct. We are interested in the secret site inherited by the Earth Dragon Sect. What is your opinion?"
The faint smile on Nan Shui Shui's face stiffened. She attempted to maintain her composure, but the sudden shift in emotion caused her expression to twist awkwardly.
"You must be joking, young master. The Earth Dragon Sect has no so-called secret site. Perhaps you have mistaken us for another sect."
Shu Yan chuckled softly and tapped the table.
"Shall I be more specific? For instance—the hidden cavern beneath the Cold Spring? Or the extreme low temperatures below? Or perhaps the rare ice-attributed metal?"
"There is no need to feign ignorance. What you know, we know. And what you do not know—we know as well."
"To be frank, we are sitting here negotiating as a courtesy. But I can state clearly that with our strength, even if we chose to seize it by force, the combined experts of every faction in this city could not stop us. You should consider carefully. A single thought leads to paradise; a single thought leads to hell. The choice lies before you now."
The Ice Empress frowned slightly as she listened. For some reason, Shu Yan sounded less like a negotiator and more like a hidden bandit chief—while she herself felt reduced to little more than his subordinate.
The thought made her expression turn somewhat peculiar, though in the tense atmosphere, no one noticed.
Nan Shui Shui felt utterly numb. She racked her mind but could not imagine who might have leaked the information. The other party knew far too much. It felt as though her home had been quietly plundered from within—an absurd and suffocating sensation.
The Earth Dragon Sect had been passed down in Dragon City for a thousand years. The Cold Pool had existed since the sect's founding and had always been treated as a sacred secret site. The mysteries beneath it were known only to successive sect masters. Ordinary disciples—and even elders—had neither knowledge nor access to it. Even if she were to harshly interrogate Nan Qiuqiu, she doubted she would uncover the source of the leak.
After a long silence, Nan Shui Shui finally spoke in a low voice:
"Young master, although I do not know how you came to learn of secrets that belong solely to the Earth Dragon Sect, I can state this clearly—the cavern beneath the Cold Pool is a place where even a Titled Douluo cannot remain for long. If our honored guests are truly interested, I can personally lead you there for an inspection."