Ice Emperor and Tianmeng Ice Silkworm both felt Yuhao's awakening at the same time and carefully observed the changes in his body. Even the Ice Emperor, who had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, could not help but feel astonished.
"What an astonishing physique."
Even though Yuhao had already undergone two awakenings of the Golden Dragon King bloodline martial soul, strictly speaking, his physical strength still could not be compared with that of a 390,000-year-old soul beast like the Ice Emperor.
However, the reason Ice Emperor still said this was because she could clearly sense that Yuhao's current soul power cultivation was only at Rank 20.
A Rank 20 Soul Master possessing physical strength comparable to that of a Soul King—such a thing was almost unheard of in the history of the Douluo Continent. How could this not be described as "astonishing"?
If Yuhao were to fully absorb her martial soul, soul rings, and soul bones in the future, then his physical body would inevitably reach a terrifying level that surpassed common sense.
Thinking of this, the Ice Emperor could not help but feel a trace of excitement deep within her heart.
Because she could foresee that she was about to personally witness the rise of a dazzling new star—one that would illuminate the past, present, and future of the Douluo Continent, and whose brilliance no one would be able to conceal.
"It seems the two of you have already discussed everything."
Yuhao looked at Tianmeng and Ice Emperor, who were clearly no longer as hostile toward each other as before, and smiled faintly as he spoke.
"Hmph! Of course. Now you finally understand that this brother and Ice Emperor are destined companions."
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm said proudly, puffing out his chest as if he had accomplished a great feat.
"Tianmeng, you'd better shut your foul mouth!"
The Ice Emperor, who had been immersed in complex emotions just moments earlier, instantly turned cold again. Although she was grateful for everything Tianmeng had done, that did not mean she would accept such shameless nonsense.
Tianmeng was not annoyed in the slightest. In his heart, he believed that as long as they remained together day and night in the future, Ice Emperor would eventually understand his sincerity.
The Ice Emperor ignored Tianmeng's thoughts altogether. She turned her gaze toward Yuhao, hesitated briefly, and then said seriously:
"Yuhao, are you willing… to allow me to become your fourth martial spirit?"
Compared to when she had merged with her original host in the past, Ice Emperor's hesitation at this moment was clearly different. Back then, her original body's talent was far from outstanding, and the future path was limited.
But now, Yuhao was different.
The terrifying talent Yuhao displayed, as well as his boundless potential, had completely shaken the Ice Emperor's long-standing pride.
By merging with Yuhao, it would not be Yuhao who gained the greater benefit—but her.
That was precisely why Ice Emperor's tone carried a rare hint of restraint and humility.
Yuhao smiled calmly and replied without hesitation, "It would be my honor."
The Ice Emperor was a 390,000-year-old Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, possessing Ultimate Ice and incomparably tyrannical destructive power.
She was undoubtedly the martial spirit that best matched the ultimate ice attribute.
Now that she was willingly choosing to merge with him, there was absolutely no reason for Yuhao to refuse.
After receiving Yuhao's consent, Ice Emperor's emotions visibly relaxed, and genuine joy appeared in her eyes.
At this moment, Tianmeng could not help but interject, "Since that's settled, then let's not waste any time. We should start immediately."
After that, one human and two soul beasts began discussing the specific fusion method.
The final plan was the same as the original fusion route—first fuse the soul bones, then the soul and martial spirit.
The difference was that Yuhao's current physical body was far stronger than his original body had ever been, and the Ice Emperor's power and pain tolerance far exceeded what her original host could endure.
...
"In that case, let's begin."
Ice Emperor had a decisive personality, and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that she would never allow herself to hesitate over.
Yuhao and Tianmeng exchanged a glance, both of them already fully prepared.
Then, Ice Emperor controlled her true body and used her emerald-green scorpion tail to pierce directly into Yuhao's spine.
In an instant, a surging green light poured into Yuhao's body, bringing with it an intense, bone-piercing pain.
However, Yuhao's expression did not change in the slightest. After enduring the baptism of the Golden Dragon King's power twice, his tolerance for pain had long surpassed ordinary limits.
As time passed, the green light gradually spread, covering Yuhao's entire torso.
This was the Ice Emperor's torso soul bone, beginning its fusion into Yuhao's body.
But at that very moment, a deafening dragon roar suddenly erupted from deep within Yuhao's body.
Roar!
Under the influence of this dragon roar, the soul bone fusion abruptly stagnated. The power belonging to the Golden Dragon King surged forth and instinctively rejected the Ice Emperor's torso soul bone.
Dragons were the proudest creatures in the world—especially the Golden Dragon King.
Even a 390,000-year-old super soul beast like the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion was not something it would easily acknowledge.
"Yuhao, what's happening?!"
Both Tianmeng and Ice Emperor instantly panicked.
If the soul bone could not be fused, then what about the martial spirit and soul ring that were meant to follow?
Yuhao had no intention of answering their questions right away. He focused inward, sensing the violent turmoil within his body, and mobilized all of his bloodline power, soul power, and mental strength to forcibly suppress the Golden Dragon King's aura.
"You bastard! This is my body. Whether something is absorbed or not is my decision."
"Whether you are truly conscious or not, stay where you are!"
Regarding the Golden Dragon King's power hidden within his body, Yuhao had long suspected that the Golden Dragon King—originally sealed in the forbidden lands—had somehow entered his body.
Although he did not know the exact reason, he had indeed felt fear at the beginning.
This situation was completely different from Tang Wulin's. Tang Wulin merely contained the sealed divine core of the Golden Dragon King.
Yuhao, on the other hand, might be harboring the true essence of the Golden Dragon King itself.
The difference between the two was worlds apart.
Yuhao knew very well that the Golden Dragon King was born from the Dragon God's evil thoughts—selfish, cruel, and filled with hatred toward all existence.
Even though it was currently sealed by an unknown force within his body, if it were to break free one day, it would undoubtedly turn against him.
Facing an existence possibly comparable to Tang San—or even stronger—would terrify anyone.
Yet, after three days, Yuhao's mindset completely transformed.
As a time traveler, Yuhao possessed deep-seated pride. Otherwise, he would never have dared to challenge and overturn the so-called "pure and flawless" rule of Tang Shenwang so soon after transmigrating.
Even if he was destined to face the Golden Dragon King in the future, what was there to fear?
His own conditions were no worse in the slightest—he possessed a million-year soul ring, tangible-and-insubstantial spiritual power at the age of twelve, and even had a God of Laws who created the Undead Plane as his teacher.
After this realization, Yuhao no longer felt fear. Instead, his spirit became resolute and confident.
Moreover, no matter how powerful the Golden Dragon King was, it was still sealed inside his body.
That was why, when the Golden Dragon King's power tried to defy his will, Yuhao suppressed it without mercy.
"So what if you're the Golden Dragon King? Since you're in my body, you obey me!"
Perhaps sensing Yuhao's unyielding will, the repulsive consciousness within the Golden Dragon King's power suddenly vanished, transforming instead into a devouring instinct.
The Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion's soul bone was nearly 390,000 years old and included the spine and rib structure—equivalent to one torso soul bone plus two external soul bones.
The amount of energy contained within it was unimaginably vast.
Even with Yuhao's current physique, absorbing it directly would be impossible. At best, he could only seal it and slowly refine it over time.
But now, the Golden Dragon King's power began to frantically devour the soul bone's energy, like a dragon swallowing a river. In just a single breath, it consumed an enormous portion of that power.
"Damn it, you're really getting a bargain."
Yuhao laughed and cursed inwardly.
"Since you're swallowing it anyway, then whatever you take, you'll feed it back to me sooner or later. Keeping it for yourself is pointless."
In response, the Golden Dragon King's power actually conveyed a faint sense of agreement.
"At least you know what's good for you."
Yuhao snorted, then shouted aloud, "Ice Emperor, Brother Tianmeng—release the seal and let the soul bone's energy flow freely!"
"Are you insane?!"
Ice Emperor exclaimed. "Once my power is fully released, your body will explode instantly!"
"Believe me."
Yuhao said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"I—"
Ice Emperor was about to argue further, but Tianmeng Ice Silkworm interrupted, "Ice Emperor, trust Yuhao."
Seeing Tianmeng's expression and the unwavering resolve in Yuhao's eyes, Ice Emperor could only grit her teeth and nod in the end.
"Hah! I really believe in your madness, Yuhao."
"Let me make this clear—if you mess this up, all three of us will be doomed together."
Yuhao nodded calmly and replied, "I understand."
"Let's begin."