Jiang Jue was slightly stunned, looking at Snow Emperor with some surprise. He hadn't expected her to bring this up.
Back when he was in the Holy Spirit Church, he had seen people gifting treasures and spirit bones—but gifting a spirit ring? This was the first time.
And since even the Snow Emperor would personally mention it, the quality and age of this soul beast were clearly not low.
"A spirit ring... hmm? Could it be Xiaobai?"
Jiang Jue lightly rubbed his fingers, silently calculating in his mind.
If it's something Snow Emperor brings up, the relationship must be good. Considering the current timeline, the Ice Bear King Xiaobai was the most likely candidate—after all, she was about to face her three-hundred-thousand-year Heavenly Tribulation.
Jiang Jue pondered briefly, then looked toward the Snow Emperor and spoke softly.
"Snow Emperor, I do indeed lack a high-quality spirit ring. May I ask what exactly you have in mind?"
The Snow Emperor's ice-blue eyes met his gaze. She pressed her red lips together, her expression slightly unnatural.
This was the first time she had sat down to speak so directly with a human Spirit Master—and she clearly had personal reasons for bringing this up.
"Jiang Jue... the soul beast I mentioned has cultivation nearing three hundred thousand years. Its clan is considered a dominant force in the Extreme North, so there's no need to doubt its quality or age."
Hearing this, the Ice Emperor's emerald eyes widened. She tugged gently on Snow Emperor's arm, asking with a hint of speculation.
"Xue'er, you're not talking about Xiaobai, are you?"
Snow Emperor gently nodded. "Mm," she responded softly, then looked calmly at Jiang Jue, though a faint flicker of emotion flashed in her eyes.
Looking at the two of them, Jiang Jue's gaze flickered slightly. As expected, he thought silently, before asking.
"Ice Emperor, this Xiaobai that you and Snow Emperor mentioned is...?"
Although he already knew, it was better for Snow Emperor to introduce the matter herself in this situation.
"I'll explain."
The Ice Emperor glanced at the Snow Emperor, and seeing her nod faintly, she began.
"Xiaobai is a young ice bear that Snow Emperor took in when she had just ascended to her title. It lived with her ever since. It has now been over three hundred thousand years. Today, Xiaobai is the undisputed king of the Ice Bear Clan."
"Jiang Jue, Xiaobai is really quite good."
After finishing, the Ice Emperor quietly added in a softer voice. After all, it was her Xue'er's request—she naturally had to help set the tone.
But she was also clear that the final decision lay with Jiang Jue.
"I see…"
"Well then, since both you, Ice Emperor, and you, Snow Emperor, say this, naturally I won't refuse. After all, our big 'harmonious and loving' family welcomes all new members—the more, the better."
Jiang Jue smiled and agreed with a nod.
He possessed twin martial spirits. His first, the Soul Refining Banner, still lacked four spirit rings. His second, the Body Spirit, only had one ring so far—plenty of open slots remained.
Leaving one for Xiaobai was not an issue—and it would also help strengthen his connection with the Snow Emperor.
Most importantly: the delivery was coming straight to his door, without even shipping fees. There was no reason to refuse.
He was essentially making money while sitting down.
"Jiang Jue, let me thank you on Xiaobai's behalf first."
A soft smile bloomed on the Snow Emperor's beautiful face, like a snow lotus blooming on an eternal ice field—elegant yet noble. Then she spoke earnestly.
"Ayy, we'll all be one big family in the future—no need to act like outsiders."
Jiang Jue waved dismissively, unconcerned.
For him and Snow Emperor, this was a win-win arrangement.
"Yes, we'll all be part of the big 'harmonious and loving' family."
The Ice Emperor chimed in cheerfully now that Jiang Jue had agreed.
However, for some reason, when the Snow Emperor heard "one family," a strange feeling arose in her heart. It just felt… odd.
"Wait—if Xiaobai comes too, doesn't that mean in the Extreme North, only the Titan Snow Demon King will be left?"
Suddenly, Ice Emperor seemed to realize something and exclaimed.
Among the top three kings of the Extreme North, the top two—she and Snow Emperor—were already with Jiang Jue. Soon Xiaobai would join too. That would leave only the Titan Snow Demon King as the sole top combatant remaining there.
Snow Emperor remained calm as ever.
"Since we have already chosen Jiang Jue, there is no reason to hesitate further. Now, our goal is to keep raising the stakes—clearing his path forward and helping him ascend to godhood!"
"As long as Jiang Jue becomes a god, we will follow—and then, the Extreme North will be secured."
Her tone was filled with unwavering resolve. Having chosen this path, she would not waver.
Back then, she dared to abandon nearly seven hundred thousand years of cultivation to take human form and start anew—now, she dared to gamble everything again.
Either gain everything—or lose it all.
"Besides, we're already on this road, aren't we?"
Snow Emperor's gaze shone with determination as she looked at Ice Emperor and Jiang Jue.
"Xue'er, I'll follow your lead."
Ice Emperor nodded gently, her fair hand clenching into a fist.
A smile appeared on Jiang Jue's face as he looked deeply at the two.
He understood clearly: the Snow Emperor dared to make such a big bet because of his talent—and because of Elder Yi's presence.
"As expected, only strength wins people's hearts. Everything else is illusion."
Jiang Jue slowly stood, his expression turning solemn as he spoke.
"Don't worry. I've sworn to the gods—I will ascend. And the future of the Extreme North will be secured."
"This is not just for you. It's for myself as well."
"Jiang Jue, I believe I haven't misjudged you."
Snow Emperor also stood, her lips slightly curved as she smiled lightly.
"Roar! Roar!"
Little Tiger chimed in: "Me too!"
"Well then, I'll take my leave for now. We'll talk if anything comes up."
Jiang Jue nodded lightly, then vanished into the Soul Refining Banner.
After he left, Ice Emperor hugged Snow Emperor's arm, smiling brightly as she asked,
"Xue'er, do you really trust Jiang Jue this much?"
"Icey, the God Realm will never allow soul beasts to ascend. We have no other path. Since we've found a chance, we must give everything."
"Moreover, Jiang Jue has already formed a destiny bond with the Emperor Auspicious Beast. Fate cannot be faked. That's also why I'm bringing Xiaobai in."
Snow Emperor gently shook her head, her face softening as she spoke.
"All right, as long as I can stay by your side, that's enough."
"When I was in the Extreme North, as the leader of the Ice Jade Scorpion Clan, I had to face tribulations and manage clan affairs—it was exhausting. Now, I have no worries, and I still have you with me."
A gentle light flashed in Ice Emperor's eyes as she smiled, relief in her voice.
"You... honestly…"
Snow Emperor looked at Ice Emperor helplessly, smiling. How could she not understand the little thoughts in Ice Emperor's heart?
(End of Chapter)