After reviewing all the experimental data, Jiang Shengyu felt a serious headache coming on — most of it just flew over his head.
He only contributed modern-industrial perspective, inspiring Mingde Hall to integrate spirit-tech innovations with real-world tech. But dense technical reports and numbers? Not really his specialty.
Fortunately, Jing Hongchen was right beside him, patiently explaining progress and necessary tweaks as they reviewed the documents.
When the presentation wrapped up, Jiang Shengyu closed the records and exclaimed, "Senior brother, you truly are the Sun‑Moon Empire's sky‑lifting support, a purple-gold beam upholding all our seas!"
"Don't flatter me," Jing Hongchen snorted, glancing at Jiang Qingtong and Huo Yuhao nearby. "You three came all the way out here—go rest before you freeze to death. Or else the seniors will be after me!"
"Got it—we're off to take a nap, then." Jiang Shengyu nodded, with nothing more to say.
The three followed a staffer to the living quarters. After a while, Yuhao glanced up, then turned to his cousins. "I… need to go take care of something outside."
"What?" the two asked in unison, turning to face him.
When they both looked, Yuhao felt his head spin for a moment — Jiang Shengyu and Jiang Qingtong look so much alike. Aside from some subtle differences, they're near-identical twins.
He steadied himself. "I have something I need to do away from here."
This had been through his mind: he couldn't just vanish. If he sneaked out, Mingde would notice, other Douluo might too. When he returned, they'd demand an explanation. Better to be open and normal about it.
Jiang Shengyu, who understood Yuhao just fine, smiled. "The Far North is freezing. What do you plan to do? Need backup? I can ask senior brother to send a Douluo-level protector."
As soon as Jiang Shengyu offered Douluo backup, Yuhao and the silkworm spirit inside him both stiffened. He hurried to decline. "No, that's not necessary! Douluo superiors are busy…"
"You're part of the team. Your safety matters!" Jiang Shengyu insisted firmly.
Despite his youth, Yuhao couldn't refuse Jiang Shengyu's earnest resolve. He looked worried.
Seeing Yuhao's fluster only made Jiang Shengyu grin inside. He nodded strongly. "Then why not bring Qingtong along?"
"Cousin?" Yuhao blinked.
Jiang Qingtong stepped forward and nodded, looking at her cousin. "I've got nine Level‑9 spirit-tools—better to travel together for safety. You okay with that?"
Jiang Shengyu added teasingly, "You sure you're not hiding some deep secret?"
"No, no!" Yuhao blurted, but sounded unsure.
Jiang Shengyu and Qingtong didn't press it. "Alright then—is that settled, Yuhao?"
Yuhao exhaled and nodded. "Fine."
Inside his mind, the Dream‑Ice Silkworm whispered: No problem—if a Douluo were with us, I'd worry. But just a young girl. Once we find the Ice Empress ,we can quietly put her to sleep.
"Won't hurt her… she's my cousin." Yuhao said softly.
Don't worry—
Seeing that, Yuhao relaxed.
The two prepared quickly and left camp into the snowy wastes.
Soon after Qingtong and Yuhao left, Jing Hongchen found Jiang Shengyu again. "Elder brother, you wanted to see me?"
Jiang Shengyu poked his head out. "Yes? What's up?"
"What did Qingtong and Yuhao go off to do?"
He nodded knowingly. "Yuhao said it involves his spirit power, so he went off. Don't worry—he'll be fine."
"Alright." Jing Hongchen paused. "Actually, I wanted to show you something. Come with me."
"Something?" Jiang Shengyu followed, curious now.
He led him through the research facility, heading down into an underground lab. The hallway was lined with defensive spirit-tech arrays — even out here in the Far North, safety was paramount.
They reached a secure chamber choked with frost and machinery. Inside sat a sealed capsule, sustained by two Level‑9 spirit-tools.
Within was a… spirit-beast embryo. A 100,000‑year‑old soul-beast embryo.
Jiang Shengyu's eyes widened sharply.
Jing Hongchen explained: "Two months ago, Spirit Douluo Tianyin was out when he encountered this embryo—likely a spirit beast facing tribulation from the Far North, unable to ascend. It purposely reverted into embryonic form—only for us to intercept it."
This was the embryo of the legendary Snow Empress.
Jiang Shengyu's heart thundered—he recognized the creature's true origin immediately.
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