Seeing the shock in Jiang Shengyu's eyes, Jing Hongchen felt a surge of satisfaction. After all these years, he finally witnessed that expression again—those same incredulous eyes reminiscent of his first time encountering something truly extraordinary. Whereas Jiang Shengyu previously displayed a maturity far beyond his thirteen years, today he once again looked like a wide-eyed teenager.
"This is the first ten‑millennia embryo we've ever encountered!" Jing Hongchen declared with excitement. "Never before has a soul‑beast embryo reached this level."
Ten millennia? That's nothing short of unbelievable! Even the legendary Ice Emperor had approached seventy thousand years of cultivation—ranked third among the top ten fierce beasts.
Jiang Shengyu steadied his breathing and asked, "Senior, what do you intend to do with this ten‑millennia embryo? A soul‑beast of this caliber surely possesses intelligence on par with humans."
Jing Hongchen smiled warmly. "That embryo is meant for you."
"For me?" Jiang Shengyu was taken aback.
"Yes," Jing Hongchen nodded. "Though you and Qing Tong cultivate differently—you don't need to hunt soul‑beasts to gain soul rings—soul bones remain a vital resource. Your scientific approach may succeed, but if not… Well, this embryo would make an excellent fallback."
Shengyu frowned. "Why not leave it to Xiaochen and Mengchen?"
Jing Hongchen laughed. "I suspected you'd say that. But listen—while their talent is impressive, the two of you stand head and shoulders above them. If you two grow strong, the Reddust clan and the Sun‑Moon Empire will thrive. That's why I consider this an early investment in my little junior brother."
Jiang Shengyu smiled thoughtfully. "I understand. I won't let you down. With me around, both the Reddust family and the Sun‑Moon Empire will flourish. But I have one request."
"Go on," Jing Hongchen replied, intrigued.
"Next time you come to Mingdu, give Xiaochen a good scolding. He's always challenging my sister and me to fights—it's annoying!"
Jing Hongchen burst out laughing. It seemed their relationship with the Reddust clan was secure.
Shengyu returned his gaze to the embryo. "Now… what studies have you done on this embryo so far?"
Jing Hongchen stroked the embryo gently. "Just basic research. We want to understand how soul‑beasts produce soul rings and bones—why they're useful to soul masters."
"And any results?" Shengyu pressed.
Jing Hongchen shook his head. "None yet. You've studied yourself for years and made no breakthroughs—that takes time. We've only had this embryo for two months."
Shengyu proposed, "Let me take it—I'll continue researching it."
Jing Hongchen snorted. "You're in a hurry, huh? I'm not reluctant, but consider this: even with soul‑tech safeguards, could your smaller frame handle a ten‑millennia beast embryo? Its consciousness is dormant now, but they're not trivial specimens."
Shengyu grinned. "Senior, relax. I've got enough safeguards—and the camp is full of soul masters. If things go sideways, I just call for help."
Jing Hongchen considered this for a moment, then retrieved the embryo from its containment—reinforcing it with several powerful seals. "Very well. Take it—it's secured by four soul‑masters' seals; it should be safe."
Shengyu nodded and departed with the Ice Emperor embryo in tow. He returned to his quarters and gazed at it in amazement.
He muttered, "I never imagined that your embryo would end up in my hands. Lucky—or unlucky—you still fell into Jing Hongchen's domain."
The deep‑blue embryo glowed with an icy light, its consciousness still dormant.
---
Meanwhile, traveling north through fierce winter winds with Huo Yuhao, Jiang Qingtong couldn't suppress her smile.
Huo Yuhao noticed and asked, "Cousin, what has you smiling?"
"I was just thinking about something happy," she replied softly.
"What happy thing?"
Jiang Qingtong chuckled lightly. "Nothing important." She then rubbed her cheek and glanced ahead. "Yuhao… how close are we now?"
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