The sole black Soul Ring on Wei Xuan's body ignited—and from it, a flawless, magnificent Ice Phoenix soared into the sky.
Its cry resonated across the frozen heavens, shaking the land and commanding all beasts to submit. Wherever it flew, snowflakes scattered like silver petals, and the bleak, icy world brightened, brimming with revived vitality.
"Just look at them," Wei Xuan said calmly, smiling at the Ice Emperor. "Feel them carefully—their state of existence."
Around him, the four soul beasts manifested in full—the Ice River Mammoth and Saber-Tooth Ice Tiger stood to either side, while the Ice Flood Dragon and Ice Phoenix hovered gracefully above.
Their eyes shimmered with life and clarity—no hostility, no resentment—only pure respect and instinctive trust toward Wei Xuan.
Through the nourishment of his divine sense, these beasts had transcended normal Spirit Ring forms. Except for the Phoenix, which still appeared as a spirit projection, the others were tangible—
real, breathing entities, indistinguishable from living soul beasts.
The Ice Emperor was stunned. Her beautiful eyes widened, unable to believe what she saw.
Even Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm and Huo Yuhao stood frozen in place, staring in disbelief.
A four-ring Soul Sect—with three purple rings and one black—and those beasts emerging vividly from his rings? The scene overturned everything they knew.
"These soul beasts… they exist in spiritual form?" the Ice Emperor whispered. Sensing closely, she could feel it—these beasts were alive, but their existence hovered between reality and spirit.
Wei Xuan nodded slightly. "They've become my Spirit Rings, yes—but they've retained their souls. You could say they're living on, just in another way."
"If I one day ascend to godhood, they'll rise with me and benefit in full."
"Even now, they're constantly evolving. As my strength grows, so too do they."
He pointed toward each as he spoke. "This one, the Ice Flood Dragon, was originally just a seven-hundred-year-old beast. Over the years, it has grown to over three thousand."
"And this one…"
He introduced each in turn, even letting them communicate directly with the Ice Emperor—
a gesture that gave tangible weight to his words.
As the Ice Emperor listened and exchanged words with the beasts, her astonishment deepened.
These creatures were truly alive—and what was more, their souls had strengthened, their cultivation years had risen, and their bloodlines had begun to evolve.
The Ice Flood Dragon even claimed that, under Wei Xuan's guidance, it was already showing signs of true dragon transformation.
Such revelations stirred something within her—a thought she could not suppress: perhaps following this human might be the wiser choice.
Compared to Huo Yuhao, Wei Xuan's talent and mystery were leagues beyond comprehension.
When weighed side by side, the choice seemed obvious.
The allure of what he offered was powerful—almost impossible to resist.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, too, was completely shaken. He could never have imagined that a human could preserve the souls of soul beasts, let alone help them grow stronger.
It was absurd—impossible—and yet, it stood before him, undeniable. He could feel it himself, even more clearly than the Ice Emperor: these soul beasts truly lived.
"Brother Tianmeng, what should we do now?" Huo Yuhao whispered nervously, sensing the tide turning against them.
"Don't worry, Yuhao. I'm here," the Ice Silkworm said softly, feigning calm.
He turned toward the Ice Emperor again, his tone growing urgent. "Don't believe him! Even if he can preserve soul beast souls, it means nothing. Can he truly become a god?"
"If he doesn't, you'll only live a little longer—not forever. But with Yuhao, it's different."
"If you become Yuhao's Spirit of Wisdom, I have five parts—no, seven parts certainty that I can help him become a god! When that happens, we all ascend to the God Realm together!"
He spoke passionately, his tone trembling with intensity.
Wei Xuan chuckled.
"He's about my age," he said mildly. "I'm a four-ring Soul Sect. He's barely level twenty. Does his talent even compare?"
"Why do you think he can become a god while I cannot? In fact, my odds seem far greater."
His voice was even, but the words cut deep.
Huo Yuhao's expression twisted with frustration, while the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm faltered, momentarily speechless.
The Ice Emperor's eyes turned cold, mocking the silkworm. Did he really think she couldn't judge talent for herself?
"Yes, maybe Yuhao's talent isn't high right now," the silkworm said quickly, "but with your help, he'll gain a second martial soul—the best one imaginable."
"That will make him a top-tier genius—his potential won't be any lower than this man's."
He paused, then looked at the Ice Emperor with exaggerated sincerity, eyes glistening. "Ice Emperor… we've known each other for two hundred thousand years. You know how I feel about you. Would I ever harm you?"
"If I wasn't confident in helping Yuhao reach godhood, I'd never have come to you."
"Between this human and me, which of us would you trust more—a stranger, or the one who's loved you for eons?"
"Would you not trust a silkworm who loves you?" His voice cracked. "I'd never hurt you—I'd stake my life to bring you into the God Realm!"
The silkworm's words dripped with emotion. His eyes shimmered with tears, his tone trembling with wounded devotion.
The Ice Emperor's expression darkened.
"Spare me the disgusting act, Tianmeng," she snapped coldly. "Have you ever seen a predator fall in love with its prey?"
Her voice was laced with fury. Nothing irritated her more than the silkworm's cloying declarations—it made her skin crawl.
If not for the bindings restraining her, she'd have devoured him whole.
If he still had a physical body, that is.
The silkworm froze, his passionate performance doused like a flame in a blizzard.
"Yuhao," he said quickly through a telepathic link, his tone now urgent, "get ready. We're taking the Ice Emperor and running."
From her reaction, it was clear persuasion had failed. They couldn't overpower Wei Xuan, and they couldn't win her trust—so the only option left was escape.
Fortunately, he had prepared a contingency.
Huo Yuhao gave a slight, imperceptible nod and edged closer.
Suddenly, a surge of spiritual energy erupted from the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's form. The air rippled, space itself trembling as the light sphere imprisoning the Ice Emperor shot toward Huo Yuhao.
"Tianmeng! What are you doing!?" the Ice Emperor shouted, fury and panic lacing her voice. She struggled violently, desperate to resist.
"I'm sorry, Bingbing," the silkworm said quietly, his tone filled with regret yet unwavering resolve. "But you must become Yuhao's Spirit Ring."
His words were final— soft yet absolute, sealing her fate.
(End of Chapter)