Due to the previous appearance of the Frost Serpent Demon, Shen Hanyu had no choice but to slightly alter his route, detouring toward the inland region.
Although he had walked dozens of kilometers in vain, at least his safety was somewhat assured. Otherwise, he might have been drained dry by the Frost Serpent Demon...
In normal circumstances, Shen Hanyu guaranteed he wouldn't be polite about such things, but now, with the task of hunting for the sixth soul ring still at hand, he couldn't afford any mistakes. Otherwise, the consequences would surely make him regret it for life.
The inland region had less wind, and some low vegetation could already be seen struggling to survive in the snowstorm. The plants here were peculiar, showing not a trace of green. Whether branches or leaves, they were all white or blue, looking quite appealing in appearance, though in this situation, it only added to the dull and lonely atmosphere.
Tian Meng also heightened his vigilance, acting like a radar to provide timely warnings and the easiest route for Shen Hanyu. He even occasionally transformed into the ultimate northern encyclopedia, answering some of Shen Hanyu's previous doubts.
While hurrying along, Shen Hanyu chatted idly with Tian Meng. During this process, the sky gradually underwent subtle changes, adding a hint of dimness. The light and temperature were slowly fading and dropping...
"Hanyu, it's getting dark. There's a small cave 800 meters to the right front. No soul beasts are living there. Make do with it for now..."
Tian Meng said.
Shen Hanyu nodded and followed Tian Meng's instructions to a small, gentle slope. Sure enough, under two huge rocks, he found a cave that was neither too big nor too small.
The cave was very clean, and the ground was dry, consisting of soft, fine soil. Tian Meng sensed it for a moment and said in surprise:
"This seems to be the aura of a clansman from our Ice Silkworm tribe. Judging by the size, it has at least 30,000 years of cultivation."
"Oh?"
Shen Hanyu casually tidied up, laying out a blanket made from the fur of the Blazing Lizard and covering it with a quilt made from the fur of the Flame Lion King.
These two soul beasts were among the elite of fire-attribute soul beasts. Not only were they powerful in life, but even after death, their fur retained rich fire-attribute energy for a long time. In such a cold environment, they could still emit residual heat, showing their durability.
"Besides you, are there others in your Ice Silkworm clan who can reach over ten thousand years of cultivation?"
Shen Hanyu was somewhat curious. For Ice Silkworms, having a thousand years of cultivation was already extremely rare, and ten thousand years was even more uncommon. As for Tian Meng...
Hmm... it was simply like a little cow cutting its butt eye-opening...
Tian Meng snorted, then his body formed by mental power slowly appeared beside Shen Hanyu. He said arrogantly:
"My Ice Silkworm clan has no less than ten subsidiary races. For example, the violent and durable Tian Bing Silkworm, or the rare Han Yu Ice Silkworm, which is like the emerald swan of the extreme north. Don't think silkworm-type soul beasts can make a name for themselves. I'm an example. I'm the emperor among the supreme, strongest, kindest, and handsomest soul beasts, the true ancestor of silkworm-type soul beasts..."
"Stop, stop, stop! Tian Meng, do you think I'm stupid or an idiot? Come on, just wait for your Brother Yu to carry you to victory. Lie down and relax..."
Shen Hanyu quickly interrupted. Once Tian Meng started showing off, it was like a sow climbing a tree, impossible to pull him down!
Tian Meng smiled sheepishly, then cleared his throat and said seriously:
"Hanyu, we're not far from the Fallen Siren's territory now. Although I believe in you and myself, I still need to explain a few important points to you in advance."
Shen Hanyu nodded, waiting for the rest.
Tian Meng paused and said:
"First, although the Fallen Siren belongs to the siren clan, their intelligence is not high. Even at the 100,000-year level, it's only about the same as an ordinary soul beast at 30,000 years. But that doesn't mean they're brainless. On the contrary, their perception can be frighteningly sharp at times."
"Second, although their intelligence is not high, their strength is extremely powerful. The scales on their body surface can resist most energy attacks, and their combat skills are outstanding instincts engraved in their bones. Once a fight starts, unless one side bleeds, it absolutely won't end well."
"Third, they possess the ultimate ice attribute. Though it's not a big trouble for you right now, the most important thing is that you must comprehend the true meaning of ultimate ice on your own. Only then can you enter this level. It's a difficult process, and whether you succeed depends on yourself."
"If I use my full mental power, I can probably fully control it for about five seconds. In that time, you need to unleash your strongest attack possible, targeting its weakest defensive point, the brain. Then directly enter its lair to absorb the soul ring."
"I can help you absorb or seal part of its energy, but whether you can hold on still depends on you."
"This is undoubtedly a gamble in your human terms. We're betting everything, Hanyu. Do you understand?"
Shen Hanyu nodded solemnly and said:
"I know what I'm doing. Don't worry."
Tian Meng nodded silently. He wanted to say something several times, but the words reached his lips, and he held them back.
Shen Hanyu smiled helplessly, covering the cave entrance with ice and snow, leaving only holes for ventilation, before saying:
"Tian Meng, if you have something to say, just say it. There's nothing you can't tell me. We're alike in some ways, both a bit unreliable at times. But now that the arrow is nocked, there's no turning back. It's better to say it directly."
Tian Meng's small eyes stared at Shen Hanyu for a long time. Finally, he sighed and said:
"Hanyu, it's not that I'm doubting you, but there are many top soul beasts here. Even if not 100,000 years, they're still outstanding. I don't have confidence. Up to now, no human soul master has ever absorbed a 100,000-year soul ring as their sixth ring, right?"
"I've lived for so many years, and you're the only friend and confidant I can truly connect with. I hope you'll think it over carefully. It's not too late to decide anytime..."
Shen Hanyu laughed silently. His lazy gaze gradually sharpened. The indolent aura on his body vanished in an instant, replaced by an extreme cold and soaring spear intent. It was as if even space couldn't bear this energy, faintly distorting...
"Tian Meng, you still don't understand me enough. I'm someone who fears death, so I put on a disguise. I don't think I'm living hypocritically—this is instead the most authentic way I face life. My life has already been through hell from the moment I was born, but there absolutely won't be a second time. Absolutely not!"
"Even a god couldn't take it from my hands. What's mine will always be mine. If it's not mine but I want it, then it becomes mine. The Hantian Spear will pierce through all obstacles in my way. This is my path, a path no one can block!"
Tian Meng was stunned for a long time, seemingly shocked quite a bit. But in the end, a human-like relieved smile appeared on his face. He slowly returned to Shen Hanyu's mental sea without saying another word...