"Human, there's no need to use the Far North to pressure me."
Snow Emperor spoke calmly as she looked at Jiang Jue.
"I was born in the Far North, I grew up in the Far North. That is my homeland, my home."
"If you promise that, if one day you ascend to godhood, you will watch over the Far North at least a little…"
"Then I stake everything on this. What harm could there be?"
"If you refuse, I would rather return to nature than live a pitiful, prolonged life."
Her tone was calm, yet filled with resolute determination.
Jiang Jue's expression became solemn. Slowly, he rose from his seat, his robe flowing, eyes deep and unwavering.
"Snow Emperor, while I, Jiang Jue, cannot claim to be a good person, nor do I wish to be, I still have my principles."
"If I make a promise, I will uphold it!"
Snow Emperor's icy blue eyes fixed tightly on Jiang Jue, searching for even a trace of doubt—but she found none.
On the face of this boy, only twelve years old, she saw openness and determination.
As the spirit of heaven and earth, her perception was far beyond other soul beasts. With her nearly seven hundred thousand years of cultivation, she could see through ordinary illusions and lies.
"And Snow Emperor, you need not worry too much. I have confidence in the foundation to become a god."
"Right, Old Yi?"
At his words, Illex's figure appeared, floating in the void. His golden robe was intricately patterned, his white hair and beard giving him an aura of age, wisdom, and depth.
"Divine Might! You… are a god?!"
Snow Emperor's body visibly trembled at first sight of Illex, disbelief in her voice.
Illex smiled faintly.
"A god? Perhaps… But now, for Jiang Jue, I am willing to take a gamble once more."
Jiang Jue's body trembled slightly, his gaze flickering as he looked at Old Yi.
"Old Yi…"
"Hahaha, Jiang boy, don't flatter yourself. I'm doing this for myself as well," Illex said with a gentle smile.
After such a long period of recovery, his divine consciousness had fully stabilized and was continuously growing. Some memories were even returning. He hadn't laughed this genuinely in countless years.
Back then, even standing at the pinnacle of that world, he had felt somewhat bored.
"Very well!"
"Human… Jiang Jue, I am willing to go all out this time! Even if it might be the last time."
Snow Emperor spoke calmly, while beside her, the Ice Emperor had already leapt up, a joyful smile on his face.
"Wonderful! Snow, this means we can be together again, just like in the Far North."
"However, Jiang Jue, can your Human Emperor Banner truly contain nearly seven hundred thousand years of my power?"
Snow Emperor spoke with concern. She was already considering how to help Jiang Jue ascend to godhood.
As the true ruler of the Far North, Snow Emperor had already learned much over her nearly seven hundred thousand years of existence. Once she made a decision, she did not waver.
"Hahaha, Snow Emperor, whatever you have, my Human Emperor Banner can hold it all," Jiang Jue said with a grand gesture.
He had been worried that the rate of supplementation might not keep up with the expansion of the Soul Banner, but now he was unafraid of excess.
"There is one final matter."
"Speak."
Seeing that Snow Emperor was gradually lowering her guard, Jiang Jue had no qualms answering her question.
"If I truly enter your Human Emperor Banner, will I really become like Ice?"
Jiang Jue remained silent, merely clapping his hands.
"Little Tiger, it's your turn to appear."
"Auwooo! Auwooo!"
Two howls sounded as Little Tiger ran enthusiastically to Jiang Jue's side, circled once, and tilted his head to look at the unfamiliar woman before him.
At that gaze, Little Tiger let out another howl and collapsed onto the ground.
"Master, what's going on? How come the two kings of the Far North are here?!"
Panic filled Little Tiger's eyes as he crawled behind Jiang Jue, placing his master before him.
"Ah, hopeless."
Jiang Jue waved his hand, tossing Little Tiger aside casually. Little Tiger then bolted away.
"Snow Emperor, how does it feel? Like Ice?"
Snow Emperor watched Little Tiger flee, a glint of insight in her eyes as she nodded slightly.
"Then Snow Emperor, welcome to our 'Peace and Friendship' family. Here, everyone is sincere and wholehearted."
Jiang Jue's lips curved into a smile as he spoke loudly.
"Jiang boy, after studying the soul beasts of your world, I have an even better idea."
"Though untested, I am fairly confident."
Jiang Jue spun around abruptly, as if recalling something.
He remembered that souls had been created after Snow Emperor lost control and Old Yi burned his divine consciousness. He hadn't expected Old Yi to already have a plan.
Truly, a Grand Magus!
"Old Yi, please teach me!"
Main Sect
Outside a magnificent hall of the sect, Yu Tao strode forward, confident and spirited.
"Brother Tao, why are you so happy? Good news?"
Two disciples stationed outside asked.
"Don't ask. If you must, I've earned merit."
Yu Tao's grin widened.
"From now on, you two cannot call me Brother Tao. In the sect, titles must be used!"
"Hahaha, yes, Position Yu!"
The two disciples laughed heartily, showing respect.
In the Main Sect, there was far less scheming—there was a sense of camaraderie. As Poison said, all soul masters of the Main Sect were family. Brothers.
"Little Tao, why aren't you going in? What are you waiting for?"
"Hmm? How dare you! Remember to call me Position Yu."
Yu Tao's mouth twitched. No man liked being interrupted when trying to act cool.
He turned to see who was being so bold—and in his mind, he heard the voice again.
"Oh no! It's Elder Jin!"
Turning with a smile, Yu Tao said politely, "Elder Jin, after you. I'll follow behind."
Master of changing expressions, just as expected.
Elder Jin, formally Jin Peng, had a dark-red face, a tall, broad frame, and a commanding presence. His Martial Soul was his own body, cultivation at level ninety-six. His status in the Main Sect was second only to Poison.
"Let's enter together."
Elder Jin nodded lightly, leading Yu Tao into the hall.
Inside, eleven chairs surrounded the round table, already mostly occupied.
Poison sat at the head, nodding slightly at Elder Jin to take his seat. Yu Tao stood to the side, not yet allowed to sit for this meeting.
Seeing the eleven chairs filled and nearly twenty young disciples standing alongside, Poison tapped the table.
"This meeting is mainly about Jiang Jue. Everyone, share your opinions. Ultimately, I will decide."
"…."
The crowd was silent, as if accustomed to this routine.
"First, point one: Jiang Jue cannot be contained by our sect, nor by the Sun and Moon Empire! That is my decision!"
"Others, speak freely."
(End of Chapter)