Chapter 428: The Plan Begins
In the Extreme North, due to its harsh environment, the further one ventured into the core region, the stronger the soul beasts became. Some were even capable of evading Tianmeng's spiritual detection.
If they accidentally provoked such creatures, the consequences would be disastrous.
In the worst case, Ye Lao might be forced to use his last resort, depleting the only deterrent keeping the world at bay.
And once Ye Lao's power was gone, Huo Yuhao would be facing endless trouble.
Even if his "Son of Fate" status kept him from outright dying, a certain scheming bastard surnamed Tang would never miss such a golden opportunity.
This time, Tang San wouldn't be so merciful.
He might not even let Huo Yuhao pretend to be his son in law instead, he'd control him completely, turning him into a true puppet with no chance of ever breaking free.
Just thinking about it made Huo Yuhao's teeth chatter.
That future was too terrifying.
Thus, he moved with extreme caution, taking extra steps to conceal himself.
He even put away his wooden planks, slowing his pace, and waded carefully through the thick, knee deep snow.
The freezing wind howled, razor sharp cold biting through his bones.
Even with Tianmeng Iceworm's molted skin, he was certain that if he didn't have it, he would turn into an ice sculpture within a minute.
The snowflakes here were as hard as tiny blades.
When the winds kicked up, the airborne ice shards felt like a full on soul skill attack.
During particularly violent gusts, Huo Yuhao had no choice but to crawl to avoid being blown away.
Even though he wasn't afraid of the cold, the blistering winds still caused light distortions in the sky, making it difficult to see clearly.
After two days of this brutal trek, Huo Yuhao was utterly exhausted.
His body wasn't weak, but food and water had become a major issue.
While he didn't feel cold, every bit of food he took out instantly froze solid even chewing was difficult.
He had to scrape at it with his teeth, barely managing to eat.
Tianmeng Iceworm also forbade him from setting up a tent, fearing it would draw attention from soul beasts.
As for water?
It was completely frozen solid he couldn't even pour it out of his waterskin.
So, he had no choice but to eat the snow, which felt like swallowing pure ice straight into his heart.
Under such conditions, lasting two days was already a testament to his sheer determination.
Luckily, after two grueling days, they finally reached their destination.
Tianmeng Iceworm decided this would be the perfect place to lure the Ice Empress.
However, before releasing his aura, he asked:
"Yuhao, in this extreme cold, how long do you think you can last without my molted skin's protection?"
Huo Yuhao thought for a moment before replying:
"If I fully activate my soul power, I can hold out for about ten minutes after that, I won't last."
Tianmeng nodded.
"Alright. To lure the Ice Empress, I have to completely release my aura. But for this to work, my molted skin must be separated from you which means you'll have no protection for a short time."
"During this period, we must trap her, and I need time to negotiate. You must endure if you fail, everything will be for nothing."
Huo Yuhao shivered at the thought of that unbearable cold, but he clenched his teeth and nodded.
"Don't worry. No matter what, I'll hold on!"
Tianmeng Iceworm was pleased.
"Good. Now, before we begin, dig yourself a temporary shelter underground. I'll leave a piece of my molted skin behind with its soul power drained you can light it on fire for warmth."
"But remember! No matter what happens, do not move unless I tell you to. You can watch through Spiritual Detection, but do not make a sound. Understand?"
Huo Yuhao nodded firmly.
He knew his own limits he wouldn't do anything reckless.
However, building an ice shelter was no small task.
The snow beneath the surface was rock hard ice, making excavation extremely difficult.
Even using soul power infused White Tiger Dagger, it still took him a full day to dig a small cave just big enough for him to curl up inside.
By the time he was finished, he was utterly drained.
"Alright, I'm starting."
Tianmeng's voice turned serious.
"Yuhao, for this plan to succeed, you must overcome three challenges."
"First, endure the cold."
"Second, we need luck I must be able to subdue her."
"Third, you need unshakable willpower."
"I chose you for a reason. If we fail, we both die. But if we succeed, I guarantee you'll instantly become the greatest genius in the Douluo Continent!"
"Now, let's give it our all!"
Tianmeng's voice grew wild with excitement.
At this point, Huo Yuhao had nothing left to say.
He nodded forcefully, showing his full commitment.
Then
A massive spiritual wave erupted in his mind.
Huo Yuhao felt dizzy, his vision blurring.
His one and only soul ring emerged, glowing pure white as it pulsed around him.
His pale golden eyes began to change.
Although his mind remained clear, his body lost all control.
Suddenly
His consciousness expanded outward far beyond its usual limits.
It felt as though he was hovering high above, looking down upon the world itself.
Unlike his normal Spiritual Detection, this sensation was completely different.
Over 10,000 square kilometers of the Extreme North's core region
The sky abruptly darkened, as if day had turned to night.
An invisible force spread outward.
An overwhelming spiritual pressure surged from Huo Yuhao's body, expanding across the entire land.
At that moment
He felt like a true ruler.
The earth, the ice, the snow all bowed before him.
That absolute dominion was incredibly intoxicating.
It felt like he could destroy everything with a single thought.
With just a glance, he could judge the fate of all before him.
Above
The dark clouds rumbled thunder growling in the sky.
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao's body shone with radiant golden light.
Tianmeng Iceworm's spiritual power was no joke.
Despite his weak species, his one million year old soul power was genuine.
And now, as he unleashed his full aura, the entire Extreme North trembled a true monarch's arrival.
The hunt had begun.
(End of Chapter)
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