Chapter 182: Preparations Before Heading to the Extreme North
After all, Snow Empress held an incredibly high reputation in the Extreme North. Based on what was mentioned in the original story, she had near absolute authority over the soul beasts in the region. As long as the soul beasts covered for them, the Sun Moon Empire's mining operations could be concealed. The Heavenly Soul Empire wouldn't provoke a large number of soul beasts for no reason either.
With this in mind, Huo Yuhao stepped into the tent and saw Jing Hongchen sitting at a table, flipping through a book.
Jing Hongchen noticed someone entering and immediately looked up, his expression severe. As a Rank 9 soul engineer, very few books could captivate him so completely, so he naturally disliked being interrupted while reading.
However, the moment he saw that it was Huo Yuhao, the seriousness on his face melted away like snow in the sun. He put down his book and smiled, saying, "Yuhao, what brings you here? Don't tell me someone's targeting you again? Just say the word, and I'll personally lead a team to take care of them!"
Jing Hongchen was well aware of Huo Yuhao's importance. A once in a lifetime genius like him had the potential to elevate the Sun Moon Empire to unprecedented heights, so ensuring his safety was a top priority.
"Dean, no one is after me this time," Huo Yuhao said as he walked forward. He got straight to the point. "I want to make a trip to the Extreme North. My Eye of Destiny tells me that there are opportunities there that will benefit my growth."
"The Extreme North?" Jing Hongchen immediately furrowed his brows. "That place is too dangerous for you. I understand that your Ultimate Ice martial soul makes the harsh environment manageable you'd be like a fish in water there.
"But the region is teeming with deadly soul beasts, and the Three Heavenly Kings of the Extreme North are among the most powerful of them. If you encounter them, even with your Necromantic Demiplane as a backup, you'll still be in trouble. After all, activating the Necromantic Demiplane takes time, so you absolutely cannot go alone."
Huo Yuhao thought to himself that with Snow Empress and Ice Empress as his spirit souls, the Extreme North was essentially his home. There was no danger for him there at all.
"Dean, my Eye of Destiny has also revealed something else about the Extreme North," he continued. "That region contains many extremely valuable mineral deposits that are highly beneficial for soul tool research. If these resources fall into the hands of other nations, the consequences would be disastrous."
Huo Yuhao pressed a hand against his forehead, his expression solemn.
"Oh?" Jing Hongchen suddenly stood up from his chair, his face filled with surprise and doubt.
He had long suspected that the Extreme North held valuable resources, but this had never been confirmed. Kong Deming had even tasked him with sending people to investigate, though the plan had yet to be executed.
The delay was due to two main reasons. First, the Extreme North's harsh environment and the presence of many ferocious soul beasts made exploration extremely dangerous. Second, the region was within the Heavenly Soul Empire's borders.
If the Sun Moon Empire sent large scale expeditions there, it would inevitably raise suspicions and provoke the Heavenly Soul Empire. Though war had not yet broken out, such a move could force the Heavenly Soul Royal Family into preemptive action.
Additionally, while the Heavenly Soul Empire was weaker than the Sun Moon Empire in terms of national power, history had shown that it was home to many hidden sects. Though none of them were as powerful as the Clear Sky Sect, together they still posed a considerable threat.
"Valuable mineral resources…" Jing Hongchen pondered for a moment before saying, "Yuhao, I'll immediately summon the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion. I'll accompany them to the Extreme North with you."
The Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion was a Beast King class unit closely tied to both Mingde Hall and the Worship Hall. Additionally, through the Spirit Pagoda's spirit soul system, Juzi had further strengthened its connection to them.
This was why Huo Yuhao had brought them along during the operation to assassinate the Duchess.
Moreover, the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion had a particular advantage in the Extreme North.
With their martial souls activated, all of its members could fly. Combined with flight type soul tools, their mobility would be exceptional, allowing them to travel at incredible speeds.
"Alright," Huo Yuhao nodded in agreement.
Jing Hongchen stepped out of the tent, picked up a soul tool amplifier, and called out, "Luan Feng! I have an important matter to discuss with you. Come here at once."
His voice traveled far, reaching many in the area, including Luan Feng, the Rank 9 soul engineer and leader of the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion.
"Jing Hongchen, what do you need to discuss with me? Don't tell me Mingde Hall is finally upgrading our soul tools?" Luan Feng's voice rang out from above.
The next moment, she descended from the sky and quickly landed in front of Jing Hongchen.
Jing Hongchen's face showed a hint of awkwardness. "Upgrading soul tools is a costly endeavor. If you want new equipment for the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion, you should apply through the royal family. If they approve, I'll arrange for it immediately, as per protocol."
Even with the Sun Moon Empire's vast resources, it could only afford to maintain a limited number of Beast King class legions.
After all, these units were extraordinarily expensive to equip and had extremely high entry requirements. Assembling just one was no easy feat.
Luan Feng looked at him skeptically. "Then what exactly do you want to discuss?"
Jing Hongchen twitched his lips slightly. Can't we talk about something other than money?
He activated a soundproofing soul tool before recounting his conversation with Huo Yuhao, emphasizing the Eye of Destiny's ability to glimpse the future.
Luan Feng quickly grasped the situation. After thinking for a moment, she decided to negotiate for some benefits for her legion.
She smiled and said, "Extracting rare mineral resources is undoubtedly beneficial to the empire. The Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion is, of course, willing to assist.
"But, Mingde Hall should prioritize using these mined rare metals for crafting new soul tools for us, don't you think? We're putting in the effort, after all. It's only fair that we get something in return."
Jing Hongchen turned to Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, what do you think? Speak freely your opinion is my opinion."
He knew exactly how to respond to Luan Feng's request, but he deliberately let Huo Yuhao answer. This was a great opportunity to strengthen the young genius's relationship with the Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Legion.
Jing Hongchen was fully aware of his own limitations his talent would never allow him to reach Rank 95 Super Douluo. Even Kong Deming, who far surpassed him in talent, was still stuck at Rank 94.
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