Hunting a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Beast, Exploring the Extreme North Again

"Was that deliberately said for me to hear?"

Jiang Mian speculated inwardly. Bibi Dong was a shrewd schemer—how could she explain such an operation so plainly to a few youngsters? The reason she acted this way was likely because of the top-tier soul beast experts following Jiang Mian.

"Teacher wants us to hurry over." Hu Liena appeared beside Xie Yue, smiling. "She said those two soul beasts just arrived at Sunset Forest, so we should strike while their footing is unstable."

"The soul beasts Bibi Dong is hunting must be at the hundred-thousand-year level." Jiang Mian spoke bluntly. "I know where those two soul beasts come from."

Who else could it be? The Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python.

Those two had long since fled somewhere after the awakening of the Ten Great Ferocious Beasts, but who would have thought they'd end up wandering into Sunset Forest?

From this perspective, while Bibi Dong hunted for her soul ring, Jiang Mian could conveniently seize the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well along the way.

After Jiang Mian brought Zhu Zhuqing and regrouped with the others, he first asked the Scarlet King and the Bear Lord: "What do you two think?"

"No idea." The Scarlet King and the Bear Lord shook their heads in unison. "Those two soul beasts aren't on our side, but they're still our kind after all."

"I can guarantee this: once they become soul rings and later ascend to the God Realm, I can restore them." Jiang Mian painted a rosy picture. "After all, that Pope also has a chance at godhood in the future."

"Jiang Mian, you're the future of soul beasts, so whatever choice you make, we'll support it." The Scarlet King stated his stance first. "Of course, if you harm soul beasts, Di Tian will deal with you."

"You're overstating it." Jiang Mian shook his head, explaining earnestly: "Soul beasts are the source of my power—why would I dig my own grave?"

"Well said." The Bear Lord nodded. "Following your plan, becoming that woman's soul ring might not be a bad end for those two."

Exactly—why let them rush to become Tang San's soul rings later? No way!

Even though Bibi Dong was undergoing the Rakshasa God's trials, it wasn't impossible to end them. Once he took charge of the God Realm, what couldn't he accomplish?

"Are we setting out now?" Yan asked.

"What did you do with those two captured yesterday?" Jiang Mian thought of Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun and asked immediately. "You didn't go easy on them, did you?"

"Don't worry." Hu Liena licked her lips, her face full of allure. "I got rid of their tools of the trade—now they can only dream about it."

Every man present couldn't help but suck in a cold breath. Hu Liena had insisted Xie Yue and Yan leave so she could enjoy handling those two alone.

No one expected her to be so ruthless.

"Nana, that's a bit much," Xie Yue said, somewhat reluctant.

"They came to kill us." Hu Liena pinched Xie Yue, fuming: "What's wrong with you, big brother? Showing mercy to enemies?"

"Nana's right." Jiang Mian gave a thumbs-up, his tone sincere. "Nana's handling of it suits me perfectly."

"Thanks for the compliment." Hearing Jiang Mian praise her, Hu Liena's eyes practically turned into stars. She covered her cheeks, a little shy.

"Jiang Mian, I'm about to break through level forty," Zhu Zhuqing said softly beside him.

"Perfect—I'll find you a fourth soul ring in Sunset Forest." Jiang Mian smiled slightly. "Friends, let's get ready to move out."

The Auspicious Beast twitched her ears slightly, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she kept silent.

The group galloped swiftly, soon arriving at Sunset Forest from the Suo Tuo Great Spirit Arena and reuniting with Bibi Dong.

Behind Bibi Dong at this moment were not only the Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo but also the fiery, short-haired Spirit Kite Douluo and the burly Magic Bear Douluo.

"Qian Daoliu must have tacitly approved of Bibi Dong; otherwise, with her current influence, she wouldn't dare hunt the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python."

Jiang Mian speculated inwardly. No one knew what deal they had struck, but he could guess it involved Qian Renxue.

Counting Bibi Dong, that made five Titled Douluo—quite a luxurious lineup. And the Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo even had their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, the Two Extremes Stillness Domain.

The Bear Lord, the Scarlet King, and the Auspicious Beast—three top-tier soul beasts—didn't want to witness this siege, so Jiang Mian put them back into the Spirit Ball, planning to release them once it was over.

After all, seeing their kind hunted by humans—they might not say anything, but it wouldn't sit well with them.

"Is everyone here?" Bibi Dong looked at the arriving Golden Generation, her stern, icy face softening slightly. She instructed: "When the fighting starts, you little ones stay far away."

"I called you here mainly to let you witness real life-and-death combat." Bibi Dong didn't forget to teach them. "It'll help you recognize where your strength truly stands."

"Yes." They acknowledged in unison. Bibi Dong glanced around but didn't see the three soul beast powerhouses. She looked at Jiang Mian, who happened to be staring back at her.

They exchanged a knowing look without a word.

Bibi Dong said nothing more. It was just as well those experts weren't here—after all, they'd be killing their kind. If they got upset and helped those two soul beasts instead, the people she brought wouldn't even be enough to fill their teeth.

The group cautiously advanced deeper into Sunset Forest. Jiang Mian could feel the rich aura of ice and fire growing stronger the further they went.

Could it be that the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python had taken over the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well? That would be a stroke of luck—helping Bibi Dong obtain her soul ring while taking all the herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for himself.

Never mind the age or quality—just pack it all up and let Bi Ji and the King of Ten Thousand Demons cultivate it.

Hu Liena sidled up to Jiang Mian, quietly touching his hand without saying a word.

Jiang Mian glanced at the shy little fox and smiled, stroking her hand in response. Hu Liena's body jolted as if shocked; she quickly withdrew her hand, looking as if she had something to say but held back.

"Sister Nana is seventeen this year, right?" Jiang Mian smiled. "A woman changes eighteen times by adulthood, each time more beautiful. Sister Nana is truly a stunning beauty."

"You're annoying." Hu Liena covered her mouth with a giggle. "Then who do you think is prettier—me or little sister Zhuqing?"

"Zhuqing is only twelve this year—no comparison." Jiang Mian leaned closer to Hu Liena, whispering in her ear: "Sister Nana isn't jealous, is she?"

"Not at all." Hu Liena suddenly felt her cheeks burn. She realized this was the first time Jiang Mian had been this close to her—she could even hear his breathing. Covering her face, she scurried off to the side to calm down.

"Nana likes you." Xie Yue had somehow appeared beside Jiang Mian, teasing him. "Honestly, I'd be happy to have you as my brother-in-law."

"You're too kind, big brother-in-law." Jiang Mian laughed heartily, not holding back.

"Get out of here. You're way too young to be talking about marriage." Xie Yue shoved Jiang Mian, laughing in exasperation. "I was joking, and you took it seriously."

"A ruler's word is law. Since my brother-in-law has spoken, I'll treat Nana well." Jiang Mian put on an air of understanding, leaving everyone unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Little Mian, my friend." Yan suddenly walked over from the side, slinging an arm around Jiang Mian's neck. "You've already got Zhuqing. Why not let me have Nana?"

"Sister Nana isn't a toy—how can you say 'let me have her'!" Jiang Mian said indignantly. "It's Sister Nana's own decision who she chooses. How can we interfere!"

"Good point." Xie Yue nodded in strong agreement with Jiang Mian's words. He was a devoted brother, and while Yan was also talented, Xie Yue secretly favored Jiang Mian as a candidate for brother-in-law.

After all, Jiang Mian's foundation was so deep that even the Pope had to bow her head slightly. Nana would never suffer by his side.

Up ahead, Bibi Dong waved her hand, signaling Jiang Mian and the others to clear the area immediately, because they had found the two soul beasts.

"Titan Giant Ape, Sky Azure Bull Python." Jiang Mian sensed the aura emanating from within. "The farther we stay, the better. If those two beasts fight back, it'll be bad for us."

"Alright." Xie Yue and the others didn't linger. They all retreated, found a suitable spot to watch, and quietly waited for the show to begin.

"Move out." Bibi Dong gave the order, releasing her martial soul, the Death Spider Emperor. Her soul ring configuration of two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red appeared.

The Death Spider Emperor was already the king of the spider martial soul series, and Bibi Dong's soul ring configuration was terrifying. Unfortunately, she was currently participating in the Rakshasa God Assessment and couldn't reveal her true strength. Otherwise, with just these two soul beasts, she wouldn't have needed to bring so many people.

In the original story, Bibi Dong's Rakshasa God Assessment took a full twenty years. Even if Jiang Mian wanted her to give it up, it wouldn't be easy.

Actually, the Rakshasa God wasn't all bad—it was just that being the god in charge of all evil thoughts in heaven and earth easily corrupted one.

As for Jiang Mian's own path to godhood, he planned to merge the Silver Dragon King and the Golden Dragon King again, successfully inheriting the Dragon God's divine throne and leading the soul beasts to ascend to heaven!

In this process, the biggest and most troublesome obstacle would undoubtedly be the Asura God, because it was he who had split the Dragon God into the Golden Dragon King and Silver Dragon King with a single sword strike. To prevent the tragedy of the God Realm from repeating, he would surely stop Jiang Mian.

"Roar!"

"It's starting." Jiang Mian listened to the commotion from over there, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth. "Watch closely. This is bound to be an earth-shattering fight of cornered beasts."

The Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python unleashed their domains freely, their Soul Power seemingly inexhaustible. Even Bibi Dong, leading four Titled Douluo, had to temporarily avoid their edge.

But cornered beasts would eventually tire. Once they showed signs of exhaustion, death awaited them!

"Big brother, there's no escape. Let's fight!" The Titan Giant Ape pounded its chest with fury, recalling the Titled Douluo it had encountered when it and the Sky Azure Bull Python tried to seize the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well a few days ago.

Back then, he seemed to have just been through a fierce battle.

He was just a weak, pitiful Titled Douluo. If not for him and his big brother sparing his life, he would never have escaped alive from their grasp.

Who would have thought that a moment of mercy would bring about deadly disaster?

Indeed, the Titled Douluo in the Titan Giant Ape's memory was none other than Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan.

Yue Guan and the original owner of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Dugu Bo, were mortal enemies. As it happened, his fight with Dugu Bo attracted the two soul beasts who had just arrived. Seeing the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well as an excellent cultivation site, the Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape naturally wanted to claim it.

In the end, after Yue Guan defeated Dugu Bo, these two beasts suddenly appeared and drove Yue Guan away.

Actually, Yue Guan hadn't known about Dugu Bo's treasure trove at first. He had been tracking Dugu Bo's movements for a long time. Ever since Bibi Dong told him he no longer needed to teach the Golden Generation, he had been watching Dugu Bo's every move.

Eventually, their battle unfolded here at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

To be fair, Chrysanthemum Douluo had the pride and bottom line of a Titled Douluo. Despite his deep hatred for Dugu Bo, he insisted on fighting him one-on-one to kill him. If Yue Guan had been willing to call Guimei, the two of them could have killed two Dugu Bos.

But after being ambushed by those two beasts, Yue Guan had no choice but to flee back to Martial Soul Hall in disgrace and tell Bibi Dong the whole story.

Bibi Dong felt that opportunity wouldn't knock twice, so she immediately led them back to hunt down those two soul beasts.

The commotion at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well gradually died down. It seemed the two soul beasts were trying to escape. Jiang Mian was relieved that those beasts had the sense to run instead of fighting to the death.

If they destroyed the herbs and natural treasures at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, dying twice wouldn't be enough to make up for it.

"Should we follow?" Xie Yue asked.

"Let's go take a look." Before Jiang Mian's words faded, he had already dashed out. Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena followed closely behind. Xie Yue and Yan exchanged glances and followed as well.

"Fifth soul skill, Gathering of Cold Primrose."

Yue Guan leaped into the air, and the surrounding chrysanthemum petals instantly coalesced into a giant blade shimmering with cold air. He swung his arms, launching the petal blade at the Titan Giant Ape.

The Titan Giant Ape turned and threw a punch, shattering the Gathering of Cold Primrose. The punch's momentum didn't diminish, slamming directly into Yue Guan's face and sending him flying.

"Oof!"

Yue Guan's figure turned into a golden streak of light, crashing down from the air right in front of Jiang Mian and the others.

"Teacher." Xie Yue and Yan quickly helped the disheveled Chrysanthemum Douluo to his feet, suppressing their laughter as they asked with concern, "Teacher, are you alright?"

"I won't die." A trace of blood seeped from the corner of Yue Guan's mouth. He frowned in anger. "Today, I'll make sure those two beasts pay. Old Ghost!"

"I'm here." Guimei lived up to his name, appearing before Yue Guan like a true ghost in an instant. He grabbed Yue Guan, and the two swiftly leaped in front of the two soul beasts.

"Two Extremes Stillness Domain!"

The soul rings of the two Titled Douluo scattered in the air. They stood back to back, unleashing the powerful Two Extremes Stillness Domain.

Once this domain was activated, all enemies within it would be completely immobilized, unless they could forcefully break through with their own strength.

But Yue Guan and Guimei, who were casting this technique, couldn't move either, so they needed teammates to coordinate their attacks.

Bibi Dong and the other two Titled Douluo quickly unleashed their soul skills. Even if they couldn't kill those two beasts outright, severely wounding them would do.

The Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape struggled fiercely, trying to break free from the Two Extremes Stillness Domain's control. Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo frowned deeply, clearly finding it no easy task to keep those two beasts restrained.

But if it had been the Bear Lord or the Scarlet King, they probably would have shattered this Two Extremes Stillness Domain with a single slap.

"Watch closely, Bibi Dong has already planted a deadly poison in those two beasts." Jiang Mian held Zhu Zhuqing's hand and pulled her back. "They're about to launch a desperate counterattack."

Sure enough, the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python simultaneously unleashed their maximum Soul Power, directly shattering the Two Extremes Stillness Domain into pieces.

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were heavily injured, tumbling in opposite directions.

Jiang Mian and Zhu Zhuqing happened to catch Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, settling him down, while Xie Yue and Yan scurried over to catch Ghost Douluo.

Ghost Douluo crashed heavily to the ground with a thud, and Xie Yue and Yan stood there with their hands raised, looking at a loss.

"Idiots, you!" Ghost Douluo spat out a mouthful of dust as he slowly climbed to his feet, pointing at the two and cursing angrily. "What are you two messing around for!"

"Exactly, why did you have to interfere with Lord Ghost Douluo's landing?" Jiang Mian and Zhu Zhuqing helped Chrysanthemum Douluo over slowly, and Jiang Mian, never one to hold his tongue, immediately teased, "Why don't you apologize to Lord Ghost Douluo?"

"You!" Ghost Douluo trembled with rage, stammering and unable to form words, because he didn't dare scold Jiang Mian either—after all, Jiang Mian had backing. But if he said nothing, where would he, a Titled Douluo, put his face?

"Enough, old ghost." Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled gently, lightly patting Jiang Mian and Zhu Zhuqing's hands to signal he didn't need their support. "Why are you bullying a few children?"

"Ju Hua Guan, so you're the good guy now?" Ghost Douluo stepped forward, poking Chrysanthemum Douluo between the brows, and said with a wry laugh, "When we get back, you're treating me to drinks and meat."

"Don't worry, once His Holiness the Pope finishes her business, there'll be plenty of rewards for us." Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled slightly and replied.

"It'll be over soon." Jiang Mian looked toward Bibi Dong's direction and said quietly, "You two should rest here for a while. A cornered beast's last stand—if you go back in now, it won't end well."

"The little one has a point." Ghost Douluo nodded and said to Xie Yue and Yan, "See that? Learn from him. Think of others more."

"Yes." Xie Yue and Yan replied sheepishly.

With a scream, Jiang Mian knew this battle, which had never been in doubt, was about to end.

Bibi Dong stood atop the Titan Giant Ape, mercilessly piercing his heart with her spider legs. A dense toxin flooded into the Titan Giant Ape's body, directly claiming his life.

"Second brother." The Sky Azure Bull Python, already covered in wounds, roared and unleashed a desperate water column as his final counterattack.

Magic Bear Douluo leaped into the air, effortlessly catching the attack. Under the effect of the poison, the Sky Azure Bull Python slowly closed his eyes.

Two red soul rings slowly emerged. Bibi Dong's eyes revealed an undisguisable greed. She immediately sat cross-legged, releasing her second martial soul, and began to absorb them.

Two precious hundred-thousand-year soul rings—what an immense boost they would be to her. She couldn't even imagine it.

Jiang Mian and the others walked over to the scene. Looking at these two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, he felt an indescribable emotion.

It wasn't pity for them, just a bit of regret. If Zhu Zhuqing's level were high enough, he would have wanted her to absorb these two soul beasts.

But even without them, he had already planned out Zhu Zhuqing's future soul rings long ago.

After all, Jiang Mian couldn't catch every ferocious beast. That Hell Demon Dragon King Zi Ji, ranked ninth among the Ten Great Ferocious Beasts—if she could one day sacrifice herself to become Zhu Zhuqing's soul ring, and Zhu Zhuqing later became a god, that wouldn't be a bad end either.

"Can I ever reach my teacher's level?" Hu Liena murmured, watching Bibi Dong absorb the two hundred-thousand-year soul rings. "My teacher is a height I can never surpass."

"It's not that much higher." Jiang Mian chuckled, patting his chest and saying, "Sister Nana, one day, you'll definitely grow to the Pope's level."

With me, Jiang Mian, around, how could I let your level stay low?

"When I get back, I have to train hard." Hu Liena silently resolved. Jiang Mian watched Bibi Dong, drenched in sweat, and felt a stir in his body.

No wonder Qian Xunji had to forcefully take her—she was too beautiful. He really didn't know how that waste "Yu Xiaogang" had made Bibi Dong love him to death. When he got the chance, he'd have to properly enlighten Bibi Dong.

Too bad Jiang Mian was only twelve now and couldn't do anything. He could only slowly build the foundation, and when he came of age, sweep it all up.

"Hoo~"

Bibi Dong exhaled a breath of fresh air, feeling refreshed. After all, she had absorbed two hundred-thousand-year soul rings at once. If she hadn't had the Rakshasa God Assessment as a foundation to enhance her body's resilience, she wouldn't have dared to act so recklessly.

The first thing Bibi Dong saw when she woke up was Jiang Mian. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, and he said calmly, "Your Holiness, can we have a talk?"

"Oh?" Bibi Dong was intrigued. Her impression of Jiang Mian had always been that of someone bold and reckless—but then again, Jiang Mian had the strength to back it up.

"Follow me." Jiang Mian walked off toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well on his own. Bibi Dong gestured for the others to stay put and followed him.

The two moved quickly, reaching the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Mian spoke first. "Bibi Dong, do you know who I am?"

"Aren't you Jiang Mian?" Bibi Dong replied calmly. "Jiang Mian, are you trying to be mysterious?"

"No." Jiang Mian shook his head and said flatly, "I just want you to pull back from the brink."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Do you really think I don't know you're undergoing the Rakshasa God's assessment?"

Jiang Mian's words were shocking, and they stunned Bibi Dong. "How do you know!"

Murderous intent gradually surfaced in Bibi Dong's eyes, but Jiang Mian had already gripped the Spirit Balls of Bear Lord and Yan in his hand. "Because I am the incarnation of the Dragon God."

"The Dragon God?" Bibi Dong was skeptical.

"That's right." Jiang Mian said seriously, "The Dragon God is the master of all soul beasts and the sole supreme deity of the God Realm. These are old tales from the God Realm—it's understandable that you don't know."

"What proof do you have?" Bibi Dong said coolly. "And what do you mean by telling me this?"

"Why do you think so many powerful soul beasts obey me?" Jiang Mian chuckled. "I know your ambitions are grand, but if you want to achieve your empire, you first need to cleanse the filthy desires in your heart."

"What do you mean?" Bibi Dong suddenly grew angry, as if Jiang Mian had touched a nerve.

"That disgusting hypocrite, Yu Xiaogang." Just mentioning the name made Jiang Mian's mouth feel foul. "What is he? And you're still pining over him."

"Don't you dare speak of him." Bibi Dong snapped.

"Taking the knowledge of Martial Soul Hall and passing it off as your own." Jiang Mian pressed on relentlessly. "You think yourself learned and wise, but you're nothing but a scumbag stealing others' achievements."

"Let me tell you, if I were Qian Xunji, I'd have done the same as him." Jiang Mian said. "Just not as extreme as he did."

"How do you know?" Bibi Dong's mood plummeted to rock bottom. She was a woman too, and having her deepest scar ripped open by Jiang Mian at the same time—anyone would break down emotionally.

"Yu Xiaogang is nothing but a disgusting maggot." Jiang Mian wore an expression like he'd eaten filth. "Just mentioning him makes me sick. If this is all the ambition you have, I doubt you'll amount to anything in the future."

Tears streamed down Bibi Dong's face, leaving two streaks on her beautiful cheeks. "How do you know so much?"

"Because I am the Dragon God." Jiang Mian spread his arms, speaking calmly like the ringleader of some pyramid scheme. "Nothing under heaven and earth escapes my eyes."

"What should I do?" Bibi Dong collapsed to the ground, clutching Jiang Mian's sleeve and wailing. "I can't let him go. I can't do it."

"Kill Yu Xiaogang with your own hands, and everything will be perfectly resolved." Jiang Mian chuckled, taking her hand. "This Dragon God never lies. If you want success, you must kneel at this Dragon God's feet."

Bibi Dong's pupils trembled, and even her gaze toward Jiang Mian grew fearful. This man before her was airtight in everything he said.

How old was he? How could he know so much? And how did he command so many powerful soul beasts? She had seen it with her own eyes.

Could he really be the Dragon God he claimed to be?

"Lord Dragon God." A flicker of resolve passed through Bibi Dong's eyes. She suddenly bared her true heart to Jiang Mian. "I am willing to kneel at Lord Dragon God's feet and serve as your servant."

No!

Jiang Mian's heart skipped a beat. How could Bibi Dong possibly submit to him? What a joke. Who was she? The Empress, decisive and ruthless in all her actions!

In an instant, Jiang Mian understood. This was Bibi Dong's delaying tactic. She wanted to achieve a grand ambition, so she'd naturally gather every force she could.

And whether Jiang Mian was the Dragon God or not, the fact that he could command the top experts of the soul beast world was undeniable. Besides, they were alone here. What harm was there in Bibi Dong pretending to submit?

Lowering her pride in private to gain a powerful ally—this deal was a no-lose proposition no matter how you looked at it.

Jiang Mian knew this well. He played along, quickly helping Bibi Dong to her feet with a smile. "Outside, you are still Your Holiness the Pope."

That sentence served as a reassurance for Bibi Dong. Jiang Mian's meaning was clear: everything that had happened—from him calling her aside to today's events—would remain between the two of them.

But there was another layer to Jiang Mian's words: outside, she was the Pope; in private, she was nothing but his servant.

Two scheming bastards, neither willing to yield when it came to playing mind games.

"Next time you meet Yu Xiaogang, kill him with your own hands!" Jiang Mian's tone turned icy. "If you can't bring yourself to do it, I'll deal with you instead."

"Yes." Bibi Dong looked at Jiang Mian, feeling that his words didn't sound like a lie. She hadn't yet attained the Rakshasa God position. If Jiang Mian truly wanted to kill her, she'd at least be severely crippled, if not dead.

"The Spirit Master Tournament is still two years away, right?" Jiang Mian said. "A hundred-thousand-year soul beast will participate then. If you're interested, you can take it—but only after I agree can you absorb the spirit ring!"

"Does Lord Dragon God want to protect it?" Bibi Dong asked.

"No, to torment it properly." Jiang Mian's face twisted with a dark expression. "Remember, I'm no saint. If you dare pay lip service to my orders, I'll make your life worse than death."

"Yes." Bibi Dong nodded, showing her loyalty.

Jiang Mian knew she was just biding her time. How could she truly submit to him?

"Let's go out. Have someone guard the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well." Jiang Mian instructed. "I'll summon a strong expert to take over. These herbs are invaluable—they can greatly boost a spirit master's level."

"Understood." Bibi Dong stood up, reverting to the aloof Pope who looked down on the world. Jiang Mian's lips curled slightly. When the time came, he'd have Di Tian send the King of Ten Thousand Demons to guard the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. With the wonders of this treasure land, the King of Ten Thousand Demons' strength would surely skyrocket.

Bibi Dong and Jiang Mian stepped out of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. The others had been waiting outside for some time. Bibi Dong had used her Soul Power to seal off the area when she entered, so no one knew what had been said inside.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo, guard the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. No one is allowed entry." Bibi Dong ordered. "Violators will be executed without mercy."

"Yes." Yue Guan clasped his fists in acknowledgment.

"Zhuqing, you're close to breaking through to Soul Ancestor, aren't you?" Jiang Mian walked straight up to Zhu Zhuqing. "Her Holiness the Pope says you can tell her directly if you need anything. If she can do it, she will."

Jiang Mian's words made Bibi Dong's eyelid twitch. He really dared to order her around!

Jiang Mian didn't care. Whether Bibi Dong's submission was real or fake didn't matter to him—as long as she got things done.

"Jiang Mian, come to the Extreme North at once."

The Snow Empress's voice suddenly rang in Jiang Mian's ears. He looked around but found no clue.

And after that one sentence, there was silence.

Was the Snow Empress in trouble? A vague unease settled in Jiang Mian's heart. With her nearly seven hundred thousand years of cultivation, what could possibly happen?

He couldn't think of anything, but to be safe, he decided to head to the Extreme North.

"Your Holiness the Pope, I need to go to the Extreme North. Don't worry, I'll leave those two strong experts behind." Jiang Mian released the Bear Lord and Yan, instructing them, "Stay with the Pope. I'm going to the Extreme North and will be back soon."

"You're going alone?" Yan spoke first. "No, I won't allow it. You can't take any risks."

"I don't know what will happen on this trip either." Jiang Mian reassured them. "But don't worry, the Auspicious Beast is with me. There won't be any problems."

Yan and the Bear Lord exchanged glances, unsure what to say.

With the Auspicious Beast's current strength, it was no less than Yan's, but they still didn't dare take the risk.

"There's someone waiting for me in the Extreme North. What are you afraid of?" Jiang Mian had no choice but to bring up the Snow Empress. Only then did the Bear Lord and Yan agree to his arrangement.

"Zhuqing, train well with Xie Yue and the others." Jiang Mian thought it over and decided not to bring Zhu Zhuqing along. After all, the Snow Empress had summoned him, and whether this trip brought fortune or disaster was unknown. He couldn't risk her safety.

"Come back soon." Zhu Zhuqing said nothing more. Perhaps this coldness was just how she acted in front of others.

Jiang Mian pinched her cheek and smiled. "I'll definitely be back. By then, I want to see a Zhuqing who's already a Soul King."

"Everyone, please take care of Zhuqing for me. Jiang Mian entrusts this to you."