Kong Deming's Peculiar Behavior, Tianming City

"Oh?"

"Elder Kong, how confident are you?"

Xu Tianran's eyes immediately lit up. Clearly, he was listening.

"I certainly can't guarantee success, but I'd say seventy percent."

Kong Deming wore a look of "confidence."

The most pressing issue was not whether Xu Tianran survived, but getting him to respond immediately and strike back against the Ice Snow Palace's army.

"Seventy percent..."

Xu Tianran frowned. Though somewhat displeased, he knew Kong Deming had already done his best.

Besides, Kong Deming was far more reliable than Ye Xishui had been.

Seventy percent was already very high.

"Good. We'll do as you say!"

Xu Tianran nodded.

"Your Majesty, this is the Southern Tortoise Hat, a Level 9 Soul Tool. Not only can it restrain enemies, it can also protect Your Majesty's soul."

Kong Deming took out a vivid green soul tool.

Though its appearance left much to be desired, it was reliable. The moment an attack struck, it would emit a dazzling green light to protect its wearer.

Xu Tianran: "..."

To be honest, he did not particularly want this soul tool.

But he had no choice but to accept it.

For his survival, for his grand ambitions, and for a name that would live on through the ages, he would endure this humiliation.

"Phew!"

Xu Tianran took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed the urge to kill someone, and accepted the hat Kong Deming offered before slowly putting it on.

Once the Southern Tortoise Hat settled onto his head, it showed no unusual reaction at all, fitting the shape of his head perfectly.

It was as though... this hat—no, this soul tool—had been tailor-made for Xu Tianran.

What a miraculous fit!

Kong Deming was secretly astonished at the sight.

He had forged this soul tool years ago and lent it to quite a