Extreme Ice Phantom God, Blood-Colored Soul Ring

Qian Lingche fell silent for a moment, his gaze drifting between Snow Emperor and Ice Emperor, before he finally took a deep breath and spoke slowly:

"I have been fortunate enough to read records about the two of you in ancient texts, and I am well aware of your immense cultivation. While the offer is tempting, I am afraid I cannot absorb it."

He knew full well that Snow Emperor and Ice Emperor had long since surpassed the limits of hundred-thousand-year soul beasts; they were far beyond what his body could withstand. To attempt such an absorption would surely result in his body bursting apart.

Upon hearing this, there was no disappointment in Snow Emperor's eyes. Instead, she said in a gentle tone, "Your caution is wise. While the method of the Soul Spirit is profound, it is not without its risks."

"However, we could first find a hundred-thousand-year soul beast to sacrifice to you, and with the protection of the Snow God's divine power, you should be able to absorb it safely."

"Once your strength has increased, we will find a way to capture that Ice Silkworm and have it sacrifice itself to you."

"With it acting as a medium, I believe you will then be able to safely absorb the soul rings of myself and Bing'er."

At the mention of the Ice Silkworm, a flash of disdain crossed Ice Emperor's eyes.

That worm—it couldn't just stay put in the Far North; it had to go running off. And look what happened? It got caught and taken to the Star Dou Forest to serve as emergency rations.

Guang Ling and the others stood to the side, neither speaking nor attempting to interfere with Qian Lingche's decision.

This was his future and his choice. They respected him and trusted him; no matter what he decided, they would stand by him firmly.

Finally, Qian Lingche took a deep breath, looked at the two women, and said slowly, "Very well, I accept your proposal."

Snow Emperor nodded, then put forward a request: "However, we have one more condition."

"You must take us back with you to cultivate at the statue of the Snow God. It will allow us to conserve some of our strength in suppressing the Heavenly Tribulation."

Ice Emperor also nodded, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips: "That's right, kid. Since you've agreed to our proposal, this shouldn't be much of a problem for you, should it?"

Qian Lingche was slightly taken aback. He pondered for a moment before nodding solemnly: "Very well, I agree. Please accompany me back to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall when the time comes, and I will do my utmost to provide for you both."

Ultimately, under the pressure of Snow Emperor and Ice Emperor, a hundred-and-fifty-thousand-year Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly slowly flew out from the depths of the ice plains.

Its wings looked as if they had been carved from ice and snow; they were crystal clear and radiated a bone-chilling cold.

Yet, at this moment, its eyes held a trace of human-like awe and helplessness. It was clear that it could no longer resist the will of the two rulers of the Far North.

If it could do it all over again, it would certainly have frozen itself solid at home, rather than being forced into a sacrifice.

Snow Emperor raised a hand and pointed. A beam of ice-blue light shot instantly from her fingertip, striking the center of the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly's brow with precision.

"According to this Soul Spirit method, sacrifice yourself to him. He is the heir of the Snow God; this is your glory."

Ice Emperor let out a cold snort from the side: "Don't even think about playing any tricks, or you know the consequences."

The Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly trembled slightly, but in the end, it lowered its head and flew slowly toward Qian Lingche.

Its voice was as cold and clear as ice and snow, carrying a hint of resignation: "I am willing to sacrifice myself to you and become your Soul Spirit. I only hope you treat my power well and do not let me down."

As the words fell, its body gradually dissolved into countless ice-blue motes of light, drifting through the air like snowflakes before slowly converging toward Qian Lingche.

Qian Lingche's body was lifted slowly by the energy of the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly, hovering in mid-air.

He closed his eyes, his expression calm and focused, his hands crossed over his chest.

The countless motes of light transformed from the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly circled him like a galaxy, then gradually condensed into a massive, diamond-shaped ice sculpture, encasing him completely.

Snow Emperor watched this scene quietly, a trace of satisfaction flashing in her eyes: "Not bad, he is indeed capable of bearing it."

Looking at Qian Lingche's state, Ice Emperor curled her lips: "This kid is actually quite interesting. To accept the energy of the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly so calmly—it seems we didn't choose the wrong person."

Guang Ling and the others stood to the side, their eyes filled with tension. Guang Ling clenched his fists: "Xiao Che, you must hold on!"

Ling Yuan also whispered softly: "He will definitely succeed. He has never let us down."

Time passed, though it was unclear how much. The ice sealing Qian Lingche suddenly emitted a crisp cracking sound, and then fissures spread rapidly, covering the surface of the ice sculpture like a spiderweb.

Immediately after, the ice sculpture shattered with a boom, and countless ice crystals scattered and dissipated into the air.

Qian Lingche's figure emerged from within. His eyes opened slowly, a flash of ice-blue light flickering within them.

Beneath his feet, a blood-red soul ring slowly surfaced, radiating a powerful pressure.

Guang Ling stepped forward and asked softly: "Xiao Che, how do you feel?"

Qian Lingche nodded to indicate he was fine, then slowly spread his arms with his palms facing upward. The surrounding ice and snow energy began to converge toward him frantically.

Streaks of ice-blue light intertwined in his hands, gradually condensing into a brilliant orb of light.

A moment later, the orb emitted a crisp crack and shattered. At its core, a miniature version of the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly slowly awakened.

Its wings remained as if carved from ice and snow, crystal clear and radiating a faint, cold light.

Although its size had shrunk significantly, that noble and icy aura had not diminished in the slightest.

Ice Emperor shifted her gaze to the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly hovering in Qian Lingche's palm: "How are you? How does it feel after the sacrifice?"

The Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly flapped its wings gently and looked around at its own body: "Thank you for your concern, My Lady Ice Emperor. I am quite well."

"After the sacrifice, my power has merged with his. He can mobilize my power, and I can also mobilize my original power."

Not only had it retained its consciousness, but it could also move freely; there was simply a new connection between them.

Qian Lingche turned to look at Snow Emperor, a hint of excitement in his eyes: "Senior, I would like to test my fifth soul skill. I hope you don't mind."

A hundred-thousand-year soul ring possessed two soul skills, and the first one had formed exactly according to his expectations.

Snow Emperor nodded slightly upon hearing this, "Very well, I also wish to see to what extent the power of the Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly can be unleashed in your hands."

As her voice fell, she retreated slightly, clearing enough space for Qian Lingche.

Ice Emperor stood to the side with her arms crossed, her gaze filled with a touch of scrutiny and curiosity.

Guang Ling and the others also stepped back; a hundred-thousand-year fifth soul skill was truly something to look forward to.

Qian Lingche slowly raised his right hand, and the blood-red soul ring beneath his feet suddenly flared to life: "Fifth soul skill—Ice Explosion!"

Six massive spheres of ice energy condensed around him, hovering in mid-air and radiating a bone-chilling cold that made one's heart tremble.