Yu Yuanzhen Falls, Snow God Second Trial

A moment later, a heaven-shaking, earth-shattering roar erupted in the distance.

Immediately following, a massive shockwave of the explosion swept forth with the force of a crumbling mountain and a collapsing sea; wherever it passed, the earth cracked open and trees were uprooted.

Qian Lingche did not hesitate, stepping in front of Xue Qinghe in a flash to pull him behind his back as he unfurled his Angel Domain.

His third soul ring flared: "Third Soul Skill—Angel Protection!"

In an instant, an icy-blue phantom of wings enveloped the two of them.

The shockwave slammed into the barrier with a deafening boom, yet it could not breach the defense of the Angel Protection.

Standing behind Qian Lingche, Xue Qinghe felt the terrifying shockwave being completely isolated, and he could not help but heave a sigh of relief.

He looked at Qian Lingche's back, a flash of complexity crossing his eyes, and whispered, "Little brother, thank you."

So, without realizing it, had his little brother already grown to such a degree...

As the aftershocks gradually dissipated, Ji Lin rushed over from afar: "Hall Master, are you unharmed? That was likely someone self-destructing."

Qian Lingche shook his head, his expression laced with worry: "I am fine, but Sister Ling Yuan..."

Just then, Ling Yuan's figure flew back from the distance.

Her face was somewhat pale, and she appeared to be injured; clearly, the battle just now had not been easy.

However, she held three soul bones tightly in her hand, each emitting a faint glow and appearing to be of extraordinary quality.

"Hall Master, I have returned." Ling Yuan walked before Qian Lingche, her tone carrying a hint of exhaustion.

Qian Lingche looked at Ling Yuan, a trace of concern flashing in his eyes: "Sister Ling Yuan, are you alright?"

Ling Yuan shook her head, forcing a faint smile: "I am fine, just a bit drained. However, I have finally dealt with Yu Yuanzhen and obtained these three soul bones."

As she spoke, she handed the soul bones to Qian Lingche: "These were obtained from Yu Yuanzhen. Before he self-destructed, I forcibly stripped the soul bones from him; it can be considered putting a period to this battle."

Hearing this, a flash of admiration crossed Ji Lin's eyes: "Ling Yuan is truly formidable. To be able to strip soul bones while soloing that old dragon."

Even if that old dragon were weak, he was still a level 95 Super Douluo. It was a pity he was a mental-type; he was only suited for group attacks or crowd control, and he held no advantage in a one-on-one fight.

Ling Yuan waved her hand: "It is all thanks to the Hall Master. If he hadn't sought out such soul rings and soul bones for me, I would not have this level of strength today."

Ji Lin suddenly whispered: "Hall Master, the people from Heaven Dou are coming."

Hearing this, Qian Lingche turned his head to look, and sure enough, he saw Marshal Ge Long leading a troop of men rushing toward them.

He withdrew his gaze and said to Xue Qinghe: "Sister, we shall take our leave now. Take care of yourself."

Although there was a reason for this incident and, in the end, it had helped Heaven Dou, he did not wish to deal with them.

Xue Qinghe nodded, his gaze filled with a hint of reluctance: "Very well, be careful on your way back. This time, I owe it all to you."

Qian Lingche shook his head: "Sister, there is no need for such formalities. This is what I should have done, though I fear you will have to handle the matters that follow on your own."

Xue Qinghe hummed in acknowledgment: "I understand. You should go; I will handle the situation here."

Xue Ye was too suspicious. His little brother and the others killing Yu Yuanzhen could be explained by past grievances with Spirit Hall, but Xue Qinghe of Heaven Dou had no such connection.

Qian Lingche said nothing more, merely giving Xue Qinghe a deep look: "Let us go."

Ji Lin and Ling Yuan nodded, and the three of them vanished from the spot in an instant.

Not long after, Marshal Ge Long arrived at Xue Qinghe's side with his men, his expression filled with anxiety: "Your Highness, are you unharmed? That explosion just now..."

Xue Qinghe waved his hand: "I am fine. It is thanks to Hall Master Qian and the experts from the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall that I was able to turn danger into safety."

At this moment, Xue Qinghe suddenly dropped a bombshell: "The explosion just now was Yu Yuanzhen dying."

Upon hearing this, Marshal Ge Long's eyes widened instantly, his face full of shock: "What? Yu Yuanzhen is dead? This... how is this possible?"

Marshal Ge Long took a deep breath, struggling to calm the shock in his heart: "Yu Yuanzhen is, after all, a Titled Douluo."

Xue Qinghe said to Marshal Ge Long: "Clean this place up, and let us return as soon as possible to report to His Majesty."

He did not know what that old man Xue Ye would do, but he had best not try any underhanded tricks against his little brother, otherwise...

Marshal Ge Long nodded immediately: "Yes, Your Highness! I shall arrange for men to clear the battlefield at once and ensure everything is in order."

After returning to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall, Qian Lingche said to Ling Yuan and Ji Lin: "Sister Ling Yuan, Ji Lin, thank you for your hard work this time. Go back and rest."

Ling Yuan shook her head: "It was hardly hard work; it was quite nice to stretch my limbs. But Hall Master, what are your plans for the future?"

Qian Lingche thought for a moment and said: "Some time ago, the Snow God did not respond, but today I suddenly felt the Snow God calling to me. I must continue with my divine trials."

Ji Lin and Ling Yuan exchanged a glance, nodding in tacit agreement, before simultaneously bowing to Qian Lingche: "We wish the Hall Master all success. Your subordinates take their leave."

Qian Lingche pushed open the doors of the Snow God Hall and stepped inside.

He walked before the Snow God Statue and looked up, gazing at the majestic and sacred sculpture.

The moment he stood still, a soft blue light spilled from the Snow God Statue, completely enveloping his body.

Immediately following, an ethereal and majestic voice echoed through the hall: "Qian Lingche, Snow God First Trial: Break through to Soul King and obtain a hundred-thousand-year soul ring. Completed."

"Reward: All soul ring ages increased by one thousand years."

As the voice faded, Qian Lingche felt a subtle transformation occurring within his spirit rings.

The original color of the spirit rings deepened, and his spirit power grew increasingly dense and solidified.

At this moment, the voice of the Snow God resonated once more: "Only by conquering oneself can one transcend oneself."

"Snow God Second Trial: Challenge your reflection and emerge victorious."

"Time limit: Seven days."

As the voice fell, the surrounding scene shifted, and the original Snow God Hall transformed into a vast expanse of ice and snow.

Icy winds howled, snowflakes danced across the sky, and the horizon was filled with endless glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains.

Blue light coalesced before Qian Lingche, taking the form of a figure identical to him.

The figure wore a cold expression, surrounded by the exact same spirit rings and aura as Qian Lingche.

Qian Lingche gazed at his own reflection, a flicker of gravity crossing his eyes.

To defeat oneself meant to face the deepest fears, hesitations, and weaknesses hidden within one's heart.

He knew everything about himself, but that also meant he understood his opponent just as well.

The reflection opposite him spoke coldly, his voice an exact match to Qian Lingche's: "Come, let me see if you have truly bid farewell to the self of the past."

Both men simultaneously manifested ice swords, gripping them firmly in their hands.