After a while, a deafening roar suddenly rang out in the distance.
A massive explosion shockwave followed, sweeping over the land with unstoppable force. The earth split wherever it passed, and trees were ripped out by their roots.
Qian Lingche stepped in front of Xue Qinghe without hesitation, pulled him behind himself, and unleashed the Angel Domain.
His third Soul Ring lit up. "Third Soul Skill—Angel Protection!"
In an instant, the phantom of a pair of icy-blue wings enveloped them both.
The shockwave slammed into the barrier with a deafening crash, but it couldn't break through Angel Protection's defense.
Standing behind Qian Lingche, Xue Qinghe felt the terrifying shockwave completely shut out and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
She looked at Qian Lingche's back, a complicated look flashing through her eyes, and said softly, "Younger brother, thank you."
Had her younger brother really grown this strong without her even realizing it...?
The aftershock gradually died down, and Ji Lin hurried over from the distance. "Hall Master, are you all right? That must have been someone detonating themselves."
Qian Lingche shook his head and replied with concern, "I'm fine. Ling Yuan, big sister, she..."
Just then, Ling Yuan flew back from the distance.
Her face was pale, and she looked injured. The battle had clearly been no easy fight.
Yet she held three Soul Bones tightly in her hand, each giving off a faint glow. They looked to be extraordinary quality.
"Hall Master, I'm back." Ling Yuan walked up to Qian Lingche, her voice carrying a hint of fatigue.
Qian Lingche looked at Ling Yuan, concern flashing in his eyes. "Ling Yuan, big sister, are you all right?"
Ling Yuan shook her head and managed a faint smile. "I'm fine. I've just used up a lot of energy. But at least Yu Yuanzhen is taken care of, and I got these three Soul Bones."
As she spoke, she handed the Soul Bones to Qian Lingche. "I got these from Yu Yuanzhen. Before he detonated himself, I forcibly removed his Soul Bones. At least that brings this battle to a close."
Hearing this, admiration flashed through Ji Lin's eyes. "Ling Yuan really is impressive. She even managed to strip that old dragon of his Soul Bones in a one-on-one fight."
That old dragon might have been weak, but he was still a Super Douluo at level 95. It was a shame Ji Lin was a spiritual-type fighter; he was better suited to group attacks or control, and had no advantage in a one-on-one fight.
Ling Yuan waved a hand. "It's all thanks to the Hall Master. If he hadn't found such excellent Soul Rings and Soul Bones for me, I wouldn't be this strong now."
Ji Lin suddenly lowered his voice. "Hall Master, people from Heaven Dou are coming."
Hearing him, Qian Lingche turned to look. Sure enough, Marshal Ge Long was leading a group of men toward them.
He looked away and said to Xue Qinghe, "Big sister, we'll be leaving now. Take care."
Although there had been a reason for what happened, and they had ultimately helped Heaven Dou, he still didn't want to deal with them.
Xue Qinghe nodded, reluctance in his gaze. "All right. Be careful on your way back. We have you to thank for what happened this time."
Qian Lingche shook his head. "No need to thank me, big sister. It was the least I could do. But I'm afraid you'll have to handle what comes next yourself."
Xue Qinghe gave a quiet hum. "I understand. You should go. I'll take care of things here."
Xue Ye was too suspicious. His younger brother and the others could claim they had killed Yu Yuanzhen because of old grudges with Spirit Hall, but Xue Qinghe of Heaven Dou had no connection to him.
Qian Lingche said nothing more, only giving Xue Qinghe a long look. "Let's go."
Ji Lin and Ling Yuan nodded, and the three swiftly vanished from the spot.
Not long afterward, Marshal Ge Long and his men reached Xue Qinghe. His expression was anxious. "Your Highness, are you all right? That explosion just now..."
Xue Qinghe waved a hand. "I'm fine. Thanks to Hall Master Qian and the experts of the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall, I was able to escape danger."
Then Xue Qinghe suddenly dropped a bombshell. "That explosion just now was Yu Yuanzhen's death."
Marshal Ge Long's eyes widened in shock. "What? Yu Yuanzhen is dead? How... how is that possible?"
Marshal Ge Long drew a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Yu Yuanzhen was still a Titled Douluo, after all."
Xue Qinghe said to Marshal Ge Long, "Take care of things here. We should return as soon as possible and report to Father."
Who knew what that old man Xue Ye would do? But he'd better not try any underhanded tricks against her younger brother, or else...
Marshal Ge Long immediately nodded. "Yes, Your Highness! I'll arrange for men to clear the battlefield and make sure everything is in order."
After returning to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall, Qian Lingche said to Ling Yuan and Ji Lin, "Ling Yuan, big sister, Ji Lin, thanks for your hard work this time. Go get some rest."
Ling Yuan shook her head. "It wasn't hard. It felt good to stretch my muscles. What about you, Hall Master? What are your plans now?"
Qian Lingche thought for a moment before replying, "Snow God didn't respond when I called a while ago, but today I suddenly felt Snow God summoning me. I'm going to continue my God Trial."
Ji Lin and Ling Yuan exchanged a glance and nodded in silent understanding. Then they bowed to Qian Lingche in unison. "We wish you success, Hall Master. We'll take our leave."
Qian Lingche pushed open the doors of Snow God Hall and stepped inside.
He walked up to the Snow God Statue and gazed up at the majestic, sacred figure.
The moment he stopped, a gentle blue light spilled from the statue, enveloping his entire body.
A hollow yet solemn voice rang through the hall. "Qian Lingche, Snow God First Trial: Break through to Soul King and obtain a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring. Complete."
"Reward: The age of all Soul Rings increased by one thousand years."
As the voice faded, Qian Lingche felt his Soul Rings begin to change subtly.
Their colors grew deeper, and his Soul Power became more concentrated.
Then Snow God's voice rang out again. "Only by defeating yourself can you surpass yourself.
"Snow God Second Trial: Challenge your reflection and defeat it."
"Time limit: seven days."
As the voice faded, the scene around him shifted. Snow God Hall transformed into a frozen world.
The wind howled, snow swirled through the air, and endless glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains stretched all around him.
Blue light gathered before Qian Lingche, taking the shape of a figure identical to him.
The figure's expression was cold, and the same Soul Rings and aura surrounded him as Qian Lingche.
Qian Lingche stared at himself, a grave look flashing through his eyes.
To defeat himself meant facing the deepest fears, hesitation, and weaknesses in his heart.
He knew everything about himself, but that also meant he knew the other just as well.
His reflection spoke coldly, its voice identical to Qian Lingche's. "Come on. Let's see whether you've really said goodbye to the person you used to be."
The two of them formed ice swords at the same time and gripped them in their hands.