The Sixth Soul Ring, Blacksmith Guild

Qian Lingche and Snow Emperor returned to the Extreme North Ice Plains, where the cold wind howled and snow filled the sky.

Qian Lingche stood on the snow, his gaze thoughtful as he asked in a low voice, "Sister Xue, the Titan Snow Demon King has two hundred thousand years of cultivation; I fear he will not be willing to submit, will he?"

Snow Emperor shook her head. "A-Tai will not refuse."

Hearing this, a flash of doubt crossed Qian Lingche's eyes. "Why?"

Snow Emperor gently brushed the snowflakes from her shoulders. "A-Tai has always held me in high regard; he will not go against my choice."

Suddenly, a massive tremor surged through the ground, as if the entire Extreme North Ice Plains were shaking. Snow Emperor said, "He is here."

Qian Lingche looked up to see a colossal figure slowly approaching from the distance.

The figure was as tall as a mountain, and every step caused the earth to tremble.

It was none other than the Titan Snow Demon King, with his two hundred thousand years of cultivation.

The Titan Snow Demon King's body exceeded one hundred meters, covered from head to toe in thick white fur, resembling a moving snow-capped mountain.

"Snow Emperor, you summoned me?" The Titan Snow Demon Ape's deep voice resonated.

The shrunken Titan Snow Demon King floated beside Qian Lingche, his gaze fixed on Snow Emperor with a hint of complaint in his tone. "Are you satisfied now?"

The Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly nearby chuckled, her eyes filled with teasing. "Snow Demon King, aren't you cooperating quite well? Why put on such a face?"

The Titan Snow Demon Ape snorted. "Snow Emperor has spoken; how could I refuse? However, what kind of ability does this brat have to make you value him so highly?"

Qian Lingche smiled slightly. "Senior Titan Snow Demon King, I look forward to your guidance in the future."

He had not expected the absorption of the Titan Snow Demon King's spirit ring to go so smoothly; it seemed that while the Snow God had increased the age of the spirit ring, he had also enhanced his physical constitution.

The Titan Snow Demon Ape glanced at him. "However, I will say this first: if you disappoint me, don't blame me for not giving Snow Emperor face."

Two more months passed. Snow Emperor had already returned to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall, and Qian Lingche had taken the Titan Snow Demon King to travel across the continent.

A-Tai floated to the side, watching Qian Lingche gnaw on rabbit meat in a private room, his face full of helplessness.

He shook his head. "Kid, how much do you love eating Soft Bone Rabbit? You've already eaten three."

Qian Lingche looked up, grease still staining the corners of his mouth, his eyes filled with satisfaction. "A-Tai, this Soft Bone Rabbit meat is tender and roasted to perfection. Don't you want one too?"

A-Tai waved his hand, his tone filled with disdain. "Forget it. I have no interest in such trifles. But you—a dignified spirit master, and yet you love to eat so much."

Qian Lingche smiled, his tone casual. "Spirit masters are human, too. One must have some hobbies. Besides, the Snow God said the God Realm is very dull."

"In any case, since the fourth trial hasn't descended yet, I might as well enjoy touring the continent."

A-Tai rolled his eyes and said helplessly, "Fine, as long as you're happy. Aren't you supposed to go see that fellow named Lou Gao? Don't just focus on eating and delay your schedule."

Qian Lingche nodded. "Don't worry, I have it under control. Once I finish this one, we shall depart."

Qian Lingche stood before the gates of the Blacksmith Association, looking up at the magnificent architecture with a flash of awe in his eyes. "Is Lou Gao, the best blacksmith on the entire continent, really here?"

Si Long stepped forward with a respectful smile to answer Qian Lingche. "My Lord, the Blacksmith Association happens to be holding an auction today, featuring many rare spirit tools, materials, and treasures."

"This is your invitation; please take a look." As he spoke, he presented an exquisite invitation with both hands, engraved with the emblem of the Blacksmith Association.

Qian Lingche wanted to commission a weapon from Lou Gao, but since ordinary people could not meet him, he had no choice but to reveal his identity.

He took the invitation. "An auction? That is quite a coincidence."

Si Long bowed slightly. "My Lord, please follow me upstairs; the auction is about to begin."

Qian Lingche nodded and followed Si Long toward the upper levels of the Blacksmith Association.

As he led the way, Si Long introduced the event. "Today's auction features not only top-tier spirit tools but also some rare materials."

"Among them is a longsword crafted by my master himself. If you are interested, My Lord, you might want to pay close attention."

Soon, they arrived at the auction hall. The hall was luxuriously decorated, with exquisite spirit-tool lamps hanging all around, illuminating the entire space.

In the center of the hall was a circular auction stage, surrounded by spirit masters and nobles from all over.

Si Long guided Qian Lingche and A-Tai to seats with an excellent view and said respectfully, "My Lord, this is your place. The auction will begin shortly. I wish you a successful bidding."

Qian Lingche nodded. After sitting down, he swept his gaze across the hall, a faint smile curling his lips. "It seems today will not be boring."

At this moment, A-Tai, within his sea of consciousness, said speechlessly, "What are you acting so cold and aloof for, kid?"

Hearing this, Qian Lingche nearly broke his composure. "I'm out in public! One's image is very important!"

The next moment, the lights in the entire auction hall suddenly extinguished, plunging the surroundings into darkness.

Just as the crowd was slightly stunned, a soft light illuminated the center of the circular stage, shining upon the hostess standing there.

The hostess wore a gorgeous gown and smiled. "Respected guests, welcome to the Blacksmith Association auction."

"At today's auction, we will present a series of rare spirit tools and precious materials."

"We hope that everyone will be able to bid on the items they desire."

The hostess bowed slightly and continued, "Now, the Blacksmith Association auction officially begins!"

As her voice fell, the first item was slowly pushed onto the circular stage.

The etiquette attendant gently lifted the red cloth covering the auction item, revealing a soul tool that radiated a faint ripple of soul power.

"The first auction item is a rare soul tool—the 'Wind Wings'. It can slightly increase the user's speed, making it especially suitable for agility-type soul masters. The starting bid is one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins."

No sooner had the attendant finished speaking than someone in the audience raised their paddle, igniting a fierce bidding war.

Qian Lingche sat in his seat, his eyes gleaming with interest as he said to A-Tai, "This thing actually looks quite decent."

He raised his own paddle: "Three hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins."

As soon as the words left his lips, a low murmur rippled through the hall.

Clearly, this price had already exceeded the expectations of many.

Just as everyone assumed the item was about to fall into Qian Lingche's hands, another voice suddenly rang out.

"Three hundred and fifty thousand Gold Soul Coins!"

Qian Lingche raised an eyebrow slightly and followed the sound, only to see a youth dressed in fine robes holding up a paddle, a look of arrogant triumph on his face.

The youth swept his gaze over Qian Lingche, a flash of provocation in his eyes.