Qian Lingche and the Snow Empress returned to the Extreme North Ice Plains. The cold wind howled, and snow swept across the land.
Qian Lingche stood in the snow, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He asked quietly, "Sister Xue, the Titan Snow Demon King has a cultivation base of two hundred thousand years. I'm afraid he won't be willing, will he?"
The Snow Empress shook her head. "A-Tai won't refuse."
Qian Lingche heard this, and a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes. "Why?"
The Snow Empress gently brushed the snow from her shoulder. "A-Tai has always respected me. He won't go against my choice."
Suddenly, a tremendous tremor came from the ground, as if the entire Extreme North Ice Plains were shaking. The Snow Empress said, "He's here."
Qian Lingche looked up. In the distance, a colossal figure was slowly approaching.
The figure was as immense as a mountain, and every step made the ground tremble.
It was none other than the two-hundred-thousand-year-old Titan Snow Demon King.
The Titan Snow Demon King stood over a hundred meters tall. His entire body was covered in thick white fur, like a moving snow mountain.
"Snow Empress, you wanted to see me?" the Titan Snow Demon Ape asked in a deep voice.
The now-shrunken Titan Snow Demon King floated beside Qian Lingche. His gaze settled on the Snow Empress, and his tone carried a hint of complaint. "Satisfied now?"
The Extreme Ice Phantom Butterfly beside them chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Snow Demon King, you're being pretty cooperative. Why the long face?"
The Titan Snow Demon Ape snorted. "The Snow Empress asked. How could I refuse? But what exactly is this kid capable of, to make you value him so highly?"
Qian Lingche smiled faintly. "Senior Titan Snow Demon King, I hope we'll get along."
He hadn't expected absorbing the Titan Snow Demon King's Soul Ring to go so smoothly. It seemed that while the Snow God had increased the Soul Ring's age, she had also improved his physical constitution.
The Titan Snow Demon Ape glanced at him. "But let me make one thing clear: if you disappoint me, don't blame me for not sparing the Snow Empress's feelings."
Another two months passed. The Snow Empress had already returned to the Eternal Night Frost Song Hall, while Qian Lingche had taken the Titan Snow Demon King on a tour of the continent.
A-Tai floated beside him, watching Qian Lingche gnawing on rabbit meat in their private room. His face was full of helplessness.
He shook his head. "Kid, how much do you love Soft Bone Rabbit? You've already eaten three."
Qian Lingche looked up, a little grease still at the corner of his mouth. His eyes were full of contentment. "A-Tai, Soft Bone Rabbit meat is tender and delicious, and this one's been roasted just right. Want one?"
A-Tai waved a hand, his tone tinged with disdain. "Forget it. I'm not interested in little things like that. You, on the other hand—you're a Soul Master, yet you love eating this much."
Qian Lingche smiled, his tone casual. "Soul Masters are people too. We need hobbies. Besides, the Snow God said the Divine Realm is very dull."
"Anyway, the Fourth Trial hasn't come down yet, so I can take my time exploring the continent."
A-Tai rolled his eyes and said helplessly, "Fine, as long as you're happy. Weren't you going to meet that Gao fellow? Don't just focus on eating and end up late."
Qian Lingche nodded. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. We'll set off as soon as I finish this one."
Qian Lingche stood before the Blacksmith Association, looking up at the magnificent building. A flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes. "The best craftsman on the whole continent, Lou Gao, is here?"
Si Long stepped forward beside him, a respectful smile on his face, and explained, "My lord, the Blacksmith Association happens to be holding an auction today. There are quite a few rare Soul Tools, materials, and treasures."
"Here's your invitation. Please have a look." As he spoke, he offered a finely made invitation card with the Blacksmith Association's emblem engraved on it.
Qian Lingche had wanted Lou Gao to custom-make a weapon for him, but ordinary people couldn't get an audience with him. With no other choice, he had to reveal his identity.
He accepted the invitation. "An auction? I came at just the right time."
Si Long bowed slightly. "My lord, please follow me upstairs. The auction is about to begin."
Qian Lingche nodded and followed Si Long up the stairs of the Blacksmith Association.
As he led the way, Si Long introduced the event. "Today's auction will feature not only top-tier Soul Tools but also some rare materials."
"One of the items is a longsword crafted by my master himself. If you're interested, you might want to keep an eye out for it."
Soon, they arrived at the auction hall. The interior was lavishly decorated, and exquisite Soul Guidance Lamps hung all around, illuminating the entire space.
At the center of the hall was a circular auction stage, surrounded by seats already filled with Soul Masters and nobles from all over.
Si Long led Qian Lingche and A-Tai to seats with an excellent view and said respectfully, "My lord, this is your seat. The auction will begin shortly. I hope you have a successful bid."
Qian Lingche nodded and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the hall. A faint smile curled his lips. "Looks like today won't be boring."
Just then, A-Tai's voice came from his sea of consciousness, exasperated. "What are you trying to look so cool for, kid?"
At that, Qian Lingche nearly lost his composure. "We're out in public. My image matters!"
The next moment, the lights in the entire auction hall abruptly went out, plunging everything into darkness.
As everyone stared in momentary confusion, a gentle spotlight came on over the circular stage at the very center, illuminating the hostess standing upon it.
The hostess wore an elegant gown and smiled. "Distinguished guests, welcome to the Blacksmith Association's auction."
"At today's auction, we'll present a selection of rare Soul Tools and precious materials."
"I hope everyone will be able to bid on the items they desire."
The hostess bowed slightly, then continued, "And now, the Blacksmith Association's auction officially begins!"
As her words fell, the first auction item was slowly wheeled onto the circular stage.
The hostess gently lifted the red cloth covering the item, revealing a Soul Tool that gave off faint fluctuations of Soul Power.
"Our first item is a rare Soul Tool—the Wind Wings. It can slightly increase the user's speed and is especially suitable for agility-type Soul Masters. The starting bid is one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins."
As soon as the hostess finished speaking, someone in the audience raised a bidding paddle, and a fierce bidding war began.
Qian Lingche sat in his seat, a flicker of interest in his eyes. He said to A-Tai, "This thing looks pretty good."
He raised his bidding paddle. "Three hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a low murmur spread through the hall.
Clearly, that price was beyond what many people had expected.
Just as everyone thought 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 and looked toward the voice. A young man in fine clothes was holding up a paddle, a haughty smile on his face.
The young man's gaze swept over Qian Lingche, and a flicker of provocation crossed his eyes.