Ice and Snow Empresses' Sacrifice

"I've known you for so many years, and I've never seen you lose. Today, you lost, and I lost. Perhaps this is fate."

There was no response from inside the giant cocoon.

Ice Empress continued, "He defeated me, and now he's defeated you too. A thirteen-year-old Soul Douluo—throughout the thousands of years of Douluo Continent's history, have you ever heard of a second one?"

She paused and took a deep breath. "Tian Meng said he could become a god in the future. I believed him."

After saying that, Ice Empress lowered her head, leaving the decision to Snow Empress and saying no more.

The giant cocoon remained silent for a long time.

Long enough that Nezha thought she needed more time to consider.

But Snow Empress's voice finally came from within, still cold and clear, yet carrying a trace more relief than before.

"Let me out."

Nezha glanced at Sky Dream Ice Silkworm.

Sky Dream Ice Silkworm nervously swallowed and looked at Nezha, waiting for his signal.

"Release her."

Sky Dream Ice Silkworm gritted his teeth. With a thought, the platinum-white Silkworm Molt peeled away from the giant cocoon, turning back into a streak of light that flew into his body.

The Red Armillary Sash loosened as well and flew back into Nezha's hand.

The giant cocoon vanished.

Snow Empress stood where she was, her white robes whiter than snow and her hair frosty as ice.

Her aura was far calmer than before. There was neither anger nor humiliation in her ice-blue eyes, only eternal tranquility.

She looked at Nezha.

"You won."

Snow Empress raised her head and looked toward the sky over the Far North. Her gaze pierced through the snowstorm as though she saw somewhere incredibly distant.

"Soul Beasts cannot become gods."

Her voice was soft, as though