At Huo Yuhao's question, both Tian Meng and the Ice Empress froze.
The Ice Empress said as if it were only natural, "Isn't that simply the way things are?"
Huo Yuhao nodded. "It is, but behind every phenomenon we take for granted, there must be a principle and an explanation."
"I've read plenty of theories about martial souls and soul power. Day after day, those martial soul theorists study which martial souls are stronger, how to cultivate more effectively, and what kinds of soul beasts produce what kinds of soul rings."
"But they've never considered where soul rings actually come from."
Tian Meng asked, "Yuhao, why did you suddenly start thinking about this?"
Huo Yuhao shook his head. "It wasn't sudden. I've always been curious. Seeing those ferocious beasts today only deepened my doubts."
The Ice Empress scoffed. "Did those ferocious beasts scare you out of your wits? Weren't you making grand declarations about wiping out soul beasts before?"
Huo Yuhao smiled calmly. "Everyone needs a few wild fantasies. But once you're done fantasizing, you have to start thinking about practical problems."
"For humans to obtain soul rings, soul beasts have to die. For soul beasts to survive, humans have to die. Neither side is actually in the wrong. It's an irreconcilable conflict."
"Since neither side is wrong, all that remains is where we stand. I'm a firm believer in human supremacy."
"But now, setting prejudice aside and analyzing it rationally, I think this process is actually extremely unfavorable to humanity. Hunting soul beasts is already risky, and if they're pushed too far, they'll unleash beast tides. That's not something I want to see."
Tian Meng asked, "Yuhao, then you mean..."
Huo Yuhao said, "Humans need soul rings to advance to the next rank, but why must soul beasts serve