In the underground area of Mingde Hall.
A broad metal corridor stretched into the depths, with a soul tool sensor embedded in the walls every few meters.
As Kong Deming walked past, the security systems along the way identified him one by one, and the heavy metal doors opened in turn.
Xiao Yan followed beside his master and entered with him.
The high-risk experimental area.
Behind each metal door was a separate Soul Power protection structure. Only someone with high enough clearance could pass through the layers of protection and reach this place.
"This is one of Mingde Hall's high-risk experimental areas."
Kong Deming explained.
"The seclusion chamber you'll be using is at the very end."
After passing through several corridors, Kong Deming led Xiao Yan to a metal door several meters tall.
He raised his hand and injected Soul Power into the control device beside the door.
With a low rumble, the metal door opened to either side.
Beyond it was a spacious, sealed room.
The floor was laid with several special alloys, and multiple Soul Power isolation arrays had been set up around the room.
A large number of precision soul tools had also been installed on the ceiling and walls, capable of monitoring energy fluctuations inside in real time.
A circular metal platform stood in the center of the room, inscribed with complex protective circuits. Eight metal pillars extended out from eight points, forming an invisible energy barrier.
"After being modified, this seclusion chamber can withstand extremely powerful energy impacts and also help you cultivate in seclusion."
Kong Deming walked over to the platform. "I'll personally stay beside you to make sure nothing goes wrong during the process."
"Thank you, Master!"
Xiao Yan couldn't help feeling moved.
His master was personally overseeing the process. Such attention went far beyond the treatment an ordinary relationship could earn.
"We can begin." As Kong Deming spoke, he took a special metal container out of his Storage Soul Tool.
The container's surface was covered in complex Soul Power circuits, and several streams of pale blue light flowed slowly along its metal shell.
Even through the container, Xiao Yan could still feel the astonishing chill coming from within.
"Xiao Yan, I'll ask you one last time. If you want to change your mind, there's still time."
Xiao Yan looked at the metal container.
The Snow Empress Embryo.
He had waited a long time for this moment.
From entering the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy three years ago, to becoming Kong Deming's direct disciple, to breaking through to level seventy now, everything he had done was to build up his strength and gain greater power.
The Snow Empress Embryo was a cornerstone on his path to becoming stronger.
Without the slightest hesitation, Xiao Yan spoke firmly,
"Master, I've thought it through."
"In that case..."
Kong Deming said no more to dissuade him.
He raised his hand and injected Soul Power into the control circuits on the container's surface.
The next moment, a faint vibration came from inside the metal container.
As several sealing devices were released one by one, an incomparably pure chill suddenly spread through the room.
The surrounding temperature dropped rapidly.
Even with the Soul Power isolation devices blocking it, Xiao Yan could still feel the terrifying power contained in that chill.
The container slowly opened.
A crystal-clear mass of ice-blue light appeared before the two of them.
It was an embryo enveloped in a special energy.
A figure could be faintly seen inside, as though sleeping in the depths of the ice and snow.
The Snow Empress.
One of the rulers of the Far North, a being who had once stood at the pinnacle of the Soul Beast world.
Even though only her embryo remained, the power she possessed was still enough to make hearts tremble.
Xiao Yan's gaze gradually grew solemn.
At the same time, a long-unheard voice suddenly rang out in his Sea of Consciousness.
"Oh my, Xiao Yan, your luck is truly incredible!"
The Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's voice was full of amazement and delight.
Another icy voice followed close behind.
"Hmph, stop making such a fuss."
The Ice Empress's tone was as cold as ever, but Xiao Yan could sense that her mental fluctuations were noticeably more active than usual.
After all, she and the Snow Empress had known each other for many years.
Now that she could sense the Snow Empress's presence again, even if it was only an embryo, she couldn't possibly have no reaction.
"Xiao Yan."
The Ice Empress spoke in a low voice.
"I have to remind you, even though the Snow Empress is in this state now, it doesn't mean you can control her easily."
"I know."
Xiao Yan responded in his mind.
So this time, I'm counting on you two.
"Teacher, we can begin."
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his voice firm and resonant.
"All right."
Kong Deming nodded slightly. After Xiao Yan sat down on the circular platform in the center, he pressed the activation device on the control console.
In an instant, the protective arrays around the seclusion chamber lit up one after another.
Isolation screens, energy absorption devices, emergency lockdown systems, array after array activated...
The entire seclusion chamber was completely cut off from the outside world.
"Xiao Yan, from here on, you must follow the planned steps. First stabilize your own Soul Power, then try to establish contact with the embryo."
"If you really can't control it, stop absorbing it."
Kong Deming stood before the console, his voice coming through a soul tool communication device.
"Understood."
Xiao Yan was already sitting cross-legged. He adjusted his breathing and stabilized the Soul Power surging through his body.
Immediately afterward, the phantom image of the Heavy Xuan Ruler also took shape under the pull of his Soul Power.
The fluctuations of level seventy Soul Power gradually spread out, and six Soul Rings appeared one after another, slowly revolving.
Yellow, purple, black, black, black, black!
Xiao Yan closed his eyes and extended his spiritual power toward the embryo.
At the same time, the Ice Empress and the Sky Dream Ice Silkworm focused their attention, protecting Xiao Yan's Sea of Consciousness.
Until it touched that layer of ice-blue light.
The next moment.
A cold and powerful will seemed to slowly awaken from slumber.
Xiao Yan frowned slightly.
He could clearly sense that the inside of the embryo was not utterly lifeless.
There was a consciousness there, watching him.
As if sensing the spiritual fluctuations outside, the ice-blue light suddenly began to flicker violently.
The temperature in the seclusion chamber plummeted.
Several readings on the console began to climb at once.
Kong Deming's expression turned solemn in an instant.
"It's starting to change..."
At the center of the metal platform, Xiao Yan remained motionless, still sitting cross-legged.
But his spiritual power did not continue pressing forward. Instead, it remained outside the Ice Empress's consciousness.
Then Xiao Yan sent a message on the spiritual level.
"Snow Empress, I know you can hear me."
"I don't intend to refine you. Perhaps we can talk."
In the Sea of Consciousness.
When Xiao Yan's spiritual power touched the mass of ice-blue light, a piercing chill suddenly swept over him.
It was as if an empress of ice and snow, who had slept for countless ages, had finally sensed the commotion outside.
"Human..."
A cold, clear voice rang out in the spiritual world, bearing an incomparable majesty.
"What do you want?"
Xiao Yan seemed not to notice that imposing presence, merely keeping his spiritual power outside the Snow Empress's consciousness.
He knew very well that the Snow Empress was no ordinary Soul Beast.
Getting such a being to willingly become his Soul Spirit was not something a few words could accomplish.