And there, on the surface of its carapace, was something hexagonal, sparkling with brilliant light, looking exactly like a diamond slowly emerging. On its body, right next to the carapace, were six slender, powerful legs. It stood on the pristine white snow, shining brighter than ever, as if it were truly the sun, the source of light illuminating all things.
Its two front legs were about a meter long, extending straight out as if to encompass the six-winged, diamond-like object. However, both it and its pincers or tentacles emitted a dazzling, brilliant silver light.
But of all those things, what particularly caught Huo Yuhao's attention were its eyes. Its eyes were an extremely peculiar yellow, and he swore they looked exactly like two egg yolks placed there.
If its upper body radiated a brilliant jade light, its hindquarters, especially its tail, revealed an enchanting and illusory glow.
Its tail was completely different from other scorpions, as it only had five segments. But each segment was a captivating emerald green, each one brimming with life force, and uniformly colored. The size gradually decreased from the first segment to the fifth. Adjacent to its very end was a dazzling, diamond-like border, and finally, its characteristic weapon, the venomous stinger, was no exception, radiating a brilliant, glossy sheen.
How could there be such a perfect Soul Beast, its entire body seemingly carved from precious gems? Was this not worthy of the words "beautiful" or "exquisite"?
As soon as it saw her, the Heavenly Dream Iceworm couldn't help but stare, captivated. It gazed intently at the Ice Empress, then smiled and said:
"You've arrived."
The Ice Empress was a little surprised to see the Heavenly Dream Iceworm only using a body condensed from spiritual power to meet her. A peculiar glint flashed in her yellow eyes.
"Heavenly Dream, do you think if you hide your true form and send this spiritual power clone to meet me, I won't be able to find your true form? Even if your spiritual power is strong enough to condense into a human form, it is still just a clone and cannot compare to your true form."
The Ice Empress said coldly.
The Heavenly Dream Iceworm smiled at her, not hiding the infatuation in its eyes, almost drooling:
"You are still as beautiful and magnificent as ever. I remember the last time we met, your tail still had six segments, but now there are only five! I love this gem-like green color of yours the most. It seems my memory is not mistaken, your great calamity is not far off..."
The Ice Empress snorted disdainfully, her clear, youthful voice ringing out again.
"Being glib will only make you die faster. You've been hiding for so many years, are you just coming back to die this time?"
The Heavenly Dream Iceworm's voice was full of deep affection:
"Of course I've come back to save you! My unrequited love remains unchanged. For so many years, only your image has been in my dreams. My beloved, we can finally be together forever."
Finally, the Ice Empress could no longer tolerate the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's infatuated expression. She raised her tail, and a beam of light instantly pierced the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's clone.
At this very moment, Huo Yuhao felt the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's spiritual power tremble violently, then suddenly falter, and the clone became even more indistinct than before.
"I don't know what your scheme is. But since you've delivered yourself to my mouth, I won't hesitate to absorb all your energy. From now on, I will be the strongest soul beast on this continent."
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's white body, though pierced, had not completely vanished. Instead, spiritual power began to diffuse from it, and its golden body was instantly destroyed.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's voice rang out, its tone extremely calm, as if without a trace of regret:
"I originally intended to chat with you for a while longer, but since you are so heartless, then so be it. The sooner we are in the same place, the better. So, let's begin."
With such a high cultivation, the Ice Empress's senses were naturally very keen. The moment she saw the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's body undergo a transformation, she felt something was amiss. This was because the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm had already flown right next to her.
The Ice Empress's speed was not slow, but at this instant, she felt her entire body become sluggish, and everything around her did too. A terrifying spiritual power descended upon her, rendering her unable to move.
The Ice Empress's eyes instantly sharpened. She tried to use her emerald green tail.
"Heavenly Dream, you truly wish to die. You dare to use spiritual power to this extent, aren't you afraid you won't be able to protect your main body later? And you, you good-for-nothing, no matter how hard you try, you cannot change the situation. How long do you think you can imprison me? One second or two seconds?"
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm gently said, "Not much is needed, one second is enough."
A thin, thin layer of light screen, unnoticed, slowly spread across the ground. Even with the Ice Empress's formidable strength, she did not detect this screen on the snow.
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao, inside the ice cave, was trembling violently. His endurance had reached its limit.
Despite the ice cave blocking the biting wind and the warming fire, he still felt frozen. He didn't know the temperature here; he only felt as if his heart was also freezing, as if it could stop beating at any moment. He could only desperately urge his soul power, maintaining a little warmth, which was enough.
Yes, truly, only one second was needed. The moment the Ice Empress unleashed her powerful force and waited for the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm to exhaust its spiritual power, she felt her entire body suddenly enveloped by something, then lost the ability to move.
The Ice Empress was shocked, instantly struggling wildly. Two lights, white and green, continuously flickered, and attack skills were constantly unleashed, holding nothing back.
But the very next moment, this powerhouse who had roamed the far north for hundreds of thousands of years truly felt fear. No matter how she struggled, it was to no avail.
The binding membrane tightened with astonishing speed. She became increasingly unable to resist.
Finally, the Ice Empress, one of the Three Great Heavenly Kings of the far north, was thus locked and bound.
"No? How can this be? Tian Meng, how can a good-for-nothing like you bind me? What kind of skill is this? Why can none of my attacks break free?"
The golden light receded, and Tian Meng Iceworm once again transformed into Huo Yuhao, slowly appearing with a smile. "I've waited for this day for too long. You don't understand why, do you? I will give you the answer. But not now. Let's talk about it slowly after we leave together. Now, let's go."
As it spoke, it raised a hand and pointed at Ice Empress. The golden light flashed again, and Ice Empress completely vanished.
Tian Meng Iceworm looked up at the sky and sighed. "I never thought that after losing my body, I would be able to use skills I never imagined before. What a pity, this is the only chance. Ice Empress, oh Ice Empress, I hope you don't disappoint me."
A layer of white crystal membrane reappeared in the air. Ice Empress was no longer visible. This membrane slowly descended to the ground and then burrowed into the ice cave, covering Huo Yuhao's body.
The chill outside instantly disappeared, but Huo Yuhao's entire body remained stiff, his face cold and expressionless.
The golden light grew smaller and smaller, then burrowed into his glabella. Tian Meng Iceworm softly called, "Yuhao, Yuhao, what's wrong? Big Brother succeeded."
Although Huo Yuhao's entire body was frozen stiff, his mind was exceptionally clear.
"Why?" Huo Yuhao asked coldly from within his spiritual world.
"Why? Why what?" Tian Meng Iceworm asked, puzzled.
Huo Yuhao grew even colder. "Why did you lie to me? What was your purpose in bringing me here? Was it really just to help me awaken my second martial spirit? And what about those words just now?"
Tian Meng Iceworm fell silent.
Huo Yuhao said angrily, "Tian Meng, do you know that since I left the Duke's Mansion, you were the first person to bring me hope? I regarded you as my teacher, my closest friend. You created a goal for me to strive for. So why? Why did you lie to me? Why? Why did you turn me into a puppet and bring me here? I tried my best to get here, only for you to express your love for Ice Empress? It's not that I'm afraid to take risks with you; as long as you say the word, I'd go with you even if it meant climbing a mountain of blades or descending into a pot of oil. Just, don't deceive me."
Tian Meng Iceworm sighed and said, "Yuhao, I'm sorry. I lied to you because I didn't truly trust you yet. I didn't know if you would still help me if I told you the truth. It's true that I have selfish motives; I want to be with Ice Empress forever. Since I was born, the happiest times have only been when I was with Ice Empress. I'm not afraid of becoming her food; the love in my heart cannot fade for any reason.
"I know this will hurt you, but I don't want you to look down on me. As Ice Empress said, I am a good-for-nothing, and also a coward. Ice Empress's full name is Ice Jade Empress Scorpion. She is a member of the Ice Jade Scorpion tribe, which is the natural enemy of our Iceworm tribe. But, two hundred thousand years ago, the first time I met her, I unknowingly fell into the net of love."
"I know you won't understand why we, two different races, could fall in love. In truth, at this level, we are no longer bound by race. What I pursue is spiritual harmony. I think if you look at me, you'll understand. Truly, the main reason I was so eager to become your Spirit Ring was indeed that I couldn't wait any longer, but it wasn't for me, it was for her. I know her great tribulation is approaching, and if anything were to happen to her, I fear I wouldn't be able to live. I love her, and I don't force her to love me, but I don't want anything to happen to her. I increasingly want to be by her side at all times, even if she only scolds me, I'm still very happy. Do you understand? This is love."
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's voice grew increasingly emotional, its usually listless demeanor gone, allowing Huo Yuhao to gradually calm down as he listened to its confession. Huo Yuhao was only a twelve-year-old child, so of course, he didn't understand what love was. But hearing the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's sincere words, he felt a little moved.
"But what if something unexpected happens this time, or if your power isn't enough to subdue her?"
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm said, "With my spiritual power assisting, it's very difficult for either of those situations to occur. Moreover, how could I not succeed? When I died, I left behind this shell, and it has become an incredibly terrifying weapon. Let alone her, even if it were the Snow Empress, the strongest among the Three Great Heavenly Kings, if she approached within ten meters of me, I'm confident I could trap her. Unfortunately, I only have this one chance. This is the first and last time after becoming your Spirit Ring that I can leave to launch an attack. Because my soul doesn't allow this situation to happen. I am already your Spirit Ring; we are already one. However, if you are in danger, I still have the ability to use this last bit of energy to push you a hundred li away. That way, at least your safety will be more assured. Yuhao, you must remember, although I have a little lack of faith in you, we are two yet one; we share blessings and misfortunes."
Huo Yuhao fell completely silent when he heard this. The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's deception had indeed made him very sad, but listening to its explanation, the sadness in his heart gradually disappeared, replaced by an unnamed feeling that he still didn't quite understand.
"I can only try my best. Even if there were no feelings between me and the Ice Empress, I would still bring you here, because only here can your martial soul awaken most perfectly."
Huo Yuhao sighed deeply and whispered, "Heavenly Dream Brother, is my heart very weak?"
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm said, "No, you can't be blamed for this. Everyone has to go through many things for their temperament to be tempered and mature. It's just that you rely too much on me. Don't you feel it? Whether it's during assessments or when facing danger, you always tell yourself in your heart: 'No matter what, I still have Heavenly Dream Brother.' Or: 'I just need to cultivate diligently, and Heavenly Dream Brother will help me become stronger and stronger!' Isn't that right?"
Huo Yuhao instinctively nodded. At this moment, his stiff body had relaxed a lot, and the speed of blood circulation, guided by his spirit power, also began to quicken. A warm, pleasant sensation gradually returned.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm said,
"Your reliance on me is sometimes a good thing, but sometimes it's a bad thing. Too much reliance will make you lose your own decisiveness. You are you, you are Huo Yuhao, you are a Soul Master of the human race, and also a Soul Tool Master. As for me, I am the Heavenly Dream Iceworm, and now I am a wisdom soul ring. Whose wisdom soul ring is this?"
Huo Yuhao continued, "Mine."
The Heavenly Dream Iceworm said, "That's right. Even if I am a wisdom soul ring, I am still just a soul ring. Therefore, you must remember, I am a part of you, not you a part of me. You are the one in control. In this symbiotic relationship, you are the one who decides. I am dependent on you, not you reliant on me. If you could think this way, you wouldn't have doubted me, because no matter what I do, it won't affect you. The healthier you live, the more I benefit. Do you understand?"
Hearing this, Huo Yuhao seemed to have a sudden realization. He suddenly understood what that feeling that had just appeared in his heart was. In this brief instant, the resentment that had accumulated in his heart for so long suddenly diminished several times. More importantly, his state of mind became more stable, no longer as weak and easily stumbled as before. The more he thought, the more he blamed himself, the more he regretted.
Determination and self-confidence once again appeared in his eyes; everything had been restored.
I am the master, I am the one who wields the power of the Sun and Moon!
Huo Yuhao crawled out of the ice cave. As soon as he stood on a nearby snowdrift, he suddenly tilted his head back, intending to let out a long shout.
"No, don't make a sound. Follow the direction I point, quickly. The Ice Empress's kin are coming soon. They must have sensed that the Ice Empress's aura has disappeared and will definitely find this place quickly. We must leave here and go to a safe place to deal with the Ice Empress's matter."
"Okay."
Huo Yuhao said nothing more and turned to run in the direction the Heavenly Dream Iceworm indicated. With his mind clear, his movements became quicker and more agile. The Heavenly Dream Iceworm, meanwhile, used its powerful spiritual force to try and conceal Huo Yuhao's aura. As for footprints, there was no need to worry. In this bone-chilling world of ice and snow, a single gust of wind would destroy all traces.
As Huo Yuhao ran, he said to the Heavenly Dream Iceworm, "Brother Heavenly Dream, I was wrong. I shouldn't have doubted you. However, I'm still very angry about you tricking me."
The Heavenly Dream Iceworm said, "Alright, don't be angry anymore. Wait until I've dealt with the Ice Empress's matter, and you'll see how worthwhile this adventure was."
Huo Yuhao said, "What is your relationship with the Ice Empress? Is she your beloved sister? Could it be that you heartlessly killed her to make her my soul ring?"
"Hehe, you'll know in a moment. However, from now on, I promise you I will never deceive you again. You have passed my test."
"Test? What test?"
The Heavenly Dream Iceworm said, "Naturally, it was a test of your heart. Although your heart is weak and your emotions are easily agitated, you made me feel that you truly trust and rely on me. Although it's not good for me to say this, well, finally, the last bit of misunderstanding between us is gone."
Huo Yuhao said helplessly, "That feeling wasn't pleasant at all."
The Heavenly Dream Iceworm chuckled and said, "What's not good about it? Every experience is useful. For you, this isn't a bad thing. At least it will increase the trust between us, and suspicions won't arise easily anymore."
Huo Yuhao said,
"How does Ice Empress Brother plan to resolve this? Or, tell me a little about your story with Ice Empress. I'm so curious, I don't wonder what kind of love this is in the end?"
"Alright, I'll tell you a little. But you'd better run faster, or if we get discovered, all our efforts will be in vain."
"I'm running at full speed now."
Huo Yuhao fully urged his six soul powers, his feet performing Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, swiftly running across the ice and snow. Fortunately, the ice and snow here were extremely thick, so he only left shallow footprints.
Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm said, "I've liked Ice Empress for two hundred thousand years. It was once when I woke up from a deep sleep, preparing to find another place to sleep, when she suddenly appeared. It turned out she came looking for ten-thousand-year ice marrow, but I had already eaten it all. The first time we met, both of us were extremely surprised. You've seen my true form, it's extremely beautiful, but she was even more beautiful. Her whole body shimmered with jade-like light, coupled with her captivating azure tail. At that moment, I was attracted to her. Especially that clear, cold voice, although most of the time she was scolding me and wanting to kill me, her demeanor in my heart remained perfect."
Huo Yuhao couldn't stand it after hearing that.
"Heavenly Dream Brother, I think you shouldn't talk about women. I really don't understand things between soul beasts, and love stories are even harder to empathize with. Ah, I didn't expect you to be such a womanizer. Someone wants to kill you, and you're still talking about beauty and perfection, ha ha ha ha..."
"Huo Yuhao, you little brat, how dare you laugh at me? Do you believe I'll immediately destroy your spiritual world?"
Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm shouted angrily.
"I don't believe it. If you're so capable, then destroy it. If you destroy my Spiritual Sea, then you're finished too. Don't even dream of seeing your Ice Empress again. Can you abandon her? If you can, then do it. I'm not afraid at all."
"You..."
Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, having his weakness seized, said indignantly, "Understanding each other too well isn't good; all privacy is lost. This little brat isn't afraid of me anymore! My fate is truly miserable..."
Huo Yuhao snorted and said, "Haven't you heard the saying, 'No pain, no gain'? Alright, you be quiet for a bit so I can concentrate my spirit."
At this moment, Huo Yuhao had fully unleashed his potential. He exerted all his strength, running wildly at a terrifying speed. Only when his soul power was completely depleted did he stop, pick up two pieces of snow, put them in his mouth, and then sit down to meditate.
At this point, he no longer cared if those things were cold or hard.
As soon as the ice and snow entered his mouth, they slowly melted. One could tell how much his soul power and physical strength had been consumed just by looking. But he had no other choice. Just now, in only fourteen hours, a little over a day, he had managed to run from the central region of the extreme north to the outer lands.