The spiritual energy within the Ice God Palace is largely provided by the frigid waters that surround the city of ice and snow.
Although these icy waters are bone-chillingly cold, they are a rare and precious resource.
For ordinary soul masters, if they can withstand the cold and cultivate nearby, they will greatly benefit.
This is especially true for ice-attribute soul masters, who, by continuously absorbing the spiritual energy from these frigid waters, can significantly accelerate their cultivation speed.
The Ice God Palace is teeming with powerful figures—not only due to the sheer number of natural talents but also because of the superior cultivation conditions available.
Before long, the group arrived outside the Ice Phoenix Hall.
The Ice Phoenix Hall was an imposing structure, standing over a hundred meters tall and spanning more than two hundred meters in length.
Outside the hall, heavily armed guards stood watch. They were clad in thick ice armor and held long spears, exuding an aura of unapproachable authority.
There were only around a hundred of them, but each radiated a powerful presence.
More impressively, their energy seemed to merge into one, forming an intimidating and battle-hardened force.
Among them, four individuals guarding the entrance stood out, dressed in white robes, different from the others.
Each of them bore a red snowflake mark on their forehead.
"These are the Ice Phoenix Guards, consisting of 120 members:
80 Soul Emperors,
30 Soul Sages,
10 Soul Douluos.
The four leading them are all Titled Douluo-level powerhouses."
"The Ice God Palace has nine halls. Aside from the main palace led by my elder brother, the remaining seven halls all have similar military forces."
"They must protect the palace and prevent unauthorized entry," Shui Lingguang explained.
"There are that many powerful figures within the Ice God Palace?"
Snow Empress was astonished.
Could what they had seen so far only be a fraction of the total?
Eight halls, multiplied by eight?
Just how terrifying was this number?
Not to mention anything else—there were already 32 Titled Douluo!
And if Shui Lingguang and the others were included, wouldn't that exceed 40?
A quick mental calculation left Snow Empress utterly shocked.
"It's not as terrifying as you imagine. Of the eight halls, only four—including the Ice Phoenix Hall—are configured this way.
The defensive strength of the remaining halls is slightly weaker," Shui Lingguang said with a smile.
"Even so, it's still incredibly powerful," Snow Empress said, shaking her head.
Shui Lingguang smiled faintly, her beauty radiant.
"The Ice God Palace has accumulated its foundation for tens of thousands of years—this is only natural."
"Young Master, this way, please."
Shui Lingguang extended her delicate hand and led the way.
Not far to the right of the Ice Phoenix Hall stood several side halls.
Compared to the towering Ice Phoenix Hall, these side halls appeared far less conspicuous.
Shui Lingguang stopped in front of one of the side halls and gently pushed open the door.
The side hall was not large, but it was clean and had a subtle, elegant atmosphere.
"Young Master, please."
Shui Lingguang gestured, and Su Yu stepped inside.
The side hall was also constructed from Extreme Ice Divine Crystals, emitting a soft, bluish glow.
Inside, numerous luminous pearls were embedded, illuminating the entire hall with a bright radiance.
Su Yu glanced around.
Besides the furniture, a few ornamental flowers added a touch of color to the otherwise icy palace.
On the right side of the hall, a beaded curtain separated the inner chamber from the outer hall.
"Nannan is cultivating inside. Young Master, please wait a moment while I call her."
Shui Lingguang said, then lifted the beaded curtain and stepped inside.
Moments later, urgent footsteps sounded.
A graceful figure rushed out from within, lifting the beaded curtain and stopping just a meter away from Su Yu.
Jiang Nannan looked at his familiar face, her delicate features lighting up with joy.
Her bright, watery eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Xiao Yu, you're back!"
After more than two years apart, seeing Su Yu again filled Jiang Nannan's heart with overwhelming happiness.
Su Yu couldn't help but smile as he looked at Jiang Nannan, who had now grown into a graceful young woman.
Compared to two years ago, she was undoubtedly more mature.
She stood tall, at least 175 cm, with a slender waist and long, elegant legs.
Her golden wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, revealing her snow-white swan-like neck and exquisitely delicate collarbones.
Her face was flawless, her skin fair and rosy, glowing with a soft radiance—like a tempting apple, making one want to take a bite.
Her figure was exceptionally well-proportioned, with curves that left no doubt she was a woman of striking beauty.
"Nannan, after more than two years, you've become even more beautiful."
Su Yu teased.
Jiang Nannan blushed, her autumn-water-like eyes shimmering with a hint of shyness as she nervously intertwined her fingers.
She wasn't used to such teasing.
Seeing this, Snow Empress' expression darkened.
She secretly reached out and pinched Su Yu's waist.
This scoundrel had been flirting all along the way—he was getting out of hand!
Earlier, his eyes had been constantly wandering toward Shui Lingguang, and now he was teasing Jiang Nannan.
Was he getting too full of himself? Did he think he could get away with anything?
Su Yu subtly avoided Snow Empress's grasp and glanced at Jiang Nannan.
Her soul power fluctuations weren't weak—she had already reached the level of a Rank 55 Soul King.
That was even stronger than Bei Bei from Shrek Academy!
At this rate, within the next two years, Jiang Nannan would undoubtedly reach the Soul Emperor level.
Her cultivation speed was on par with the top geniuses.
"Rank 55 Soul King—Nannan, you've improved a lot."
Su Yu praised her.
For someone like Jiang Nannan, who harbored a hint of self-doubt, Su Yu never hesitated to offer encouragement.
Because what she needed most was support.
"It's all thanks to my teacher's guidance and the abundant resources of the Ice God Palace.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to progress this much."
Jiang Nannan waved her hands humbly.
"Teacher?"
Su Yu was slightly surprised.
Shui Lingguang explained from the side:
"Young Master, I felt a connection with Nannan and decided to take her as my disciple on my own accord.
Please forgive me."
"Forgive you?
What's there to forgive?
Having you as a teacher is Nannan's good fortune. That's great."
Su Yu waved his hand and laughed.
This development was unexpected.
Shui Lingguang had taken Jiang Nannan as her disciple.
That was truly interesting.
Jiang Nannan's talent wasn't bad, but compared to the top geniuses of the Ice God Palace, there was a noticeable gap.
Shui Lingguang had never shown interest in those geniuses, yet she had chosen Jiang Nannan.
Was this a coincidence?
Given Su Yu's naturally overthinking mind, his first instinct was that this wasn't just chance.
After all, Jiang Nannan had one key difference from the other Ice God Palace geniuses—
She was personally arranged here by Su Yu himself.
Without that factor, Shui Lingguang probably wouldn't have taken notice of her.
But ultimately, as long as this had no negative impact on him or the Ice God Palace, he didn't mind.
Moreover, with Shui Lingguang as a strong supporter, this was greatly beneficial to Jiang Nannan.
In just over two years, Jiang Nannan had managed to advance from a level 42 Soul Sect to a level 55 Soul King.
It was easy to imagine that Shui Lingguang must have provided her with plenty of valuable resources.
As a Guardian, Shui Lingguang was also quite wealthy.
"Many thanks for your understanding, Young Master!"
Shui Lingguang hurriedly bowed in gratitude.
"Alright, Lingguang, we're all family here, no need to bow at every little thing. It gets annoying to watch."
"I'm taking Nannan with me now. Help me settle in little Snow and the others."
"Senior Xiao has already arranged accommodations for them. You can take them there."
"Mm, and… as for little Snow, arrange for her to stay in my room. She likes sleeping with me."
"Who likes sleeping with you? Nonsense!"
Snow Empress's delicate face turned bright red—clearly out of embarrassment.
"That's settled then. Go on."
Su Yu waved his hand dismissively.
Shui Lingguang gave a slight nod and stepped forward. "Everyone, please come with me."
"Little Snow, you go ahead. I'll be back soon," Su Yu said, looking at Snow Empress.
"Come back if you want, I don't care," Snow Empress huffed, shooting Su Yu a glare before turning away. Her long, snow-colored hair fluttered behind her.
Shui Lingguang led the three away, leaving only Su Yu and Jiang Nannan in the spacious side hall.
With no outsiders around, Jiang Nannan relaxed.
Looking at the handsome and elegant Su Yu before her, a faint smile appeared at the corners of her lips.
"Nannan, are you comfortable living here?" Su Yu asked.
Jiang Nannan nodded quickly. "It's great here. Everyone is very kind and takes good care of me."
Su Yu chuckled—of course they did. After all, who would dare treat someone he arranged poorly?
"How is Auntie? I haven't had time to visit. Is she doing well?"
"Is she still in good health?"
Jiang Nannan smiled softly, her gaze towards Su Yu especially warm.
"Mom is doing great. Even the wrinkles on her face are gone now. She's a Soul Grandmaster herself!"
As she spoke, Jiang Nannan's eyes sparkled brightly.
"Xiao Yu, you've done so much for my mother and me. I don't even know how to thank you."
"Don't be silly. We grew up together like siblings. There's no need for thanks."
Su Yu reached out and ruffled Jiang Nannan's hair with a smile.
Jiang Nannan remained still, her face turning rosy.
Even though she was three years older than Su Yu, in front of him, she always felt like the younger one.
Maybe it was just her imagination, but with Su Yu around, she felt incredibly safe.
"When I have time, I'll go visit Auntie and see how she's adjusting here."
Su Yu said with a light laugh.
"If you visit, she'll be so happy! She's been thinking about you a lot."
Jiang Nannan said excitedly.
Su Yu had helped them so much since they were young. He had even saved her mother's life.
Later, he brought them into the Ice God Palace and continued to look after them.
That kind of kindness could never be repaid.
Her mother had even hinted multiple times that she should marry Su Yu to repay him.
Thinking of this, Jiang Nannan's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
"Nannan, why is your face so hot?"
Su Yu chuckled.
"Huh? Is it?"
Jiang Nannan quickly touched her face, realizing it was burning.
She subconsciously glanced at Su Yu, and the moment their eyes met, her face turned even redder.
Su Yu found it amusing. He gently rubbed her head. "Nannan, come take a walk with me. Let's have a good chat."
"Okay."
Jiang Nannan lowered her head, her voice as soft as a whisper.
The two left the side hall and wandered leisurely through the city.
As they walked, many passing residents respectfully bowed to Su Yu.
Su Yu and Jiang Nannan strolled side by side, occasionally cracking jokes to make her laugh.
The awkwardness from not seeing each other for over two years quickly disappeared.
After making a round through the city, they returned to the side hall.
Jiang Nannan, who had been reserved at first, was now visibly more relaxed and full of energy. Her bright, delicate face radiated beauty.
Looking at Jiang Nannan—so fresh and lovely, like a lotus just emerging from water—Su Yu fell into deep thought.
Perhaps her life here wasn't as good as she claimed.
The Ice God Palace had excellent conditions in every way, except for one thing: loneliness.
Jiang Nannan wasn't an ice-type soul master, and she was only here because of Su Yu's arrangement.
That meant making friends would be difficult for her.
Most of the young people in the Ice God Palace probably didn't dare to approach her.
Her rapid advancement in strength was likely because she had nothing else to do except train.
Otherwise, why would she be so happy just to take a simple walk?
Su Yu realized that he had overlooked this issue back then.
"Nannan, I'll be staying in the Ice God Palace for the next year or two. If you ever feel bored, come find me."
Su Yu said.
"Really?"
Jiang Nannan's eyes lit up like autumn water, brimming with joy.
"Of course."
Su Yu patted her head with a smile.
"Oh, right. I have a gift for you."
Su Yu reached into his storage pouch and searched around before pulling out a white jade box.
Opening the box revealed a pure white flower.
"This is the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, an immortal herb. It suits your Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul perfectly."
"Consuming it will greatly enhance your soul power, and its hidden medicinal effects will also gradually improve your physique."
"As for how to take it, it's simple—first, absorb the nectar, then eat the petals, and finally, meditate with your eyes closed."
With that, Su Yu handed the jade box to Jiang Nannan.
This Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone was something Su Yu had saved just for her.
Though it wasn't as powerful as the ten-thousand-year-old immortal herbs, it still had miraculous effects.
After all, this herb had grown in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for a long time, making it extremely potent.
Moreover, it was the perfect match for a Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul. Any other herb might not be as effective.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that a single Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone could guarantee Jiang Nannan's advancement to Super Douluo.
Just look at how much immortal herbs benefited the Seven Monsters in the first Soul Land!
"This… this is too precious… I…"
"Alright, no more hesitating. Just take it. Who knows, I might need your help someday."
Su Yu gently placed the jade box in Jiang Nannan's hands, smiling.