"Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor."
Su Yu raised his head to look at the enormous Ice Spirit Dragon, his expression calm.
In the Ice Spirit Dragon, only their true leader—the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor—could surpass the Ice Spirit Dragon King in terms of size and aura. The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor was a super soul beast with 580,000 years of cultivation. It was also the second guardian beast of the Ice God Palace, second only to the Frost Dragon Bingbing. Its power was immense, and the strong bloodline of the Ice Dragon clan within it gave it extraordinary combat strength. Though not a true dragon, it was still classified as a super soul beast. Among creatures of the same level, it even surpassed the Titan Giant Ape, making it an absolute powerhouse among soul beasts.
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor before Su Yu was so formidable that it could effortlessly contend with experts at the half-step Ultimate Douluo level. Within the Ice God Lake, its strength even allowed it to battle ordinary Ultimate Douluos. It had once forced Lu Yuan to flee in disgrace, leaving him deeply wary to this day. It had also fought Mu Wu to a draw. Its existence commanded reverence even among the many guardians of the Ice God Palace. Within the palace, there were very few who could suppress the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor.
"Young Master, your strength is remarkable. That move of yours was truly impressive."
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's spiritual power rippled outward, its might even slightly surpassing Su Yu's. Su Yu narrowed his eyes slightly. His peak-level formless spiritual power felt suppressed in the presence of the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor. As expected, the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's spiritual power had already reached the tangible stage.
Tangible spiritual power was typically only attainable by Ultimate Douluos. Exceptionally gifted individuals like Mu Wu and Shui Lingguang have also reached this level. At this stage, spiritual power could be used offensively, much like soul power. Even non-spiritual attribute soul masters could attack enemies with their spiritual power. If the Skydream Iceworm from the past had reached this stage, its vast spiritual power would have made it almost untouchable within the Star Dou Forest.
The gap between formless and tangible spiritual power might seem small, but it was as vast as the heavens and the earth. Upon sensing the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's spiritual power, Su Yu immediately realized that all his previous actions had been seen through by the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor. The shadow he had condensed with his spiritual power might have deceived the Ice Spirit Dragon King, but it could not escape the eyes of the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor. Fortunately, the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor had not made a move throughout the process. Otherwise, Su Yu might have been in a dire and helpless situation during this second trial.
"Interesting. As expected of the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor. Take me up."
Su Yu's gaze flickered, and he spoke calmly.
"As you command, Young Master." The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor lowered its head.
With a flash of his figure, Su Yu parted the lake water and landed atop the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's head. The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's massive body began to move, carrying Su Yu upward.
...
On the Ice God Island.
Snow Empress had already reached the shore. Her ice-blue eyes scanned the lake surface repeatedly as if waiting for something.
Splash!
Suddenly, the lake's surface stirred, and the next moment, water erupted as a massive head emerged from beneath the lake. Ice-blue vertical pupils, a head as large as a hill, sharp and menacing fangs, and long whiskers swaying in the air—all these features made the creature's identity unmistakable.
The Snow Empress focused her gaze, and the figure in white atop the massive head instantly captured all of her attention.
"That's... the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor."
Beside the Snow Empress, Shui Lingguang narrowed her beautiful eyes. This colossal beast was not unfamiliar to her. The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's relationship with the guardians was far from harmonious. During her divine trials, it had caused quite a bit of trouble. Moreover, the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor was known for its pride and fiery nature, which made Shui Lingguang worry that it might offend Su Yu. However, to her surprise, it had willingly brought Su Yu up. It seemed the beast still understood the concept of hierarchy.
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor parted the lake water as it approached the shore. But just as it neared the 500-meter boundary of the Ice God Island, a sudden change occurred.
From within the lake, another massive beast emerged. An ancient and primal aura swept outward, sending chills down everyone's spine. The newcomer was a giant dragon clad in icy armor, exuding divine majesty. Its ice-blue dragon eyes held a commanding presence that seemed to dominate the world.
Though the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's aura was formidable, it was completely suppressed by this soul beast. In the Ice God Lake, the only soul beast capable of suppressing the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor was the first guardian beast—the Frost Dragon.
"Old Ice Spirit, this isn't your place. Go back," the Frost Dragon spoke in human tongue. Though its tone was gentle, there was an undeniable authority in its voice.
The Frost Dragon and the Ice Spirit Dragon clan each had their territories. By coming here, the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor had entered the Frost Dragon's domain. As the undisputed ruler of the Ice God Lake, the Frost Dragon—known as Bing Bing—could not tolerate such an affront.
"It wasn't my choice, Bing Bing. I came here at the Young Master's request," the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor replied with a grin.
In truth, the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor was older than the Frost Dragon. However, the Frost Dragon had matured more quickly. While her age was less than the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's, her cultivation level surpassed it. As a true dragon with a pure Ice Dragon King bloodline, the Frost Dragon had an undeniable advantage in every aspect. If a fight were to break out, it would be utterly one-sided. The Frost Dragon's ability to subdue the entire Ice Spirit Dragon clan was a testament to its supremacy as the first guardian beast.
"Bing Bing? Who gave you the right to address me like that, Old Ice Spirit Dragon? Are you looking for a fight?"
The Frost Dragon snorted, but the next moment, she lowered her head. "Young Master, why didn't you let me fetch you instead? That Old Ice Spirit Dragon is so rough and unrefined. How could it be worthy to serve as your mount?"
"Young Master, come up quickly. Bing Bing will take you back."
Su Yu couldn't help but chuckle at the Frost Dragon's words. With a flash, he leaped onto the Frost Dragon's head. Compared to the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor, he indeed felt a stronger bond with the Frost Dragon.
Seeing Su Yu atop her head, the Frost Dragon showed a smug, human-like expression and gave the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor a disdainful glance. Su Yu gently stroked the Frost Dragon's horn, which resembled a beautiful ice crystal, as delicate and stunning as a piece of art.
The Frost Dragon carried Su Yu to the shore. Her ice-blue dragon eyes glimmered with a hint of joy.
"Su Yu."
Snow Empress approached, grabbing Su Yu's arm.
Su Yu gently patted her hand. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Snow Empress nodded, holding onto Su Yu's hand tightly. Su Yu smiled and ruffled her hair.
"Has your third trial been announced yet?"
Snow Empress nodded. "The third trial of the Guardian Eight Trials: Ice Prison Body Tempering."
Su Yu's eyes flickered with surprise. "It seems our third trials are a bit different."
Snow Empress asked curiously, "What's your third trial?"
Su Yu smiled. "The third trial of the Ice God Nine Trials: Condense the First Soul Core. Time limit: six months."
"Soul core condensation?"
Snow Empress was stunned. "Isn't that something only Titled Douluos attempt when they advance? Why would it occur ahead of time?"
Su Yu explained, "It seems a certain deity wants me to form three soul cores. By condensing one now, I'll form the second upon becoming a Titled Douluo, and the third as an Ultimate Douluo. Three soul cores are significantly stronger than two, though the difficulty is much higher."
"This means that when you become a Titled Douluo, you'll already face the challenges others encounter when breaking through to Ultimate Douluo. And knowing you, you won't choose the same-position resonance. That makes it even more difficult."
"Attempting yin-yang complementarity at the Titled Douluo level... are you confident?" Snow Empress looked worried. The Ice God's trials were no simple task.
"If it's just yin-yang complementarity, it might not be too hard for me." Su Yu smiled confidently. Yin-yang complementarity might be difficult for others, but not for him.
In the original story, even Huo Yuhao was able to achieve Yin-Yang complementary dual soul cores as a Titled Douluo, let alone him.
In what way is he not far superior to Huo Yuhao?
Even in Huo Yuhao's strongest area—spiritual power—Su Yu far surpasses him. What could Huo Yuhao possibly compare to Su Yu?
What Su Yu is struggling with isn't Yin-Yang complementarity, but whether he should take a different path.
If he chooses another path, it will be far harder than achieving Yin-Yang complementary triple soul cores.
"Why are you so confident?"
Snow Empress commented skeptically.
Yin-Yang complementarity had stumped countless people, herself included, but in Su Yu's eyes, it seemed as though it was nothing.
Why was this man always so full of confidence?
If she didn't know Su Yu, Snow Empress would have thought he was just bragging.
Su Yu laughed heartily and said, "How could I not have confidence? Otherwise, how could I be your man?"
Hearing this, Snow Empress rolled her beautiful eyes.
Su Yu smiled and pinched her cheek, saying, "Alright, the second trial is over. Let's head back."
"I also need to prepare to absorb my seventh soul ring. I've been stuck at level seventy for two months now."
Snow Empress nodded.
At this moment, the Frost Dragon Bing Bing suddenly spoke up:
"Young Master, I have a seventh soul ring that suits you perfectly."
Su Yu was startled and asked, "Where is it?"
Bing Bing chuckled mischievously, raised her dragon claw, and pointed at the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor, who hadn't yet left.
"Far away in the heavens, yet right before your eyes."
"The old Ice Spirit Dragon has 580,000 years of cultivation, and it also carries the bloodline of the Ice Dragon clan. It's qualified to be your seventh soul ring."
"Young Master, let's kill the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor together!"
Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor: ????
"Bing Bing, what nonsense are you talking about?"
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor cursed. This Frost Dragon was utterly shameless, even suggesting that the Young Master kill him.
Truly, the cruelest hearts belong to females, even dragons.
"Hmph, I'm not talking nonsense. Your old bones probably don't have many years left anyway. In my opinion, you definitely won't survive the 600,000-year heavenly tribulation."
"Instead of perishing in the tribulation, why not become the Young Master's soul ring? At least it won't go to waste."
Bing Bing declared righteously.
The corner of the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's mouth twitched.
He had only cultivated for 580,000 years; there were still 20,000 years until his sixth heavenly tribulation.
What did she mean by not many years left?
Even if he failed the sixth tribulation, he still had 20,000 years to live!
That's 20,000 years!
Besides, it's not like he had no hope of surviving the sixth tribulation.
With the protection of the Ice God, his chances of surviving were quite high.
He had no intention of becoming a soul ring.
But saying this outright wouldn't be appropriate. After some thought, he said, "Bing Bing, you're spouting nonsense. Even if I were willing, the Young Master wouldn't be able to absorb my soul ring at his current level."
Bing Bing raised her claw dismissively. "What's the big deal? You could just offer yourself as a sacrifice."
"If you sacrifice yourself, wouldn't the Young Master be able to absorb it perfectly?"
"Old Ice Spirit Dragon, hurry up and sacrifice yourself. Don't tell me you're unwilling?"
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor was both angry and amused. "Bing Bing, why don't you sacrifice yourself? From what I see, you probably won't survive the seventh tribulation either."
"What do you know? Do you even understand what it means to be a pure True Dragon? Let me tell you, not only the seventh tribulation but even the eighth tribulation can't stop me."
"Old Ice Spirit Dragon, you wouldn't understand the world of a True Dragon."
"You…!"
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor was furious.
So being a True Dragon made her so special?
Did being a True Dragon mean she could act smug?
And now she was even encouraging the Young Master to kill him?
"You're such a… beep beep beep beep beep beep…"
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor opened his mouth and unleashed a stream of curses at Bingbing, utterly vulgar.
"You dare curse at me?"
Bingbing raised her claw and swiped at him.
"You dare strike me?"
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor, equally furious, swiped back with his claw.
The two colossal beings started fighting right above the Ice God Lake, shaking the entire area with their battle.
"These two…"
Su Yu shook his head. The situation was obvious. There was some old grudge between Bing Bing and the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor, which was why Bingbing was targeting him.
The Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor, on the other hand, wasn't the type to back down, so it was inevitable they'd clash.
Rubbing his temples, Su Yu turned to Snow Empress and Shui Lingguang beside him.
"Let's go."
With those words, Su Yu headed toward the Ice God Palace.
"Young Master, are you interested in the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's soul ring? If you are—"
"Enough, Lingguang. Don't say such things. No soul beast in the Ice God Palace that has developed sentience can be harmed. Do you understand?"
Su Yu warned.
Shui Lingguang was someone who prioritized Su Yu above all, and he was worried she might do something against the rules for his sake.
He didn't need the Ice Spirit Dragon Emperor's soul ring, nor would he harm the guardian clan.
Even though the Ice Spirit Dragon clan had some personality issues, they were loyal.
Su Yu wouldn't lay a hand on his people.
"Lingguang understands. Lingguang knows it was wrong."
Shui Lingguang lowered her head in apology.
Su Yu shook his head and sighed. "It's alright, Lingguang. I'm not blaming you; don't take it to heart."
He reached out and gently patted her shoulder to comfort her, then stepped into the Ice God Palace.
...
Inside the Ice God Palace, Mu Wu suddenly appeared, holding a golden orb of light in his hand.
"Young Master."
Mu Wu bowed and presented the golden orb to Su Yu.
This was one of the benefits of participating in the divine trials.
Anyone undergoing a black-grade trial or higher would receive a divine-bestowed soul ring when they reached a bottleneck.
Divine-bestowed soul rings were treasures that perfectly suited any soul master.
Su Yu already had one divine-bestowed soul ring from the system's rewards, and this one was a gift from the Ice God.
Using the divine-bestowed soul ring as the seventh soul ring for the Ice Emperor Martial Soul was perfectly fitting.