Douluo Dalu 2: Unrivaled Tang Sect

Chapter 174. Snow Empress

Huo Yuhao was like a bystander now. He sensed the three of them talking in his Spiritual Sea and found it very weird.

The Illustrious Virtue Halls underground base was a mess. Besides the Illustrious Virtue Hall members who chased after the Body Sect, those with lesser cultivations remained to help those who had been injured.

Huo Yuhao was among those who needed help. He was brought to a safer place after he was verified to be alive. He also acted like he was unconscious, and was thus temporarily safe.

Snow Lady, let me help you to gather your origin power first. Maybe youll have a chance at recovery. The Ice Empress wanted to use Huo Yuhaos soul power to help the Snow Empress shrink the transparent fluid that was the manifestation of the Snow Empress origin power.

However, the Ice Empress soon realized that something was amiss. That was because she couldnt control Huo Yuhaos internal strength like she could before.

Yuhao, do something. Come and help. The Ice Empress snapped.

Huo Yuhao laughed bitterly. Ice Empress, Im not doing nothing! Im just scared that the Snow Empress will misunderstand if I just suddenly appear.

The Snow Empress did misunderstand. She sensed Huo Yuhaos aura and asked in shock, Ice, youre residing in a humans body? How did your dignity fall to this stage? What happened? Its you. Youre the one who smashed the Godsealing Altar and released me?

Huo Yuhao was annoyed. But you took advantage of my kindness and froze me too. Without the Ice Empress strength, I wouldve become a real ice sculpture.

The Snow Empress was furious, You humans are all evil. I dont need your help.

The Ice Empress sighed. She knew that no one could change the Snow Empress mind when she got angry. The only way was to clarify things first.

She tried her best to explain how she had met Huo Yuhao and the Skydream Iceworm, as well as how the Skydream Iceworm had convinced her to become Huo Yuhaos second martial soul.

The Snow Ladys emotions were evidently surging. Huo Yuhao also took this opportunity to gather the Snow Empress remaining origin power into a small, transparent pearl using his Ultimate Ice soul power under the Ice Empress guidance. He stabilized this pearl below his navel.

It seemed like the Ice Empress was similar to Electrolux then. She was only left with this origin sense. She had fared better than Electrolux in the sense that her origin sense was complete and wasnt in pieces. However, the Snow Empress couldnt compare to Electrolux in terms of her divine sense. Without the protection of Huo Yuhaos Ultimate Ice, her origin power wouldve dissipated.

Ice, I didnt expect that youd choose such a path. The Snow Empress sighed after hearing the Ice Empress out. She had also calmed down significantly.

The Ice Empress laughed bitterly. I had no choice! If not because I was desperate, I wouldnt have entrusted my fate to someone else. Right now, I can only do my best to help Yuhao. I hope that he can reach that stage one day.

The Snow Empress said, Skydream.

Yes, Im here. Im here. The Skydream Iceworm appeared eagerly once again.

The Snow Empress said, I never thought youd be so loyal. You found a path to success, but you never forgot Ice. Solely based on this, Ice is fortunate to follow you. You must take good care of her in the future.

Alright, alright. The Skydream Iceworm didnt rush to answer.

Snow Lady, what do you mean? The Ice Empress asked, Snow Lady, are you unwilling to walk the same path as me?

The Snow Empress laughed bitterly, Its not that I dont want to. I cant. Your situation is different from mine. Ive already decided to be reborn as a human. My own strength is suppressed within my origin power. If my rebirth is successful, this strength will slowly be released from my human body and turn into my human strength. Now that a part of this strength is still present, do you think this human can accept this shrunken origin power of mine?

Furthermore, Skydream was the one who reserved a spot for you and allowed you to undergo fusion. But do I have a place here? If I stay, Ill only be a time bomb. Once I detonate, the two of you will also die, along with this human.

Without my original body, my origin power is in an unstable state. It can blow apart at any time.

After the Snow Empress listened to the Ice Empress, she was actually tempted. She had to admit that Skydreams path was a good opportunity for soul beasts like them who had no choice. Once Huo Yuhao became a god, they might be released. However, she was in a different situation from the Ice Empress. There was no place for her here. If she underwent fusion, everyone would die.

The Ice Empress was speechless. Yes! She had guided the Snow Empress here, but how could she help her? She could also sense that the Snow Empress origin power was very unstable. The Snow Empress had lost the ability to control her own origin power. If something went wrong, disaster might ensue!

Skydream, what do we do? Think of a way. The Ice Empress couldnt help but ask the Skydream Iceworm.

Me? The Skydream Iceworm laughed bitterly. What idea could I possibly have? Although my cultivation seems to better than yours, my capabilities are extremely inferior to the two of you. The two of you can also clearly sense the condition of Yuhaos body. His potential is slowly being developed, but its impossible for him to bear the Snow Empress origin power.

Is there not even a single solution? The Ice Empress asked anxiously.

Skydream said, If the Snow Empress could control her own power and follow us in sealing the parts that Yuhao cant absorb, she could become your martial souls second soul ring, and theres a possibility of retaining her intelligence. However, the Snow Empress is above your level. If she fuses into a martial soul that you form, therell be a conflict. Thatll be a very serious matter. Furthermore, the Snow Empress cant control her own origin power now.

If I retract my power and let the Snow Lady replace me, is it possible? The Ice Empress asked flatly.

Skydream became annoyed. Do you think this is a game? Do you think giving up your position is so easy? Your strength has already fused with my ice martial soul. Without Yuhaos agreement, you cant retract your power. Even if you could, it would only cause the ice martial soul to be crushed. Everyone will perish together.

The Snow Empress voice became much gentler, Ice, dont be like that. Weve lived in this world for hundred thousands of years. Ive lived even longer than you. When I was first born, there werent even humans around yet. Is death really that scary? I dont think so. Maybe its just a new beginning. If theres a next life, I hope we can be of different genders. Ill marry you then. Its time to say goodbye, Ice.

As she spoke, the Snow Ladys origin power struggled slightly beneath Huo Yuhaos navel. It started to swim like a fish. Huo Yuhaos soul power couldnt restrict it as it tried to escape his body.

The Skydream Iceworm was stunned. Whats going on? Ice Empress, you and the Snow Empress

Shut up! The Ice Empress screamed, and her voice already sounded like she was sobbing. Snow Empress, dont go. Well think of another way.

The Snow Empress sighed. I have to go. I dont know how long I can suppress this origin power anymore. After I leave, all of you should leave this place quickly. Once my origin power blows apart, itll be even more terrifying than what happened earlier. Ice, Skydream is a nice chap. Be nicer to him.

You dont have to go. Elder Yis voice sounded at this moment. He finally spoke.

Elder Yi. The Ice Empress seemed to have found her savior, Elder Yi, help the Snow Lady. If you can help her survive, Ill do anything.

Electrolux smiled as he said, Even if it means giving up your spirit?

The Ice Empress was in a momentary daze. After that, she said determinedly, Yes.

Electrolux was silent for a moment before he replied, I seem to have seen something. Reveal yourselves in the Spiritual Sea. Yuhao still needs to make a decision. After all, were in his body.

Amidst an intense undulation of spiritual power, Huo Yuhao peered into his own mind. A boundless, golden ocean drifted into his vision he had arrived beside his Spiritual Sea.

The Ice Empress turned into an Ice Jade Empress Scorpion, while the Skydream Iceworm was still the huge worm that had ten, flashing golden soul rings on it.

Huo Yuhao was shocked by the Snow Empress appearance.

She looked like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old teenage girl. Her long, white hair flowed freely to her legs, and her sky-blue eyes were very clear. It was as if she could see through everything in the world. Her slender figure was flawless, and her long white dress wasnt adorned with any accessories. However, she still looked very elegant and ravishing.

Even though she was only left with a shred of her origin power, the Snow Empress paid very meticulous attention to her appearance. She stood out above the common crowd and had a proud demeanor.

Huo Yuhao had revealed his original appearance in his Spiritual Sea, but his body had a layer of dim gold that wasnt found on the Ice Empress or the others.

Electroluxs figure slowly surfaced. He wore a long, golden robe that had rose patterns on it. His white hair and beard revealed the vicissitudes of life that he had been through, and he carried a sense of simplicity and profundity.

When the Snow Empress saw him for the first time, her body jerked. Huo Yuhao could sense an agitation in her origin power.

Electrolux also looked at the Snow Empress and said with a calm gaze, You have one of the most powerful spiritual senses Ive seen since coming to this world. Although that worm has a greater cultivation than you, he cant compare to you in terms of his spiritual sense. Your spiritual sense is also very pure, which is a very rare thing. No wonder youre the Icesky Snow Lady.

The Snow Empress was aloof as she looked back at Electrolux, Human, you dont have to say such useless things to me. Youre very powerful.

Electrolux smiled, and the wrinkles on his face became very obvious. You can sense my power because youre on a different level. Although I was only left with a shred of my divine sense when I came to this world, it still exists. Although your level isnt low, it has remained stagnant at that level. After all, ones spiritual and divine sense dont belong in the same category.

The Snow Empress spirit jerked a little. Are you the split consciousness of a god?

Electrolux shook his head and said, No, Im just a human who didnt want to be a god. In my previous world, becoming a god signified eternal death. It seems to be different in this world. Its a pity that I no longer possess the foundation to become a god.

Lets talk about your matter. Your situation is actually very simple. After you lost your body, your immense spiritual sense no longer has a body to house it. Your spiritual power can no longer contain your origin power, and itll eventually blow apart. There doesnt seem to be a place in Yuhaos body that can contain you, because he is still not strong enough right now. While it isnt possible to contain you now, that doesnt mean that it will be impossible in the future. Thats why Im willing to help you. Im also helping myself, the worm, and the scorpion.

With your strength, itll be much easier for Yuhao to advance in the future.

The Snow Empress replied, If Im going to live, Id rather return to nature than live so pathetically.

Electrolux smiled. No ones asking you to live pathetically. Ive already thought about your future. But the time isnt ripe. You need to preserve your powers and prevent them from dissipating. Your intelligence will exist with your spiritual sense.

My future? The Snow Empress was a little confused, and looked at Electrolux with a new sense of curiosity.

Electrolux nodded, and his lips moved as if he were saying something, but Skydream, the Ice Empress, and Huo Yuhao couldnt hear him.

The Snow Empress listened very carefully. After a long while, her confusion turned into shock. Is that really possible? she asked, and everyone could hear her.

Electrolux answered in a deep voice. I never exaggerate things. Im seventy percent confident that it can be realized. Furthermore, its only your origin power that will need to be sealed. Your spiritual sense and intelligence can remain in Huo Yuhaos Spiritual Sea just like the worm and the scorpion, which will allow you to consolidate your spiritual sense and help you familiarize yourself with this place. When Yuhaos cultivation reaches seven rings, itll be a great opportunity to evolve.

Snow Lady, I beg you. Please stay here. The Ice Empress pestered the Snow Empress, and used her long scorpion tail to caress the Snow Empress slender thigh.

Thats right. Stay here. The Skydream Iceworm followed her to the Snow Empress side. However, he was smacked by the Ice Empress pincer before he could get close to the Snow Lady.

The Snow Empress turned to Huo Yuhao, and her icy-blue eyes bore a complicated look.

At this point, Huo Yuhao knew what he should do. He stared at the Snow Empress with a sincere look on his face and said, Greetings, Snow Empress! Although I dont know what Elder Yi said to you, I really hope that you can stay. I cant guarantee that Ill fulfill your wish in the future, but Ill do my best to. Youre the darling of nature, you cant just die. Ill treat you like a friend, partner, and even kin, just like how I treat Skydream and the Ice Empress.

If the Snow Empress stayed, it would be very beneficial to him. Although Huo Yuhao didnt know what Elder Yi said to the Snow Empress, he had clearly heard the word evolve. Furthermore, his control over his body would become stronger as his abilities increased. Even the powerful spirits that existed in his body couldnt forcefully control his body anymore.

Before the Snow Empress had turned into a human embryo, she had nearly seven hundred thousand years of cultivation! Even though she had blown her own body apart, her main strength was sealed within her origin. It would certainly be very useful for him in the future. In addition, the Snow Empress and Ice Empress appeared to very close, the Ice Empress would be delighted if the Snow Empress stayed.

Her desire to survive eventually trumped her pride. The Snow Empress glanced at the Ice Empress hopeful eyes and nodded, albeit with a little hesitation.

The Ice Empress quickly changed the topic. Snow Lady, how did you manage to do it? With your seven-hundred thousand years of cultivation, you cant possibly be reborn as a human! Above a hundred-thousand years of cultivation, our strength cant be restricted just by sealing it. Even if were willing to give up our strength, we wont be able to do it! How did you succeed?

The Snow Empress said, I encountered a hundred-thousand year Snow Lotus. The Snow Lotus cant unlock ones spiritual intelligence, but it contains the purest essence of heaven and earth. I used it to seal my origin, which allowed me to be reborn as a human. But who knew that I would be so unfortunate as to meet a human that had snuck into the Extreme North? He exploited the opportunity to seal me in that vicious Godsealing Altar.

The Ice Empress was enlightened. I see. No wonder you chose this path. Its a pity

Electrolux spoke in a deep voice. Snow Lady, your spiritual sense is too unstable because your sealed origin power is too immense. We must begin quickly.

Although the Snow Empress was very proud, she wouldnt delay after she made her choice. She nodded and answered, Ill have to trouble you, then.

Electrolux drifted to the Snow Empress and reached his right hand forward. The Spiritual Sea beside them started to surge as Huo Yuhao entered a trance. Countless golden spots formed a light that was as bright as the stars, gathering towards Electrolux.

A long, golden staff slowly took form. Huo Yuhao felt a sudden and intense weakness as it condensed in Electroluxs hand.

Electrolux was in a different situation than the Skydream Iceworm and Ice Empress. When he fused into Huo Yuhaos body, he was only left with a shred of his divine sense. He needed to rely on Huo Yuhaos strength every time he wanted to exhibit any form of ability. Under such circumstances, the power that he wanted to use must be within Huo Yuhaos ability to handle.

The formation of this staff had undoubtedly drained Huo Yuhaos spiritual power.

Electroluxs aura changed when the golden staff entered his hands. An indescribable sense of purity and elegance made him seem like a god that had descended.

A deep chant soundedout, Electrolux was reciting mystical words. At the start, his voice was very deep. However, it gradually started to echo in Huo Yuhaos Spiritual Sea.

His mighty voice made him appear even more majestic. Skydream and the Ice Empress didnt move from where they were. The Snow Empress had already shut her eyes, and appeared to be sensing something.

Huo Yuhao was the only one in pain. He felt weaker and weaker. To his horror, he discovered that his boundless Spiritual Sea was shrinking at an alarming rate. His spiritual power was also decreasing significantly.

He initially felt that he already overestimated Elder Yi. But now he realized that Elder Yi was far stronger than he had thought. Huo Yuhao made such this judgment after witnessing the Ice Empress, Snow Empress, and Skydream Iceworms reactions.

The Snow Empress pride quickly disappeared as Elder Yi recited his incantations. What replaced it was a sense of solemnity and esteem.

How powerful would Elder Yi be if he wasnt just a shred of divine sense? Perhaps even a Transcendent Douluo would be inferior to him!

Huo Yuhaos belief grew despite the weakness he felt. He had realized how small he was during the fight between Illustrious Virtue Hall and the Body Sect. He wasnt at a level where he could get involved in such an intense fight. He couldnt even use his Spiritual Detection in such circumstances.

He might be one of the best among others of his same age, but he was still very far from the true elites.

Elder Yis voice was very deep right from the start. However, Huo Yuhaos Spiritual Sea started to shake as Elder Yi continued to chat. In his Spiritual Sea, both bright and dim rays of light intersected. Huo Yuhao fell to a half-conscious state from the drain on his spiritual strength.

At this point, a huge golden vertical eye slowly opened in his Spiritual Sea. A golden beam of light turned into a strong ray shining directly on Huo Yuhaos body. He was jolted awake by the strong light.

Elder Yis voice was blocked out by the light. The golden beam also started to emit brilliant spots that lit up his Spiritual Sea.

This was the feeling that came from the Eye of Destinys second mental sea. The power of destiny was keeping Huo Yuhao conscious.

He still felt weak, but he managed to stay conscious. Huo Yuhao realized that Elder Yi wasnt just chanting anymore.

Electrolux wielded the golden staff in his hand, a ball of transparent golden light glowing blindingly above it. Strange runes slowly formed on the sphere. Every time a mysterious rune was formed, it would detach from the globe, drift towards the Snow Empress, and imprint onto her forehead. While the rune slowly fused into the Snow Empress forehead, a second rune would slowly take form before drifting towards her again. This process carried on very smoothly.

Huo Yuhao gradually felt the weakness disappear. Electrolux seemed to have finally gathered enough strength, and the golden runes began to appear faster and faster. The Snow Lady was gradually engulfed in a layer of golden light, while her divine sense was magically stabilized.

Huo Yuhao could sense that the transparent pearl below his navel was now encased in a layer of gold energy, the entirety of the pearls strength restrained by it.

It was a very strange feeling. It was as if a force on the brink of collapse had been frozen in that state. The Snow Empress expression had also become calmer. Her aloof demeanor was much gentler now.

Something weird seemed to have been etched into Huo Yuhaos heart, and he slowly shut his eyes. He didnt know what had enabled him to become enlightened, but he slowly became immersed in his Spiritual Sea and entered a deep meditative state.

Within the Illustrious Virtue Hall.

Jing Hongchen grit his teeth as he stood in the underground base. Everything in front of him was simply too startling.

The entire underground base was a complete mess. Less than a third of the costly laboratory desks were still in working order; the rest had been completely destroyed, leaving all sorts of rare metals strewn about. The underground base was in tatters.

Jing Hongchen was most depressed by the fact that the underground base was beginning to show signs of instability as a result of the intense battle that had ensued earlier. Luckily, it wasnt beyond salvaging. He immediately instructed his people to solidify and stabilize the bases foundations before they did anything else.

The Illustrious Virtue Hall had never been hit so badly before. The material damages it had sustained would be astronomically costly, and then there was the lives theyd lost. The Illustrious Virtue Hall didnt even belong to him; it was the soul tool research base for the entire Sun Moon Empire! It also had to bear the responsibility of developing advanced soul tools. Even with his current status in the Sun Moon Empire, hed still be held responsible for such a grave matter. He was bound to receive pressure from the imperial family for this.

Body SectBody Sect! Jing Hongchen was enraged. His attempt to pursue them hadnt achieved anything. Halfway through one of the tunnels, Du Busi had collapsed the tunnel behind him while they were chasing them, which had allowed the Body Sect the chance to flee the area.

Jing Hongchen immediately commanded the military to lock down the entire city. However, he knew that this wouldnt work. With the Body Sects abilities, how would the military be able to stop them?

Hallmaster. Lin Jiayis voice trembled as he walked up to Jing Hongchen. Jing Hongchen lowered his head to look at him.

Whats the situation? Jing Hongchen attempted to calm down.

Lin Jiayi lowered his head and answered, The warehouse is still finewe didnt really lose anything. All of the advanced soul tools in storage are intact.

Jing Hongchen heaved a sigh of relief after hearing Lin Jiayis words; at least there was still some good news. It seemed that the Body Sects target had been the hundred thousand year soul beast embryo, and that theyd employed their entire sect to launch a surprise attack on them. Jing Hongchen was determined to take revenge.

However Lin Jiayis next word caused Jing Hongchen to tense up.

He glared at Lin Jiayi, However what? Dont stutter, speak clearly.

Lin Jiayi grit his teeth. His voice trembled as he said, However, Test Subject 1 is missing

What? Jing Hongchen felt as if his vision had suddenly gone dark. His body shook, and he almost toppled to the ground. Lin Jiayi quickly moved to support him.

Jing Hongchen felt as if the sky had just collapsed. He was panicking, and was extremely upset now.

Repeat what you just said. Even Jing Hongchens voice was trembling this time.

Lin Jiayis voice continued to tremble as he said, Test Subject 1 is missing.

Jing Hongchen cursed, spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and then collapsed into Lin Jiayis arms.

What was Test Subject 1? It was the pinnacle of the Illustrious Virtue Halls research on soul tools! Even though it was only half-complete, it was the essence of the Sun Moon Empires research on soul tools over the past few thousand years!

Jing Hongchen face had become pale and his eyes were now full of fear as he looked at Lin Jiayi. He could get away with the fact that the Illustrious Virtue Hall had suffered a great amount of damage in this incident, but he couldnt bear the consequences brought about by the theft of Test Subject 1. This was something that threatened the entire empires safety!

He took in a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. After a moment, he asked, Who else knows about this?

Lin Jiayi shook his head hurriedly and said, I personally went to Laboratory 1 to check. I sealed the door to the lab and changed the doors passcode the moment I discovered that it was missing. I immediately came to report it to you.

Jing Hongchen finally managed to calm himself down and said, Good job. No one else can know about this.

Alright. Lin Jiayi hurriedly answered. Jing Hongchens face was currently half-red and half-white. His hatred towards the Body Sect had reached a peak. His only hope right now was that Test Subject 1 was too difficult for anyone to usethat its technology was too advanced. If it were to be stripped apart, the explosive device within it would immediately detonate. This was a theft prevention plan theyd implemented, and right now, it seemed that doing so had been the right choice.

Even so, the metals theyd lost were still extremely valuable. Fortunately, the Illustrious Virtue Hall was greatly autonomous. So long as this matter wasnt exposed, there was still a chance that they could resolve it quietly.

Jing Hongchen forced his body to straighten up, somehow managing to maintain his cool despite the critical situation.

Lin Jiayi, instruct everyone who was present today to keep their mouths sealed. Anyone that dares to leak news of the incident will be executed, no exceptions.

Send people to every single auction houses, including those in the empire. Have them monitor any and all higher-level auctions. If Test Subject 1 is discovered, retrieve it at all costs.

Finally, use the Illustrious Virtue Halls name to send a mission out to all mercenaries and assassins: Kill anyone from the Body Sect and youll be heavily rewarded.

Jing Hongchen paused for a moment, then said, Besides the injured Illustrious Virtue Hall disciples, all remaining Illustrious Virtue Hall members are to aid in restoring our underground base. Help me inform the elders that well need them to beef up the Illustrious Virtue Halls defenses as well. No further flaws will be accepted. Do you understand?

Yes, Lin Jiayi answered hurriedly. He was relieved that Jing Hongchen had regained his reason.

Jing Hongchen seemed to have thought of something, and asked anxiously, Howre the exchange students from Shrek Academy? Especially Huo Yuhao. Were any of them hurt?

Lin Jiayi knew that Jing Hongchen would ask him this question, thus had done his homework beforehand.

Fan Yu and He Caitou are currently out for an experiment, thus they werent in the underground base. Most of the rest were also outside of the experimentation zone; the initial explosion didnt affect them. They were all very sly, and managed to swiftly retreat to a safe place where they didnt have to participate in the battle. Some of them are injured, but their injuries arent serious. Huo Yuhao is one of them. Our healing-type soul engineers have already checked on him. Even though hes unconscious, he isnt critically injured. He mustve suffered a concussion; he just needs some time to recover.

Jing Hongchen heaved a sigh of relief and said, Thats good. If anything had happened to the Shrek students, it wouldve caused even more trouble. They have to be well taken care ofnothing can happen to them.

Lin Jiayi hesitated for a moment before saying, Hallmaster, do you think its possible that this attack was some sort of collusion between Shrek Academy and the Body Sect? How else could the Body Sect accurately know the position of our underground baseespecially where Test Subject 1 and the hundred thousand year soul beast embryo were? They even managed to release the hundred thousand year soul beast embryo. Im afraid that theres a mole!

Jing Hongchen glared at him and said, Idiot. Dont I know that? However, Shrek wasnt involved. Is your brain empty? Does anyone from Shrek Academy know where our hundred thousand year soul beast embryo is? None of them can even enter the core region of the Illustrious Virtue Hall. Furthermore, we have Huo Yuhao with us. Shrek Academy wouldnt be so stupid. They might mock us for this incident, but it wasnt their doing. And do you really think that theyre that close to the Body Sect?

Alright, quickly pass down my instructions. We need to minimize the effects of this incident. Ill head to the palace immediately; It seems that I need to pay the Crown Prince a visit after all. Its really heavens will! Once hed finished speaking, Jing Hongchen quickly walked away.

Even though the Illustrious Virtue Hall was doing its best to suppress the news, how could such a huge matter be concealed?

The matter had been made known to the entire continent after just a few days. Although the Sun Moon Empires officials didnt reveal who the perpetrators had been, the Illustrious Virtue Halls murderous mission towards the Body Sect clearly indicated who the mastermind behind the attack had been.

The entire continent shook from the news, and the other empires were jubilant at the news. Even though they didnt know how much damage the Illustrious Virtue Hall had suffered, it was a good thing for them no matter what!

The Sun Moon Empires Emperor was enraged when he learned about the matter, and his physical condition worsened as a result. Jing Hongchen was severely punished as a result: his Dukedom was revoked. If not for Xu Tianran, his punishment wouldve been even more severe.

The prices of advanced soul tools on the continent dropped significantly following this, while the prices of rare metals soared. The exchange of rare metals suddenly became much more prevalent.