In the sky, that blood-red eye suddenly opened, forcing Ice Emperor's aura to retreat slightly.
Within his spiritual sea, Xu Cheng was the absolute ruler.
"We're not three-year-old children; there's no need for deception. I'm bringing this up because I believe it benefits both of us."
Xu Cheng quietly stared at Ice Emperor, speaking calmly.
"Oh? A spiritual-type martial soul? You're an interesting human…"
Ice Emperor muttered in surprise, withdrawing her imposing aura slightly.
Xu Cheng smiled faintly.
"I'll be upfront with you. Your life is nearing its end, and you only have two choices. One, transform into a human. Two, face the fourth great tribulation head-on."
"But let's be honest. Very few succeed in the first option, and as for the second… you know better than I do. The chances of surviving this tribulation are less than one percent."
"So instead of gambling on an uncertain future, why not help me become a god? You've seen my talent in my spiritual sea—there's no need for me to explain further. But the key to godhood…"
"Just a few days ago, a god chose him as their successor!" Tian Meng said excitedly.
"Ice Ice, you should be able to sense it too. There's a divine mark left inside his spiritual sea—it's meant to protect him! Such a golden opportunity is right in front of you. Don't hesitate!"
"It's real?!!"
Ice Emperor's eyes filled with shock.
She could clearly sense a mark radiating an aura of extreme destruction within Xu Cheng's mind.
It didn't seem to be conscious, but if Xu Cheng were to face a life-threatening situation, its owner would likely appear immediately…
Xu Cheng's frankness exceeded her expectations.
After all, in her eyes, most humans were deceitful and despicable.
Yet his words were direct and honest—no scheming, no manipulation. He simply laid the facts before her, allowing her to choose.
"What if I don't choose you?" Ice Emperor suddenly asked.
"Then I'll kill you alongside Tian Meng." Xu Cheng said plainly. "If I let you go, you'll return to your body and recover your strength. At that point, we might not be able to escape. And this is the Extreme North—you have allies here."
"…"
"In that case, fine."
Ice Emperor gave Xu Cheng a deep look and suddenly smiled.
"I'm willing to sacrifice myself."
"YES! YES!"
Tian Meng cheered.
"Shut up!"
Ice Emperor lashed her tail, sending Tian Meng flying into Xu Cheng's spiritual sea.
Then, she turned back to Xu Cheng, a complicated look in her eyes.
Xu Cheng's charm didn't just come from his terrifying strength—it was also his confidence. That was the key reason she made her decision.
"Since I've chosen to sacrifice myself to you, I need to explain things first. I can provide you with an independent martial soul to store my first soul ring. Additionally, I'll grant you a soul bone. You can choose its form—torso, head, arms, or legs."
"However, this process is extremely painful. If anything goes wrong, you could die."
Ice Emperor said slowly.
"I understand."
Xu Cheng nodded.
Because of Ice Emperor's immense power, the fusion of the torso bone would even require replacing parts of the ribcage. It was undoubtedly an agonizing process.
But he had already chosen this path—there was no turning back.
Fear of pain wouldn't stop him.
"Alright, then let's begin."
Ice Emperor didn't waste any more words.
Sun Moon Empire Royal Academy.
Elder Cheng suddenly stopped, rubbing his forehead.
"Hmm, I need a rare metal. It's only found in the Extreme North, but all the market stock is gone. Even the black market doesn't have any. What a hassle… Looks like I'll have to make a trip myself."
Just as he was about to leave, he glanced at the rank nine soul device he had just completed—the Sealed God Platform.
"Well, since I'm heading to the Extreme North anyway… If I find a suitable soul beast, I might as well bring this along."