"It's almost time. You've all made your decision, right?"
Huo Yuhao swept his gaze over the gathered immortal herbs, inspecting them carefully.
'Good—they all look lively and energetic!'
A presence far more terrifying than half a year ago emanated from him, causing the immortal herbs to tremble and sway involuntarily.
'He's here! The man who defeated Infernal Delicate Apricot and subdued Star Anise!'
'The Tyrant, Huo Yuhao!'
As for the golden-haired girl standing beside him…
The immortal herbs had no objections.
If Huo Yuhao had brought her, then she was undoubtedly trustworthy.
Moreover, this human girl gave off an inexplicably familiar aura, one that made the immortal herbs instinctively want to draw closer to her.
When Huo Yuhao cut straight to the point with his question, the leader of the immortal herbs, the Aromatic Silk Beauty, took over the conversation.
"Yuhao, we've discussed it. If the soul contract truly works as you say, then all of us immortal herbs are willing to leave with you."
Over the past six months, whether out of a yearning for freedom or simply a desire to survive, nearly every sentient immortal herb had been swayed by the persuasion of their eldest sister.
Of course, this was also because Youyou herself was a staunch advocate for liberation.
Once she left and the protection of her Indestructible Violet Aura vanished, the remaining immortal herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well would face the ever-encroaching threat of the Poison Miasma.
Faced with life-or-death stakes, even the most stubborn among the immortal herbs dared not defy the King of Immortal Herbs, Youyou.
As for those who had yet to develop sentience…
Well, the majority had no choice but to follow the minority.
"However…"
Youyou paused before continuing, "Yuhao, while we trust you, the soul contract is still just your word. Whether it can reliably transform soul beasts into spirits, or if it's a unique case that can't be replicated—we still don't know for sure."
"What do you propose?" Huo Yuhao glanced around before finally settling his gaze on Youyou.
"We wish to witness the soul contract ceremony firsthand. As long as it works, all of us will follow you."
Youyou's petals trembled slightly, her tone resolute.
"Of course, as thanks for your assistance, the treasures we've nurtured ourselves will also be yours to take."
With that, a faint pink light shimmered across her petals.
From her stamen rose a purple orb the size of a cherry, crystal-clear like amethyst. Within it, a mist-like radiance pulsed rhythmically—the Exquisite Heart, an antidote to all poisons.
Seeing the usually aloof Youyou acting so solemn yet somewhat stiff, Qiu'er and Huo Yuhao exchanged a glance.
Though Qiu'er remained silent, Huo Yuhao could read her thoughts from her eyes.
Qiu'er: "We get to take it for free? Such a good deal?!"
Huo Yuhao hadn't expected these usually cautious herbs to be so generous this time!
Last visit, he'd had to endure multiple tests just to take seven herbs, and even then, under strict conditions.
But now? They were practically throwing treasures at him.
'Seems I've grown more charming.'
And Tang San's death might have lifted a great burden off their shoulders.
"Fair enough. I'll demonstrate the soul contract for you right now." Huo Yuhao nodded.
"Good. Star Anise, you're up."
Relieved that Huo Yuhao agreed, Youyou prepared to pass the stage to the Star Anise.
This guy was a hardcore freedom-seeker. If not for her intervention last time, he would've bolted with Huo Yuhao long ago.
This demonstration would not only dispel doubts but also fulfill the Star Anise's long-held wish.
"Actually, it won't be me making the contract this time—it'll be her."
Huo Yuhao declined Youyou's suggestion and introduced:
"This is Di Qiu'er. I brought her here because she's reached the bottleneck of a Soul King and can form a soul contract with one of you. This way, you can verify whether the soul contract truly works—or if it's just a fluke limited to me."
Star Anise Grass was stunned.
'What about me?!'
'Snowflakes fall, the north wind howls…'
'I was finally moved… only to be utterly defeated…'
Huo Yuhao could only offer an apologetic look in response.
If his second martial soul were purely ice-attribute, contracting the Star Anise would've been fine.
But the path he sought wasn't limited to absolute ice.
Thus, it would've been a waste of natural resources.
Besides, the Ice Empress alone could provide him with another soul ring.
Not to mention, both the Snow Empress and Ling Luochen were far more suitable candidates to contract the Star Anise when the time came.
The other immortal herbs, meanwhile, scrutinized Qiu'er with curiosity, murmuring among themselves.
"Her vitality is strong, but her cultivation is still a bit lacking…"
"This girl's not bad—I call dibs!"
"Can someone at her level really withstand our power?"
"Pure Road Grass, let's be honest—forcing a contract would harm her."
Plant soul beasts possessed far keener perception than their animal counterparts, allowing them to deduce much from mere observation.
Youyou swayed slightly, phrasing her concerns delicately:
"Yuhao, we can see that Qiu'er has immense potential and is highly compatible with us. However, at her current Soul King level, it might be… unwise. After all, not every soul master is as… exceptional as you."
'Seriously, which normal soul master gets a 100,000-year soul ring at the sixth rank?!'
Huo Yuhao's lips twitched.
'Do you even know who you're rejecting?'
'The Return of the Golden Dragon King, ever heard of it?'
To be blunt, this Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eyes was practically Qiu'er's birthright. These immortal herbs thrived solely due to the legacy of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings.
If Qiu'er revealed her identity as a Golden Dragon, they'd be scrambling over each other to beg her to take them in.
Qiu'er didn't smirk—she simply snorted coldly.
A golden dragon's aura enveloped her as scales emerged across her skin. A domineering, terrifying pressure erupted within the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Not only that, a faint red-gold light flickered across her body—the power of destiny!
Instantly, all the immortal herbs trembled in awe.
They'd been blind!
Silence fell.
The doubters shut their mouths, fearing they'd provoked the great demon Huo Yuhao.
After all, this was the monster who could bathe in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well without flinching!
Even if they fought together, they stood no chance.
Definitely not someone to offend!
Youyou wanted to ease the tension, but another immortal herb beat her to it.
It was the one deemed most compatible with Qiu'er—the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd.
In Huo Yuhao's eyes, it was one of the two most suitable 100,000-year immortal herbs for Qiu'er present, the other being the more common Seven Apertures Mysterious Chrysanthemum, which enhanced physical vitality.
After all, 100,000-year immortal herbs weren't cabbages.
Though the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well accelerated their growth, only a dozen or so had reached that level, with even fewer being top-tier.
"If I'm not mistaken, your martial soul is the Golden Dragon, correct? I am the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd. While I may not be the strongest here, I'm undoubtedly the best match for you, Qiu'er. With my help, your bloodline power can advance further!"
Earth Dragon Golden Gourd: "I must seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"'
It was one of the few immortal herbs eager for freedom, tired of the unchanging life in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Though it knew little about human soul masters, even its roots could tell this golden-haired girl was a once-in-an-era talent—no less than Huo Yuhao!
'The Golden Dragon—a supreme soul beast lineage—had become her martial soul!'
'She must be Heaven's chosen!'
Despite the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd's enthusiasm, Qiu'er didn't immediately agree. She glanced at Huo Yuhao for confirmation.
He nodded.
The Earth Dragon Golden Gourd wasn't wrong. While it couldn't trigger another evolution of the Golden Dragon martial soul, it would significantly enhance the fusion of Qiu'er's golden bloodline.
The human body was inherently frail. To fully unleash the Golden Dragon's potential, she needed compatible soul rings and bones.
"Then it's settled—you, the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd." Qiu'er agreed.
Huo Yuhao briefed the immortal herbs on the soul contract's specifics and summoned Skydream to guide the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd in sealing its power—just in case.
"Understood. Let's begin."
The Earth Dragon Golden Gourd nodded. Though it looked simple-minded, it was far from stupid.
As a 100,000-year soul beast, it could easily suppress its own power with active cooperation—almost like a willing sacrifice.
At the same time, its last trace of doubt vanished.
As Youyou often said, Huo Yuhao was indeed trustworthy.
He could've easily forced them with his strength. Yet here he was, going to great lengths to ensure a fair contract.
'Such sincerity!'
As the ceremony commenced, all the immortal herbs observed intently.
Even Skydream and the Ice Empress watched closely.
Huo Yuhao even summoned Electrolux as backup, worried about Qiu'er's safety.
Elder Mu: "Ah, young love…"'
This Soul Contract 1.0 had been perfected by him and Huo Yuhao—foolproof.
Still, Electrolux didn't refuse. It was a chance to gather data on 100,000-year plant souls.
…
The process went smoothly.
A blood-red 100,000-year soul ring materialized above Qiu'er.
The Earth Dragon Golden Gourd's physical form dissolved, transforming into a spirit-like entity—similar to Skydream.
Now miniature in size, its golden vines coiled around Qiu'er's right arm like a tiny dragon.
Earth Dragon Golden Gourd: "Family, I've made it!"'
The immortal herbs buzzed with excitement—and regret.
Why hadn't they recognized her sooner?
Unlike the skepticism from half a year ago, this time, they'd witnessed the entire process.
'Fair. Transparent. Flawless.'
This erased all remaining doubts.
'Time to move!'
Though life outside might not surpass the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, at least there was freedom—and new sights to behold.
Of course, Huo Yuhao's display of power had also left an impression.
'Who else could train inside the Yin Yang Eyes barehanded?'
'Absolute monster!'
Half a year ago, after Huo Yuhao left, the immortal herbs had held a meeting.
They'd doubted his claims at first—but the wise among them saw the truth.
Huo Yuhao was not to be trifled with.
The fact that he even negotiated with them was a mercy.
And now?
In just six months, he'd grown even more unfathomable.
His mere presence was enough to unsettle them.
Not to mention, their home might soon be gone.
Huo Yuhao's training had drained a significant amount of energy from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, disrupting the ice-fire balance.
Worse, the immortal herbs could no longer jointly mobilize its power to defend against outsiders.
No one knew how long this paradise would last.
With the Poison Miasma looming and Huo Yuhao's revelations about Tang San's death, the immortal herbs faced a dire choice.
If you can't resist… you might as well enjoy it.
Seeing their silent exchange, Huo Yuhao asked calmly: "Now that you've seen proof, any other concerns?"
The immortal herbs stayed quiet. Finally, Youyou spoke: "We'll honor our agreement. But… how will you take us all away?"
She hesitated. "If it's one by one, it'll take too long…"
"No need for that." Huo Yuhao waved a hand.
"QQ Farm—begin!"
An arcane chant filled the air as magical runes materialized, forming a luminous gate to the Spectral Demiplane.
Now, he could open it without Electrolux's help.
The immortal herbs stared, baffled.
'What kind of skill is this?!'
Huo Yuhao smiled.
"This demiplane was created by my teacher. I've already prepared a space for you there."
Feeling the deathly aura beyond the gate, the immortal herbs fell silent again.
'What in the world…?'
'Is this still Douluo Continent?!'
'This demiplane is anything but normal!'
…
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