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--- Chapter 417 ---
After welcoming Han Yuan, the Snow Empress guided the group to the ice crystal castle perched on the edge of a cliff. The scenery struck Han Yuan as oddly familiar, matching a certain 'let it go' princess.
"We only built the castle recently," Snow Empress said while seated on the walking Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai. "After all, the Extreme North rarely receives guests; even Di Tian's visit was a surprise to us."
Han Yuan raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident on his face. "Is that so? What did Di Tian say about me?"
The Ice Empress transformed into a petite and feisty-looking woman wearing a doll-like emerald-green dress.
Then, she answered his question on behalf of the Snow Empress, "Di Tian did mentioned that humans have given birth to an unparalleled genius."
"Oh, he also said we are open to testing your abilities once you arrive."
"Damn, Di Tian. That's quite a low blow." Han Yuan couldn't help but snort, realizing Di Tian was reminding him of the situation with Di Nayuan.
The Snow Empress shook her head gently. "Di Tian also instructed me to treat you well upon your arrival in the Extreme North. Your discoveries regarding the Soul Contract and Spirit Soul are incredibly impressive."
"Calling it the future of the Spirit Beast isn't wrong."
"Consequently, the Extreme North wholeheartedly hopes you can guide us toward a better path."
"Oh, look, we have arrived." The Ice Empress chimed again.
Everyone halted as the Snow Empress casually jumped off the Ice Bear King, followed closely by the Ice Empress.
"Follow us," Snow Empress commanded. "Ah Tai, Xiao Bai, you wait outside."
"Aw, I wanted to come in too..." grumbled the Ice Bear King, but since the Snow Empress had given the order, he had no choice but to stay.
"Hmph." The Titan Snow Demon King expressed a similar discontent but merely snorted and sat outside. He wasn't particularly interested in the discussions anyway.
Titan Snow Demon King's focus was entirely on fighting Han Yuan, and their previous encounter had been too brief to satisfy him.
Even so, he set aside his rigid thoughts, knowing the importance of this alliance far surpassed his personal enjoyment.
Meanwhile, Chen Wuyao remained silent, too astonished to question her own sanity.
Not only had she witnessed Han Yuan defeat a 100,000-year-old spirit beast easily, but now he was being greeted by a scorpion and a woman riding an ice bear, both of whom appeared to be even more powerful 'spirit beasts' than the Titan Snow Demon King.
The Snow Empress and the Ice Empress led Han Yuan's group to a grand hall made entirely of pure ice, its design showcasing a stunning contrast of white and blue.
Xiao Wu's eyes fixed on a long table adorned with numerous specialties from the Extreme North—Snow Lotuses, Heavenly Cold Pure Dews, and rare herbs over a thousand years old— all served on icy-blue plates.
"Good stuff!" Xiao Wu's eyes lit up.
"For the love of spirits... These are priceless treasures outside, yet they are served on the table so casually here," Chen Wuyao murmured to herself, eyes wide in astonishment. She knew that any of these treasures could significantly improve her own cultivation.
Even though Chen Wuyao considered herself capable, she understood it would take her at least ten years to reach the Title Douluo realm with such an abundance of heavenly treasures.
Nevertheless, Chen Wuyao didn't dare to make a move on these heavenly treasures, not wanting to appear greedy in front of Han Yuan and the spirit beasts' eyes. After all, she is merely a bystander.
"Alright, guest, please take a seat," the Snow Empress said, settling into a random seat while the Ice Empress took one beside her.
As everyone sat on the ice-rock-like chairs, they felt a soothing sensation entering their bodies, not an uncomfortable one, but rather a refreshing one.
Chen Wuyao looked down and whispered in disbelief, "Thousand-year-old Ice Jade Rocks..."
"Any spirit master would die for a tiny piece to craft a ring or pendant because it would enhance their spirit energy flow, thus improving their cultivation speed."
"But here it is, turned into chairs and a table."
The Ice Empress waved her hand and said dismissively. "These things are abundant in the core area, but you have to dig deep to access them."
"..." This reaction was all Chen Wuyao could muster, hearing that.
Han Yuan chuckled and shook his head. "Haha, the Extreme North truly is a treasure trove."
"It's just that the Snow Empress and her companions don't know how to utilize them."
"Well, that's true, humans and spirit beasts cultivate differently," the Snow Empress acknowledged with a calm nod. "Although our spirit beast is 'naturally' blessed with longevity, our cultivation speed is slow."
"We can consume heavenly treasure and rely on our bloodline, but all that is meaningless when our ceiling decides."
"You humans face similar challenges, but at least you have various ways to compensate for them."
Han Yuan doesn't comment on the 'ceiling' that Snow Empress mentioned because he knew Di Tian had probably told her about it.
He then picked some berries on the plates casually and popped them into his mouth before commenting, "Let's talk about business instead of the depressing topics of spirit beast."
"Besides the alliance you agreed upon with the Star Dou Forest, I also need the Extreme North's full cooperation to perform Spirit Soul and Soul Contract Pacts."
"Of course, the matter of Spirit Soul and Soul Contract is voluntary, but it would be best for those spirit beasts on the verge of death to give them another chance at life."
"As for the talents on our side, I have brought some for demonstration," Han Yuan added, glancing at Chen Wuyao and the Skywater Academy's seven team members.
"Pardon?" Chen Wuyao pointed at herself in confusion.
Han Yuan smiled faintly, "Senior Chen, I will definitely explain the matter of Spirit Soul and Soul Contract slowly, but I hope you can fully cooperate with me on this deal first."
"Don't worry, I assure you and your students that no harm will come."
"In fact, they might become even stronger after this."
"However, if you say no to this, I won't force you either."
Chen Wuyao glanced at her sleeping students. Then, she made up her mind on their behalf, "Then, let's cooperate, Young Master Han."
"Good," Han Yuan nodded in satisfaction. "Senior, you're indeed bold and lucky."
"Trust me, you and your students are going to become the first wave of change to the Douluo Continent."
Han Yuan returned his gaze to the Snow Empress, "And now, another deal I intended to propose."
"Snow Empress, do you want to become a divine spirit?"
Snow Empress, who was still calmly observing Han Yuan, suddenly froze when Han Yuan uttered those words.
Becoming a divine beast is an obsession for any Spirit Beasts, especially those who have high cultivation, because they have witnessed humans doing it in the past.
They knew their talents were no worse than those humans, but as if the world was cursing them, they couldn't even reach a 100,000-year-old cultivation without being afraid of the Lightning Tribulation.
The Ice Empress glared at Han Yuan, "You..."
"Since when did becoming a divine beast become so simple?"
"You said it as if becoming one is like walking in a park!"
"For you, it is indeed difficult because the limitation of your Ice Jade Scorpion Tribe," Han Yuan gazed at the Ice Empress and commented playfully. "But for the Snow Empress, it is indeed quite simple, and even like walking in a park."
"So, do you dare to accept my proposal?" Han Yuan winked at Snow Empress.
"I..." Snow Empress put on a difficult look.