After finishing her development plan, Furina set down the quill pen dripping with ink, raised her eyes to look at Huo Yuhao, and the corners of her lips unconsciously curled into a knowing smile.
She had actually guessed Huo Yuhao's intention long ago—the plan for his Second Martial Soul Awakening in the Extreme North Land was time to be put on the agenda.
"You didn't come to find me just to improve these things, right? Hmm... the Breakthrough went very smoothly." She asked, knowing the answer, her gaze lingering on the teenager's slightly flushed cheeks from excitement.
"Yes!" Huo Yuhao nodded heavily, his hands unconsciously clenched, "I've finally reached level 20. Brother Tianmeng said that the place to awaken the Second Martial Soul is in the Extreme North Land, which is very far from here... so I wanted to ask Sister Furina to accompany me."
When he said the latter half of the sentence, his voice lowered unconsciously, and his right hand scratched the back of his head unconsciously, like a child asking for candy: "With Sister Furina by my side, I will feel much more at ease. If I encounter an Evil Soul Master on the way, I'm afraid that alone..."
This reason was high-sounding, yet it could not hide the most real desire in his heart—on that distant and strange ice field, he longed for a companion he could trust. Although Brother Tianmeng in his mental sea was good, he was ultimately a Soul Beast soul; Electrolux had only woken up yesterday, and then fell into a deep sleep because he needed to digest and absorb mental force. He dared not face the loneliness of this journey alone.
Furina agreed almost without thinking: "Of course, we must go."
Various information about the Ice Jade Empress Scorpion flashed rapidly in her mind. As a core link in Huo Yuhao's future combat system, the importance of the Ice Jade Empress Scorpion as his Second Martial Soul was self-evident. If she was lucky enough, she might even encounter the Snow Empress and capture both of the overlords of the Extreme North Land.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel secretly relieved. If she missed this opportunity, the next time she wanted to obtain the Snow Empress, she would only be able to go to the Star Luo Empire's Starlight Auction during the future All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament and smash down an astronomical price of 150 million gold coin.
"150 million, huh..." Furina clicked her tongue silently. This number, she was afraid she would have to exchange all her points for top-tier Heaven And Earth Treasure to make it up.
Another thought emerged in her heart—perhaps she could launch her fourth Spirit Ability product, the "golden doughnut vanilla cake", at major auctions in advance. This magical food that could regrow bones and flesh, repair severed limbs, and even promote hair regeneration, even if it only had a shelf life of seven days, was enough to make countless wealthy Spirit Master families flock to it. Its value could at least rival a thousand-year Spirit Bone, and it wouldn't be a problem to auction it off for several million gold coin.
But she soon shook her head. Now was not the time to show her edge. Excessive attention would only invite unnecessary trouble. While she was still weak, keeping a low profile was the best strategy. True trump cards should naturally be saved for the most critical moments.
"It's settled then." Furina decided, "I'll go notify Neuvillette now. Also, have Guardian Lei Bao accompany us. The road is long, and it will be safer to have a Spirit Saint expert as protection."
She added specifically: "As for your concerns, I understand. Once we reach the periphery of the Extreme North Land, let Lei Bao rest in a nearby city, and after entering the core area, I will accompany you to complete the Martial Soul Awakening."
"That's great!" A bright light burst forth in Huo Yuhao's eyes, and his hanging heart finally landed.
When Furina found Neuvillette, this dutiful deputy was reviewing piles of files. Hearing her intention, Neuvillette gently put down the document in his hand and let out a faint, almost imperceptible sigh:
"Ms. Furina, if I remember correctly, the daily affairs of the Axis Cult have always been handled by me, right?"
"Ehehe!" Furina blinked playfully, trying to muddle through, "Don't say it like that. Don't you have four city lords assisting you now? They have plenty of talent under them, enough to share your worries."
"That is true." Neuvillette nodded slightly, then said seriously, "The journey is dangerous, so please be careful. Do not fall into a dangerous situation like last time."
Furina straightened her back, and a touch of pride belonging to the Water God appeared on her face: "Don't worry, I am the Pope of the Axis Cult, the Water God who holds the authority. Unless that Buddha Tang comes down to earth personally to give me a Tathagata Palm, there are very few people on this Douluo Continent who can threaten me."
"I hope so." Neuvillette replied softly. In his memory, Furina was always that weak woman who needed protection. But now, she could always bring out all kinds of bizarre and magical items, so perhaps these words were not empty talk.
"Then it's settled. Time is tight, and Yuhao and I will set off immediately."
"Have a safe trip."
When Furina brought Huo Yuhao to the main entrance of the Axis Cult, Lei Bao had already prepared the carriage and was waiting there. Seeing Furina's figure, this newly promoted Spirit Saint immediately bowed and saluted:
"Pope, your subordinate has been waiting for a long time."
"Guardian Lei Bao is always so thoughtful and meticulous." Furina nodded approvingly.
"This is the subordinate's duty." Lei Bao responded respectfully, "I wonder where the Pope intends to go on this trip?"
"The Extreme North Land." Furina's tone was calm, "So I need you to prepare the fastest carriage so we can arrive in the shortest time."
"The Extreme North Land?!" Lei Bao's face changed suddenly, and his voice raised unconsciously, "Pope, that place is too dangerous! Not to mention the harsh environment, the Soul Beast inhabiting there are not inferior to the overlords in the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest. What is more terrifying is the three great kings of the far north, all of whom are among the top ten Vicious Beast. Even a Titled Douluo who rushes in rashly could end up buried in the ice field if they are not careful!"
Looking at Lei Bao's worried appearance, a touch of warmth welled up in Furina's heart. She slowed her tone and comforted him gently:
"Don't worry. You only need to send us to the periphery of the Extreme North Land, and then you can rest in a nearby city. You have worked hard these days; just take this opportunity to relax."
Seeing that Lei Bao still wanted to persuade her, she gently raised her hand to stop him, her tone carrying undeniable confidence: "Besides, don't forget my identity. As the Water God, I have my own ways to move freely in the extremely cold environment. All kinds of warm spirit tools have already been prepared, and even staying in the core area for ten days is more than enough."
Lei Bao stared at Furina's calm expression, and then glanced at Huo Yuhao, who had a firm gaze behind her, and finally sighed long and bowed to accept the order:
"... Your subordinate obeys."
He neatly lifted the carriage curtain and made a "please" gesture. The exquisite carriage was covered with thick velvet rugs, the heater in the corner emitted a comfortable temperature, and several cold-resistant fur robes were neatly stacked on the seats.
Furina boarded the carriage first, and Huo Yuhao followed closely. The moment the curtain fell, he couldn't help but look back at the receding Axis Cult building complex. Tianmeng Ice Silkworm's excited voice echoed in his mental sea:
"That's great, Yuhao! It's finally starting! Once you find your Second Martial Soul, you will possess the twin spirits that crown the continent! At that time, let's see who dares to look down on you!"
Huo Yuhao clenched his fists silently. He knew that this trip to the Extreme North would be an important turning point in his destiny. And Sister Furina, who was resting with her eyes closed beside him, was his greatest confidence.
The wheels rolled over the bluestone road, making a rhythmic rumbling sound. The carriage soon drove out of the city gate, leaving human settlements behind. The scenery outside the window gradually changed from pastoral scenery to a vast wilderness, and the temperature began to drop significantly.
Furina opened her eyes at some point, took out a detailed map of the continent from her spirit tool, and spread it on her lap. Her fingertips moved slowly along the winding route, finally stopping in a vast area marked in white.
"We will probably need four or five days to reach the periphery of the Extreme North Land." Her voice woke Huo Yuhao from his contemplation, "Don't slack off during this time; continue to operate the Mysterious Heaven Skill and Taiyi Spirit Refining Art to improve your Soul Power and mental force."
"I understand, Sister Furina." Huo Yuhao responded solemnly. He immediately closed his eyes and began to operate the Mysterious Heaven Skill. Faint white mist rose from the acupoints all over his body, forming a subtle circulation of Qi in the carriage.
Furina nodded with satisfaction, her gaze falling back on the map. Her fingertips tapped gently on the core area of the Extreme North Land, and a glimmer of anticipation flashed in her eyes.
This trip to the Extreme North, in addition to obtaining the Second Martial Soul for Yuhao, was also to see if she could find the Snow Empress and try to subdue her as well.
The carriage sped along the official road, kicking up bursts of dust. On the distant skyline, the faint snow line could already be seen. A journey destined to change the fate of many people officially kicked off.