"To purify the bloodline of your Shuang family's Extreme North Ice Fox martial soul? Then tell me, does the Jade Ice Pill have the ability to enhance the bloodline purity of other ice-type beast martial souls from the Extreme North?"
Upon hearing Huo Yuhao's question, Meng Hongchen turned her eyes toward him, her expression full of concern. If it could, wouldn't that mean a potential way to purify her own martial soul?
But Shuang Lingjun slowly shook her head.
"The Jade Ice Pill only works to purify the bloodline of our clan's inherited martial soul. I'm afraid it won't help anyone else."
Huo Yuhao's eyelids lowered slightly as he sighed.
'As expected. Finding a method to help Meng Hongchen purify her bloodline won't be so simple.'
Still, for a pill to be able to refine the bloodline of a beast martial soul—that was intriguing. Huo Yuhao couldn't help his curiosity.
After hesitating for a moment, he said,
"I want the Shuang family's recipe for the Jade Ice Pill. What do you want in return? State your conditions."
Shuang Lingjun was stunned at first. Then, a wave of joy surged in her heart.
'To think I've been given the chance to negotiate with the holder of the Grand Worship Token!'
The Jade Ice Pill was undoubtedly a closely guarded secret of the Shuang family. But compared to what someone of Huo Yuhao's level could offer in return, it was nothing.
"Of course, honored one!"
She responded without hesitation. However, choosing the right condition was something she had to consider carefully. It needed to bring her enough benefit, but not be so outrageous that it would anger someone of his standing.
After some thought, under Huo Yuhao's calm, examining gaze, she spoke:
"My lord… our Shuang family wishes for greater status in the northern region of the Sun Moon Empire. We've always been loyal supporters of the imperial family, from generation to generation."
Huo Yuhao was surprised and looked at her thoughtfully.
'Status, huh? If she's going to make a request of someone with the Grand Worship Token, then yes—status is something I can grant.'
He smiled slightly.
"Status, you say? If I recall correctly, the Shuang family is one of the five major count houses in the north, yes?"
Shuang Lingjun nodded. Then, as if she had suddenly realized what he might be implying, her eyes widened in disbelief.
"There are five count families in the northern region," Huo Yuhao continued, "and the only duke, the Northern Grand Duke, has already defected. Heh… promoting your family to take up that position and lead the north isn't out of the question."
Shuang Lingjun's eyes lit up instantly.
'Could it really be possible?'
Of course, she was well aware that a single pill recipe wouldn't be enough to earn her family a duchy. Huo Yuhao's next words confirmed her assumption.
"But whether or not your family can handle the responsibilities of a duke's position depends on your performance. So, as compensation for giving me the Jade Ice Pill formula—and also as a way to test your family—I will grant you part of the development rights to several rare metal veins in the northern and Extreme North regions. If your family can manage them well and satisfy both His Majesty and myself, then you'll be eligible for promotion."
"I'm headed north now, specifically to oversee mining operations in the Extreme North. Once things are arranged, I'll have my people coordinate with your family to hand over the rights. As for the potential threats lurking there… don't worry. I'll handle them myself."
"Thank you, my lord!"
Shuang Lingjun dropped to her knees and bowed deeply. This was a massive opportunity!
Even putting aside the prospect of a dukedom, just the rights to develop those rich mines in the northern and Extreme North regions could bring her family unimaginable profits. It would solidify their position as the most powerful count family in the region.
And Huo Yuhao's words left her stunned.
'He's going to the Extreme North to oversee mining operations? That place is terrifying! Everyone knows how dangerous it is to extract resources there, with all those powerful soul beasts guarding it!'
Yet this boy, who looked only fourteen, claimed he could handle it?
'He must be capable of negotiating with the Three Great Kings of the Extreme North… is he really just a youth? Could he actually be Grand Worship Kong Deming himself in disguise?'
In any case, thrilled with the terms, Shuang Lingjun immediately retrieved the Jade Ice Pill formula from her storage soul tool and handed it over to Huo Yuhao.
'What a deal!'
Afterward, she respectfully excused herself. Once she was gone, Meng Hongchen leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. Together, they began studying the formula.
"Let's see… various herbs from the Extreme North… Ice Lotus, Northern Cold Jade… these are pretty standard. How do they purify bloodlines?"
Huo Yuhao couldn't understand at first. But when he saw one particular ingredient listed, everything clicked—Mysterious Ice Marrow, and it was the most heavily used material in the recipe.
It was well known that for soul beasts of the Extreme North, Mysterious Ice Marrow was an incredible, unmatched tonic. The Skydream Iceworm had become a million-year soul beast precisely because it had consumed vast quantities of this miraculous substance.
And this pill didn't even require the ten-thousand-year version—ordinary Mysterious Ice Marrow would do. No wonder, when paired with other herbs, it could enhance the bloodline of something like the Extreme North Ice Fox.
That sparked a bold idea in Huo Yuhao's mind.
'What if I changed nothing else, but used ten-thousand-year Mysterious Ice Marrow instead? Would that produce a supreme Jade Ice Pill capable of purifying the bloodline of a top-tier martial soul like Zhuqing Ice Toad?'
Just then, the long-silent Snow Empress finally spoke in a deep voice:
"I do not know. But… there is a strong possibility. Even for me, ten-thousand-year Mysterious Ice Marrow is an incomparably precious treasure."
Her words were echoed by both the Ice Empress and Skydream Iceworm.
Yes, it was that rare.
Huo Yuhao fell silent.
'Even if it could work for Senior Sister Meng, where would I find something as rare as ten-thousand-year Mysterious Ice Marrow?'
Then he slapped his thigh, as if recalling something important.
"Dou Ling Empire. Dragon City. Earth Dragon Gate…"
He muttered the words, and at that moment, the advantage of being a transmigrator who had read the original story kicked in.
(End of Chapter)
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