"An Zhen, save us~"
The Fragrant Silk Rose Immortal seemed to latch onto a lifeline, seemingly forgetting that this person had come to rob them just moments ago.
Too terrifying.
A disagreement and he'd kill them all to silence them.
The other immortal herbs, including the fiercest-screaming Blazing Apricot Delicate Shrub, instinctively looked toward An Zhen—the only person present who could save them.
"Of course."
An Zhen's smile was utterly sincere. In the eyes of the Fragrant Silk Rose Immortal, he seemed like a savior sent from the heavens.
He reached out his hand, and a bottle of chilled juice appeared in it, vanishing the next instant.
The Ice and Fire Dragon Kings stared blankly at the space behind An Zhen. Something had flickered there just now.
The chilled juice hadn't come from a storage soul tool, nor was it his first soul skill, Mirror Manifestation. It came from his yet-to-be-obtained fourth soul ring. Though the ring itself hadn't been acquired, the authority of this virtual world was already manifesting.
It felt like space-related authority, yet not quite. He could store objects—even living beings—from the real world into this virtual space. An Zhen had experimented with Blue Silver Grass (plants) and Soft Boned Rabbits (animals). Once something was inside, forcibly deactivating his martial soul became impossible.
According to Teacher Yi Laike, his virtual world had "devoured" the space containing those objects. At that moment, the virtual world transformed into a semi-real, semi-illusory existence. And what was devoured naturally had to be digested.
"I have an excellent solution. It will satisfy the Dragon Kings' desire for secrecy and accelerate your growth."
An Zhen crouched before the giant pink flower, his smile radiant.
"Really?" The Fragrant Silk Rose Immortal cried out in delight.
The Blazing Apricot Delicate Shrub felt this human was up to no good. After all, he'd come to rob them, disregarding all rules. But…
A Jiao (Blazing Apricot) stole a glance at the imposing Ice and Fire Dragon Kings. Well… as long as we survive.
This thought was shared by nearly all sentient plant soul beasts. Though unsure of their fate on this path, they truly didn't want to die.
"Of course it's true," An Zhen's tone shifted. "But combat-capable plant soul beasts must accept binding restrictions."
His current virtual world was undeniably fragile—far less stable than realms like the Dragon Tomb or the Undead Plane. These soul beasts would enter physically, unlike with his third soul skill where only consciousness crossed over. A rampaging 100,000-year soul beast could cause him immense trouble.
"You are a liar!" Blazing Apricot shrieked. "This is just making us lambs for your slaughter!"
"Take it or leave it."
Different species, different hearts.
Given how these 100,000-year soul beasts had tormented Huo Yuhao in the original story, An Zhen couldn't possibly let them into his virtual world without safeguards.
Ignoring the plants, he turned to the Dragon Kings and Yi Laike. "Teacher, Seniors, please gather as much energy as possible from the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well."
"Understood."
Two figures transformed into dragon souls and plunged into the well. Though this energy no longer belonged to them, it once had. Absorbing it all quickly was impossible, but gathering it with the help of another powerhouse was feasible.
The world is greedy.
The corpses of two Dragon Kings, each rivaling a first-class deity—even diminished—were an immense energy bounty.
He wanted to grow up quickly.
Extreme fire erupted skyward like a volcano. This time, extreme ice joined it. The opposing forces didn't cancel each other but divided the sky—one half scorching, one half frozen. The sentient plant soul beasts below trembled; the home that once nurtured them now threatened their annihilation.
"We agree! We agree!" The Fragrant Silk Rose Immortal was terrified.
Following their leader's plea, survival instinct took over. The plant soul beasts swayed like subjects bowing to a monarch, submitting to the human youth.
An Zhen remained still.
The handsome youth sat cross-legged on a soft cushion, focusing intently. His fourth soul ring wasn't acquired yet; wielding this authority prematurely strained him. As for contracting these soul beasts? His fourth ring was reserved for Bing Di. Huo Yutong's future soul spirit was already planned.
"An Zhen, An Zhen, save us~" You You (Fragrant Silk) pleaded desperately.
"An Zhen, are you angry at A Jiao?"
"A Jiao, apologize to him!"
"I… I'm sorry."
For plant soul beasts who'd never left this place, survival and growth meant everything.
Several gray wisps of light fell precisely before the combat-ready plants. A cold voice echoed in their souls: "Open your minds."
Without time to question, they obeyed. Something settled upon them—a binding.
Yi Laike had imposed a standard master-servant contract.
"Huuu—"
An Zhen opened his eyes. The Ice Fire Yin Yang Well, dragon souls, immortal herbs—all reflected in his gaze. Yellow, yellow, purple—three soul rings materialized beside his hand. Sensing the overwhelming ambient energy, primal greed surged within him.
"The contracts are sealed," Yi Laike's icy voice brought absolute reassurance.
"Thank you, Teacher."
Taking a deep breath, An Zhen stopped suppressing his soul's hunger.
Devour it.
Devour everything here.
"Fragrant Silk Rose Immortal, order all plants to resist the suction force. Those who resist stay behind and face the Dragon Kings' judgment."
His world was coming.
BOOM!
A hammer seemed to strike every soul present—except Huo Yutong, shielded by Yi Laike.
Following An Zhen's command, the Fragrant Silk Rose Immortal looked up.
Was the sky cracking?
No. Another world was descending.
A massive, illusory sphere outlined a realm. Within it, she saw the Ice Fire Yin Yang Well, the immortal herbs… even herself.
The plant soul beasts shivered, obeying An Zhen's order, awaiting their fate.
Our medicinal value is high… surely he won't destroy us?
"I believe he'll become a god now," the Ice Dragon King mused beside An Zhen, marveling at the sight. A nascent world of incredible potential, still so fragile. But what is his origin? A world's consciousness incarnate? This isn't how that works…
Yi Laike shielded Huo Yutong, who was refining medicinal energy, oblivious to the chaos. In his hand, he held a sphere the size of a human head—intertwined ice-white and fire-red.
(End of Chapter)