Snow Empress's originally firm attitude almost completely crumbled at this moment.
There was nothing she could do; she was absolutely certain that the aura she had just felt was a God Assessment, and one that was already bound!
This proved that the young man in front of her was an heir to a Divinity, someone who had already received the recognition of a Divinity and was almost certainly destined to become a God in the future!
Snow Empress's expression became complicated for a moment. If she reconsidered the young man's words from earlier in light of the current situation—the solution to the Heavenly Tribulation, the promise to protect the Land of Extreme North—there was no doubt that the young man standing before her was most likely not exaggerating, but truly had a way.
Snow Empress pursed her lips slightly, a flicker of hesitation crossing her exquisitely beautiful face. She opened her mouth, intending to agree to the so-called transaction someone had proposed earlier.
But thinking of her attitude just now, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
Disdain one moment, solemn the next... such capriciousness, even she found it a bit ugly. Yet... if it could protect the Land of Extreme North and Bing'er...
Snow Empress's thoughts shifted, her inner resolve already wavering. Just as she was about to speak, Ming'an suddenly changed the subject, spreading his hands.
"Alright, I've put all my chips on the table. Now, let me see yours."
"..."
Snow Empress, who had been about to speak, was once again speechless.
My... chips?
Right, this was a transaction... But what did she have? Or rather, what could she offer the other party?
Heaven And Earth Treasure, things to enhance one's strength? The Land of Extreme North did have some, but would the other party truly value them?
Choose to help the other party, to become an aid on his path to godhood? But with two powerful individuals already by his side, did the other party truly need her as an aid?
Moreover, she was a Spirit Beast, and currently considered his captive. According to the normal thoughts of a Spirit Master, killing her to obtain her spirit ring and Spirit Bone would be the most correct choice, wouldn't it?
A hint of desolation flashed in Snow Empress's eyes.
The coveted item was right before her, but she had no chips to buy it...
The atmosphere fell silent, but a faint smile flickered in Ming'an's eyes. Feigning confusion, he asked, "What, you don't have any chips?"
A hint of embarrassment flashed in Snow Empress's eyes. The indifference she had earlier was gone, and she unnaturally shifted her gaze to the side, her voice a few shades softer.
"...Mm."
"But you're very satisfied with my chips, and you want all of them?"
Snow Empress pursed her lips, nodding again. "...Mm."
"Then I have a solution." Ming'an revealed a smile. "Perhaps, we can complete a partial transaction."
"Partial... transaction?" Snow Empress was a bit puzzled.
"It's simple," Ming'an explained. "Before I successfully inherit the God Position, you can temporarily stay by my side.
"On one hand, you'll act as my guard, ensuring my safety. On the other hand, you'll cooperate with my observations and assist me in my research.
"With these as your chips, I will place my chips on the other side of the scale, which means you can ask me for one thing.
"For example, resolving your Heavenly Tribulation, or Ice Empress's Heavenly Tribulation, or a future promise to protect the Land of Extreme North... all of these are possible, as long as I can do it.
"Of course, a promise like protecting the Land of Extreme North would be of higher value than your chips, so I will collect some additional things on top of your basic chips, such as samples of your ultimate ice and snow spirit power, blood, hair, body tissues, and so on. I will collect some periodically to offset the value.
"This, then, is the so-called partial transaction. What do you think, Snow Empress?"
Snow Empress fell into a slight silence, pondering someone's words.
To be honest, the young man's proposal seemed not excessive, and to some extent, it preserved her great autonomy and dignity.
Being a guard and a research sample was much better than becoming a spirit ring and Spirit Bone. Moreover, the promise of a future Divinity was immeasurable in value, and she could even choose... But how should she choose? Her own life or death didn't matter, but she ultimately couldn't rest assured about the Land of Extreme North and Ice Empress.
Ice Empress had damaged her Origin when she underwent her 300,000-year Heavenly Tribulation, and she would definitely not survive her 400,000-year Heavenly Tribulation. And the other party's Heavenly Tribulation would certainly arrive within a hundred years. At that time, Ice Empress would most likely die in the Heavenly Tribulation, so a method to break the Heavenly Tribulation was urgently needed.
But, if a future Divinity, who would possess endless lifespan, promised to protect the Land of Extreme North, perhaps the Land of Extreme North would usher in permanent peace?
Snow Empress fell into complete silence.
Behind someone, two super old men quietly observed, but unconsciously exchanged glances. At this moment, both knowledgeable powerhouses wore an indescribable expression on their faces.
"Mr. Kong teaches well..."
Ilieks couldn't help but sigh.
He had always felt that someone had an extraordinary talent in research, as someone's various ingenious ideas often enlightened him at certain times.
But as for someone's eloquence... if it were him, he definitely couldn't do such a thing.
Kong Deming's mouth twitched slightly, his tone complex.
"I didn't teach him these things; it's purely because this kid has good Comprehension Ability..."
He actually hadn't finished speaking.
To get something for nothing and still make the other party feel like they've made a huge profit... Seeing his grandson's proficiency in conning people, and that he's so young yet so good at it... his intuition told him that he probably didn't need to worry about the Kong Family Bloodline... But, perhaps he should worry about his grandson's life safety?
Kong Deming shook his head and sighed, his mind already made up.
Hmm... I'll get a few more Level Nine defensive spirit tools for this kid to carry when he gets back, lest he gets chopped down one day.
Time slowly passed.
In front of someone, Snow Empress pondered for a long time, the light in her ice-blue eyes shifting. Finally, she raised her head and looked at Ming'an.
"Human... I am willing to make the trade."
Her voice was still clear and cold, but it lacked some of the aloof chill and held a bit more sincerity. After a slight pause, she continued, though this time, her voice carried a hint of difficulty.
"But... aside from the promise to protect the Land of Extreme North, I want more content."
"More?"
Ming'an frowned slightly... Unlike his old man, a political creature who had spent years in the Sun Moon management, with his stereotypical belief that "verbal promises are farts," someone's commitment was not just empty words. If Snow Empress agreed to the transaction, he would, in the future—or even now—begin to protect the Land of Extreme North, not just make empty promises.
Relatively speaking, Snow Empress's pay was not a loss, but rather a gain. This was already his sincerity.
But... more?
He wasn't a fool; an unlimited rather than an equivalent transaction was not his habit.
"What do you want? And what else can you offer?"
Ming'an's tone was slightly more serious; he was always rigorous when it came to "fair trade."
Snow Empress also seemed to sense someone's seriousness; an inexplicable pressure descended, but she still didn't give up.
Her ice-blue eyes flickered slightly, and Snow Empress looked directly into Ming'an's eyes, her tone serious yet with a hint of apprehension.
"I want Ice Empress to survive her 400,000-year Heavenly Tribulation. As for the price..."
Snow Empress took a deep breath, gently raising one hand and placing it on her chest, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve.
"I am willing to give everything of myself, whether it be my body, Soul, strength, or anything else. All of me, everything, as chips."