He stared fixedly at the four words "Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm" on the light screen. Shock, regret, and a trace of anger at being deceived flashed through his eyes.
"So it was him… that ice silkworm that looked completely harmless actually hid a million years of accumulation!"
Di Tian's voice was low and hoarse, carrying an emotion he could not suppress.
Back when they captured the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, they had only sensed that it possessed unusually strong mental power and vitality.
They had never imagined that this ice silkworm, which lacked even the ability to protect itself, was actually the legendary million-year existence of the soul beast world.
"We… have been treating a million-year soul beast as a lamb waiting to be slaughtered?"
Disbelief filled Bi Ji's emerald-green eyes. Thinking of how they had imprisoned and suppressed the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm all these years, a lingering fear rose within her heart.
The potential of a million-year soul beast far exceeded their imagination. If the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm had possessed any offensive ability at all, it would likely have broken free long ago.
Gu Yuena gazed into the depths of the Lake of Life. A profound light flickered through her cool eyes as her fingertip lightly traced the surface of the water, ripples spreading outward.
"No wonder his mental power is so pure. To be able to slumber within ten-thousand-year ice marrow until reaching one million years, this opportunity and resilience are indeed rare."
She paused slightly, her tone carrying a faint trace of regret.
"Unfortunately, he is too weak. So weak that he cannot even protect his own million-year body."
"Your Majesty, then do we still proceed with the original plan and absorb him?"
Di Tian asked in a deep voice, a trace of greed flashing through his eyes.
The vitality and mental power of a million-year soul beast, if absorbed, would be enough to push his cultivation to a higher level and perhaps even allow him to challenge an even greater realm.
Gu Yuena shook her head. Her gaze fell upon the words "Gains mental offensive abilities" on the light screen, and a faint curve appeared at the corner of her lips.
"Not now. The Soul Beast Ranking has already exposed his identity. All factions will inevitably covet him."
"Moreover, he has obtained mental offensive abilities. Though he is still weak, he is no longer prey to be slaughtered at will."
She turned to look at Di Tian, her tone carrying unquestionable authority.
"Send people to guard the bottom of the Lake of Life closely. No one is allowed to approach."
"When he recovers somewhat, we will decide again. Perhaps this million-year ice silkworm can become an important piece on our board."
...
Extreme North, before the Ice Palace.
"Tian Meng!"
When the Ice Empress saw the four words "Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm," her body swayed violently. Tears instantly welled up in her eyes, leaving only anxiety and worry within her usually cold gaze.
She could not believe that the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm, who had quietly stayed by her side and could not even bear to harm an ant, had been captured by the ferocious beasts of the Star Dou Great Forest and was even on the brink of death.
"Star Dou Great Forest…"
The Snow Empress's white robes fluttered fiercely in the cold wind. A bone-chilling coldness flashed through her clear eyes as the energy of extreme ice surged violently around her, causing the surrounding ice layers to tremble intensely.
"They actually dared to imprison a million-year soul beast and even planned to absorb him. We of the Extreme North will remember this debt."
The Ice Bear Little White roared angrily. His massive bear paw slammed into the ground, cracking the ice and sending snow flying.
"This is outrageous! Those guys from Star Dou have gone too far! Boss Snow Empress, Boss Ice Empress, let's go to the Star Dou Great Forest right now and rescue Boss Tian Meng!"
"Calm down."
The Snow Empress raised her hand to stop Little White. Her gaze turned toward the Star Dou Great Forest, her voice cold and resolute.
"Star Dou has powerful figures such as Bear Lord and the King of Ten Thousand Beasts, as well as Di Tian. If we go now, it would be no different from throwing eggs against a stone."
She took a deep breath, determination flashing through her eyes.
"We will first increase our strength. When the time is right, we will personally go to the Star Dou Great Forest and bring Tian Meng back."
...
Spirit Hall City, Papal Palace.
"A million years. The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm!"
Bibi Dong abruptly rose from the Papal Throne. Greedy light burst from her crimson eyes, and the scepter in her hand was nearly crushed.
The temptation of a million-year soul ring was something no soul master could possibly resist.
"No offensive abilities, imprisoned, life hanging by a thread…"
A ruthless smile curved across Bibi Dong's lips as calculation flashed through her eyes.
"Those fools of the Star Dou Great Forest actually treated a million-year soul beast as something already in their pocket. This is simply a gift from the heavens."
Spirit Hall City, Hall of Offerings.
Qian Daoliu looked at the information on the light screen. Despair and unwillingness flashed through his eyes.
The appearance of a million-year soul beast meant that the balance between humans and soul beasts would be completely shattered.
"The Star Dou Great Forest… actually captured a million-year soul beast long ago."
One of the elders spoke in a low voice, shock evident in his tone. "Their foundation is truly terrifying."
Qian Daoliu remained silent, only gazing in the direction of the Star Dou Great Forest, his eyes filled with powerlessness.
"Bibi Dong's plan will likely be very difficult to succeed."
He finally spoke, his voice heavy.
"The strength of the Star Dou Great Forest is already unfathomable. Now, with the additional variable of a million-year soul beast, it is no longer something we can contend with."
...
Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Yu Yuanzhen stood atop Dragon Valley, gazing at the light screen in the sky. His face was ashen, and the dragon-shaped command token in his hand was nearly crushed.
"A million-year soul beast… the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm…"
He took a deep breath and spoke in a heavy voice.
"The Star Dou Great Forest actually hides such a terrifying existence. It seems we underestimated them before."
Star Dou Great Forest, bottom of the Lake of Life.
Within a hidden cavern, the snow-white Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm lay weakly curled in a corner. Its body was so translucent that it nearly blended into the surrounding ice.
Suddenly, a gentle golden light descended from above, instantly enveloping its body.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's weak body trembled slightly as it slowly opened its eyes, confusion flashing within them.
"What is this?"
In the next moment, a stream of pure energy surged into its body. Its originally faint aura began to recover gradually.
At the same time, a message poured into its mind like sudden enlightenment. It had gained mental offensive abilities.
Joy instantly flashed through the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's eyes. It could clearly feel a completely new power forming within its body, a power capable of directly attacking the soul.
"I… I finally have an offensive ability!"
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm trembled with excitement. It suddenly raised its head and looked toward the outside of the cavern, determination and anger flashing through its eyes.
"Star Dou Great Forest… Di Tian… Bi Ji… I will never forget the days you imprisoned me!"
Then it thought of the Ice Empress of the Extreme North. Its gaze instantly softened.
"Bing'er… wait for me. Once I recover my strength, I will break free from here and return to your side!"
Above the heavens, the golden light of the Soul Beast Ranking gradually faded, but the appearance of the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm had already stirred an immense storm across the entire continent.
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