24: Hyotei's True Body 1

The aftermath of Soul Heaven Emperor's demise lasted for three full days. Only then did the blood clouds above the Central Plains gradually dissipate, and sunlight once again illuminated the land.

At the Yan Alliance headquarters, reconstruction efforts were in full swing. Xiao Bing stood on the newly built watchtower, his hand caressing the Source Ice Heart, which had already developed cracks. Seven Spiritual Thunders slowly circulated within his body, each containing power capable of destroying the world, yet he still felt as if something was missing.

"Still thinking about the Ice Emperor?" Xiao Yan's voice came from behind him.

Xiao Bing turned around and saw Xiao Yan holding two jars of wine, and couldn't help but smile, "Flame Brother."

Xiao Yan tossed one jar over, then slapped open the mud seal of the other, tilting his head back for a large gulp. "Old Yao found some clues."

"Oh?" Xiao Bing's eyes lit up.

"The Extreme North Land is indeed strange," Xiao Yan wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth. "Three years ago, the temperature there began to drop continuously, and recently, even Dou Huang powerhouses find it difficult to approach."

Xiao Bing pondered, "A premonition of the Ice Emperor's awakening..."

"Senior Elder Gu Yuan believes that we must gather the last two Spiritual Thunders as soon as possible," Xiao Yan said with a solemn expression. "Although Soul Heaven Emperor is dead, the Extraterrestrial Evil Clan he mentioned is always a hidden danger."

Xiao Bing nodded and took out an ice crystal from his embrace. "The clue given by the Ice Emperor shows that the eighth Spiritual Thunder, Ancient Emperor Thunder, is in Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Immortal Cave, while the ninth, Heavenly Tomb Thunder, is in the deepest part of the Heavenly Tomb."

"Perfect," Xiao Yan said with a smile. "I also need to go to Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Immortal Cave to seek an opportunity to advance to Dou Di."

As the two were speaking, a familiar fragrance wafted over. Han Yue, dressed in white with her silver hair cascading like a waterfall, slowly ascended the watchtower. "Am I interrupting you two?"

Xiao Yan, understanding the hint, waved his hand. "You two chat. I'll go discuss the itinerary with Master." With that, he leaped down from the high tower.

Han Yue walked to Xiao Bing's side, her gaze falling on the Source Ice Heart in his hand. "The cracks are more obvious."

"Yes," Xiao Bing sighed softly. "It can only last for another month at most."

"Have you decided where to go first?"

"Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Immortal Cave," Xiao Bing put away the Source Ice Heart. "Flame Brother is more familiar with that place."

Han Yue was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "I'll go with you."

Xiao Bing turned to look at her. "It's too dangerous..."

"Moonlight Thunder is connected to the Han Family Bloodline," Han Yue interrupted him. "I can sense the state of the Spiritual Thunder, and perhaps I can help at a critical moment."

Xiao Bing was about to say something else when the System suddenly issued a prompt:

"[Moonlight Thunder resonance detected within Han Yue's body]"

"[Suggestion: Agree to her accompanying you to increase Spiritual Thunder Fusion efficiency]"

"...Alright," Xiao Bing finally nodded. "But you must promise me that if you encounter danger, you will retreat immediately."

Han Yue's lips curved slightly. "Deal."

— —

Three days later, the group was ready to depart.

In addition to Xiao Yan, Xiao Bing, and Han Yue, Old Yao, Little Fairy Doctor, and Hu Jia also decided to go along. Elder Gu Yuan, meanwhile, stayed in the Central Plains to guard against any potential unforeseen circumstances.

"Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Immortal Cave is located deep within the Death Desert of the Northwest Continent," Old Yao unfolded the map. "We can directly reach the periphery through a spatial tunnel."

Xiao Yan added, "There are trials left by the Ancient Emperor within the Immortal Cave. Master and I went there once, but the deepest Legacy area has not yet been opened."

"With the Source Ice Heart guiding us this time, we should be able to find the Ancient Emperor Thunder," Xiao Bing said.

Everyone stepped into the spatial tunnel, and after half a day of traversing, finally arrived at the Death Desert. The scorching yellow sand stretched endlessly, and the air was filled with a dry, hot aura.

"Follow me," Xiao Yan led the way, flying deep into the desert.

After flying for about an hour, the space ahead suddenly distorted. Xiao Yan stopped, formed a hand seal, and a spatial rift slowly opened. "We're here."

Passing through the rift, the sight before them astonished everyone—a magnificent golden palace floated in the Void Realm, surrounded by countless profound runes.

"This is... Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Immortal Cave?" Hu Jia's eyes widened.

Old Yao nodded. "Be careful, there are many spatial traps here."

Everyone proceeded cautiously. With their previous experience, Xiao Yan easily broke through the outer Restrictions. When they arrived at the main hall's entrance, a phantom figure suddenly appeared.

"We meet again, little fellow," the phantom figure smiled as it looked at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan respectfully bowed. "Senior Ancient Emperor."

The figure turned to Xiao Bing, his gaze lingering on the Source Ice Heart in his hand for a moment. "Did you come for the Spiritual Thunder?"

Xiao Bing stepped forward. "Precisely. Please guide us, Senior."

The residual image of Tuoshe Ancient Emperor sighed. "That Ice Emperor fellow... as expected, he still hasn't given up." He waved his hand, and the main hall's door slowly opened. "The eighth Spiritual Thunder is in the Legacy area, but whether you can obtain it depends on your destiny."