soul land: Huo Yuhao Inheriting Centipede Immortal

T.L : "Gimme those 5 star reviews"

After the deaths of the Fourth and Fifth Princes, the only force in the South capable of resisting the northern advance of the White Lotus Army was the Southern Legion.

The Southern Legion, indeed worthy of being the second echelon of the Sun-Moon Empire's military, managed to block the northward expansion of the White Lotus Cult with just one legion and a few thousand regular soldiers.

They relied heavily on soul tools.

With soul tools being deployed as if they cost nothing, the White Lotus Army simply couldn't compete.

It was a complete suppression in terms of equipment.

But the White Lotus Cult didn't have to expand north alone—they had eastern and western directions to grow into as well, and the southern ports had long since fallen under their control.

So, the White Lotus Army didn't insist on clashing head-on with the Southern Legion.

This situation, however, was only temporary. Troops were already stationed in the east and west, and if the White Lotus Cult continued expanding, they would inevitably run into those forces too—some of which belonged to the same Six Great Legions as the Southern one.

That is, assuming the White Lotus Cult could survive the assault of the two Beast King Legions.

But that was a concern for the future. Right now, the White Lotus Cult had seized a vast new territory and acquired massive resources—they were absolutely flush with wealth.

Following their victorious first battle, the White Lotus Army immediately began rewarding contributions, handing out riches like candy.

Tons of resources were distributed among soldiers and commanders alike. Heroic figures like Huo Yuhao were awarded a forty-thousand-year soul bone and a Grade 7 Soul Tool Cannon.

Even Zhang Lexuan was stunned.

The White Lotus Army truly had the resources to back up its generosity!

She personally examined the soul bone and confirmed it was perfectly normal—no abnormalities at all.

The Grade 7 soul tool was also extremely valuable, top-quality gear by any standard.

With such massive investments, the White Lotus Army grew even more fanatical. Soldiers rapidly increased in strength.

There were constant soul power breakthroughs. Sometimes dozens would break through together, forming a spectacular scene. Zhang Lexuan found herself mesmerized.

"Their cultivation method is this terrifying?" she thought, deeply shocked, even tempted—but she quickly squashed the idea.

Having spent so long within the White Lotus Army, she had become acutely aware that there was something wrong with the cultivation method.

The soldiers who practiced it all displayed abnormal mental states and exhibited nothing but fanatical devotion to the Bright King.

A handful of zealots was one thing, but tens of thousands? That was seriously disturbing!

Zhang Lexuan even suspected that practicing the method inevitably turned one into a fanatic follower of the Bright King.

This only made her more worried. She could already foresee the White Lotus Cult growing like a snowball, eventually becoming a force powerful enough to crush the Sun-Moon Empire if not stopped in time.

And after that, they would surely spread across the entire continent!

The White Lotus Cult's ability to train a 10,000-strong Soul Elder corps stemmed from their massive resource investment. All cultivation resources were distributed among the troops to support their growth.

Now, with their territory expanded, the available resources had also increased.

What the Empire wouldn't provide, the White Lotus Cult would.

 What the Empire did provide, the Cult would double.

 What the Empire didn't even possess, the Cult would give away for free upon joining!

Cultivation methods, elixirs, resources, soul tools, soul bones… The cultivation boom within the White Lotus Cult was unprecedented in history.

Not only that, the Cult also gained a steady influx of new recruits. After some losses, even more new cultists joined and replaced fallen soldiers.

Their 10,000-strong Soul Elder corps quickly expanded to 12,000, and the atmosphere remained highly unified and enthusiastic.

Sometimes Zhang Lexuan would space out, almost seriously considering joining the White Lotus Cult.

Because within the White Lotus Army, she felt unusually at peace. Everyone was united and kind; there was no anxiety about resources, no one dying over cultivation disputes, no discrimination, no oppression—only people working together for a shared faith.

It seemed like everyone was showing their best self.

If not for Shrek Academy's teachings deeply ingrained in her, and her concern for Bei Bei, Zhang Lexuan might really have defected.

She also worried about Huo Yuhao, fearing he might be similarly tempted. Fortunately, she discovered that his will was even firmer than hers—so much so that she felt ashamed.

Huo Yuhao could see through Zhang Lexuan's struggle. In his view, she had made progress, but not enough.

She only saw the front-line glory, not the devastation left behind.

The first southern provinces captured by the White Lotus Cult had already started to wither. Because of the Cult's insatiable consumption of resources, hardly anyone farmed anymore.

The common folk now preferred spending their time praying to the Bright King, believing this would lead them to paradise.

"The White Lotus Cult provides food and goods anyway, so why bother working hard?"

Whether the Bright King was a real deity, or just a reflection of their inner greed, was a question no one dared ask.

Those who didn't submit to the cult's "teachings" mysteriously vanished—often by the thousands.

And no one even cared.

The Cult enforced celibacy and limited population growth. Yet many highly gifted young women were "selected" to join the Bright King's retinue, and never seen again.

In such a twisted and eerie system, the White Lotus Cult continued its aggressive expansion.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the two Beast King Legions was drawing closer.

Huo Yuhao continued his own cultivation in the meantime.

The White Lotus Cult wasn't just meant to destabilize the Sun-Moon Empire—it also existed to gather resources for Huo Yuhao. Now, the time had come for him to collect.

Using the Death Messenger incident as a diversion to draw away Zhang Lexuan, Huo Yuhao secured a period of freedom.

He arrived at a secluded mountain valley.

Eunuch Gao was already waiting there.

"Brother Hao, you're finally here~ I've been waiting forever~" said Gao with a strange yet somehow endearing laugh.

This man was his ghost, after all.

"Thanks for your hard work," Huo Yuhao said with a smile.

"It's what I'm here for." Gao pointed to the valley. "Brother Hao, this is the valley you were looking for. To avoid alerting the locals, I didn't venture too deep inside."

"Good. Even with the power of the Blood Slaughter Orb, you might get hurt on someone else's turf. I'll handle it from here."

Standing at the edge, Huo Yuhao looked down.

The valley had gently sloping walls, overgrown with dense Blue Silver Grass. The air was thick with the fragrance of green plants, carried by a soft breeze. Among the grass, multicolored wildflowers bloomed beautifully.

As far as the eye could see, the valley was a sea of Blue Silver Grass and wildflowers, stretching deep inward. The entire valley glowed in a pale blue-green hue, sparkling like it was adorned with gems.

This place was known as—

The Blue Silver Emperor Valley!

The resources prepared for Huo Yuhao by Eunuch Gao were stashed at the valley's edge. But Huo Yuhao didn't want outsiders present during his operations, so he first needed to greet the local resident.

Depending on whether they knew their place, he'd act accordingly.

Huo Yuhao summoned the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul.

A powerful Level 99 Ultimate Douluo aura burst forth, saturated with life energy. Seven red soul rings hovered around the healing angel, who radiated a gentle, almost playful presence.

In the next moment, the angel bent down, cradled Huo Yuhao in her arms, flapped her wings, and flew into the valley.

Eunuch Gao stayed behind.

Brother Hao's handling things—he's on guard duty.

 Without Brother Hao's permission, no one gets in!

Blue Silver Emperor Valley.

Up in the sky.

The Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul was holding Huo Yuhao as they flew through the air, allowing him to sense the brainwave patterns.

"I can actually fly on my own," Huo Yuhao said to the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul.

The main issue was that her arms were tightly wrapped around his neck. From the neck down, he was basically being suspended in mid-air.

If it weren't for his powerful physique, he might have already suffocated.

But the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul suddenly puffed up her cheeks in a pout. Despite having the gentle demeanor of a mother, she now displayed the mischievousness of a young girl, leaving Huo Yuhao at a loss.

What was this supposed to be?

 A young mother?

"Alright, alright, I'll let you carry me," Huo Yuhao relented.

Only then did the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul smile gently again. Noticing his discomfort, she adjusted her hold—now cradling him like a child, supporting his bottom and patting his back, holding him close to her chest.

Huo Yuhao: "…"

Despite being almost fifteen and already 1.8 meters tall, his build seemed childish in comparison to the three-meter-tall Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul.

As they soared through the air, Huo Yuhao took in the scenery of the Blue Silver Emperor Valley. Though the valley was full of ordinary Blue Silver Grass, interspersed with small blossoms, the sight was stunning—more calming and beautiful than any ornamental plant.

It felt like a hidden utopia, untouched by the mundane world, pure and serene.

But hidden within this field of Blue Silver Grass were numerous Blue Silver Grass soul beasts—among them, even a powerful 190,000-year-old Blue Silver Emperor!

Although the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul wasn't skilled in high-speed flight, she was still a Level 99 puppet, so her speed wasn't slow. Under Huo Yuhao's guidance, she soon found the Blue Silver Emperor's hiding place.

With his qi-based navigation ability, Huo Yuhao had made sure the Blue Silver Emperor had nowhere to hide.

To the naked eye, the hiding spot looked no different than the rest of the valley. But upon closer approach, the atmosphere became sweeter, and the sense of vitality more intense.

Whoosh—

Cradling Huo Yuhao, the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul descended from the sky. She didn't land directly, however. Her bare, jade-like feet hovered above the grass, wings stirring the air into a gentle wind, as she hovered gracefully above the lawn.

Seeing she had no intention of putting him down, Huo Yuhao simply sat on her arm and leaned against her chest. He faced a clearing and called out:

"Blue Silver Emperor, come out and meet me!"

The Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul also turned to look in that direction. After nearing this area, her sense of life force had also detected the Blue Silver Emperor.

Realizing she had been discovered—and sensing the powerful life energy from the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul—the Blue Silver Emperor didn't bother hiding anymore and spoke up:

"Human, why have you come here?"

She spoke, but did not show herself.

Huo Yuhao didn't mind and began chanting:

"Blue Silver Emperor, a 190,000-year-old soul beast, who has undergone three heavenly thunder tribulations. Your body has mutated with Thunder Spirit Power, yet you're unable to overcome the final tribulation to reach 200,000 years."

"How do you know that?" The Blue Silver Emperor's voice shook—clearly rattled.

Because it's written in the books~

 Well, even if she didn't appear, Huo Yuhao had already scanned her situation using his spiritual power and confirmed it to be true.

Ignoring her question, he went straight to the point:

"I intend to plant my flag here, so I'm giving you and your kin a choice—join my Ghost Banner and share in immortality!"

With that, Huo Yuhao summoned his Ghost Banner Martial Soul, and called out two other main souls—Golden Xuanwu and Jin Qiu'er, both radiating auspicious energy—hoping to convince the Blue Silver Emperor.

Golden Xuanwu cleared his throat, ready to play spokesman.

Jin Qiu'er, on the other hand, glared at Huo Yuhao, still resentful over his rough treatment last time. Next time, she swore, she would be the one on top!

But she still reverted into her Three-Eyed Golden Lynx form, and showed no intention of explaining things to the Blue Silver Emperor. Who was she, to deserve Jin Qiu'er's voice?

The Blue Silver Emperor was unique. Other Beast Kings had risen to royal status purely through strength, but the Blue Silver Emperor's authority came more from a positional status.

Across an entire continent, only one Blue Silver Emperor could exist—linked spiritually to all the Blue Silver Grass, capable of gathering their collective faith.

Even the ordinary, non-soul-beast Blue Silver Grass could offer her strength and support. This uniqueness was obvious.

She was certainly qualified to become one of the Ghost Banner's main souls.

Looking at Golden Xuanwu and Jin Qiu'er, the Blue Silver Emperor was astonished. She could sense the Ghost Banner Martial Soul's evil aura, yet was puzzled how such auspicious beings could coexist with it and still maintain their consciousness and sense of self.

She couldn't understand it. It was strange and confusing.

But one thing was clear.

"Twin Martial Souls? Are you here for my soul ring?" she asked.

"You could say that!" Huo Yuhao smiled.

"Leave now, and no one will get hurt," the Blue Silver Emperor replied calmly. She didn't want to take any risks with someone she didn't know.

Even if she died to the tribulation someday, she could pass her powers on. In another hundred thousand years, a new Blue Silver Emperor would emerge in this valley and continue protecting her kin.

Without a better path, this was the choice most soul beasts made—to ensure the continuation of their race.

Her words displeased Golden Xuanwu, who coldly snapped:

"Blue Silver Emperor, don't be so arrogant. You're just a 190,000-year-old soul beast. If you won't join us, plenty of others will!"

"Then go find those willing to join you," she responded flatly.

"Tsk, you really don't appreciate kindness, do you? Looks like I'll have to knock some sense into you!" Golden Xuanwu was pissed. He was ready to summon his Bone Xuanwu form.

This Bone Tortoise had evolved along with Golden Tortoise into Bone Xuanwu—a creature as powerful as a 200,000-year ferocious beast, and still growing stronger.

But Huo Yuhao held him back. He wasn't surprised by the Blue Silver Emperor's refusal. These soul beasts weren't stupid. The ones who could be persuaded easily usually had their own agenda or thought they could benefit.

Just because they lived in the mountains didn't mean they were isolated from the world. Life in the forest was full of brutal survival and bloody conflict—far more direct than human politics.

Any soul beast that had survived tens of thousands of years had long stopped being naive.

"Blue Silver Emperor, I didn't come here to negotiate—I came to inform you," Huo Yuhao grinned, patting the arm of the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul.

"My angel, let's test your current strength. Give her a couple of slaps—wake her up!"

The Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul was instantly excited.

Maybe every healer has the heart of a DPS (damage-dealer).

Seven crimson soul rings lit up around her, radiating a powerful aura. Then her sixth soul ring flashed.

Soul Skill of the Ice Jadee Scorpion—Ultimate Ice Control!

A beam of ice-blue light radiated from the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul. An intense cold began to spread, seeking to freeze everything in its path. Snowflakes started to fall from the sky.

The Ice Jade Scorpion spirit ring granted not only two soul skills to the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul but also the power of Ultimate Ice. Among the two skills granted by the ring, one was Ultimate Ice Control, allowing the Puppet to fully wield the power of Ultimate Ice—a skill that also functioned as an offensive ability.

The moment the Ultimate Ice descended—

The Blue Silver Empress was utterly shocked.

Plant-type soul beasts were particularly vulnerable to the elements of fire and ice, unless granted special opportunities or power.

What shocked her most was that she hadn't sensed even a trace of ice-attributed soul power from the Healing Angel Puppet at the beginning.

Despite her shock, the Blue Silver Empress reacted swiftly, channeling her soul power to rapidly grow a massive amount of Blue Silver Grass into a defensive formation, trying to block the spreading Ultimate Ice.

She had clearly been prepared for combat, always on guard against Huo Yuhao.

But her defense couldn't hold out against the power of Ultimate Ice. In mere moments, the Blue Silver Grass she wove was frozen and shattered, its soul power dissipating into the air.

"Ultimate Ice?!" the Blue Silver Empress said in a heavy tone. She was knowledgeable and experienced, which only made the truth harder to accept. "You're actually an Ultimate Attribute Soul Master!"

She had initially believed everything was under her control. With her own power and the strength of all the Blue Silver Grass in the valley, she believed she could at least contend with Huo Yuhao.

But the sudden appearance of Ultimate Ice shattered all her calculations.

Huo Yuhao remained silent.

The Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul, however, smiled with joy and continued her attack. One arm held Huo Yuhao, the other lifted upward, as her fifth soul ring lit up.

Ice Bear King's Fifth Soul Skill: Arctic Blizzard!

This was the signature move of the Ice Bear King—a large-area offensive skill. Now, empowered by Ultimate Ice, its destructive power was terrifying.

A frigid blizzard swept through the entire valley. Countless weaker Blue Silver Grass soul beasts were instantly frozen to death.

"Stop!" the Blue Silver Empress cried out in panic.

But the Healing Angel Puppet showed no intention of stopping. Instead, her merciful and compassionate expression bore a joyous smile.

She was enjoying the battle.

Though she was an angel meant to heal all beings, she now acted with the cruelty of a demon.

For her, there was no concept of good or evil—only the pleasure of battle and obedience to Huo Yuhao's commands.

Faced with this, the Blue Silver Empress could no longer sit idly by. She revealed her true form.

A towering Blue Silver Grass—or more precisely, a Blue Silver Tree—over a hundred meters tall rose from the earth, radiating golden light.

At the same time, a domain appeared with her manifestation—

It was the Blue Silver Domain of the Blue Silver Empress.

The domain spread out, shielding all Blue Silver Grass and gathering the power of every plant within the valley into a massive force.

As the blizzard fell—

The Blue Silver Empress launched an attack like a soul tool cannon blast. With her 190,000-year cultivation and the strength of the entire valley behind her, the power of this strike exceeded that of even a 200,000-year soul beast at full strength.

The blizzard was dispersed by this powerful blast, though the attack itself was fully consumed in the process.

It seemed the two sides were evenly matched.

"Wait—let's talk this out…" the Blue Silver Empress finally tried to negotiate. After all, she wasn't confident she could protect all her kin in a fight against the Puppet.

In the end, only she might survive, while the entire valley would be encased in ice.

It was better to discuss terms.

"You soul beasts are all the same," Huo Yuhao interrupted coldly. "You already attacked, and now you want to talk? Either way, you're all ending up in my Ghost Banner!"

More importantly, the Healing Angel Puppet wasn't finished enjoying herself. Seeing the Blue Silver Empress's true form only made her more eager.

Seeing Huo Yuhao had no intention of stopping her, the Puppet smiled even more sweetly. Her third soul ring began to glow.

Snow Crane's Third Soul Skill: Deadly Frost Ray!

She didn't speak in vain. Her wings spread, and streaks of ice-blue rays shot out like lasers.

With the power of Ultimate Ice, this already terrifying skill evolved further, with temperatures reaching even absolute zero.

"You've gone too far!" the Blue Silver Empress roared in fury. No matter what, she was ready to risk everything today.

All the Blue Silver Grass covered by her domain felt her anger and contributed their power, pushing the Empress's strength to the beast emperor level.

This was another effect of the Blue Silver Domain—

Mori no Myriad Forms (森罗万象)!

It gathered strength from all surrounding plants, not only boosting the user but also suppressing opponents within the domain.

Empowered by this, the Blue Silver Empress unleashed her ultimate move. Her colossal form soared into the sky, as countless Blue Silver Grass tendrils grew wildly, darkening the heavens, attempting to drown the Puppet.

Blue Silver Myriad Vortex!

Countless blades of grass swirled into a massive vortex aimed at devouring the Healing Angel Puppet.

But in the next moment, the entire vortex was frozen and annihilated by the Puppet's Deadly Frost Ray.

In terms of attributes and power, the Puppet completely suppressed the Blue Silver Empress. She broke through her ultimate move without even taking damage.

What's more, the freezing rays expanded into a wide-area attack, covering the entire valley, killing vast numbers of Blue Silver Grass in an instant.

With their deaths, the strength of the Blue Silver Domain was drastically weakened.

At the same time, a new domain emerged around the Healing Angel Puppet, resisting the Blue Silver Domain's effects.

It was her own—Life Domain. Though a healing and regenerative field, it still provided immunity to interference from other domains.

Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao calmly used his Ghost Banner Martial Soul, absorbing the souls of every Blue Silver Grass in the valley.

Even non-soul-beast grasses, being born under the Empress's care, contained faint spiritual essence.

But the Blue Silver Empress's attack wasn't over yet. A terrifying wave of soul power descended from above.

They looked up—

It was the Empress's other ultimate move, charged and ready.

A soul-power beam like a meteor crashed down, crackling with devastating lightning. Its power was unquestionable.

Its name—

Blue Silver Thunder Spirit Light!

This move fused her natural power with a mutated Thunder Spirit, capable of annihilating even a 200,000-year fierce beast, and was especially effective against evil powers.

"You'll pay for my people's lives!" she screamed.

But Huo Yuhao didn't even glance at her—he continued absorbing souls.

The Healing Angel Puppet raised her hand once more, her fourth soul ring lighting up.

Frost Turtle's Fourth Soul Skill: Mystic Turtle Skyshield!

Four ice pillars shot up from the ground, transforming into the four limbs of a crystal tortoise. Then, the phantom of the Mystic Ice Crystal Tortoise appeared above the pillars, supporting its body on its legs and using its shell to block the terrifying blow from the Blue Silver Empress.

The phantom of the Mystic Ice Crystal Tortoise clashed midair with the thunderous radiance of the Blue Silver Thunder Spirit. The blue of ice, the green of life, and the purple of thunder burst forth in the sky like dazzling fireworks.

At the same time, the fourth soul ring of the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul lit up again.

The fourth soul skill, Power of Mystic Ice, activated. As the Blue Silver Empress attacked, streams of pure soul power were fed back into the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul, replenishing her soul power.

The effect of Power of Mystic Ice was exactly that—absorbing damage and recovering soul power.

Even though the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul had immense soul reserves, the repeated use of hundred-thousand-year soul skills had taken a toll. Her soul power was now down to ninety percent.

After all, the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul lacked battle tactics and experience, so her combat style was very simple—spam hundred-thousand-year soul skills.

And such skills were incredibly soul-power intensive.

So keeping her soul power topped up was essential.

Fortunately, the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul could not only restore soul power through skills, but also through her Life Domain, and she could even borrow soul power from Huo Yuhao—using him like a power bank.

So stamina wasn't a concern.

She was a special case—not only did she have an independent level, but also an independent soul power reservoir. Her ability to borrow Huo Yuhao's power stemmed from the connection between their spirits and martial souls.

Even without technique or experience, most soul masters still couldn't defeat her.

After all, for others, a hundred-thousand-year soul skill was a trump card; for her, every attack was a hundred-thousand-year soul skill.

When your ultimate move is your basic attack… who could withstand that?

Other soul masters had to think about timing, techniques, strategy... all to ensure their trump card could end the battle.

But the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul only needed to think about how to best combo her skills.

Huo Yuhao watched the whole time, choosing not to intervene.

As a result, the battle lasted two full hours.

Because both the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul and the Blue Silver Empress were of the same type—high vitality, high recovery, low output.

Both had the life attribute, both were tenacious and overflowing with vitality, and both had powerful recovery talents in terms of soul power and injuries—virtually evenly matched.

Had the plants in the valley not all been frozen to death, the Blue Silver Empress's recovery rate might've equaled that of the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul.

Even so, facing the extreme cold of her Ultimate Ice, the Blue Silver Empress still held out for a long time.

As for damage output, although the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul had a full set of hundred-thousand-year soul rings and the Blue Silver Empress had Thunder Spirit Power, which compensated somewhat, neither had the one-hit finishing move power to settle things quickly.

Despite her level-99 strength, the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul's attack power was still limited by her soul rings' quality. This was likely the price she paid for not assimilating with her rings—she gained unique attack skills but lacked a true martial soul avatar, even her seventh ring being a skill rather than a form.

Unsurprisingly, the battle ended in her victory. Without support from her kin, the Blue Silver Empress couldn't keep up with her opponent's recovery and, after exhausting her strength, was finally sealed in ice by Ultimate Ice.

Even then, the frozen Blue Silver Empress remained stubbornly alive, not dead, and still aware of the outside world.

Standing before the ice-sealed Blue Silver Empress, the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul struck a peace-sign pose like she was taking a victory photo at the end of a video game.

To her, this was a truly exhilarating battle.

Huo Yuhao clapped like a sidekick.

It really was spectacular.

A duel of hundred-thousand-year soul skills—truly a rare sight.

Then, the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul carried Huo Yuhao to the front of the frozen Blue Silver Empress, letting him decide her fate.

The Golden Black Tortoise enthusiastically volunteered to persuade her:

 "Blue Silver Empress, I know you can hear me. Let's not waste time—surrender or not?"

What came back was rejection—and anger.

The Golden Black Tortoise huffed and puffed in frustration.

In the end, Huo Yuhao spoke himself:

 "Your people are all in my Ghost Banner now. You have no choice left. I'll give you ten seconds to enjoy this beautiful world one last time. Then I'll erase your consciousness, imprison your soul, and enslave you forever."

This time, a wave of sorrow came from the Blue Silver Empress.

But before the ten seconds were up, she transmitted a wave of submission—clearly, she didn't want to lose her mind entirely.

What's that saying again?

Those who adapt to the times are the wise ones.

"So yeah, gotta beat her up a little to get results. Shameless, huh~" Huo Yuhao shrugged.

If the Healing Angel Puppet Martial Soul hadn't wanted a fight, Huo Yuhao could've ended things in two slaps without wasting all this time.

The Blue Silver Empress was shamed and angry—but helpless. She kept signaling her surrender.

"All right, stop resisting. I'll reunite you with your clan. Blue Silver Empress, don't even think about rebellion—you wouldn't want to become my mindless puppet and be toyed with at will, would you?" Huo Yuhao sneered.

With a final mournful cry, the Blue Silver Empress gave up completely. Her golden-blue leaves lost their luster.

With a single move from the Ghost Banner Martial Soul, her soul was pulled from her body. Her leaves went completely dark, devoid of spirit.

As for her, she would be "three-used":

Her soul became the sixth soul ring (main soul) of the Ghost Banner Martial Soul, bringing with it the spirits of all Blue Silver Grass and plant-type soul beasts to open a new realm of nature—adding regal power to the Ghost Banner.

 The Blue Silver Empress didn't resist. Once turned into a soul ring, she realized Huo Yuhao hadn't lied to her.

The soul ring was given to He Caitou's Cigar Martial Soul, since he had recently broken through to level 80 thanks to the Ghost Banner's support.

 He gained two new soul skills:

Blue Silver Tobacco – Enhances all cigar buffs by 19%, adds health regeneration, and grants lightning enchantment to attacks.

Universal Gold Cigar of Nature – Grants a temporary Blue Silver Domain with stealth, universal integration, and all-embracing effects for ten minutes (rechargeable). Only two can be made per day, but they can be stockpiled.

The body didn't leave much behind. After death, her leaves all withered and turned into a seed.

 If planted, a new Blue Silver Empress would grow—but with a brand-new soul and consciousness.

She seemed like she wanted to say something, perhaps asking Huo Yuhao to plant the seed and pass on the Blue Silver Grass royal lineage.

But before she could speak—

Huo Yuhao tossed the seed into his mouth with a chomp and smacked his lips.

"A little sweet~"

As a plant, the Blue Silver Emperor, despite having a gender, was biologically distinct from humans like Huo Yuhao, making direct extraction of primordial yin impossible unless she could transform into human form.

However, the Blue Silver Emperor hadn't shapeshifted, nor was she a ferocious beast capable of taking human form—her essence remained botanical.

Yet, compared to mere primordial yin, the seed containing her full bloodline and potential was far more valuable.

While her power had condensed into a soul ring and soul bone, her seed held her bloodline strength and latent potential.

Given her plant nature, regardless of her original gender, in Huo Yuhao's eyes, she had to take the form of a blue-haired, blue-eyed, wavy-haired beauty.

That was the image for her transformation, and that was that.

Within the Ghost Banner martial soul, the Blue Silver Emperor trembled as she watched her seed being swallowed raw, too terrified to speak, fearing her soul would be next.

Fortunately, Electrolux intervened, guiding her through the Ghost Banner martial soul, showing her its harmonious, friendly "family." He also let her glimpse the current states of the uncooperative Snow Empress, Ice Empress, and Ziji.

Thus, the Blue Silver Emperor quickly made the right choice.

Huo Yuhao sensed that she had abandoned any rebellious thoughts, now focusing on how to advance further.

Since she was on board, she didn't want to be a mere deckhand!

Her fate depended on her performance.

Otherwise, she'd be just an accessory amplifying the Ghost Banner martial soul.

The Blue Silver Emperor's seed, its power belonging to Xuelian, was expected to awaken special abilities once fully digested—an exciting prospect.

As for her soul bone, Huo Yuhao's techniques transformed it into a left foot external soul bone, complete even with toe bones.

Other Blue Silver Grass soul beasts in the Blue Silver Valley also dropped soul bones, though sparingly.

Ordinary Blue Silver Kings weren't high-tier soul beasts, so their soul bone drop rate was low.

Fortunately, during the battle between the Healing Angel Puppet martial soul and the Blue Silver Emperor, Huo Yuhao used the corpses and soul rings of all Blue Silver Grass soul beasts to craft a Secret Soul External Soul Bone.

The Blue Silver Grass Patella Secret Soul External Soul Bone!

It was for the left knee.

Once fused with the left leg soul bone, it would enhance his physique further.

If all left leg soul bones were merged, including those dropped by other Blue Silver Grass soul beasts, the left leg bone could reach a 300,000-year level.

What Huo Yuhao anticipated most was Bi Ji's soul bone. If he could fuse hers, his life attribute would surely reach Extreme Life.

His current life attribute was already close to Extreme Life. Breaking through would massively boost Xuelian and the Healing Angel Puppet martial soul.

As for the Blue Silver Emperor's soul ring, Huo Yuhao didn't use luck to fuse it into a 200,000-year ring, as there was no rush. Within the Ghost Banner martial soul, He Caitou's strength and soul ring quality would improve naturally.

As the Ghost Banner martial soul grew, it increasingly resembled a complete small world. Huo Yuhao could use his power to enhance the ghosts within it.

Like a god!

…

After dealing with the Blue Silver Emperor, Huo Yuhao mobilized his power to thaw the Blue Silver Valley.

But the valley no longer brimmed with vitality.

So, Huo Yuhao set it ablaze, walking out of the sea of flames.

Instead of leaving, he headed to the valley's edge, entering a cave.

Through a long passage, he descended into an underground space.

Shockingly, this space was inhabited!

By thousands of people!

All were women of varied yet striking appearances, gathered in the underground space, dressed in white gauze. Every movement showcased their exquisite grace.

Each would be considered a beauty of both face and figure in the outside world.

Among them were even the deceased wife and daughter of Duke Yongning.

The space was adorned with soul tool lamps and other devices, far from dim or crude, instead radiating opulent splendor.

It had baths, books, art studios, training rooms, and abundant gourmet food, fine wine, drinks, and cultivation resources, endlessly supplied to satisfy the women materially. Every woman wore a faint, blissful smile, as if in a utopian paradise.

At the center stood a massive White Lotus Throne, more akin to a 100-square-meter bed, covered in rare beast pelts and soft cushions, adorned with jewels and lavish decorations.

No women lingered near the throne, but those passing by showed reverence, occasionally glancing at it with anticipation, as if awaiting someone's arrival.

This was the most secretive place—the Bright King Shrine!

These women were the Bright King Devotees.

Raised here to await Bright King's descent, they practiced techniques and, with vast resources, achieved considerable soul master strength.

Beyond standard techniques and resources, they also learned a more ruthless method, sacrificing lifespan to forcibly boost strength.

Their enhanced strength wasn't for combat but to master cauldron secret arts, preparing to serve Bright King.

Their wills, shaped by the technique, had turned them into Bright King's humblest, most loyal believers, ready to offer everything.

They were the "resources" High Eunuch prepared for Huo Yuhao.

Huo Yuhao stepped forward, instantly appearing on the White Lotus Throne. Seated cross-legged, his appearance changed, now clad in white finery, radiating golden light.

Most crucially, he activated a special technique, exuding an irresistible allure to the women below.

With a cauldron technique, there was a key to unlock it—the technique Huo Yuhao now employed.

Drawn by it, all the women paused their activities, looking puzzledly at the throne. Soon, they gathered around it, staring blankly upward, eyes vacant.

Huo Yuhao spoke softly, "Having seen Bright King, why not kneel?"

" Bright King? It's Lord Bright King!"

"Lord Bright King has descended!"

"I'll offer everything to Bright King!"

The women's eyes regained focus, now filled with fervor. They knelt, kowtowing to Huo Yuhao.

No identity verification was needed; his magnetic aura confirmed he was the one they served.

These seemingly living women were, in truth, puppets filled with faith, soon to become Huo Yuhao's nourishment.

"What are you waiting for?" Huo Yuhao spread his arms, smiling, summoning them.

The White Lotus Throne's petals opened, forming steps. Without hesitation, the women scrambled up, eager to offer themselves, fearing even a moment's delay.

Huo Yuhao showed no mercy, accepting all comers, tearing their gauze and beginning his "cultivation" on the spot.

His Evil Eye martial soul activated, emitting an eerie glow. A massive pair of eyes projected above the throne, coldly observing the chaotic, lascivious scene below.

He would use all these cauldrons to trigger the second awakening of his Spirit Eyes martial soul!

The second awakening of a body martial soul was about unleashing potential. Near-death wasn't the only path; extreme ecstasy could also erupt all potential.

The women climbed the throne, offering themselves one by one. Even as those before them turned to ash, the rest pressed forward undeterred.

"Hahaha—"

Huo Yuhao's triumphant laughter drowned out the women's moans, echoing through the underground space.

Utterly sinister!