Chapter 256: An Alliance
After Yang Potian finished speaking, the Snow Empress was silent for a long time before finally responding, "Even if everything you say is true, what's the purpose of this? How exactly do you propose we work together?"
Without answering directly, Yang Potian gathered his soul power, focusing on two soul cores at his dantian and chest, which spun rapidly, drawing in surrounding soul energy like a powerful whirlpool.
Seeing this, the Snow Empress was stunned. "A balanced dual soul core? That's impossible! How can a human body withstand such a thing?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "That's my own secret. I'm merely showing you these two soul cores to demonstrate my strength. At the very least, I'm not weaker than Di Tian. Working with me should make our cooperation a little smoother."
The Snow Empress became more serious, realizing that Yang Potian's power might indeed surpass her own. "How would we cooperate? What do you expect from me, and what would I gain?"
Yang Potian laid out the terms. "Our cooperation would have three main components. First, you must mobilize all soul beasts in the Extreme North to help me locate Skydream Iceworm. When found, I'll handle him personally, and you won't need to intervene.
"Second, the Extreme North and Skywalk Academy will form an alliance. If the academy comes under attack, we will retreat here to the Extreme North, and you soul beasts must provide cover for us. I also promise to protect you, especially once Tianyue and I ascend to godhood. Then, we can even safeguard the entire Extreme North."
"Third, I'll find ways to treat your injury, or discover other means to help you survive your 700,000-year tribulation."
Everyone, from Yang Wudi and the others behind him to the soul beasts, was taken aback by Yang Potian's terms.
The Snow Empress hesitated. "How can I trust that you'll keep your promises?"
Yang Potian shook his head again. "For a god-in-training, honor and integrity are paramount. If I cannot keep my word, I'd be unworthy of becoming a god."
The Ice Empress chimed in, "And how exactly do you plan to heal the Snow Empress, or help her avoid the tribulation?"
Yang Potian considered for a moment. "There are typically two ways for a soul beast to evade tribulations. The first is to enhance their strength and physical resilience. I can ask Ye Lingling to help treat your injuries. She's the only healing-type Titled Douluo on the continent and should be able to improve your condition. I may also find some precious resources to strengthen your body.
"The second way is for you to undergo transformation into human form. If you're willing, Skywalk Academy can provide you sanctuary while you regain your power.
"There's a third way, though: offering yourself as a spirit ring to either me or Tianyue. After we ascend to godhood, we could resurrect you, even as a divine beast with immortality."
The four soul beasts pondered his words, before the Snow Empress finally replied, "I can agree to a partnership, but you must prove your sincerity. Otherwise, your promises mean nothing."
Yang Potian responded by drawing the Asura Demon Sword from behind his back. At once, a wave of divine light and murderous intent filled the sky, causing even the Snow Empress to feel threatened.
"This is the Asura Demon Sword, the divine weapon of the God of Shura. We can form this alliance in the presence of this sword, witnessed by the God of Shura, an enforcer of the divine realm. As his successor, I assure you that I won't go back on my word."
As soon as Yang Potian finished speaking, a streak of red lightning flashed across the sky, as if the heavens themselves were bearing witness.
The Snow Empress, staring at the blood-red sword and the ominous lightning, eventually nodded. "Very well. The Extreme North agrees to an alliance with Skywalk Academy. I trust you will keep your promise."
"Deal. May our alliance endure."
Yang Potian pricked his finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the Asura Demon Sword. The Snow Empress followed suit, adding her own blood.
As their blood merged on the blade, the sword's red glow intensified, sealing their pact. The Snow Empress was further surprised to see Yang Potian's blood was half red and half gold—another indication that his power far exceeded her expectations.
With the alliance now forged, Yang Potian turned to Ye Lingling. "Lingling, could you treat the Snow Empress and her companions? Pay special attention to her hidden injuries."
Ye Lingling nodded, summoning her Nine Heart Begonia, which released a green light over the soul beasts, radiating a potent healing aura that was even effective on the Snow Empress.
Afterward, Yang Potian returned to his allies. Yang Wudi, unable to contain his curiosity, finally asked, "Why ally with these four soul beasts? With your strength, you could have wiped them out."
Yang Potian considered his response carefully. "I wanted their help in finding the Skydream Iceworm. That creature would be invaluable to both me and Tianyue, with unique properties we could use.
"Also, Skywalk Academy is somewhat isolated in the Armo Mountains. Nearly every major power—the Three Upper Sects of the Heaven Dou Empire, the Spirit Hall, and the soul beasts of Star Dou Forest—are our enemies. It would be unwise to alienate the Extreme North, too."
"The Extreme North offers formidable natural defenses. Both humans and soul beasts would struggle to control this territory, and the Snow Empress is as strong as Di Tian here. In a way, it's a safe retreat if needed."
"Moreover, killing all four of these soul beasts would trigger a rare and powerful beast tide, one that even Skywalk Academy couldn't withstand."
Yang Potian also reflected on another thought. According to the original story, Skydream Iceworm was aware of the sacrifices made by the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python for Tang San, suggesting he had likely been in Star Dou Forest at the time.
But from what the Snow Empress and Ice Empress had said, it sounded like they hadn't encountered Skydream Iceworm in his fully ascended state. This implied that he might still be hiding somewhere in the Extreme North and hadn't yet emerged.
Given his unique abilities, Skydream Iceworm would be an invaluable asset on the Douluo Continent—a creature of immense power, with both a million-year spirit ring and a spirit bone. Yang Potian was determined to secure him before the Silver Dragon King or anyone else.
Now that the alliance was formed, Ye Lingling finished treating the Ice Empress and the other three soul beasts, before beginning a special treatment session for the Snow Empress alone.
After the Snow Empress failed to form a balanced dual soul core, her injuries were far more severe than anyone had anticipated. Despite Ye Lingling's best efforts, she could only manage to alleviate the symptoms, not fully heal them.
Yang Potian thought for a moment, then turned to his father, Yang Zhentian. "Dad, where's that Life Gold I brought back last time? Could you take it out?"
Yang Zhentian hesitated, then finally took out a piece of metallic ore radiating an intense life force—it was the Life Gold they had obtained from the nest of the Three Thousand-Jin Ant Emperors.
After a brief pause, Yang Potian handed the Life Gold to the Snow Empress. "This Life Gold should help your injuries. Use it temporarily while you search for Skydream Iceworm. Once you find him, it may be possible to completely heal you."
The Snow Empress looked at the Life Gold, sensing the powerful life energy it contained. Although she initially wanted to refuse, her body's core essence seemed to yearn for it intensely. Eventually, she accepted the gift.
The surrounding onlookers were astonished—no one had expected Yang Zhentian to be carrying such a treasure.
Finally, Dugu Bo couldn't hold back. "You little monster, the life energy in that metal is incredible. You didn't leave it at Mount Armo, did you? No wonder the mountain's aura has felt richer and training speed faster recently!"
"And you're just giving it away like this? Doesn't seem like you."
Yang Potian sighed slightly. "At this point, it's clear we're up against the world. Lending it to an ally in exchange for an Ultimate Douluo's support isn't a bad trade. Besides, we may gain other benefits in return."
Dugu Bo chuckled dryly. "What surprise could be worth a treasure that could last ten thousand years? With that metal, Skywalk Academy could flourish for generations!"
"While Life Gold is precious, it's not as omnipotent as you think. I've already left something that will allow Skywalk Academy to endure."
Many of those present were perplexed by his words, though Yang Wudi and a few others seemed to understand, even nodding in agreement. They knew the true treasure that could sustain Skywalk Academy was the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Finding Skydream Iceworm, even if it cost another piece of Life Gold, would be well worth it.
Accepting the Life Gold, the Snow Empress began issuing orders to the entire Extreme North. Soul beasts across the land began to mobilize.
Yang Potian, remembering something, turned to the Ice Empress. "Ice Empress, before Skydream Iceworm went missing, it was last seen by members of the Ice Jade Scorpion clan. Could you go back to your people and check if anyone remembers seeing it? It would be helpful to confirm its last known location."
The Ice Empress exchanged a look with the Snow Empress before nodding and departing to question her clan.
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