Chapter 254: Chapter 254: Besieging the Three Kings of the Extreme North
Yang Podi thought for a moment and decided to go see what purpose Chrysanthemum Douluo had in coming to Heavenly Academy.
Before Yang Podi even reached the reception hall, the effeminate voice of Chrysanthemum Douluo already echoed from inside: "What's going on with your Heavenly Academy? Where are that old poison and that old goat? Where have those two old guys gone off to?"
Hearing this feminine voice, Yang Podi couldn't help but feel an urge to punch Chrysanthemum Douluo.
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, what brings you here to Heavenly Academy today? Don't tell me you're looking to spar with my grandfather? My grandfather is out on some errands. If you're looking for a sparring partner, you can find me instead."
As his voice fell, Yang Podi slowly entered the room and casually found a seat to sit down.
When Chrysanthemum Douluo saw Yang Podi walk in, his imposing demeanor diminished significantly, but he couldn't help laughing and teasing: "Little Podi, weren't you away for two years? Why have you suddenly returned?"
Yang Podi gave Chrysanthemum Douluo a meaningful look and said, "Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo, I didn't expect you to care so much about my schedule. Someone who doesn't know better might think you were plotting against me."
"No, no! Who in the world would dare plot against you now? Where's your grandfather? I have some matters I need to discuss with him."
"My grandfather is out, but you can talk to me about anything."
Chrysanthemum Douluo pondered for a moment before speaking: "Now that our Spirit Empire has been established, what exactly is your Heavenly Academy's stance? Or, what would it take for you to support the Spirit Empire?"
Yang Podi looked puzzled. "With the strength of your Spirit Empire, you should already be able to crush both the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire. Our Heavenly Academy is in a remote area; I'm afraid we're in no position to support you."
Chrysanthemum Douluo appeared conflicted. "The entire world now knows that among all the sect forces in the Soul Master world, your Heavenly Academy is the strongest, likely surpassing even the Clear Sky Clan at its peak. If you declare your support for the Spirit Empire's unification of the world, without needing to send anyone to participate in the war, our efforts in the upcoming battles would be much more effective."
Yang Podi sighed lightly. "Senior Chrysanthemum Douluo, you should know that I hate war the most. I can't possibly support you in starting one, let alone personally participate."
"Did Bibi Dong send you here? Does she also want to challenge me?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo looked even more conflicted. Originally, with Yang Podi having been out of the picture for two years, the Spirit Empire had wanted to take the opportunity to probe Heavenly Academy's stance and test Yang Podi's current condition. But unexpectedly, Yang Podi had returned suddenly and appeared even more formidable than before.
The others in the room were all silent. Whether it was Feng Xuan or Huo Lie, they were only Soul Douluo-level experts and couldn't interject in a conversation between Titled Douluo. As for Feng Xiaotian and the younger generation, they dared not speak at all.
Chrysanthemum Douluo finally spoke softly: "Little Podi, you're already no weaker than the Grand Worship. Even our Emperor might not be able to do anything to you, so how could she possibly challenge you?"
Yang Podi smiled faintly. "That's not necessarily true. Your Emperor hides her strength too well. She's probably no weaker than your Grand Worship now."
After some back-and-forth, Chrysanthemum Douluo prepared to take his leave. It seemed this visit had achieved nothing.
However, just as he was about to leave, Yang Podi suddenly spoke up: "Although I cannot support your war efforts, we can still engage in another transaction."
Chrysanthemum Douluo looked puzzled. "What could possibly be more important than our war?"
"Well, that depends."
After speaking, Yang Podi took out a jade box. As soon as the box was opened, the entire room was filled with a faint, refreshing fragrance.
Inside the jade box lay an eight-petaled orchid, pure white and crystalline, exuding a noble and transcendent aura. Its intoxicating fragrance was enough to mesmerize anyone.
Chrysanthemum Douluo stared at the jade box in a daze and muttered, "Eight-petal Immortal Orchid… You actually have an Eight-petal Immortal Orchid hidden away."
Ignoring Chrysanthemum Douluo's dumbfounded expression, Yang Podi spoke calmly: "What I want to trade is this Eight-petal Immortal Orchid. You should understand its value better than anyone. Do you think it's enough?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo snapped out of his daze but still asked hesitantly, "What could be so important that you're willing to part with an Eight-petal Immortal Orchid?"
Yang Podi's expression turned serious. "Please convey a message to Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu. I wish to use this Eight-petal Immortal Orchid as a bargaining chip to borrow your Angelic Sacred Sword."
Chrysanthemum Douluo froze. "The Angelic Sacred Sword? That's impossible."
"There's nothing impossible in this world. If it weren't for borrowing the Angelic Sacred Sword, I wouldn't bring out a treasure like the Eight-petal Immortal Orchid."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's face darkened, and after a long hesitation, he finally said, "Your request is too great. I need to report to Her Majesty and the Grand Worship."
Yang Podi nodded. "Fine, but please hurry. If they refuse, I'll have to go to Spirit City myself to borrow the sword."
In the end, Chrysanthemum Douluo reluctantly left Heavenly Academy, still glancing wistfully at the Eight-petal Immortal Orchid as he departed.
Yang Podi ignored the envious gazes of those around him, carefully putting the orchid away before leaving himself.
If not for the Angelic Sacred Sword, Yang Podi would never have brought out such a treasure.
One day, Yang Podi suddenly sensed a powerful aura emanating from the Extreme North. This aura was very similar to Yang Tianyue's group, suggesting they had likely encountered Snow Empress and her companions.
Concerned for the safety of his parents, Yang Podi spread his wings and flew rapidly toward the Extreme North.
In less than half an hour, Yang Podi reached the edge of the battlefield. Instead of approaching openly, he concealed his soul power and observed the scene from a distance.
The battle was fierce, with both sides going all out.
On Heavenly Academy's side, everyone had summoned their martial souls and soul rings. Yang Tianyue, in particular, wielded the massive Sea God Trident, with the radiance of the Sea God illuminating the heavens and earth.
Opposing them were three soul beasts, including a massive Emperor Ice Jade Scorpion. Measuring 1.5 meters long, its body displayed two distinct colors: icy white and emerald green. Its front section was layered into four segments, each slightly over half a foot long, with its head positioned at the very front. Its silver-white pincers gleamed, and its rear end featured a stinger with a diamond-like sheen at the tip. This was undoubtedly the Ice Empress.
The second beast was a towering Titan Snow Devil Ape, over 100 meters tall and radiating boundless power.
The third was a giant Ice Bear King, standing dozens of meters tall, covered in thick fur that exuded immense strength.
Watching the chaotic battle, Yang Podi shook his head: "This fight is far too disorganized. With so many Titled Douluo against these three soul beasts, they should have won easily."
Yang Podi also sensed a faint presence nearby, likely Snow Empress herself, though for some reason, she hadn't joined the fight.
Among the three soul beasts, the Ice Empress was the most difficult to deal with. With a cultivation level nearing 400,000 years, her strength even surpassed Yang Zhen Tian's. The group could only barely maintain a stalemate by working together.
The Ice Empress, her face filled with fury, let out a resonant voice like heavenly music: "Humans, even if your strength is great, do you truly wish to drive us to extinction?"
Yang Tianyue, her face solemn, responded, "We do not wish to exterminate you; we simply need a 100,000-year soul ring."
Hearing this, the Ice Empress was immediately enraged. "Humans, your arrogance knows no bounds!"
As her soul power surged, the battlefield within several hundred meters was entirely frozen. Everyone present felt the overwhelming threat of her extreme ice attribute, and their movements were significantly hindered. This was undoubtedly the Ice Empress's skill: Eternal Frost Domain.
Within this domain, all present endured the devastating effects of the ultimate ice attribute. Soul power circulation and physical movements were drastically restricted. If not for their ranks as Title Douluo, this ability could have been fatal for everyone.
Yet, Yang Tianyue remained undeterred. Her massive Sea God Trident emitted boundless radiance, seemingly dispelling all the ice energy.
Meanwhile, Yang Zhentian, Yang Ping'an, and Yang Wudi launched a swift assault on the Ice Empress. Yang Ping'an, in particular, transformed into a streak of lightning, his speed unparalleled. Employing his Thunder Domain, he managed to significantly suppress the ice attribute.
The Titan Snow Devil Ape and the Ice Bear King were also under siege, each facing at least two Title Douluo opponents.
In the distance, Ye Lingling summoned her colossal Nine Heart Begonia, healing everyone on her side. Even the devastating damage caused by the Ice Empress's ultimate ice could be swiftly mitigated.
From the current state of the battle, it seemed inevitable that these three soul beasts would eventually fall.
The Ice Empress, aware of the dire situation, understood that prolonged combat would only lead to their downfall.
Her power surged to its peak as she enveloped herself in thick, profound ice armor, likely her soul skill: Ice Empress's Armor.
Behind her, a formidable phantom manifested, exuding divine wrath. This must be the Ice Empress's ultimate, desperate move: Ice Empress's Fury.
Under this attack, the entire battlefield was engulfed in frost and snow, as though the world itself was being shattered.
What made this even more terrifying was the natural advantage provided by the extreme cold of the northernmost region. The environment amplified the skill, allowing it to unleash its full potential.
Seeing the towering phantom of the Ice Jade Scorpion, Yang Tianyue swiftly wielded the Sea God Trident. Behind her, a massive phantom of the Sea God emerged. Concentrating all her soul power into the trident, she hurled it forward, reminiscent of Yang Podi's ninth soul skill: Sunshot Spear.
This was the third technique of the Golden Thirteen Halberds: No Return. Among the first three techniques, it boasted the highest offensive power, capable of injuring even an Ultimate Douluo.
The colossal Ice Jade Scorpion phantom collided with the Sea God Trident, shattering instantly. The trident, carrying overwhelming strength and destructive force, aimed directly to pierce the Ice Empress.
At this moment, the Ice Empress's face showed fear. She hadn't anticipated her ultimate strike to be broken. Witnessing the oncoming trident, radiating infinite power and a suppressive force that countered her ultimate ice, she felt it could obliterate her entirely.
In this critical moment, a sigh of a little girl echoed from the heavens. The sound was ethereal, transcending the mortal realm.
Soon after, a massive ice sword appeared in the sky, intercepting the Sea God Trident and slowing its advance. Taking advantage of this moment, the Ice Empress crystallized her hands into massive scorpion claws, blocking the attack just in time.
Despite this, her hands bore deep wounds, grievously injured by the Sea God Trident.