After deep consideration, Tang Xiao ultimately decided not to target the Ice Empress.
It wasn't fear.
The Ice Empress herself, whose battle power rivaled a level ninety-eight Titled Douluo, was not someone Tang Xiao truly feared. Her ultimate ice and poison attributes were nearly useless against his Ice-and-Fire Alchemy Body. Once stripped of her elemental advantages, her actual combat strength would drop to around level ninety-six—perhaps slightly higher.
That level of power was something Tang Xiao could handle.
Especially now.
After absorbing the one-hundred-and-seventy-thousand-year soul ring, Tang Xiao's strength had more than doubled. With the Great Sumeru Hammer technique, the attack power he could unleash already rivaled a level ninety-seven power-type Titled Douluo. With Disorder Wind Splitting Hammer layered on top, even briefly touching level ninety-eight combat power was not impossible.
But battles were never about direct confrontation.
If the opponent chose not to fight head-on, they could evade—or flee entirely.
There were simply too many abilities in this world that reduced damage by percentage rather than absolute strength. Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body. Bibi Dong's Undying Body. Skills that ignored logic and rewarded survival over force.
The Ice Empress was no exception.
Even if her ice and poison were ineffective against him, she could still use them to control the battlefield. Her speed matched a level ninety-eight Titled Douluo. Her physique and raw strength were also at that level. While she might not be able to kill Tang Xiao, Tang Xiao killing her would be far from easy.
And then—
The Snow Empress.
Her attribute was not ultimate ice, but ultimate snow. Though similar, the two were not the same. Tang Xiao's acquired ice immunity would likely only be five to ten percent effective against her if they were at the same realm.
And they were not.
She was now equivalent to level ninety-nine. The Peak of this world.
Tang Xiao was only level ninety.
Her soul pressure alone would be enough to suppress him.
"Forget it… forget it," Tang Xiao sighed inwardly. "Why must I seek death by eyeing the Ice Empress?"
Provoking the Ice Empress also meant provoking the Snow Empress.
If the Snow Empress were enraged, it was entirely possible for her to leave the Far North and hunt him down personally. She was not like that old dog Qian Daoliu, bound by oaths and responsibilities.
And in this era, if she were to unleash a beast tide…
Even if humanity survived, the damage would be catastrophic.
This was not the world ten thousand years in the future—where Titled Douluo were common and soul tools were widespread. One uncontrolled disaster could reshape the continent.
Tang Xiao did not intend to destroy his dream of a peaceful life with his own hands.
After thinking it through, he felt no regret about abandoning the Ice Empress.
…
"No need to go elsewhere," Tang Xiao finally said, responding to the Second Elder's inquiry. "I've already made my decision."
Under Tang Xiao's lead, the group changed direction.
Their destination—
A two-hundred-and-fifty-thousand years soul beast's lair.
---
Two Days Later
On the outskirts of the Far North, atop the mountain-like shoulders of a lifeless simian-shaped soul beast, Tang Xiao sat cross-legged.
Eight soul rings revolved around him.
Two yellow.
Two purple.
Three black.
And one blood-red ring.
Then—
A ninth soul ring descended.
Deeper red than the eighth, etched with two faint golden patterns, it slowly merged into the cycle.
The moment it settled—
A vast torrent of spiritual power erupted outward with Tang Xiao at its center, heavy and overwhelming like a collapsing mountain.
Spiritual Abyss Realm—Peak Stage.
Within his body, soul power surged violently, as if floodgates had shattered.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
Three consecutive breakthroughs.
Fueled by the feedback from two red soul rings, Tang Xiao directly reached Level 93—Peak.
And it did not stop there.
Tang Xiao stood, gripping the floating Clear Sky Hammer.
Centered on him, a vast and primordial domain spread outward—solemn, ancient, and soul-shaking.
Before the three elders guarding him could even fully comprehend what had occurred, the domain receded like a tide that had never existed.
A smile appeared on Tang Xiao's resolute face.
His martial soul's innate domain had awakened.
"Everyone," Tang Xiao said calmly, though the joy in his voice was unmistakable.
"Let's return to Clear Sky Sect."
"Yes, Big Brother."
"Yes, Sect Leader." ×2
A journey spanning over four months was finally coming to an end.
Not all goals had been achieved.
Both soul bones obtained were torso bones. Had even one been of another type, Tang Xiao would have directly reached level ninety-four.
But still—
His strength had leapt to an entirely new level.
Secure.
Stable.
Sufficient.
Many of his long-laid plans could now be implemented.
"But before all that…" Tang Xiao thought, a wicked glint flashing through his eyes.
"I should make a trip to Spirit Hall and formally proclaim my title."
He chuckled softly.
That visit—
Was destined to be filled with thunder.