A few more days of peace passed in the palace. During this time, Xu Jiujiu's interactions with the Ice and Snow Two Emperors increased steadily. She was no longer as nervous or scared as she was at first, and her mind slowly calmed down, as if she was gradually accepting the existence of the two supreme monster beasts.
This was, in fact, quite normal. The Ice and Snow Two Emperors were not unreasonable beings. However, the rumors about them, their identity as non-human races, and their immense power naturally created a sense of oppression for ordinary humans. This fear was an almost unavoidable problem, especially in this era.
Humans always suspected and feared beings they could not fully control, and monster beasts were the best example of these creatures. Over the past ten thousand years, humans had studied monster beasts more deeply, uncovering a terrifying truth that seemed to confirm their fears. The dread of monster beasts had become ingrained in their very bones, making it even harder when facing beings comparable to the kings among monster beasts.
Fortunately, Xu Jiujiu was not an ordinary human. As a royal Princess, her open-mindedness and capacity for acceptance far surpassed that of common people. Coupled with Shu Yan's continuous guidance and help, Xu Jiujiu quickly grew more comfortable around the Ice and Snow Two Emperors.
Somewhat unexpectedly, the Ice Empress actually took a liking to Xu Jiujiu. Perhaps it was Xu Jiujiu's unreserved generosity that was so appealing. Even the Ice Empress couldn't help but be charmed by the wealthy Princess. This made the Snow Empress sigh repeatedly, worried that the Ice Empress might one day be led astray by an unscrupulous person.
But the Snow Empress's concerns were likely an overreaction.
Although the Ice Empress currently seemed less than brilliant in her human form, this was just a surface appearance. With over thirty million years of cultivation, even a mere pig would have become a Pig King, let alone the Ice Empress, whose true form was a powerful scorpion.
Shu Yan felt his assessment was quite accurate. Of course, if the Ice Empress ever heard his thoughts, he definitely wouldn't have an easy time.
Just as Xu Jiujiu was busy getting familiar with and deepening her bond with the Ice and Snow Two Emperors—calling them 'Sister' every day—the royal family's hidden guards were working themselves ragged.
Just a few days earlier, they had received an order from Xu Jiujiu. She commanded them to spare no effort in finding the Ferocious Knife Spirit Devouring Carving, which was ranked ninety-ninth on the Carving Knife Ranking.
Although they didn't know why the Princess wanted to find this ominous blade, which was known for symbolizing terror and evil, they naturally wouldn't be lazy or careless since they had His Majesty's approval. Everyone was fully focused on the task. Thanks to the carving knife's own notorious reputation, they located its whereabouts at a large auction house within the Empire in only three days.
For less than one hundred thousand gold Spirit coins, the royal hidden guards easily purchased this list-ranked carving knife, which had remained unsold thirty times, from the auction house. If someone who didn't know the truth found out, they would probably think the royal hidden guards had snagged an incredible bargain.
Of course, those who were aware of the truth were probably already quietly praying for the safety of those few royal hidden guards.
Initially, Xu Jiujiu strongly argued against and flat-out refused Shu Yan's idea of wanting this Spirit Devouring Carving Knife. She knew that the carving knife's infamous reputation was not exaggerated but was genuinely earned the name 'Ferocious Knife' because it actually devoured its masters.
Since its creation three thousand years ago, this Spirit Devouring Carving Knife had possessed thirty-seven masters. All thirty-seven of these people were remarkable powerhouses and geniuses of different eras. Yet, in the end, all thirty-seven met a tragic death.
Nine of them even succumbed to the carving knife's dark influence and became Evil Spirit Masters, ultimately causing waves of bloodshed across the Continent. Even now, this carving knife was still despised and feared. Even though its price had dropped to rock bottom, no one dared to take the risk.
Shu Yan looked at the ancient, plain carving knife resting silently in the jade box before him, his brows slightly furrowed in deep thought.
Beside him, Xu Jiujiu's face was filled with worry and nervousness. Simply being close to this ferocious knife gave Xu Jiujiu a strong feeling of danger, but what truly concerned her was Shu Yan's plan. What exactly did he intend to do with this fearsome blade?
After a long silence, Shu Yan suddenly looked up and spoke softly:
"Granny Manyi, could you please help me invite the Snow Empress and Ice Empress over? Just tell them I have an important matter we need to discuss."
A slight sound came from the space behind him. Before long, the Snow Empress, dressed in a white robe, arrived with the Ice Empress, whose expression showed a slight trace of dissatisfaction.
Shu Yan motioned for them to take a seat. Xu Jiujiu quickly and gracefully poured a cup of tea for everyone, except for the Ice Empress. Of course, the Ice Empress received a cup of red juice; Xu Jiujiu knew her habit of not liking tea.
Xingyun Douluo never appeared throughout the entire discussion. When Shu Yan and the others discussed important matters, she typically chose to actively block her senses or stay far away. Without their permission, she wouldn't listen to a single extra word.
The Snow Empress took a small sip of tea, then looked at Shu Yan and asked softly, "So, what's this important matter? Tell us about it".
The Ice Empress, taking a drink of her juice, grumbled, "Yeah, you little brat, you love to stir up trouble all day, leaving us no peace. Sooner or later, this Empress is going to give you a good spanking..."
Shu Yan chuckled and shook his head. He then turned the jade box around and opened it, immediately revealing the Spirit Devouring Carving Knife inside.
The jade box itself was a peak Level Six Soul Guide. Its only purpose was to seal auras. When the jade box opened, the ominous aura that had been trapped inside instantly spread out. The Ice Empress choked on her juice and coughed violently. The Snow Empress slowly set down her teacup and narrowed her eyes, observing the plain-looking carving knife before her.
"This is an aura of evil and inauspiciousness..." the Snow Empress murmured softly.
She continued, "No, the components are different. Or is this some kind of curse power?"
The Snow Empress looked at Shu Yan and asked, "Where did this thing come from?"
Shu Yan raised an eyebrow and looked at Xu Jiujiu. Xu Jiujiu immediately understood. She promptly gave the Snow Empress a detailed history of the carving knife's creation and the bizarre, terrifying events that had befallen its long line of masters.
After listening, the Snow Empress fell into quiet contemplation. Beside her, the Ice Empress, having recovered her breath, remained silent. Instead, she also began to seriously examine the strange carving knife. For some reason, she kept feeling a peculiar sensation from this carving knife, like... an unusual pull?
The Ice Empress found it hard to pinpoint exactly what this feeling was, but just as her senses indicated, this carving knife must be hiding some astonishing secret.
After a long while, the Snow Empress slowly extended her hand. Cold air surged within her palm. The Spirit Devouring Carving Knife, lying in the jade box, trembled a few times, then slowly floated up. Ice-blue spirit power flowed over the blade, leaving a faint layer of ice mist everywhere it passed. The next moment, a sudden change occurred...