Five days later.
Mingdu, Xishui Alliance.
Jiang Jue was dressed in a long black robe adorned with eerie crimson patterns. His slender hands were tucked inside the robe, and his deep-set eyes glowed with a chilling light. His entire being radiated an aura of sinister charm.
He walked leisurely down a broad corridor. The metallic sheen of the floor reflected the dim light, and each step echoed with crisp, rhythmic footfalls.
"Beep!"
At the end of the corridor, Jiang Jue waved his hand toward the left wall. A Saint Child Token appeared, triggering the soul device's detection system, which responded with a clear chime before slowly opening.
A downward passageway was revealed—layered steps leading underground. Unlike the well-lit corridor above, this area was illuminated by dim yellow candles lining the walls, casting flickering shadows.
Jiang Jue's expression remained unchanged as he descended.
As his figure disappeared into the passageway, the soul-guided door behind him closed quietly, restoring the wall to its original seamless state.
Beneath the passage lay a hidden interrogation chamber. The stone table inside was covered with a variety of cruel torture instruments, each gleaming coldly under the candlelight.
"Greetings, Young Master!"
Two voices spoke in unison, their tones filled with reverence.
These two were Zhang Peng and Nangong Wan, who had returned from the Far North five days ago.
"Elder Zhang, Elder Nangong, you may rise."
Jiang Jue replied softly, though he could hardly conceal his excitement.
The embryo of the Snow Empress—the treasure he had been longing for—was finally in his grasp. His path forward had just broadened once more.
"Young Master, this is the embryo you requested."
Zhang Peng stepped forward, holding a God Sealing Platform encrusted with gemstones, and respectfully presented it with both hands.
"I owe this to the two of you."
Jiang Jue did not immediately accept the platform but instead spoke in a calm tone.
"Everything is for the Young Master!"
Zhang Peng and Nangong Wan responded in unison, their gazes brimming with devout admiration.
Nangong Wan, in particular, appeared almost fanatical—like a zealot lost in worship.
He had once believed that after being trapped in the Soul Refining Banner, his fate was sealed. However, Jiang Jue had continuously surprised him with his incredible talent, keen intellect, and almost prophetic foresight. Everything seemed to be within Jiang Jue's grasp.
It was as if he, Nangong Wan, had stumbled onto a unique path of prosperity—one filled with boundless potential!
Zhang Peng's eyes, in contrast, held more appreciation than fanaticism. After all, Jiang Jue had been brought into the Holy Spirit Cult by him personally. Watching him grow was akin to watching his own junior rise to greatness.
Besides, after their encounter in the Far North, Jiang Jue had infused his body with a high-level life force. Combined with the insights he had gained during his deadly battle with the Ice Empress, the bottleneck at Rank 97 had begun to loosen.
For someone of his talent, Rank 96 was supposed to be his lifetime limit. Yet now, a breakthrough to Rank 97 was within reach.
Jiang Jue gave a slight nod and accepted the God Sealing Platform from Zhang Peng.
Inside the platform, a swirling white mist was frantically ramming against its inner walls. However, no matter how violently it struggled, the thin walls remained an impenetrable barrier—like an unbridgeable chasm.
"With the Ice Empress settled and the Snow Empress now in hand, everything is progressing smoothly."
Jiang Jue's lips curled into a smile, and his long-suppressed tension finally eased slightly.
"Young Master, this man is Wang Gengyin."
Zhang Peng turned and pointed at a figure slumped in an interrogation chair, his eyes filled with a hint of pity.
Following Zhang Peng's gesture, Jiang Jue looked over and saw Wang Gengyin sprawled lifelessly on the chair like a beaten dog.
His eyes were unfocused, his mouth drooled uncontrollably, and his disheveled hair clung to his face. He was mumbling incoherently—completely broken.
"Hmm? What's wrong with him?"
Jiang Jue frowned slightly.
What he needed was a clear-headed Rank Nine Soul Engineer—not a half-witted wreck.
"Ahem, Nangong Wan, you explain."
Zhang Peng coughed and slapped Nangong Wan on the back, looking somewhat exasperated.
Sometimes, he genuinely felt inferior in depravity when compared to people like Nangong Wan.
"Hehe, Young Master, this Wang Gengyin spoke ill of our Saint Soul Masters, so I simply took it upon myself to punish him on your behalf."
Greatness requires no justification!
Zhang Peng rolled his eyes. You sure know how to sugarcoat things and conveniently leave out your twisted pleasures…
Jiang Jue, uninterested in the details of the punishment, simply asked:
"He won't remain like this forever, will he?"
The moment Jiang Jue spoke, Nangong Wan felt a chill run down his spine. The Young Master is angry!
Panicked, he quickly rushed to Wang Gengyin's side and muttered a few strange words.
Suddenly, Wang Gengyin's dazed expression shifted to one of sheer terror.
"No! No! I really surrender! Please spare me!"
He struggled frantically, his limbs convulsing as he pleaded.
"Young Master, rest assured, I have sealed his soul power. He won't be able to escape."
Zhang Peng reassured him while discreetly gathering soul power in case Wang Gengyin lashed out.
"No need to worry."
Jiang Jue waved a hand dismissively, his gaze fixed on Wang Gengyin.
Gradually, Wang Gengyin calmed down. However, his eyes still held profound dread when looking at Nangong Wan.
No one could understand the torture he had endured.
No one…
"Good. If he's not completely broken, then we can still make use of him."
Jiang Jue smiled warmly, exuding an aura of kindness.
"You wretched… Evil Soul Masters, what exactly do you want? Please… stop tormenting me."
"I can't take it anymore!"
Wang Gengyin sobbed, his voice filled with despair.
"Ah, I have always been merciful—I cannot bear to see suffering…"
"So, just kill him."
Jiang Jue sighed in feigned pity, his expression akin to that of a benevolent saint.
Dark mist coiled around his hand as Zhang Peng struck like lightning, grabbing Wang Gengyin's throat.
"Crack!"
The sound of snapping bones echoed through the chamber.
Wang Gengyin's body went limp—but on his face, there was an unmistakable expression of relief.
On the side, Nangong Wan's eyes darkened with regret. I was just a second too slow! Zhang Peng stole my chance…
"Whoosh!"
Jiang Jue extended his left hand, summoning the Soul Refining Banner.
Black chains slithered out and wrapped around Wang Gengyin's soul.
Wang Gengyin's face twisted with hatred. Even in death, I can't be free?!
Before he could resist, Zhang Peng and Nangong Wan rained blows upon his soul.
At first, Wang Gengyin fought back, but his spiritual form weakened rapidly. Soon, he was begging for mercy.
Jiang Jue nodded in satisfaction.
"Only through the power of love and education can one truly repent."
"Xiaohu, we have a new guest."
"A VIP seat in a crowd of souls."
Jiang Jue chuckled.
"Awoo! Awoo!"
A strange howl echoed from within the Soul Refining Banner—an eerie, almost comically foolish sound.
As Wang Gengyin's soul was absorbed, pure spiritual energy surged forth, nourishing Jiang Jue's vast spiritual sea.
"Young Master, here is his storage ring."
Zhang Peng handed him a blue gemstone ring.
Jiang Jue's eyes gleamed.
A Rank Nine Soul Engineer's collection…
What treasures awaited him?