Douluo: Star-Breaking Sword God

Chapter 222 The Pact in the Far North, Bibi Dong's "Catching the Adulterer"

East of Tiandou City, at the Snow Mist Teahouse.

In the elegantly decorated room filled with the mist, Ling Qianyao and Shui Bing'er sat facing each other by the window.

Shui Bing'er gently raised her slender hand and handed the tea, which Ling Qianyao had brewed using a method he didn't quite understand, to him. "The tea leaves are from the snow-capped peaks near the far north. Brewed with glacial meltwater, they can calm the mind and focus the spirit."

Ling Qianyao took the teacup, took a small sip, and praised, "Clear and sweet, very good."

He glanced at the sign below; this cup of tea cost 1000 gold soul coins—it really was made of gold.

Shui Bing'er smiled and said, "Thank you."

"How does it feel to have changed your martial soul growth path from control type to power attack type?"
In pursuing the purity of ice, I think the ability to control it should not only not have weakened, but has become even more refined, right?

Shui Bing'er nodded. "When I first switched to the offensive style, I was worried that I would lose my strength in control. But as I deepened my training, I realized that the two are not mutually exclusive."

Now I wield the force of attack as my blade, and the ability to control as my sheath; in both offense and defense, I have achieved a perfect balance of advance and retreat.

Ling Qianyao nodded slightly. "I've also watched a few of your Soul Battle matches. After strengthening your Ice Purity, your first three Soul Skills have all been enhanced."

The growth of the martial spirit has embarked on the right path, and the changes it has brought about are immediate.

However, you are wrong about one thing: for you, offensive and control should not be compared to a scabbard.

The purest form of ice should be the absolute control over the laws of ice; ice crystals are eternally unmelting, freezing and suppressing everything.

Strong attacks and control are just two methods; in the face of absolute, ultimate ice, they are merely derivatives of inherent attributes.

When you master the laws of ice to their fullest extent, both offense and control will come naturally and effortlessly, without the need for conscious differentiation.

"Ultimate Ice?" Shui Bing'er was taken aback.

“That’s right,” Ling Qianyao thought for a moment, “If you can make the temperature of the ice element that condenses during the burst reach absolute zero, and only differ by tens of degrees in normal state, then that can be called the ultimate.”

“Absolute zero.” Shui Bing’er stared in astonishment. She did know this concept; it was the lowest theoretical temperature in the world.

Ling Qianyao took another sip of tea. "It is said that the most powerful soul beasts in the far north can do this. This is why the far north is known as a forbidden zone for humans. With soul beasts possessing such attributes, humans cannot possibly be their match."

Shui Bing'er's beautiful eyes seemed to be thinking, "That makes sense. I obtained my fourth soul ring there. However, even I found the temperature there unbearable after going a hundred miles in, let alone the core area of ​​the far north."

"Qianyao, do you think my martial spirit could possibly reach the level of ultimate ice that you mentioned?"

Ling Qianyao stroked his chin and pondered for a moment, "The Ice Phoenix is ​​the purest ice element among all the martial souls I have ever seen. However, your martial soul's potential is beyond doubt, but to reach the ultimate ice, you may need a true transformation."

"A 100,000-year-old soul ring and soul bone, an ice-type immortal herb, a growing external soul bone, and a place containing pure ice-attribute heaven and earth energy."

These factors could all potentially propel your martial spirit to further advancement.

Shui Bing'er's eyes brightened slightly, but she didn't show the disappointment or extreme desire that one might expect after hearing about such difficult conditions. Instead, she simply nodded gently.
"Thank you for your guidance, Qianyao. I owe you another favor now." She wasn't surprised by these demanding conditions.

Ling Qianyao waved his hand and smiled, "No need to be so polite. By the way, what are your plans after the Soul Master Competition? Will you continue to stay at the academy to cultivate diligently, or do you have any other plans?"

Shui Bing'er propped her head up and thought for a moment, "Originally, I should have chosen to stay at Tianshui Academy. After all, my mother and the elders at the academy have high expectations for me, and there are many resources and environments suitable for cultivation in the academy."

But after hearing what you just said about the ultimate ice, I have a new idea. What do you think about first traveling the continent and growing to the level of a Soul Saint, then heading to the far north to explore the latter three things you mentioned?

Ling Qianyao's expression turned serious. "The dangers of the far north may be beyond your imagination. Even ordinary Title Douluos dare not venture deep into it casually. With only the cultivation of a Soul Saint, it may not be safe."

Shui Bing'er smiled and said, "Opportunities and risks go hand in hand, don't they? That's how strong people grow. Besides, I won't be going it alone."

A look of approval flashed in Ling Qianyao's eyes. Shui Bing'er's temperament was among the best he had ever met.

Generous and open-minded, with a resilient character, always calm and analytical, neither arrogant nor impatient, and possessing a spirit of courage and ambition to challenge limits.

Given the right opportunity, she is sure to shine brightly in the world of Soul Masters.

"Then I wish you success in finding it," Ling Qianyao said with a faint smile.

A sly glint flashed in Shui Bing'er's eyes. She gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "Qian Yao, you speak so eloquently, you must know quite a bit about the far north."

"I wonder if, in the future, I were to travel to the far north, would I have the honor of inviting you to join me for a while?"

"The far north, huh?" Ling Qianyao thought for a moment. "Maybe I should go there myself to find something. If the timing is right, it wouldn't be a bad idea to go together."

"Then it's settled!?"

Shui Bing'er's eyes lit up, and she extended her hand. Ling Qianyao was slightly taken aback, then smiled and extended his hand to shake Shui Bing'er's hand gently. "It's settled."

"Wow~"

A gasp came from downstairs, followed by a muffled thud, and then the sound faded away.

Ling Qianyao's lips twitched, and he resisted the urge to use the Heavenly Pivot Divine Eye. Looking at Shui Bing'er again, her earlobes were now flushed red.

"Da da da--"

The crisp sound of footsteps approached from afar. Ling Qianyao and Shui Bing'er turned their heads at the same time and saw a woman in a purple dress walking up the stairs and gracefully heading towards them.

She has a graceful figure and is incredibly beautiful.

Although she had only met her once at the opening ceremony of the Soul Master Competition, Shui Bing'er still recognized her as Bibi Dong in her everyday clothes!
Shui Bing'er's pupils contracted as she was about to say something when she saw Bibi Dong appear beside them in an instant, sitting down cross-legged with practiced ease.

"I was passing by when I saw you two chatting so happily, so I came to ask for a cup of tea. No need for formalities, just sit down."

She picked up the teacup in front of Ling Qianyao, and under the astonished gaze of the boy and the incredulous gaze of the girl, she took a sip with the lip print left by Ling Qianyao. "The snow buds are refreshing, but it's a pity the heat wasn't quite right."

"You, you, you!" Shui Bing'er covered her mouth, pointing at Bibi Dong with her other finger, somewhat at a loss. Did this Pope of the Spirit Hall know what she was doing?

An indirect kiss! Although she was a little envious... Ugh! What was she thinking! Shui Bing'er's cheeks instantly burned, and she quickly looked away.

After composing herself, she cautiously asked, "Greetings, Your Majesty. Do you know Qian Yao?"

Bibi Dong smiled and looked at Ling Qianyao, "Of course, Qianyao, aren't you going to introduce your female classmate to me?"

(End of this chapter)