Douluo Continent: Huo Yuhao obtains the Flame Emperor template

Chapter 34 Merging with the Snow Empress, a Soul Skill that Controls Cold Energy

"Which should we fuse with first, the Snow Empress or the Ice Empress?" Huo Yuhao thought seriously for a moment, considering the Snow Empress's formidable power in the original work.

After becoming a spirit, she occupied four spirit ring slots by herself: one for each of the Snow Emperor's Three Wonders, and another for the combination skill, Pride of the Two Ice and Snow Emperors.

The fusion with the Snow Empress is indeed excellent, but it occupies four spirit ring slots, which is not Huo Yuhao's ideal configuration.

How about improving the Soul system?

Thinking of this, Huo Yuhao looked at Ilex, a thoughtful look in his eyes, "Elder Ilex, if I were to merge with the Snow Empress..."

"During the soul fusion ritual, is it possible to save one or two soul ring slots to give the soul master a higher-quality soul skill?"

If the Snow Empress's spirit occupies four spirit ring slots, then this is actually a disguised waste of potential.

A 100,000-year spirit ring can grant a spirit master two skills, while the Snow Empress, with a 700,000-year spirit ring, has three spirit skills in three spirit ring slots, namely Emperor Palm, Emperor Sword, and Emperor Cold Heaven.

Without considering other factors, normally, if Huo Gua absorbs a 100,000-year soul ring normally in each stage, he will gain six soul skills.

While having more soul skills doesn't necessarily mean having an advantage or higher combat power, can Huo Gua's soul ring slots be considered as important as those of an ordinary person?

In any case, we should try our best not to waste the potential of our martial soul and make full use of every soul ring slot.

Electrolux had already considered this question, and chuckled, "I think one of the reasons why it's called a soul spirit is..."

The words "Necromancer" and "Undead" from my titles, "Necromancer Saint" and "Undead Calamity," when applied to a Soul Ring, become "Soul Spirit."

Huo Yuhao nodded thoughtfully; it did indeed sound quite fitting.

After all, Elder Yi was undoubtedly an expert in the field of spiritual beings.

Electrox briefly recalled: "And the other most important reason is that my research on the soul can be considered to be comprehensive and thorough, which is why I have the ability to create souls."

Through the memory orb, Elder Yi discovered that the Snow Emperor's soul within it was merely a half-finished product hastily created to save everyone's lives.

"Now that I know the concept of the soul in advance, I am confident that I can improve and perfect it based on the existing foundation."

Hearing Elder Yi's words, Huo Yuhao was naturally pleased and asked, "Elder Yi, I currently have two spirit ring slots for my second spirit. If I were to fuse with the Snow Empress, what specific spirit skill configuration would I choose?"

After a moment's thought, Elder Yi looked kindly at Xue Di and said, "This requires her to consciously cooperate with you, Yu Hao, during the fusion process."

"If all goes well, her three skills—Emperor's Palm, Emperor's Sword, and Emperor's Frost Heaven—will be perfected by condensing them into a single spirit ring under her conscious control."

"In addition, Yuhao, your other soul ring will gain two additional soul skills from the Snow Emperor, which have been around for 700,000 years."

Huo Yuhao understood Elder Yi's meaning. "So, after Xue Di transforms into a spirit, she will only occupy two spirit ring slots?"

Electrolux nodded slightly. "Within one spirit ring, you might not be able to fully and reliably master the Snow Empress's three techniques, but later you can have the Snow Empress personally teach you."

Huo Yuhao was quite satisfied with this result. He could gradually master the Three Great Skills of the Snow Empress under her guidance through accumulated understanding and practice.

Compared to the Snow Empress's three unique skills, what's more important is the two soul skills provided by the other soul ring, which is the key to demonstrating the Snow Empress's soul spirit's value.

Xue Di understood from Huo Yuhao and Elder Yi's conversation that Huo Yuhao wanted to merge with her first, but because she might occupy multiple soul ring slots, they were discussing how to handle it.

"Snow Empress, you will need to carefully cooperate with Yuhao during the soul ritual later," Electrolux instructed.

Xue Di readily agreed: "Senior Yi, rest assured, since I have chosen the path of helping Yu Hao achieve godhood, I will do my utmost to assist him."

Huo Yuhao believed in Xue Di's professionalism.

"Snow Empress, after you become a spirit, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to teach me the Three Great Techniques of the Snow Empress, right?"

Xue Di covered her mouth and chuckled, "Don't worry about Yuhao, I will personally teach you. Before long, you will be able to master my moves."

When Hyotei saw this, they couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy and a sour feeling in their hearts, so they put pressure on Huo Yuhao.

"Huo Yuhao, the three great skills of the Snow Emperor, which are famous in the far north, are not as easy as you think. Even if the Snow Emperor personally teaches you, you will find it very difficult to even get started."

Huo Yuhao gave a bright smile, "It's alright, Hyotei. I will persevere and work hard, and practice diligently."

Xue Di felt that Bing Di's words seemed to contain a hint of disapproval towards her, and said softly, "Bing'er, don't you know my professionalism and teaching ability? I definitely won't hold Yuhao back."

Hyotei took a deep breath. Is that what I meant? They haven't even merged yet, and they're already acting like they're on the same page.

Once the two truly merge, what will happen? Will Xue Di still have a place for her in her heart?

Just as Hyotei was feeling down, Tianmeng Bingcan came over with a sigh, her tone full of regret.

"Hey... Bingbing, Yuhao's first two spirit rings have been taken by Xue Di. It seems it will be a while before we can be together. True love is always so complicated."

Hyotei was furious when he noticed the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm approaching. He grabbed its body with his large front claw.

Then he swung it around several times, sending the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm flying more than a hundred meters away.

"Tianmeng, leave me alone! I'm in a bad mood right now. If you dare come any closer, I'll tear you to pieces and string you together!" Hyotei brandished her jade-green scorpion tail and shouted angrily.

After shaking off the Flying Dream Ice Silkworm, the Ice Emperor thought about what the Flying Dream Ice Silkworm had just said, and then creaked and crawled to the Snow Emperor's side.

"Xue Di, Yu Hao, what about me? When will I merge with Yu Hao?"

Huo Yuhao thought for a moment. In the original story, Ice Emperor only occupied one spirit ring slot. "Once I reach level 30 and have a new spirit ring slot, I can merge with you."

"I hope I won't have to wait too long," Hyotei asked.

"No, it will take me no more than a year to cultivate to the Soul Venerable level."

Upon hearing this, Ice Empress's mood improved considerably. For soul beasts of their level, a year is but a fleeting moment; it can pass quickly by simply returning to cultivation or taking a nap.

Old Master Yi smiled gently and said, "Alright, Yuhao, find a place where you and Xue Di can begin your fusion."

"Go to the top of the snow mountain where I reside." The Snow Emperor gestured to the distant, white snow-capped mountain.

"Yuhao, I will fly there with you."

After saying that, Xue Di stretched out a fair arm, tucked Huo Yuhao into her arms, and flew towards the snow mountain.

After being swung around and sent flying a hundred meters away, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm finally shamelessly crawled back to Bingdi. "Bingbing, you're so domineering and cold-blooded! I love you so much!"

Before Tianmeng Ice Silkworm could finish speaking, Ice Emperor's front claw struck it fiercely, almost causing it to vomit its spiritual essence.

Then Hyotei followed the direction of Yuki-tei and flew away.

Before long, the group arrived at the top of the snow-capped mountain, where there was a hot spring shrouded in mist, filled with an icy white aura—a veritable little paradise.

Through the hazy mist, you can see a snow lotus floating in the center of the hot spring, each leaf shimmering with an eerie glow.

Huo Yuhao had just been put down by Xue Di when he frantically began to circulate the Life Seal to heal his injuries.

"Snow Emperor, you broke my arm at least three times along the way."

Huo Yuhao spoke calmly, shaking his arm a few times to indicate that he was seriously injured.

"Huh? You didn't even bother to call out?"

Xue Di quickly took out a healing artifact unique to the far north and used it to set Huo Yuhao's bones.

Huo Yuhao glanced at Xue Di, "If I can't help but cry out when you make such a small movement, how am I supposed to hold on when we merge later?"

Xue Di felt a little bad for him, because it was the first time she brought Huo Yuhao to her place, and he broke it several times.

"I have already held back as much as I could, but I didn't expect you to be so weak, breaking at the slightest touch."

Huo Yuhao: "..."

Those words were extremely harsh.

Given Xue Di's cultivation level, she shouldn't have been able to lose control of her strength. It can only be attributed to the fact that Xue Di's emotions were somewhat fluctuating at the thought of soon becoming a soul spirit.

Xue Di opened her mouth slightly and blew on it. The next second, a petal of a snow lotus flower appeared in her palm.

"Yuhao, take this first. It will help alleviate your pain during the fusion process later."

Xue Di handed a lotus petal to Huo Yuhao.

"Snow Emperor, where did you get it from?" Huo Yuhao was taken aback. If he wasn't mistaken, Snow Emperor blew a breath and it came out.

"It is nurtured within my body, so of course it was taken from within me, the Emperor."

Xue Di responded without hesitation, taking it for granted.

She suddenly narrowed her eyes, looking at Huo Yuhao with an extremely dangerous aura, and slowly approached him as she stood up.

"Yuhao, look me in the eye."

The Snow Emperor's eyes flashed with a cold light as she coldly questioned, "Did you just think that this lotus leaf was something I had eaten and found it disgusting?"

When Huo Yuhao met Xue Di's gaze, he immediately felt the surrounding temperature plummeting, as if it were about to freeze him into an ice sculpture.

"Snow Emperor, no, no, you misunderstood me. I didn't think it was dirty, I was just curious if it still worked."

The Snow Empress's expression was unreadable. "I told you it was being nurtured within my body, how could it not have any effect?"

"Moreover, I am a being formed from the primordial energy of heaven and earth, and my entire body is pure and clean. Even if it has no effect, how could eating it possibly contaminate you in the slightest?"

Huo Yuhao met Xue Di's cold gaze, and all his unspoken words were condensed into one sentence.

"The Snow Empress is right."

After saying that, Huo Yuhao took the lotus petal from Xue Di's palm, pinched a small pinch from the edge, and rubbed it between his fingers.

Upon seeing this, Xue Di frowned.

Huo Yuhao stuffed the lotus leaf into his mouth, and it dissolved automatically into a cool liquid without him even having to chew it.

Xue Di gave a nonchalant snort, "You're smart enough to know what's good for you," and then looked at Ilex, "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Ilex, let's begin the fusion now."

"No trouble at all, it's a small matter." Electrox chuckled and began preparing for the ritual of fusing souls.

The Ice Empress, who had witnessed the scene between the Snow Empress and Huo Yuhao, pouted and said, "He, a human, can obtain the Snow Lotus nurtured within the Snow Empress's body, so why don't I get the same treatment..."

Hyotei felt a pang of jealousy.

Electrolux quickly prepared for the ceremony.

The Snow Empress said softly, "Yuhao, you should also know that although I am a soul beast, my appearance is extremely similar to that of you humans."

"So, whatever part of the soul bone you desire, under the guidance of my will, I can leave you the ideal part of the soul bone."

Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao pondered for a moment, and two ideas came to mind.

Skull, or arm bone (with hand bone attached, later with external hand bone, fused with the Dark Gold Terrorclaw).

If choosing a skull, in the original work, Huo Gua's destiny skull was provided by the Three-Eyed Golden Lion through sacrifice; in the original work, Xue Di, due to the ignition of her primordial power, did not leave Huo Gua with a soul bone after 700,000 years.

This time, the auspicious beast will not sacrifice itself; the Snow Empress will transform into a spirit through the normal process, thus filling the gap in the skull.

However, there is a better choice for the skull: the 800,000-year-old Evil Eye Tyrant Ruler, the Evil Emperor.

Therefore, the question of the head is still open to discussion.

As for the arm bone... in the original story, Huo's right arm bone, which is from a mermaid princess who lived for 100,000 years, is, to be honest, a bit inferior for Huo.

The arm bone of the 700,000-year-old Snow Emperor is clearly a better fit for Huo Gua's configuration.

The arm bone is specifically designed to enhance strength, which is beneficial for practicing combat techniques such as Eight Extremes Collapse and Flame Dividing Wave Ruler.

"Snow Empress, would it be alright to include the arm bone of the hand as well?"

"Okay, then let's use the hand bone."

The Snow Empress's brow emitted an icy white light that flowed continuously toward Huo Yuhao's brow and into his arms.

The fusion of Xue Di's hand bones caused Huo Yuhao's arm to begin to ache intermittently. However, having previously fused with the bone spirit Leng Huozi, the pain from Xue Di's hand bones was completely tolerable.

"Yuhao, the pain of fusing your bones first and then your soul will be beyond your imagination. I will use my own ice and snow to numb your pain and minimize your suffering."

Huo Yuhao nodded silently. The lotus leaves he had taken earlier were now taking effect, bringing a refreshing coolness to his mind.

After a while, the icy white halo receded from between Huo Yuhao's brows, and his arms had a strange texture.

His hands became like jade, crystal clear, and as white as porcelain.

Huo Yuhao could clearly feel that his mental energy and physical strength were incredibly abundant, which meant that the hand bones had successfully fused.

At this moment, the Snow Empress appeared in spirit form, "I didn't expect Yuhao to be so comfortable with my arm bones. Senior Yi, let's proceed with the soul fusion ritual."

The next instant, a magic circle faintly appeared around Xue Di and Huo Yuhao, and a strange connection appeared between the two.

A strange halo enveloped the two of them, as if forming a translucent light film, within which an indescribable energy was brewing.

"Yuhao, I am coming." The Snow Empress slowly released her primordial energy, the immense energy seemingly about to engulf Huo Yuhao.

However, under Xue Di's conscious control, the pure white halo flowed into his body little by little, and Huo Yuhao's entire body was instantly dyed ice white.

As this energy surged in, Huo Yuhao's appearance began to undergo tremendous changes.

Perhaps because Xue Di was Huo Yuhao's first soul spirit, his facial features gradually softened under her influence, and his skin turned snow-white.

As time passed, two orange-gold spirit rings faintly appeared around Huo Yuhao.

He could sense that one of the orange-gold soul rings possessed the three-piece set of Emperor Palm, Emperor Sword, and Emperor Frost Heaven.

And another orange-gold soul ring, one of its soul skills.

Praying for snow.

The Ice and Snow Maiden's innate soul skill allows her to gain absolute control over the power of ice and snow within her domain, drawing upon the forces of nature. (Adapted from Bleach: Sode no Shirayuki, with one character changed)

(End of this chapter)