Chapter 396: The Ice Soul
First came Xingtian with an offer to collaborate, then the Great Decree of the Followers of the Snow God arrived, proposing an alliance to counter the other factions.
The situation seemed favorable for Zhang Yi, but his vigilance never wavered.
These people were nothing more than a pack of bloodthirsty beasts—feed them, and they’d stay satisfied; show weakness, and they’d bite.
Talk of cooperation and honor was nothing but a fleeting illusion.
Zhang Yi instructed Xu Pangzi:
“Ask him this: if they want to cooperate, what proof of sincerity are they offering?”
Following the question, the Great Decree smiled faintly.
“Our esteemed leader understands that Mr. Zhang Yi is a prudent individual. Without sufficient proof of sincerity, it would be impossible to gain your trust.”
He paused, then produced a small wooden box from his robes and handed it to Xu Pangzi.
“This is one of our sacred artifacts—the Ice Soul,” the Great Decree announced.
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“Ice Soul?”
The name sounded impressive, but no one knew what it actually did.
Xu Pangzi hesitated, unsure if it was dangerous, and didn’t dare to take it.
Zhang Yi’s voice came through the earpiece again:
“Ask him what it does.”
Xu Pangzi relayed the question. The Great Decree chuckled softly and began to explain:
“The Ice Soul has a straightforward function: it can help a person unlock their latent potential and become a superhuman.”
“For those who are already superhumans, it can further tap into their abilities, making them even stronger!”
“Surely, Mr. Zhang Yi, after spending so long in Tianhai City, you must have heard of its miraculous effects?”
Hearing this, Zhang Yi’s eyes flashed with a hint of interest.
So, this is the so-called miraculous artifact linked to Yuan Kongye’s abilities.
He remembered what Li Jian had said—that the so-called Ice Soul resembled a small, soft, snowball-like object. When implanted into a person’s forehead, it triggered their potential and granted superhuman abilities.
Zhang Yi also recalled that the Great Decree had once tried to recruit Uncle You, offering this same Ice Soul, though Uncle You had declined.
Dangerous thoughts began to swirl in Zhang Yi’s mind as his lips curled into a cold smile.
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Hmph, trying to deceive me with this thing!
Zhang Yi had always believed there was no such thing as a free lunch. A method that gave someone powers simply by implanting a foreign object was bound to come with strings attached. ꞦÃŊő𝔟Ê𝓢
“This so-called Ice Soul must have some hidden drawbacks. Pangzi, tell him that word for word,” Zhang Yi ordered.
Xu Pangzi repeated Zhang Yi’s message.
However, the Great Decree remained calm, his smile unshaken as if he had anticipated such doubts.
“I assure you, the Ice Soul is a sacred artifact without any side effects,” he said.
“And, Mr. Zhang Yi, you are not the first to receive it.”
“Before you, the major bases in Tianhai City also requested it from us. Even they have verified its safety. Surely, this should dispel any doubts?”
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This statement left Zhang Yi momentarily stunned.
“What? The major bases have used it too?”
The bases had access to extensive intelligence networks and advanced research equipment. If the Ice Soul had any harmful effects, they would have uncovered it.
Still skeptical, Zhang Yi turned to Yang Xinxin for confirmation.
Yang Xinxin quickly opened her laptop, her fingers flying across the keyboard. After a brief search, she nodded.
“It’s true. There are records indicating that some of the earliest superhumans at Xishan Base awakened their abilities through the Ice Soul.”
She hesitated before adding, “In fact, it was their use of this implantable method that inspired Xishan Base’s later experiments with modified humans.”
Yang Xinxin suddenly froze, her tone laced with shock as she continued:
“According to Xishan Base’s reports, the so-called Ice Soul appears to be derived from human cells!”
Zhang Yi’s expression darkened as realization dawned.
So, the Ice Soul is actually Yuan Kongye’s cells.
No wonder Xishan Base had tried replicating this method by implanting Ling Feng’s cells into others to create modified humans.
“Does it have any side effects?” Zhang Yi asked, still cautious.
Yang Xinxin replied, “Based on the records, the major bases conducted thorough research and found no harmful substances or mechanisms for controlling recipients through the cells.”
“Much of the Followers of the Snow God’s current influence comes from trading Ice Souls for survival agreements with the major bases,” she explained.
“If the reports are accurate, the Ice Soul is undoubtedly an incredible asset,” Yang Xinxin concluded.
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Zhang Yi remained silent for a long time, gazing out the window.
An incredible asset? Something that allows ordinary people to become superhumans without risking death, or enhances existing superhumans’ abilities?
He didn’t believe it.
Even if the Ice Soul truly had no side effects, Zhang Yi couldn’t bring himself to trust it. His principle had always been to assume the worst about anyone he didn’t fully understand.
Narrowing his eyes, he coldly instructed, “Ask him if it works on ordinary people.”
The Great Decree explained, “Its effectiveness varies based on an individual’s latent potential. When used on ordinary people, the results are minimal, granting only faint traces of extraordinary ability.”
“But for superhumans, it can unlock far greater potential.”
Zhang Yi didn’t waste time debating.
“Fine. Since you’ve gone to the trouble of bringing it here, I’ll take it,” he declared. “Xu Pangzi, accept it.”
For now, he decided to keep the Ice Soul and assess it later.
The Great Decree showed no hesitation, promptly handing over the wooden box to Xu Pangzi.
This straightforward gesture made Xu Pangzi suspicious.
“Aren’t you worried we might refuse to cooperate with the Followers of the Snow God?” he asked. “You’re giving this up awfully easily.”
The Great Decree responded with a wily smile.
“Regardless of whether we cooperate or not, the alliance’s plan to attack your shelter remains unchanged.”
“But if this strengthens your side and helps you eliminate more of the other factions’ forces, it’s a win for us.”
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Hearing this, Xu Pangzi couldn’t help but mutter to himself, This old fox sure knows how to play the game.
Zhang Yi’s voice came through the earpiece again:
“I understand you want us to weaken the other bases, but what exactly is your proposal for this alliance?”
His tone carried a cold sneer as he added, “It’s obvious your ambitions don’t end with just sitting on the sidelines.”
The Great Decree bowed slightly, his cloudy eyes gleaming with a sharp, calculating light.
“When the time comes, we’ll appear to join the assault on your shelter,” he explained.
“Of course, we’ll merely feign participation, launching a token attack nearby.”
“But once they reveal an opening…”
The Great Decree’s lips curled into a sinister grin.
“…we’ll strike from the shadows and stab them in the back!”