Unable to Cultivate, I Can Only Raise Soul Pets Chapter 503
Previously on Unable to Cultivate, I Can Only Raise Soul Pets...
503 Did They Forget?
In the Eastern War Zone, specifically on the North River Continent, within the Forest Academy.
Despite it being the middle of June, a time that typically signifies scorching summer heat, numerous students within the academy were seen clad in thick, dark attire.
Even many soul pets with fire attributes were outfitted with specialized isolation soul devices to ward off the pervasive cold.
Without these precautions, the frigid air could corrode their beings, diminishing their cultivation and lifespan.
Suspended in the air was a formidable, steel-like mechanical warship, its pure ice-colored hull casting a shadow over the entirety of Forest Academy.
An oppressive atmosphere permeated the entire school grounds.
At the academy's center, a long queue had formed, with students rubbing their hands together as they shuffled forward in line.
“Sister Xiaoluo, is this another recruitment drive?”
Wang Ka sighed, standing amidst the lengthy queue.
“You ask when you already know the answer?” Bai Xiaoluo retorted with a touch of annoyance.
“Sister Xiaoluo, you seem to have a lot of insider information… Do you think our war zone’s three northern continents have already succumbed to this cold wave?” Ludi inquired, unable to contain his curiosity.
Bai Xiaoluo pulled her clothes tighter, tapping the moon blade affixed to her wrist. “What else could it be? My family’s business is on the brink of bankruptcy… Sigh, and we’re still considered fortunate. Half of the neighboring war zone has already fallen.”
“But I heard that the number of positions allocated to our school by the military has drastically decreased this year,” Wang Ka added, his brow furrowed.
During the first year of the cold wave's onset, the war zone experienced a severe drop in temperature. The land became infertile, and countless crops perished from the frost.
That year, the war zone urgently sought students majoring in agriculture and Contract Soul Masters with relevant expertise to aid in soil restoration.
Consequently, the market prices for soul plant resources, agriculture, and crops surged, plunging everyone into a state of panic.
Fortunately, the central government maintained control of the war zone. The cold wave's progression was not rapid, and the soil, altered by the frigid air, was swiftly reclaimed under the guidance of agricultural soul masters, ensuring at least normal farming operations could continue.
However, the situation deteriorated the following year…
“Indeed, there are fewer positions…” Bai Xiaoluo murmured, her voice low. “It’s because there’s nothing left to salvage. The cold wave’s advance has accelerated, the inhabitants of the three continents have been forced to retreat, and the cold line is rapidly closing in on us.”
“Perhaps within another year, the North River Continent will also have to be abandoned…”
“Therefore, there’s no longer a need for agricultural soul masters. Instead, the call is for… a volunteer army to help defend the cold line.”
“Given your capabilities, I believe it would be wise not to volunteer.”
Bai Xiaoluo cast a glance at the two of them.
The three exchanged looks, then turned their attention to the imposing warship hovering above.
It was a Transcendent mechanical soul pet, identified as the Cloud Sky Mothership, Model Ice Snow.
In truth, they had never encountered or even heard of such a colossal mothership before.
They were unaware that the war zone possessed such a terrifying mechanical soul pet.
Whispers suggested that over ten thousand Mechanical Divine Soldiers resided on board, each possessing a cultivation exceeding 20,000 years, tasked with jointly defending the cold line.
The so-called cold line represented the human defense perimeter established against the encroaching cold wave.
When this news was disseminated throughout the war zone, it generated considerable excitement.
“This isn’t the first time a cold wave has appeared in our history… Why is it so extreme this time?”
Wang Ka and Ludi gazed at the colossal vessel, feeling an odd sense of security juxtaposed with an involuntary shiver down their spines.
“That question is already somewhat outdated…”
Bai Xiaoluo stated with a sigh, “The cold wave outbreak isn’t isolated to this region… All seven war zones are experiencing outbreaks in various geographical locations. This is far beyond the scope of historical cold waves… A year ago, speculation ran rampant online. Now, with the official announcement, the Federation has explicitly stated that these are remnants of disaster left behind by those foreign races.”
“Do you actually believe that?”
“I don’t.”
“Precisely. To be blunt, in an environment like the Ice Plain Continent, what is a mere cold wave? Powerful ice-type soul pets aren’t even fazed by absolute zero. So, what’s a mere cold wave? With our war zone’s might, it’s inconceivable that we’d be susceptible to the lingering threats from foreign races…”
Wang Ka scoffed, “However, just feel this chilling air! We Contract Soul Masters, particularly those at higher cultivation levels, are not inherently afraid of the cold. Yet, this biting cold can penetrate our very bodies, evading even our soul power's isolation. How could foreign races possibly leave behind such potent remnants of disaster? If they possessed such overwhelming power, humanity and soul beasts would have been wiped out long ago!”
“Who would fall for such a transparent fabrication?!”
“They claim they’re recruiting us to assist in guarding the cold line; they can’t very well admit that our true adversary is this relentless cold air, can they?”
‘Heavenly Kings also exist… I heard that several Heavenly Kings have already vanished from our war zone… and they even deployed a million-year soul pet. They even publicly revealed a mechanical soul pet like the Cloud Sky Mothership. They didn’t even bother to inform us about this enemy?’ The group exchanged glances. The three of them spoke in hushed tones, mostly feeling indignant. Despite the war zone remaining stable during the two years of the cold wave, a sense of unease had already begun to spread. Of course, many Contract Soul Masters harbored thoughts and speculations, but they kept them to themselves.‘Your adversary is naturally not this chilling air,’ a hoarse and deep voice echoed from the side. They turned to see a middle-aged man in military attire. ‘I did not enlist you students to assist the guards,’ the middle-aged man stated, his gaze sweeping over them and the group eager to put their skills to the test. ‘Then why are you having us go? To be spectators?’ Wang Ka furrowed his brow. ‘Precisely, I want you to go and observe,’ the middle-aged man replied calmly. ‘Go and learn...’ ‗…‗ With that, the middle-aged man moved forward. The trio remained stunned. ‘Damn it! Do you think we are that weak?’ Ludi couldn't help but exclaim. ‘We were the champions of the King’s Cup two years ago...’ ‘The last one, wasn’t it?’ Wang Ka whispered. ‘There hasn’t been a King’s Cup in the past two years... It was about to be held when the cold wave first erupted, but it was postponed... Last year there was none, and it’s unlikely there will be one this year.’ ‘Senior Sister Shen accompanied Professor Yun to the Cold Wave Research Institute on the front lines last year... She hasn’t returned in a whole year.’ ‘Brother Wang is even more remarkable. There’s been no news of him for over two years...’ ‘Perhaps he’s at the front lines now...’ ‘Damn, I think so too!’ ‘Then we absolutely must go!’ ... Witnessing the two engrossed in their conversation, Bai Xiaoluo couldn't help but purse her lips. Over the past two years, she had utilized various connections to inquire about Wang Che... To her astonishment, he had vanished. The school had granted him a three-year leave of absence for his studies, but with those three years nearly elapsed, there was still no sign of him. Not a single word. Even Senior Shen had been unable to uncover any leads. As time marches on, even the most legendary figures gradually fade from public consciousness after two to three years of significant events. In over two years, the school had seen two entire batches of students graduate... However... Half a day later, Bai Xiaoluo and the other two boarded the warship. As the familiar sight of Forest Academy gradually receded, an inexplicable sense of foreboding washed over them, as if they were seeing it for the very last time. ‘Sister Xiaoluo, with your standing, you shouldn’t have been conscripted along with us, should you?’ ‘I miss Little Shen. She’s been on the front lines for over a year, and my family is on the brink of bankruptcy... What standing do I have?’ Bai Xiaoluo shrugged wryly. ‘I, a formerly wealthy woman, am now bankrupt. I can only follow Little Shen...’ ‗…‗ The Cloud Sky Mothership ascended into the heavens, slicing through the silvery mountains and rivers, heading towards the countless cultivators assembling ahead... What was once the Nu River flowing towards the Eastern Sea, marking the boundary between the Central Capital Continent and the Ice Plain Continent, had transformed into an icy river. At the edge of this frozen waterway, the distant cold wave was enshrouded in mist. From the vantage point of the sky, the landscape presented a truly beautiful spectacle. Yet, upon closer inspection, one could discern a complete absence of any vital life force. Third Cold Wave Research Base. This specialized organization was established in the Eastern War Zone a year prior. The initial two cold wave research bases had already succumbed on the first two continents. This was the third. Standing above the base, the Oracle Heavenly King gazed towards the hazy cold wave stretching before her. Her fair, snow-white countenance lent her already captivating features the aura of an ice queen, exuding an air of chilling majesty. ‘It is said that the Clear Capital War Zone has successfully developed a unique soul device capable of withstanding the cold wave,’ someone remarked. ‘As long as we can equip our soul pets with it, they will no longer be affected by the cold wave... facing the spectral entities within the cold wave, we might stand a chance to fight.’ Beside the Oracle Heavenly King, He Huan, still clad in a white research suit, frowned slightly. ‘Oh?’ the Oracle Heavenly King inquired calmly. ‘Has the intensity of the cold wave on their end diminished?’ ‘No, it has accelerated.’ ‘According to our analyses, there is a significant probability that these spectral entities are the mutated corpses of soul beasts from the Remote Antiquity Era, subjected to countless years of transformation. This is especially true after the invasion of alien races caused drastic energy shifts throughout this world...’“It is indeed entirely as stated, a remnant of disaster from the foreign races,” He Huan stated, shaking her head faintly. “However, it’s not entirely that simple... These phenomena might be intertwined with the secrets of the Remote Antiquity Era...”
“We are unable to ascertain the truth,” the Oracle Heavenly King’s voice echoed, low and somber. “From the very moment the Ice Palace manifested, certain scholars within our war zone had already harbored suspicions. The power it exuded was too peculiar, unlike anything within our current understanding of power structures.”
“The reappeared ancient tomb... is that what the central soul pet research base has designated it?”
“Approximately six months ago, when I personally journeyed to the Myriad Beast Mountain to consult with those Great Sages, their reactions were quite peculiar upon hearing the details. They then employed a secret technique to awaken the residual consciousness of an ancient Sacred Spirit. The outcome? After they presented the information, the remnant soul consciousness of that ancient Sacred Spirit promptly dissolved...”
“Fear, perhaps?”
“In essence, the Ice Palace was likely an entity of immensely ancient and terrifying power during the Remote Antiquity Era.”
“Even their era failed to fully comprehend the underlying causes, let alone our present situation.”
“Actually, based on my own hypotheses and the speculations of several esteemed professors...” He Huan began, a note of hesitation in her voice. “I believe this entire affair might be intrinsically linked to the soul pet egg discovered within the Ice Palace.”
“Perhaps the issue stems from that egg being removed from the Ice Palace.”
“But that egg was taken a considerable time ago...” The Oracle Heavenly King expressed slight bewilderment. “Furthermore, it was entrusted to Wang Che quite early on... Are you suggesting we retrieve it and conduct further tests?”
“The specific energy signature present in this cold wave is not the malevolent power of those foreign races, but rather a potent death-ice energy... In any case, it is unlike any energy wielded by our contemporary ice-type soul pets.”
“That ice seal also appears to be infused with temporal energy. Following the thawing of the ice sculptures that were brought back, the majority of the soul beasts within had already succumbed to old age.”
“This is not the product of a mere ice seal.”
“Otherwise, these cold waves would not prove so exceedingly difficult to manage.”
“Regarding that soul pet egg, according to the research conclusions provided by the Glazed Heavenly King, it contains elements of both ice and time energy... and possesses a profound connection to the power driving this current cold wave.”
“I comprehend your intention,” the Oracle Heavenly King affirmed with a nod. “You wish for us to bring Wang Che back, do you not?”
He Huan responded with a nod.
“Truthfully, I am inclined to do so as well,” the Oracle Heavenly King confessed after a brief period of silence. “After all, I made a promise to his parents... However, the situation on Black Jade Star is fraught with complexity, and I cannot act recklessly at this juncture.”
“Are you indicating that you are unable to go at present, or perhaps not even in the future?” He Huan inquired pointedly.
She then added, “I recall hearing that the Cloud Sky Heavenly King vanished amidst the cold wave a year ago while leading a resistance effort... There has been no word since.”
“...” The Oracle Heavenly King remained silent.
“Concerning the Cloud Sky Heavenly King, from what I understand, his soul pet possessed an innate teleportation ability. He was indeed one of the five Heavenly Kings instrumental in teleporting Wang Che and the two ancient overlords to Black Jade Star.”
“My father mentioned that attempting to locate Black Jade Star via spatial transition is impossible without the involvement of at least one of the five Heavenly Kings.”
“The reason being... its immense distance...”
“...” The Oracle Heavenly King sighed.
“Since you are already privy to the information, why do you persist in asking me...” the Oracle Heavenly King murmured.
In reality, He Huan's conjecture mirrored the prevalent suspicion among numerous professors and scholars in the war zone a year prior. They had indeed considered retrieving Wang Che, but the crucial element remained that ice egg!
However, at that time, concerns lingered regarding the potential instability of Black Jade Star’s space. Should any mishap occur during the spatial leap undertaken by the five Heavenly Kings, their lives could be jeopardized.
The war zone hesitated to make a precipitate decision.
Their plan was to defer the matter for a period.
Unexpectedly, the Cloud Sky Heavenly King met with misfortune, rendering him currently unfound.
As the intensity of the cold wave escalated with each passing day...
The significance of that particular ice egg grew increasingly critical.
“We attempted this endeavor six months ago and were unsuccessful,” the Oracle Heavenly King revealed. “Spatial soul beasts are exceedingly rare. The Cloud Sky Heavenly King’s possesses a cultivation level of two hundred thousand years. Currently, no comparable spatial soul pets exist within the war zone...”
“Moreover, the spatial coordinates of Black Jade Star are rather unique. When we initially traveled there, the war zone entrusted the access codes to the five Heavenly Kings for safekeeping. To journey to Black Jade Star, the cooperation of all five Heavenly Kings is mandatory as a preventative measure.”
“Furthermore, these location passwords undergo an annual revision. At the time of the Cloud Sky Heavenly King’s disappearance within the cold wave, the backup password held by the war zone had not yet been updated.”
“In other words, even if there are 200,000-year-old space-type soul beasts or Contract Soul Masters, without the coordinates in the hands of the Cloud Sky Heavenly King, the four of us can’t locate the Black Jade Star alone.”
He Huan was utterly speechless.
“So... he can’t come back?” He Huan asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
The Oracle Heavenly King remained silent.
Truthfully, losing the Black Jade Star wasn't the primary concern. After all, it was merely a desolate planet.
However, Wang Che's presence there, particularly with the ice egg, made it a critical loss, even if its connection to the cold wave was uncertain.
“For the time being, that is the situation,” the Oracle Heavenly King finally admitted.
“Then we’re just going to leave him stranded on that desolate star?” He Huan’s tone grew indignant.
“Do not grow angry. There is actually a method,” the Oracle Heavenly King reassured, clearing his throat. “I can deduce the spatial coordinates of the Cloud Sky Heavenly King...”
“How much time will that take?” He Huan pressed.
“...”
“If there were no cold wave, we could deduce it swiftly.”
“And what about now?”
“It is difficult to say... If we cannot resolve the cold wave... perhaps within... a hundred years?”
“His corpse would have decomposed by then.”
“...”
“Back then, he expressed his desire to remain on the desolate star to cultivate. It should not be a problem for him to last for decades. Moreover, his university studies were in farming. His talent is exceptional; it is impossible for him to perish there.”
“...”
—
Black Jade Star, mid-June 2023.
Three full years had elapsed.
“I should return...”
“So, where are they?”
Wang Che gazed upon the tranquil Black Jade Star, unsure of what to think or say.
“Have they forgotten about me?”
Initially, Wang Che had dismissed this possibility as unlikely.
Another two years slipped by.
Wang Che could now confirm his suspicions.
They had indeed forgotten about him.
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