Forming a powerful combat maid squad would undoubtedly require a significant investment in resources.
A typical soul master team combined with a soul engineer squad already demanded a vast amount of cultivation resources. If a combat maid squad were to meet the bare minimum of Soul Emperor or Soul Saint level strength, the required resources would multiply exponentially.
Qian Ran envisioned the soul master maid squad adopting the aesthetic of the Knights of Favonius from Genshin Impact, while the soul engineer maid squad could take inspiration from the tactical styles seen in Girls' Frontline. Conveniently, Qian Ran already possessed numerous similar costumes that could be modified for uniformity.
For now, however, this idea was still in its infancy. The only suitable candidates he currently had were the seven women sent by Duke Dai Hao. In the future, he planned to recruit additional talents from the Zhu family and other sources, following his principle of "quality over quantity."
This was precisely why Qian Ran encouraged Huo Yun'er and the others to focus on cultivation. Huo Yun'er, in particular, would need to eventually reach Titled Douluo level to maintain her position as the squad leader.
Huo Yun'er's martial soul, Spirit Eyes, had seen a remarkable boost in potential after her resurrection. Her body had also undergone significant enhancements, making it perfect for cultivation even though she was starting relatively late. Her condition defied conventional limitations.
"Master, shall I arrange for them to attend to your bath and accompany you to bed?" Huo Yun'er asked softly.
"No need. I'll be out tonight," Qian Ran replied with a wave of his hand.
He had decided to visit the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. It was the only place where he could obtain resources potent enough to significantly boost the squad's strength.
That evening, Qian Ran visited Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er in turn, informing them to prepare for the journey.
The following morning, he set out with Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, and his most trusted allies, Ice Empress and Snow Empress.
The two academy professors weren't surprised to see the Ice Empress and Snow Empress. They already knew that the Spirit Hall had its fair share of formidable experts.
"Qian Ran, is the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well located in the Sunset Forest?" Cai Mei'er asked curiously as they flew toward their destination.
As they approached, her excitement grew. The mysterious location Qian Ran had mentioned seemed to promise unimaginable treasures.
Obtaining the Dragon Souls Qian Ran had spoken of would allow her to break through her current limits, potentially reaching Limit Douluo level.
Unbeknownst to Cai Mei'er and Xian Lin'er, the Ice and Fire Dragon King remnants were even more extraordinary than they imagined. Each professor would receive one, accelerating their progress to the apex of soul master cultivation.
"Why Sunset Forest?" Xian Lin'er asked, puzzled. Unlike the more famous Star Dou Forest, the Sunset Forest had long been considered unremarkable.
"You'll see soon enough," Qian Ran replied cryptically, leading the group toward the forest's core.
As they delved deeper into the Sunset Forest, a peculiar mist began to envelop their surroundings. It was thin at first, but as they advanced, it thickened into a multicolored fog that obscured the dense vegetation ahead.
"What a heavy miasma," Xian Lin'er remarked, activating her soul power to shield herself and Qian Ran from the toxic air. Miasma typically formed from decomposing plants and animals, but the Sunset Forest's levels were abnormally high.
"This is... the Jade Scaled Seven Deadly Flower?" Cai Mei'er gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
A vast expanse of the deadly flowers stretched before them, covering at least a kilometer. Many of the plants had even evolved into soul beasts, radiating a menacing aura.
"The Jade Scaled Seven Deadly Flower is rare, and it has extremely demanding growth conditions. This many... and at this level of evolution? Something extraordinary must be supporting them," Cai Mei'er speculated.
Even Ice Empress and Snow Empress, seasoned as they were, couldn't hide their astonishment.
"How are we supposed to cross?" Xian Lin'er asked, her brows furrowing.
"Leave it to me." Ice Empress stepped forward, raising her delicate hand.
With a slight hum, her 400,000-year soul beast aura erupted.
The immense pressure caused the surrounding flowers to tremble violently, their branches and petals visibly recoiling. Even the pervasive poison retreated, parting to form a wide, clear path.
The sheer force of Ice Empress's aura sent shivers down Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er's spines. Instinctively, they activated their martial souls in defense, only to realize a moment later that the terrifying aura emanated from their ally.
"You're... a soul beast?" Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er exclaimed in unison.
"Is that a problem?" Ice Empress replied casually, tilting her head.
Her tone and demeanor carried a distinct air of dominance.
"Such power... You must be one of the Three Kings of the Extreme North," Xian Lin'er guessed. The Extreme Ice, coupled with Ice Empress's overwhelming presence, left no other possibility.
"Ice Jade Scorpion Empress, Ice Empress," she confirmed.
"And you must be the Snow Empress," Xian Lin'er said, turning to the serene woman in white.
"Correct," Snow Empress replied with a slight nod.
The two professors exchanged astonished glances, their minds racing.
The top two among the Extreme North's Three Kings!
These were not just any soul beasts; they ranked among the Ten Great Savage Beasts, legendary entities that were supposed to be humanity's most formidable adversaries.
Yet here they were, calmly following Qian Ran.
What kind of charm does Qian Ran possess to command their loyalty?
They couldn't help but entertain a wild thought: had Qian Ran somehow "conquered" them in ways beyond sheer power?
Once they confirmed that Ice Empress and Snow Empress meant no harm, the professors retracted their martial souls.
Whatever Qian Ran's methods were, it was clear he had forged a unique bond with these soul beasts. And if these powerful beings were willing to support him, it could only strengthen his position.
For Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er, the specifics of Qian Ran's relationship with them were unimportant. As long as it benefited him, they had no reason to object.
After all, having Ice Empress and Snow Empress on their side meant that even the mighty Sea God Pavilion might one day require their assistance.
(End of Chapter)