After spending the entire day guiding Fang Chang and his group, not only did the Ice Empress not feel tired, but she was actually a little excited.
Ever since these self-proclaimed gods had entered their Land of Extreme North, they had not only occupied their territory but also established forbidden zones, attacking any living being that dared to approach.
Such domineering behavior naturally displeased the Ice Empress and her people. However, faced with the enemy's overwhelming strength, with each one being far more powerful than anyone on their side, they could only swallow their anger and endure.
Fang Chang's arrival had fortuitously solved this problem for them. He had even eliminated all the gods in one fell swoop, removing any future threats. The Ice Empress was naturally delighted to see this.
She developed a particularly good impression of Fang Chang, the leader of this group.
Unlike the others, especially that female dragon who was arrogant and fierce, he seemed approachable. Despite his immense power, he didn't have the slightest air of superiority.
Walking across the ice field with the group, the Ice Empress subconsciously shortened the distance between herself and Fang Chang, drawing a hostile glare from Gu Yue.
"Are we all done?" Fang Chang's tone was gentle, like that of a big brother from next door.
"Mmm," the Ice Empress nodded vigorously. "I only know of so many places, and we should have gone through all of them. If you're not at ease, you can arrange for your people to check again."
"I'll go back and tell my big sister, let her know you are all friends so she doesn't misunderstand."
"That's a good idea. We don't have anything else to do right now anyway, so let's check again to prevent any fish from slipping through the net," Fang Chang said, looking out at the boundless icy plain.
In an environment like this, no one could guarantee a clean sweep of these divine remnants on the first try. Being extra careful was never a bad thing.
Hearing Fang Chang say they would search again, the Ice Empress beamed. Her small figure quickly scooted closer. "In that case, why don't you let your subordinates do the searching? You can come with me to the central hub of our Land of Extreme North for a visit. My big sister is very hospitable, you know."
"If she finds out you helped us get rid of those gods, she will definitely thank you properly."
Before Fang Chang could speak, Gu Yue, who was beside him, immediately refused. "That won't be necessary. We are just doing our own thing."
She was clearly very wary of this little girl from another race. While rejecting her invitation, she also wrapped an arm around Fang Chang's, as if to declare her sovereignty.
Fang Chang could only feel helpless at her actions. He had actually been quite interested in meeting the Snow Empress—not with any improper thoughts, but simply out of a desire to get acquainted.
But alas, he didn't know what had gotten into Gu Yue on this trip; she was being incredibly strict with him.
He then felt a secret sense of relief. It was a good thing he had left Xiao Bai in the Divine Realm to manage things, and that the three Little Gold sisters had gone to other planes on other business.
If they were here too, his days would truly be miserable.
The Ice Empress's eyes darted around, and she asked with feigned ignorance, "Big brother, is this fierce big sister your..."
"Wife," Gu Yue answered without hesitation.
"...one of them," Fang Chang added before her voice had even faded.
At his words, Gu Yue snorted through her nose and fiercely pinched the arm she was holding.
She had always been bothered by these things back in the Divine Realm. Unlike Xiao Bai and the others, who had started as ordinary soul beasts and had only reached their current status through Fang Chang's grace.
But her? The majestic Silver Dragon King! One of the two halves of the Dragon God, a being of supreme status. Yet, when it came down to it, she was the last one to be with Fang Chang, and her ranking was the lowest.
"Oh?" The Ice Empress looked like she was enjoying the drama and continued to press, "One of them? Then where are your other wives? Are they very fierce too?"
Gu Yue finally realized this little scorpion was taking the opportunity to throw shade at her. One of her hands immediately transformed into a dragon claw, posturing as if she were about to tear the Ice Empress to shreds.
"Yueyue, don't be like that," Fang Chang said, quickly grabbing her hand. "She's a great contributor who led us to the Goddess of Life. Besides, she was just making a joke."
"Hmph, a mere little bug of four hundred thousand years dares to cast aspersions on me. Watch me tear her apart," Gu Yue refused to let the Ice Empress go.
Hearing Gu Yue call her a "little bug," the Ice Empress puffed up her cheeks in anger. If not for her lack of strength, she probably would have charged forward already.
"Alright, both of you, stop." Fang Chang had experienced similar situations countless times. He stepped directly between them, separating the two.
"Gu Yue, look where we are. All those gods are watching from behind. Don't throw a tantrum."
Only then did Gu Yue realize they weren't in the Divine Realm. Behind them, more than a dozen gods were staring in their direction with great interest.
When her gaze swept over them, the gods quickly pretended they hadn't seen anything. It was clear her fierce reputation in the Divine Realm was well-established.
Brought to her senses by Fang Chang's words, she retracted her claws and turned her head away, ignoring the Ice Empress.
The Ice Empress was also sensible enough not to provoke this violent old dragon any further, merely cursing her silently in her heart.
"Alright, as we just discussed, all of you spread out and search the Land of Extreme North thoroughly. Make sure no suspicious place is overlooked," Fang Chang then ordered his subordinates to set out.
At the same time, through their mental link, he also recalled the several hundred gods stationed on the periphery of the Land of Extreme North to join the search.
After all, the greatest threat, the Goddess of Life, had been eliminated, and the Tree of Life had been recovered. The remaining small fry were not as important.
"Big brother, I'll go find my big sister first, then. Best not to let things drag on and cause any unnecessary misunderstandings," the Ice Empress said. Though reluctant to leave, she was still mindful of the bigger picture and used this opportunity to slip away.
Once again, only Fang Chang and Gu Yue were left on the pale ice field.
"Alright, Yueyue, don't be angry anymore. The situation just now forced my hand; I had to say something," Fang Chang said, putting on a pitiful expression to apologize to Gu Yue now that everyone was gone.
Gu Yue, however, still ignored him, turning her head to the side.
After a short while, she asked him coldly, "Are you interested in that little bug?"
"No, of course not. Heaven is my witness, how could I possibly have designs on a scorpion that's only four hundred thousand years old! Although our two clans' bloodlines are relatively close..." Fang Chang defended himself.
His words started off fine, but the further he went, the more suspicious Gu Yue became. "Stop right there. Let me ask you another question. What about those two little spiders in Sun Moon City?"
"The older one is already on the verge of becoming a god, just missing an opportunity. With your personality, you'll definitely help her, right?"
"Are you planning to wait for her to ascend to the Divine Realm and then dote on her properly?"
"This... I will help, but it's definitely not what you think. She is my descendant, after all, just many, many generations removed," Fang Chang said, somewhat exasperated.
"What about the younger one?" Gu Yue pressed on, not giving an inch.
"The younger... the younger one." Gu Yue was naturally talking about Zhu Zhu. For a moment, Fang Chang was at a loss for words.
"Maybe... and I mean maybe, a little bit."