The next second, Skydream felt a severe pain that abruptly pulled it back to reality. This time, Han Li didn't kick it. Instead, he used diluted Scorching Spring mist to inscribe the character "ice" on Skydream's body.
However, the two elements were inherently opposite, and the intensity of the spring water was something Skydream couldn't withstand, causing it even more excruciating pain than before. But this time, Skydream didn't dare to roll around; it just bit its teeth and let out a muffled groan.
It could sense that the vermillion spring water enveloping Han Li posed a lethal threat, even more deadly than the arrows had aimed at its head. Just a small amount would be enough to take its life. Since Han Li hadn't killed it outright, it meant that it still had some use.
Such a commotion naturally couldn't escape the notice of the three people standing by. A cold glint flashed in Guan Ling's eyes, and he was about to release the arrow he was holding but was stopped by Azure Luan's shake of the head, forcing him to suppress his killing intent.
"Was it lying?"
Dugu Bo looked at Han Li, the toxic wings on his back aimed at Skydream, ready to strike at any moment.
"No, it wasn't lying. Everything it said was true. But I think it likes this mark, so I gave it one. Right, Brother Skydream?"
Han Li smiled gently, and at the end, he turned to look at Skydream.
"Yes, you're right, I like it very much. And you can just call me Little Sky or Little Dream."
Skydream endured the severe pain and forced a flattering smile. It continuously consumed its soul power to resist the fire attribute elements at the wound, but it didn't dare to erase the mark.
The three titled Douluos exchanged glances without speaking. Han Li's clumsy excuse and Skydream's reaction already explained everything. Fortunately, the information this big bug had provided earlier should have been accurate; otherwise, Han Li would have corrected it.
As for the "ice" character, it should refer to the "Bing Bing" it mentioned, possibly a kin, relative, or lover? They couldn't help but speculate in their hearts. This bug wasn't honest at all; they almost overlooked the information about Bing Bing because of the previous message.
"How about we just kill it directly?"
After a moment of silence, Guan Ling looked at Han Li, his expression very serious. He knew Han Li's plan and understood that he had been waiting for this big bug, intending to make it sacrifice itself to gain the greatest benefit.
A million-year seventh soul ring, even if it wasn't the most suitable soul beast, the sheer age alone was enough to compensate for everything. But now, it seemed this bug had too many schemes, and he feared that an accident might occur during the process. As a master, he didn't want his disciple to take such a risk.
Han Li was taken aback by Guan Ling's serious expression, but when he saw the deep concern in his eyes, he smiled and shook his head.
"Trust me, Master, there won't be any problems. Let me talk to it alone."
Upon hearing this, Skydream finally breathed a slight sigh of relief. It could be seen that not only Guan Ling but the other two titled Douluos were also constantly keeping it in their sights. Skydream believed that as long as Han Li gave the nod, even with all its means, it wouldn't last three seconds, especially with the deadly threat of the water flowing around Han Li.
Guan Ling stared at Han Li for a long time, then gave Skydream a threatening look before reluctantly nodding and walking out. However, he didn't retract his attack stance; instead, the energy fluctuations on his arrow became even more intense.
Seeing this, Azure Luan and Dugu Bo also nodded at Han Li and retreated to Guan Ling's side, leaving some space for Han Li and Skydream to talk, but they were still ready to strike at any moment.
Han Li smiled and, in front of Skydream, activated the Ice-Fire Domain and connected it to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, completely sealing the surroundings.
"Now, they can't hear us. We can talk. I'll add some protective measures; you don't mind, do you?"
Han Li's smile remained gentle, but it made Skydream shrink back. It glanced at the domain's light ring and the spring water that completely enveloped the area, giving up its last resistance.
"Does it matter if I mind? I can't resist anyway."
In truth, the resigned Skydream was much more likable than before.
"You led me here not just to see a million-year soul beast, right? You seem to know more about fierce beasts than I do, and you even know about the situation in the extreme north."
"What do you need me to do? Become your soul ring? Or your soul bone?" Skydream chose a comfortable position and collapsed on the ground. It really couldn't think of any other reason.
"Yes, you're right. I want both," Han Li spoke very straightforwardly. He looked at Skydream without hiding his intentions.
"Just you?"
After letting go, Skydream became quite bold. It glanced at Han Li with its small eyes and sneered.
"Although I can't see your exact strength, you're not yet a Soul Sage. Dream on if you want to absorb my soul ring; your only outcome would be to burst apart."
"As for the soul bone, although my combat power is weak, I can still control a soul bone self-destruction. You'd get nothing, hahaha!"
Skydream laughed wildly, writhing its body like a madman. However, it didn't see an irate expression on Han Li's face. Han Li still looked at it with a calm smile, as if watching a clown, even though, in a sense, Skydream wasn't wrong at all.
Currently, Skydream's soul power is still mostly intact, unlike the half-crippled state when it encountered Huo Yuhao. Even though Han Li had refined his body and mental strength to surpass an ordinary Titled Douluo, he still couldn't withstand Skydream's full energy infusion. But Han Li never intended to kill it directly anyway.
"No problem. If you don't cooperate, I'll take people to kill the Ice Empress, oh, and the Snow Empress too. Even with that Titan Snow Demon King and the little white bear, they won't be able to stop us. At that time, before killing the Ice Empress, I'll tell her that you asked me to do it because she rejected your love."
Skydream, stopping its laughter. For the first time, it felt cold. It stared at Han Li with wide eyes, seemingly wanting to know how such cold words could come from this warm-blooded human. He was more brutal than Di Tian. Moreover, it didn't know how this human knew about things that only Skydream and the Ice Empress knew so clearly.
"You can't do that! How do you know?"
Skydream abruptly raised its upper body, its expression full of panic.
"Why wouldn't I know? If I can guide you out of the core area of the Star Dou Forest, is it strange that I know these things?"
Han Li tilted his head slightly with a smile.
Considering Han Li's looks, this was a beautiful gesture, but in Skydream's eyes, it was like seeing a demon.
"An ice silkworm falling in love with an ice jade scorpion that feeds on it, don't you find it ridiculous? I'm helping you end this twisted affection. You should be thanking me, right, Skydream?"
A magnificent ice crystal throne appeared behind Han Li. He sat on it, looking down at Skydream on the ground, his smile even somewhat merciful.
"No, it's not true. I do like Bing Bing. What you said is wrong."
Skydream seemed to be provoked, its expression became ferocious, and it shouted at Han Li.
"Just because you say it loudly doesn't make it true, Skydream. You're anxious. You know very well you don't like the Ice Empress, and the Ice Empress could never like you, right? The so-called liking of the Ice Empress is just a reason you found for yourself to hold on and not collapse while suffering. Because you know that this wish could never come true."
"Who would like a natural enemy that hunts them and drives them out of their home? Especially when you're the prey. Would you like the soul beasts you consider as food? Just like the ten-thousand-year cold marrow you devoured. If there's any liking, it's only appetite."
"If you liked the Ice Empress, why didn't you go straight back to the extreme north when you escaped the Star Dou Forest? Because you know very well that even if you return to the extreme north, the treatment you'll face will be the same as in the Star Dou Forest, or even worse, right?"
"So, are you going to keep dreaming and deceiving yourself? Skydream, what a nice name. I just wonder if the meaning of this name has changed over the years."
Han Li's voice wasn't loud, but to Skydream, it sounded like a thunderclap. Each word was like a heavy hammer, or a sharp knife, constantly pounding and piercing its sensitive and fragile heart.
"Please, stop talking."
Skydream buried its head in the ground, losing all its previous sharpness and ease. Its body kept curling up, and it could only whisper a soft plea.
Nothing is more painful than tearing open old wounds. Although Han Li felt his actions were somewhat cruel, he didn't consider himself a good person. Despite the low moral standards that condemned his conscience, he felt an inexplicable pleasure.
This is wrong, he told himself, but it felt so satisfying.
"It's time to wake up from the dream, Skydream. Now, tell me, what do you desire the most?"
Han Li's verbal onslaught continued, not giving Skydream a moment to catch its breath.
"I, I..."
Skydream held its head with its front two small claws, helplessly looking up at Han Li.
"I want to live, yes, I just want to live..."
Skydream whispered, but its expression became firmer and firmer, driven by the instinct to survive.
"That's right, you just want to live. But, I want your soul ring and soul bone. What should we do?"
Han Li struck another blow at the giant worm that had just started to return to normal.
"There must be a way, there has to be a way, right?"
At this moment, Skydream sought help from Han Li. Its survival instinct magnified, it looked to its enemy, hoping Han Li would find a solution.
This scene, to be honest, even surprised Han Li a bit. He knew Skydream was a coward, but he didn't expect it to be this bad. He had clearly said he wanted its soul ring and soul bone. Seeking help from him—was its brain broken?
But, though the situation was bizarre, since Han Li was benevolent, the process didn't matter. The result was already in front of him, so there was no need to dwell on it.
After staring at Skydream for a while, the coldness on Han Li's face faded, revealing a smile.
"Skydream, you chose to ask me yourself, didn't you?"