The next moment, a sudden change occurred.
About five meters away from Xu Tianhao, the hard ground trembled slightly without any warning.
Immediately after, fine cracks like a spider web spread frantically at a speed visible to the naked eye.
From within the cracks, wisps of a warm yet extremely icy pale white halo slowly diffused out.
That light was not dazzling; instead, it had a moist, lustrous texture almost like jade.
Yet, the moment it emerged, the surrounding air seemed to freeze.
Threads of bone-chilling cold continuously radiated from the cracks in the ground.
The temperature of the originally warm and humid air in the Star Dou Great Forest plummeted at a terrifying speed.
In just a few breaths, a thin layer of white frost condensed on the leaves and branches of the vegetation within several meters.
Under the surge of cold and the halo, the cracks on the ground continued to expand and deepen.
The originally solid soil split to both sides like melting snow, quickly forming a fissure about half a meter wide.
At that moment, a round, fleshy head slowly poked out from the fissure.
The head looked plump and full, without any ferocious or terrifying edges; instead, it appeared rather cute and naive.
The head's diameter reached half a meter, looking like a ball carved from white jade.
It did not rush out impatiently but wriggled slowly and lazily, crawling out from underground bit by bit.
As its body continued to stretch, a massive figure about ten meters long was completely exposed before the eyes of Xu Tianhao and Kong Deming.
The one appearing now was precisely the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm.
Its entire body displayed a pure and flawless white jade color, its form crystal clear, as if carved from a whole piece of top-quality mutton-fat jade.
Even though it had just crawled out from the muddy underground, its smooth and delicate skin was not stained with a single speck of dust or dirt.
It remained as clean as if it were untainted, as if it carried a halo that purified all things.
Beneath its thick skin, a faint glow slowly circulated, as if the power of ice essence flowed within its veins, appearing mysterious and noble.
At the head, a pair of small eyes, only the size of a thumb but shining with brilliant golden light, were particularly striking.
There was no ferocity in that golden light, only agility and cunning, revealing a playful temperament completely different from its massive body.
What drew Kong Deming's attention most, and even shocked his heart, were the iconic golden patterns circling the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's body.
Starting about half a meter behind its head, every meter or so, there was a golden band encircling its entire body, the patterns delicate and ancient.
These golden patterns were neatly arranged from head to tail, exactly ten of them, no more and no less.
Ten golden patterns symbolized its unique, continent-leading million-year cultivation.
When the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm completely revealed its true face and wriggled gently while suspended in mid-air, Kong Deming, standing beside Xu Tianhao, was completely dumbfounded.
This battle-hardened strongest expert of the Sun Moon Empire, who had seen countless top-tier Spirit Beasts, now had a face full of astonishment and disbelief.
He subconsciously widened his eyes, sizing up this large white worm that looked cute and lacked any sense of threat, and couldn't help but mutter in a low voice:
"This... this big worm is really a million-year Spirit Beast?"
In Kong Deming's understanding, how majestic and domineering should a million-year Spirit Beast be?
Even if it couldn't compare to the Beast God Di Tian's ability to suppress heaven and earth and intimidate all beasts,
it should still possess a terrifying and awe-inspiring aura.
But this Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm before him, aside from its mental force being indeed so powerful that it made his heart palpitate,
strictly speaking of its appearance, really showed no sign of a top-tier expert's demeanor.
It even gave off a feeling of having zero combat power, as if it could be handled at will.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm naturally sensed the doubt and contempt in Kong Deming's eyes.
It also knew that with this round, fleshy appearance, it was indeed hard for people to associate it with titles like 'Million-Year Spirit Beast' or 'King of Spirit Beast Kings'.
So it didn't bother making any further explanations, nor did it continue to maintain its previous flamboyant posture.
Instead, it directly cast its gaze toward the calm-faced Xu Tianhao, its tone crisp and direct.
"Everything that needed to be said has already been transmitted to you through mental force."
"Little guy, don't hesitate anymore. Do you want to possess a unique, unprecedented Million-Year Intelligent Spirit Ring?"
Seeing the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's small, glittering golden eyes staring straight at Xu Tianhao, its aura, though not hostile, still carried the unique pressure of a million-year Spirit Beast.
Kong Deming reacted almost instinctively. With a light step, his figure shifted forward half a pace, firmly shielding Xu Tianhao behind him.
His spirit power surged quietly, a terrifying aura faintly appearing as his cold gaze locked onto the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm.
Even if the other party claimed to have no ill intent, he would never allow Xu Tianhao to be placed in any danger.
Immediately after, Kong Deming sent a voice transmission to Xu Tianhao: "Tianhao, this Spirit Beast's origin is too bizarre. There are no records of a million-year Spirit Beast in any ancient texts on the entire continent."
"It's hard to tell if its words are true or false. This matter is of great importance; you must act with caution and not agree easily."
Hearing the deep concern in his teacher's words, Xu Tianhao felt a warmth in his heart, but a calm and indifferent smile appeared on his face.
He shook his head gently and chose not to respond via voice transmission. Instead, he intentionally raised his voice and spoke clearly:
"Teacher, you're overthinking. If you use someone, don't doubt them; if you doubt them, don't use them. I want to take a gamble on this opportunity."
He said this specifically for the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm to hear.
Because no one knew the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's purpose, situation, and temperament better than he did.
This million-year Spirit Beast seemed powerful, but in reality, its heart was simple, even carrying a bit of youthful chuunibyou.
What it sought was never to harm its host, but to find a suitable vessel to complete its own rebirth,
as well as its fantasy-like God-creation plan.
Therefore, Xu Tianhao had no reservations, nor would he be full of doubt like Kong Deming.
When Kong Deming heard Xu Tianhao's public statement, his brow remained tightly furrowed, his face full of hesitation and worry.
He had lived for so many years and had never seen such an inconceivable opportunity.
Nor had he ever seen such a strange Spirit Beast; deep down, he could never be completely at ease.
But seeing the unprecedented determination and confidence in Xu Tianhao's eyes, and knowing that his disciple was always steady of mind and never acted recklessly,
Kong Deming ultimately chose to back down, choosing to trust Xu Tianhao's judgment unconditionally.
Suspended in mid-air, the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's small golden eyes instantly lit up after hearing Xu Tianhao's clear stance.
The Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm's round body trembled with excitement, its tone full of joy and pride:
"Hahaha, good! I truly didn't misjudge you. Little guy, congratulations, you've made the most correct choice of your life!"