Chapter 397: An Experiment

Chapter 397: An Experiment

After hearing the Great Decree's proposal, Zhang Yi couldn’t help but sneer internally.

What a bunch of conniving old schemers.

The Baixue Sect had calculated everything perfectly.

Their plan was essentially to sit on the sidelines while Zhang Yi fought the combined forces of the major bases, and then swoop in to finish off the weakened survivors.

Even their supposed cooperation hinged entirely on Zhang Yi’s ability to hold his ground. If he failed and was swiftly defeated, the Baixue Sect would pretend none of this had ever happened.

It was a classic open conspiracy, and Zhang Yi had no choice but to play along.

Between a definite enemy and a potential ally, he had to choose the latter.

“I understand. If what you’ve offered proves effective, I’ll consider your proposal.”

The Great Decree smiled. “I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!”

“By the way,” he added, “since we’ve demonstrated our sincerity, wouldn’t it be appropriate for Mr. Zhang Yi to reciprocate?”

Zhang Yi’s lips curled into a cold smirk. “We’re the ones fighting the toughest battle. What more do you want?”

The Great Decree quickly waved his hands. “You misunderstand. We’re not asking for material goods. All we request is your permission to spread our teachings in your territory if we succeed in this war.”

“For the Baixue Sect, bringing more people under the Snow God’s light is our ultimate goal.”

“Spreading your faith, huh? Sounds like classic cult behavior—just recruiting people for your flock.” Zhang Yi muttered under his breath.

He had no particular objections to their request. As long as it didn’t harm his interests, he didn’t care what others did.

One key to living a stress-free life, after all, was minding your own business.

Besides, managing the sprawling territories of Xishan and Lujiao districts wasn’t something he was interested in doing personally.

“Fine. If we succeed in repelling the attack, your condition is acceptable.”

The Great Decree was delighted and, after exchanging some pleasantries, departed with a satisfied expression.

As Zhang Yi watched him leave, his mind grew clearer.

Initially, he had worried that defeating Xishan Base would make him a target for the other forces.

But now it seemed that his victory had instead made him the center of a power struggle, with factions vying to use him for their own ends.

This unexpected shift also gave him valuable insight into the nature of the major factions.

Qingfu Base

: Cautious and conservative, uninterested in aggressive expansion—an attitude likely shaped by their leader, a pragmatic steelworker.

Baixue Sect

: Seemingly weak but ambitious and with significant growth potential.

Chaoyu and Yangsheng Bases

: Aggressive and expansionist.

“Qingfu Base is staying neutral for now and might even abstain from the fight entirely. Baixue Sect, on the other hand, wants to cooperate with me to backstab the other factions.”

A smile slowly spread across Zhang Yi’s face.

“Interesting. The tide is turning in our favor.”

Though Zhang Yi didn’t fully trust either party, he knew that with the right incentives, both Qingfu and Baixue could be swayed to betray their supposed allies.

If all went according to plan, it wouldn’t be the West Alliance sieging Zhang Yi, but Zhang Yi ambushing them with insider help.

For now, however, his focus was on the two

Ice Souls

.

Xu Pangzi held up the small wooden box, looking uneasy. “Boss, what do we do with these?”

“Bring them over here,” Zhang Yi instructed.

Xu Pangzi carefully carried the box to the door. Zhang Yi immediately stored it in his dimensional space for safety, ensuring any potential danger would be contained.

Once inside the space, Zhang Yi opened the box and inspected its contents.

Inside lay two small, white, spherical crystals emitting a faint chill. Occasionally, they pulsed ever so slightly, as though alive.

“So, these are the Ice Souls?” Zhang Yi murmured, his thoughts churning.

The fact that even the major bases had used them suggested they were reliable and stable.

After all, the major factions weren’t foolish—if there were serious risks, they wouldn’t have continued using them.

He had also seen Li Jian, who had used an Ice Soul, living without apparent side effects.

“Could it be that Yuan Kongye’s Ice Souls really are just keys to unlocking latent abilities?” Zhang Yi mused, then burst out laughing.

“Yeah, right. As if I’d believe in a free lunch like this.”

The problem wasn’t just that the major bases had used them; the Baixue Sect had also distributed them to outsiders like Li Jian.

“Who in this world would be so selfless as to give others power for free?”

In the apocalypse, everyone was struggling to survive, striving to grow stronger. Altruism was a luxury few could afford.

“Even if the Baixue Sect claims to act in the name of righteousness, I’m not buying it.”

Zhang Yi’s principle was simple: trust no one but yourself. Risking unknown dangers for the sake of power was not his style.

Yet, the allure of creating two new superhumans was hard to ignore.

As Zhang Yi deliberated, he felt the weight of several gazes fixed on him.

Looking up, he saw Zhou Ke’er, Yang Siyah, and Lu Keran staring at him with undisguised anticipation.

The conversation about the Ice Souls hadn’t gone unnoticed, and the three women, who lacked any powers, were visibly excited.

Among them, Yang Siyah’s longing was the most intense. Unlike the others, her role in the shelter was minimal—reduced to chores and providing emotional support for Zhang Yi.

She yearned to gain power, to finally be useful.

By contrast, Yang Xinxin remained calm, her intelligent gaze betraying no sign of expectation. Clearly, she had already deduced that the Ice Souls might carry hidden risks.

Unable to hold back, Yang Siyah spoke first. “Zhang Yi… are you planning to use the Ice Souls?”

Her tone was cautious, almost pleading, as though fearing she wasn’t worthy of consideration.

Lu Keran hesitated to speak but couldn’t conceal her eagerness, her gaze burning with hope.

Zhang Yi observed them silently, his mind already made up.

The Ice Souls were too valuable to waste, but he wasn’t willing to risk using them on his closest allies without first understanding their full effects.

If he was going to use them, he needed someone to serve as a test subject—a guinea pig for his experiment.