Three days later, at the heart of the Extreme North.
The temperature here was at least 30 degrees lower than that of the outermost trading city. But the most terrifying aspect wasn't just the cold—it was the perpetual storms of snow and ice that raged year-round.
Soul masters below the Soul King level could see no more than ten meters ahead in such conditions. Even Soul Saints had their visibility limited to 30 meters at most. Yet, in this harsh environment, a group of people moved swiftly through the blizzard.
What's more, they had split from the main force to scout the path ahead, and occasionally, voices could be heard reporting back.
"There's a 6,000-year-old Ice Elk blocking the way. Should we take a detour?" Xiao Tianyang tiptoed slightly, slowing his pace as he leaned closer to Miao Zhenshan and asked.
"It's only 6,000 years old. Knock it down, and we'll push through!" Miao Zhenshan calculated the distance and replied solemnly, "If we detour, it'll take at least five more hours. But if we go straight, we can reach our destination in half an hour."
After a brief pause, his gaze swept over the others. "The choice is yours..."
"Let's go straight ahead!" Fei Xue shivered and pleaded, "I can't stand this horrible weather any longer. Senior brother, have mercy on my fragile body."
"I forgot to mention—it's not just one elk. It's a whole group," Xiao Tianyang raised his eyebrows, his expression turning helpless. "Brother, I'd love to help you, but I'm afraid I can't."
Tap, tap, tap!
Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed from the front. Xiao Tianyang curled his lips again. "Seems like we can't avoid this after all."
A small black dot appeared amidst the white wind and snow, gradually spreading like ink in water. Soon, a spirit beast over two meters tall, with a snow-white body adorned with snowflake patterns, came into view. The most striking feature was the pair of antlers on its head, glistening like ice crystals.
An Ice Flower Elk!
"And it's not just one. There are hundreds of them," Xiao Tianyang glanced at Miao Zhenshan. "Teacher, it's time for you to step in. Otherwise, your beloved disciples might meet their end here."
"You talk too much!" Miao Zhenshan shot him an annoyed glare.
He had intended to let the group gain some experience, but he hadn't expected such a situation. Of course, he knew Xiao Tianyang wasn't joking.
Under normal circumstances, Xiao Tianyang might not be able to defeat the elk, but he could at least escape. Here, however, that wasn't an option.
The environment was the first constraint. The second was the sheer dynamism of the elks' movements.
Even with Xiao Tianyang's exceptional physical fitness, his visibility was limited to 50 meters in this blizzard. Moreover, in such extreme cold, they had to constantly use their soul power to maintain body temperature. Otherwise, they'd freeze into popsicles within three minutes and die in ten.
Xiao Tianyang was no exception. His current level was too low for his abilities to fully manifest. Even with the Nine Suns Divine Art helping him resist the cold, it was like a drop in the bucket.
His strength was still tied to his level. Simply put, he was still too weak, and in this environment, he was no different from an ordinary person.
Of course, if Miao Zhenshan decided to act, he wouldn't need to engage in a full-blown fight. He merely needed to release his aura.
Suddenly, the air around Miao Zhenshan grew heavy, and a terrifying pressure radiated from him.
In an instant, the herd of Ice Flower Elks, their eyes gleaming with bloodlust, came to an abrupt halt. The next moment, they turned and fled in panic, their cries sounding through the snow.
"Hmph, a bunch of bullies," Fei Xue muttered under her breath.
"If you've got the energy to talk, you've got the energy to take a few more steps," Xiao Tianyang teased as he landed beside her.
"Good senior brother, why don't you release your martial spirit? It'll keep me warmer," Fei Xue flattered him. "Look at Junior Sister, I..."
"See you," Xiao Tianyang cut her off, quickening his pace and leaving her behind.
Fei Xue: "..."
She had never met such a ruthless yet handsome man!
Without taking a detour, they arrived at a canyon half an hour later.
Towering icebergs flanked both sides, their steep slopes almost vertical. In some places, jagged ice edges hung precariously, creating a breathtaking yet terrifying sight. But the most unnerving thing was the constant wailing that sounded from within the canyon.
Though they knew it was just the wind howling through the terrain, Fei Xue couldn't help but cling tighter to Xiao Tianyang.
"Hey, hey, junior sister, can't you be a bit more reserved?" Xiao Tianyang patted her shoulder, exasperated.
"Even if you've fallen for me, there's no need to be so forward, right? Feelings take time to develop. You can't force them."
"Don't talk nonsense! I'm just scared!" Fei Xue retorted sharply.
"Then why aren't you clinging to someone else instead of me?" Xiao Tianyang pressed.
"Shut up!"
Just as Fei Xue was about to argue further, Miao Zhenshan suddenly spoke up. "There seems to be someone inside. You all stay back and hide. I'll go in and deal with it."
As he spoke, he stepped forward, and the soul rings beneath his feet began to appear one by one, his aura surging. The scene was like a towering mountain, unyielding against the howling wind, standing alone and proud at the peak.
"Let's go. We should hide. No point getting caught up in the mess," Xiao Tianyang called out to the group, leading them away from the impending conflict.
After all, Miao Zhenshan had personally driven away the spirit beasts here the last time.
For someone to dare encroach on his territory now, there were only two possibilities: either the newcomer was incredibly strong, strong enough to disregard Miao Zhenshan entirely, or they were a fool who overestimated their own strength and would soon face humiliation—or worse, death.
"Rumble!"
The ground shook violently, followed by a mournful howl from within the canyon.
"Seems like there's no doubt now. The other party is a fool," Xiao Tianyang shrugged, his earlier guess confirmed.
"Should we go in and take a look now?" Fei Xue asked eagerly.
"Only a fool would go in now," Xiao Tianyang rolled his eyes at her. "Even if that spirit beast can't beat the teacher, it could still wipe the floor with us. Don't forget, this is the Extreme North. The environment alone gives the local spirit beasts an overwhelming advantage."
Fei Xue's lips curled into a hint of provocation. "Does that include you?"
"Including me," Xiao Tianyang replied seriously. "Don't be so arrogant. The last time I charged into the Star Dou Forest, I barely escaped with my life."
"Really?" Fei Xue asked weakly. "Did you run into a whole pack of spirit beasts?"
"No," Xiao Tianyang said calmly. "I was being chased by a one hundred thousand-year-old spirit beast."
Fei Xue was stunned. Even Zhou Cheng, standing nearby, looked at Xiao Tianyang in disbelief. To be hunted by a hundred thousand-year-old spirit beast and still escape—was it sheer strength or incredible luck?
But Saber remained calm. After all, this was the man she admired. No matter how unbelievable his actions seemed, she could always find a way to understand them.
…
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