Chapter 327: Profound Ice (To celebrate Elvin2016's Silver Alliance Leader status! ! ! )
Chapter 327: Profound Ice (To celebrate Elvin2016's Silver Alliance Leader status! ! ! )
Southern Barrens Cultivation World.
A streak of emerald light transformed into a long rainbow and soared away. Within the escape light stood an early-stage Core Formation cultivator in white robes, strikingly handsome with sword-like brows and star-like eyes.
“Not bad, not bad. . . my External Avatar still has pretty good aesthetic taste. ”
Within the escape light, Fang Xi touched his cheek, muttering to himself.
Since settling on this plan, he naturally summoned his External Avatar, commanding it to refine a magical artifact to conceal his appearance, while simultaneously searching the Yuan Kingdom for spiritual items like 'Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice'.
After making some inquiries in the cultivation cities, he truly found a clue.
In the northeastern part of the Yuan Kingdom, there was a Core Formation sect, situated amidst ice and snow, and famous for its ice-attribute cultivation methods. The sect should have 'Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice' stored within.
“Profound Ice Palace. . . ”
“This sect ranks among the lowest of Core Formation sects in the Yuan Kingdom. . . It only has one False Core cultivator holding down the fort. . . I’m afraid even Li Haifeng of the Golden Sword Sect could easily defeat their Grand Elder. . . ”
“Wait a moment. . . I’m here for a fair transaction, why am I thinking about combat power comparisons? ”
Fang Xi was slightly speechless.
Three days later, the azure rainbow he transformed into entered a world of ice and snow.
The north wind was like a knife, and snow fluttered across the sky!
As far as the eye could see, everything was cloaked in silver, the temperature had plummeted, and even mortal cities were extremely rare.
However, for a Core Formation cultivator, such a change was as good as nothing.
Fang Xi let out a long cry; amidst the pervasive azure light, countless snowflakes swirled, as if pushed aside by an invisible force, revealing a clear path.
...
Profound Ice Palace.
This palace stood majestically atop a crystalline great lake, its palace walls seemingly constructed from jade, emitting a three-colored profound light.
Most cultivators in this palace primarily possessed water and ice spirit roots, and female disciples were in the majority.
On this day.
A group of female disciples, clad in flowing white robes with graceful figures, were playfully frolicking on the ice, like orioles and swallows.
“Senior Sister Jiang. . . your ‘Ice Armor’ is truly powerful, could you teach it to your junior sister? ”
“I heard Junior Sister Zhang found an ‘Ice Heart Grass’ in the Ice Cave yesterday, which can be refined into a batch of ‘Ice Essence Pills,’ they’re greatly beneficial for Qi Refinement. . . ”
“These past few days, ice and snow demon beasts have been roaming nearby. . . If we had already reached Foundation Establishment, we could go forth with our swords, slaying demon beasts, and protect the peace of this region. . . ”
...
The group of female disciples chirped excitedly, appearing very lively.
Senior Sister Jiang, with a gentle expression, her long hair cascading to her waist, and eyes holding a hint of the ocean’s azure, was exquisitely beautiful. Upon hearing this, she merely smiled: “The Ice Armor spell is easy to learn but difficult to master. . . When cultivating this technique, it’s best to first acquire a few 'Ice Armor' talismans, and apply them to oneself, to experience the flow of spiritual energy. . . ”
This woman’s cultivation was also the highest among the female disciples, faintly at the perfected Qi Refinement stage.
Just as the various girls were discussing, a flash of azure light suddenly appeared on the horizon.
Immediately after, a long cry echoed, its sound carrying from afar, causing even these cultivators to feel their blood and qi boil, and a strong sense of their magic power scattering.
“Not good. . . it’s a Core Formation ancestor! ”
The group of female cultivators stumbled about, only Senior Sister Jiang could barely remain standing, but her face had also turned extremely pale.
Rumble!
On the outer walls of the Profound Ice Palace not far away, streaks of dazzling white runes flashed continuously.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
An icy wind surged, carrying a large amount of ice crystals and snowflakes, like a hurricane, guarding the Profound Ice Palace within.
This was the Profound Ice Palace’s sect-guarding grand array—the 'Ice Wind Array'!
Its rank was mid-grade third-order, and by utilizing the terrain’s advantages, it faintly possessed the might of a high-grade third-order array!
“Just saying hello. . . activating the sect-protecting array is a bit much, isn't it? ”
Fang Xi hovered high in the sky, purple light flickering in his eyes. After discerning the situation clearly, he couldn’t help but feel a little speechless.
“However, this place isn’t bad. . . This array, by drawing upon the Eye of Cold Qi here, faintly has its power amplified. . . And the spirit vein isn't bad either, reaching the high-grade third-order. ”
Just as he was thinking, a streak of white light shot out from the Ice Wind Array, revealing a female cultivator in white palace robes, her face pale and bloodless, her expression chillingly severe.
This female cultivator appeared to be only twenty or thirty years old, but from her body emanated a decaying aura, evidently indicating she was far from young.
Her cultivation had reached the False Core stage, and she was likely the only Grand Elder of the Profound Ice Palace.
“I am Mu Yu. . . May I know your esteemed name? ”
Around Mu Yu, a white jade-like Ice Soul Flying Saber revolved, which was her life-bound artifact. She cautiously watched Fang Xi.
She had no choice. Even though the newcomer was only at the early-stage Core Formation realm, as a False Core cultivator, even if she possessed the long lifespan of a Core Formation cultivator, her magic power could never advance an inch. She was even inferior to a newly advanced early-stage Core Formation cultivator.
“So it is Daoist Mu. This one is ‘Qing Yuzi,’ and wishes to conduct a transaction with Daoist. ”
Fang Xi replied at his leisure.
“Qing Yuzi? Within the Yuan Kingdom, it seems there is no Core Formation cultivator who calls themselves by this name. . . ”
Mu Yu’s expression was cold and severe. “Naturally so. . . Because this one is a rogue cultivator from the Jiang Kingdom, and has just recently been fortunate enough to achieve Core Formation. ” Fang Xi smiled slightly: “Currently, I require a piece of ‘Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice,’ and would like to ask Daoist Mu to part with it. As for the exchange, it’s negotiable; be it spirit stones, pills, or artifacts. . . all can be discussed. ”
“A rogue cultivator from the Jiang Kingdom? ”
Mu Yu released her Divine Consciousness, and couldn’t find any flaws in Fang Xi whatsoever: “A guest is a guest, Daoist, please return to the palace with me. ”
She controlled her Ice Soul Saber, transforming into a streak of white light, and re-entered the Ice Wind Array.
Not long after, the boundless wind and snow opened, automatically forming a passage.
Fang Xi smiled, his body transforming into a streak of light, and he grandly entered the array’s interior.
This array was merely third-order; not to mention he was a third-order formation master, even relying on his ‘Earth-Shaking Treasure Talisman,’ he could easily destroy it. Naturally, he had no fear.
What he didn't know was that the moment he entered the array, an ice mirror appeared in Mu Yu's hand.
On the mirror’s surface, was none other than Fang Xi’s image, only it still bore the appearance of ‘Qing Yuzi’.
Evidently, the Profound Ice Palace’s means of detection had still been bypassed.
Ice Soul Hall.
“Daoist has come from afar, please taste this ‘Ice Leaf Tea’. . . This tea tree can only grow atop thousand-year-old profound ice, and indeed has a unique flavor. ”
Mu Yu sat in the main seat, and gave a charming smile, her attitude seemingly much better than before.
“Many thanks! ”
Fang Xi swept his spiritual eyes over it, and after confirming there were no issues, he took a small sip. Indeed, he felt a surge of icy spiritual energy flow down his throat, and after the extreme cold, a warm current rose: “This flavor is truly unique. . . ”
“As long as Daoist likes it. . . ” Mu Yu seemed quite pleased.
“I just wonder. . . about this Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice. . . ” Fang Xi chatted for a few more sentences, before getting to the main topic.
“This Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice is of great importance. Several of our sect’s powerful cultivation methods and divine abilities require the assistance of this item to be cultivated to perfection. . . ” Mu Yu’s face showed a difficult expression.
“I still ask Daoist to part with it generously, as this item is also quite important to me. ” Fang Xi said sincerely.
“Sigh. . . Since Daoist has requested it, this concubine can only spare a piece from her own share for Daoist. . . ”
Mu Yu seemed to have struggled for a bit, before reluctantly agreeing.
“Many thanks, Daoist! I wonder what Daoist requires in exchange? I have quite a fortune. . . ” Fang Xi revealed a satisfied smile.
“This concubine does not require spirit stones or spiritual items, but merely wishes to ask Daoist for a favor. ” Mu Yu suddenly said with a solemn expression.
“Oh? What might that be? ” Fang Xi’s eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression became unreadable.
If this woman thought she had seized his weakness, then she shouldn’t blame him for thinking of other methods.
“To be frank. . . this palace was previously facing a great enemy, which is why seeing Daoist arrive made me overly nervous. . . ” A hint of resentment appeared on Mu Yu’s face: “All of this goes back to a few months ago. . . Near our sect, there is another Core Formation sect called the ‘Ice Fiend Sect. ’ The young sect master of that sect previously abducted one of our female disciples, intending to engage in that ‘harvesting and supplementing’ act. This concubine has always detested such behavior, and upon discovering it, I intervened and severely wounded that young sect master. . . ”
“The Ice Fiend Sect Master, ‘Profound Ice Shangren,’ refuses to let the matter rest. He has already sent a letter, stating he wishes to meet with this concubine. . . This concubine is only a False Core, while that person has been an early-stage Core Formation cultivator for many years. I am absolutely no match for him. At that time, I request Daoist to hold the line for me. . . As long as Daoist makes an appearance, after the matter is settled, the Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice will be presented to you with both hands! ”
Upon hearing this, Fang Xi fell silent.
As his fingers lightly tapped the long table, the atmosphere within the hall gradually grew heavier.
“Daoist Mu. . . I came here merely to acquire a piece of Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice. I will not risk my life against a cultivator of the same realm for this item. . . Furthermore, Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice is not unique to your Profound Ice Palace. . . ”
Fang Xi said earnestly.
Although he didn't care about 'Profound Ice Shangren' at all, he still needed to maintain the persona of an early-stage Core Formation Qing Yuzi.
“Naturally so. . . But this concubine can guarantee that, as long as Daoist makes an appearance, there will be no need for actual combat. . . ”
Mu Yu pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and continued: “And. . . if Daoist is willing to help with this matter, this concubine can make the decision to let Daoist choose any secret technique from this palace’s scripture pavilion. Our Profound Ice Palace is renowned for its ice-attribute spells, and since Daoist needs Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice, you probably also need related secret arts, right? ”
“This. . . I’ll have to consider this carefully. . . ”
Just as Fang Xi was about to say more, his Divine Consciousness suddenly sensed something. He sighed again: “So be it. . . Since that’s the case, I’ll agree to your request. ”
“Excellent! ”
Joy had just appeared on Mu Yu’s face, when a grand voice suddenly boomed down: “Where is Mu Yu? Get out here for this Venerable One. . . ”
Above the Profound Ice Palace, at some unknown point, a figure had appeared.
This person had a white beard and white hair, an ancient and square face, and wore a snowflake-patterned long robe. It was none other than Profound Ice Shangren!
‘Indeed. . . the Profound Ice Palace had mistaken me earlier. . . ’
‘However. . . if I hadn’t sensed this person’s arrival, I wouldn’t have agreed immediately. . . After all, there’s no escaping now. ’
Fang Xi sighed inwardly, but a faint smile appeared on his face: “Since that’s the case. . . Daoist Mu, why don’t you join me in welcoming Daoist Profound Ice. . . ? ”
“Exactly so. ”
Although Mu Yu felt that Fang Xi’s prior agreement was somewhat suspicious, at this moment, she had no time to ponder it. The two transformed into escape lights, and arrived within the great ice and snow array, confronting Profound Ice Shangren.
Comments