Within the Pagoda of Heavenly Ascent, the three paramount experts of the Human Dao Zenith sat in their respective places.

This was the secluded sanctuary where Zi Duli usually undertook his rigorous solitary cultivation. It was a place strictly guarded, opened only to those possessing a status equivalent to his own.

Yet, today, Zi Duli spared no expense in vacating this space. Both his long-time friend, Ao Borui, and the man he met for the first time, He Yiming, were undeniably worthy of entry.

Before the three of them sat a pot of refined tea. Ao Borui and Zi Duli favored it greatly, but to He Yiming, it was like an ox chewing a peony—he couldn't discern a single note of its flavor.

Upon learning of He Yiming's decisive shattering of the Bright Divine Power and his victory over Franklin outside the Temple, the attitudes of the two Human Dao Zenith Ninth Heaven masters toward him underwent a subtle shift.

Compared to their initial encounter an hour prior, the demeanor of these two had changed considerably—a shift so evident that even Hao Tong and the others outside could clearly perceive it.

This was the transformation wrought by the gap in strength. In everyone’s mind, He Yiming had evolved from a newly ascended Ninth Heaven master into an existence almost unparalleled among his peers. It was only after they witnessed proof of this that their attitudes experienced such an extraordinary alteration.

At this moment, Ao Borui set down his teacup, a faint glint appearing in his eyes. "Now that all the supreme experts of the West have fallen, this is precisely the period of transition. If we mobilize our armies and launch a full-scale offensive now, we are certain to achieve significant gains."

He Yiming blinked twice, then suddenly queried, "Brother Ao, the West has at most two Human Dao Zenith masters. Yet, the East is teeming with strong figures. Why, then, was the War of the Eastern and Western Plains years ago initiated by the West?"

The great war between East and West years ago had led to the opening of the Ghost Cry Ridge.

At that time, He Yiming had assumed that the pinnacle powers of the East and West were roughly balanced, but he now understood that within the entire Western world, there were only two Human Dao Zenith masters.

Given this imbalance, their audacity in actively provoking a conflict was truly extraordinary.

Ao Borui managed a wry smile. "Brother He, while the West possesses only two Ninth Heaven masters, our Eastern world has only three, and one of them, Ji Mofan Shu, has always remained entirely aloof from the East-West conflict."

He Yiming paused, glancing toward Zi Duli.

The Sect Master of the Lingxiao Treasure Palace also offered a helpless smile. "My sect, along with the Glazed Island of the Southern Border, the Heavenly Pool of the Northwest, and the Ice Palace of the Northern Border, certainly share an alliance. However, that covenant was directed not at the Western World, but at the Ice Island of the North Sea."

Only then did He Yiming grasp the truth: apart from the supreme powers of the East and West, the other major factions were essentially standing by to watch the spectacle unfold.

Zi Duli shook his head. "Brother Ao, had we received this intelligence ten years ago, we could certainly have joined forces and launched the largest campaign of Western conquest ever mounted. But now, this opportunity is irretrievably lost."

Ao Borui hesitated for a moment before finally letting out a long sigh. "What a pity."

It was clear that this elder also concurred with Zi Duli’s assessment; the talk of initiating a war of conquest against the West was completely dropped.

He Yiming’s gaze swept over their faces. He now understood the stature these two held within the Eastern world.

If they both reached a consensus on the matter of conquering the West, no one in the entire Eastern realm would be able to oppose their decision—not even the resurrected ancestor of the Yu family from bygone days.

In the East, when the Lingxiao Treasure Palace and the Grotto-Heavens decided to unite, no other force could possibly stand against them.

Perhaps only the ancestor of the Yellow Springs, the world’s foremost assassin, could command their caution, but so long as they did not venture toward the Nine Netherworld to subdue him, this old assassin would never interfere with their actions.

However, the fact that these two were now letting slip such a golden opportunity surprised He Yiming greatly.

Observing the expressions of regret in their eyes, a sudden thought struck He Yiming’s mind: the only place in all creation that could compel them to abandon such a rare chance might be...

"The Thousand-Year Ice Island?" He Yiming articulated the words slowly, one by one.

Ao Borui and Zi Duli exchanged a look. Zi Duli stated solemnly, "Brother He, normally, we would not dare divulge certain matters without universal consent. But now that you have successfully ascended to the Human Dao Zenith, you are considered a key figure worthy of inclusion."

He Yiming immediately perked up, knowing that what they were about to reveal must concern the secrets of the Thousand-Year Ice Island.

The Ice Island was the sole hope for every Human Dao Zenith expert to break past their limits and step onto the path of Divinity.

If He Yiming hadn't cared much before, now he possessed a determination to enter the Ice Island at any cost.

"The Divine Calculator of your sect is universally recognized as the greatest soothsayer under heaven. Ever since he calculated a century ago that the Ice Island was due to appear, some of us made a solemn vow to cease internal conflict," Zi Duli explained after a moment of consideration. "At that time, due to the vast distance to the West, we did not inform them. But they must be aware of this rule by now."

He Yiming nodded slightly, asking gravely, "Brother Zi, you mentioned the timing was wrong earlier. Could it be that this time the Ice Island is about to emerge?"

A distinct spark flashed in Zi Duli’s eyes. "The Divine Calculator’s predictions are virtually infallible throughout his life, but this Thousand-Year Ice Island is too erratic; he could only ascertain a rough timeframe. Based on the observations Bing Xiaotian has made from his arrangements in the Northern Border, the appearance of the Ice Island this time is likely far sooner than anticipated."

He Yiming’s expression became intensely serious. He understood that this was the true crux of the matter.

"How much longer?"

"One to five years," Zi Duli replied without hesitation.

He Yiming fell silent for a long stretch before finally stating, "Indeed. The East truly has no time for war."

If the Ice Island could appear in as little as one year, then this conflict would need to be concluded within twelve months. But judging by the sheer scale of the East and West, a mere year might not even suffice for war preparations. To conclude the war within a year would require every soldier in the East to transform into a Congenital Master.

Although Ao Borui and Zi Duli now faced no match in the West, attempting to conquer the entire region with just the two of them was undoubtedly a fantastical notion.

Zi Duli suddenly sighed deeply. "When we journeyed to the Ice Palace this time, while we were discussing the Thousand-Year Ice Island, we never intended to exclude Ji Mofan Shu and the two Western Ninth Heaven masters. But unexpectedly, their own suspicion led them to their doom."

He Yiming’s eyes widened slightly; he found it difficult to believe his own ears.

Bing Xiaotian had gathered every Human Dao Zenith Ninth Heaven expert in the world, deliberately excluding Ji Mofan Shu and the two Western masters. Even He Yiming himself refused to believe that there wasn't a malicious intent behind deliberately sidelining these three.

Yet, seeing Zi Duli’s current expression, he felt it inappropriate to press the issue rashly.

Ao Borui also sighed lightly. "Who knew such a small misunderstanding would lead to such severe consequences. If we had known, we should have simply invited them all to the North Sea Ice Palace."

Zi Duli shook his head slightly. "Franklin's arrival caused little ripple, but both Ji Mofan Shu and Garfield practice the path of darkness. If they had come too close to the Ice Palace, invoking some adverse reaction, no one could bear that responsibility."

Ao Borui hesitated, then nodded slightly, conceding the point to his old friend.

He Yiming, utterly bewildered by this account, finally could not restrain himself. "Gentlemen, what misunderstanding occurred here?"

The two Ninth Heaven masters exchanged a knowing smile. Zi Duli announced loudly, "Brother He, you are unaware. We were invited to the North Sea Ice Palace because Bing Xiaotian had discovered a rare talent born with a unique constitution. Under Bing Xiaotian’s personal guidance, supplemented by the heavenly materials and earthly treasures gleaned from us old fossils, this individual was guaranteed to reach the rank of Five Qi Great Venerable within thirty years. But alas..." He shook his head and sighed, "This sudden mutation in the Ice Island seems imminent, so Bing Xiaotian could not wait. He required us to go to the Ice Palace and assist this person, hoping to see her advance to Great Venerable within three years."

He Yiming's expression transformed rapidly.

He immediately understood that the special genius Zi Duli mentioned must be Yuan Lixun.

Due to consuming the Ice Liquid and the Gene Liquid, Yuan Lixun’s constitution had undergone a seismic change, becoming a specialized physique perfectly suited for cultivating the Deep Chill Arts.

It was because of this physique that she was noticed by the North Sea Ice Palace and eventually incorporated into the Northern Border's largest sect.

Counting back, it had been over four years.

During these four years, many incredible things had indeed transpired around him, the most significant being his ascent from a minor master of the Three Flowers realm to his current standing at the Human Dao Zenith.

Looking across the realm, it seemed he had nothing left to fear.

Concurrently, Yuan Lixun, situated in the Northwest, had also delivered a pleasant surprise to him.

Taking a deep breath, He Yiming asked solemnly, "Brother Zi, did that person succeed?"

Although He Yiming could already deduce the answer from his expression, he couldn't help but inquire.

Zi Duli smiled proudly. "All six existing Human Dao Zenith masters gathered in one place—not only were the Five Elements complete, but the Qilin Sacred Master, embodying the unity of man and beast, personally stood guard for her protection. If even with such backing she couldn't achieve the Five Qi Great Venerable status, then the six of us could abandon the journey to the Ice Island altogether." He paused, adding, "We elders originally believed it would take about three years for success, but unexpectedly, this person's Deep Chill Constitution proved so potent that she managed to replicate the Ice Palace's treasured artifact, the Icy Mirror Light, in just over a year."

He Yiming’s eyes shone brightly. He murmured, "It truly succeeded!"

At that moment, a fierce longing welled up in his heart, making him wish he could instantly see his beloved, to recount every minute detail of the past four years and more.

He turned, gazing north, his heart unable to settle...

Ps: Five chapters today, requesting monthly tickets and recommendation votes, thank you...