It was just for a moment. A colossal roar exploded from the turn in the mountain path below. Immediately, chaos erupted on the mountain slopes, accompanied by countless shouts filled with fury. These sounds came so abruptly that even He Yiming had no idea what had transpired.

He glanced toward Xu Jun and the others beside him. If they hadn't been present, he could have easily retrieved the disc to check, or used the Hundred and Eight flying overhead to ascertain the situation within. But in front of so many people, He Yiming dismissed the thought.

A few moments later, a man came rushing down the bend at the foot of the mountain—it was the very messenger who had gone up the path earlier. This time, however, his face was etched with a hint of terror, as if he had been intimidated by something.

He Yiming's expression shifted slightly. Even with his limited experience, he could tell something was amiss.

As expected, the man arrived before the crowd, panting heavily, "Inspector Xu, the esteemed senior's pet encountered the Mountain Guarding Sacred Beast after coming up the mountain, resulting in a confrontation."

"A confrontation?" Xu Jun's eyes widened in disbelief. "What happened?"

The disciple managed a bitter smile. "I inquired. As soon as that little thing reached halfway up the mountain, it ran into the patrolling Mountain Guarding Sacred Beast. The little thing then delivered a kick that sent the Sacred Beast sprawling, and vanished without a trace. The Sacred Beast was furious and is now scouring the entire mountain looking for it."

Xu Jun’s mouth gaped wider and wider. He turned back stiffly, mumbling, "Senior, was that spirit beast just now a Sacred Beast?"

He Yiming nodded slowly. "Indeed, Bao Zhu is certainly a Sacred Beast." He added internally, It is a Sacred Beast second only to Saint Hand King. Furthermore, given Bao Zhu's current strength, even if it encountered Saint Hand King, escaping a fight it couldn't win shouldn't be an issue.

Xu Jun and the disciples gasped in unison. They vividly remembered the creature’s cuteness when Bao Zhu first descended, yet they could hardly reconcile such an adorable spirit beast with a powerful Sacred Beast.

Xu Jun took a deep breath. "Senior, your pet Sacred Beast has provoked this Palace’s Mountain Guarding Sacred Beast. This is a major incident. I shall enter the mountain immediately to request an Elder to mediate."

He Yiming waved his hand. "No matter. Bao Zhu will be fine."

Xu Jun and the others exchanged glances, their expressions deeply strange. They were all disciples of the Ice Palace and naturally knew the fearsome reputation of their Mountain Guarding Sacred Beast. Yet, seeing this man's demeanor—completely unconcerned, radiating an air of absolute certainty—quickly influenced those around him.

Suddenly, they recalled something. When the messenger reported, he mentioned the little creature had kicked the Mountain Guarding Sacred Beast down. But if a Sacred Beast could be felled by a single kick, why would the powerful Sacred Beast that delivered the kick flee without a fight?

He Yiming patted the disciple who had run down, asking with a grin, "Did you deliver the message?"

The man’s face instantly flushed scarlet. He stammered urgently, "Senior, please forgive me. I was rushing to report the news and forgot to relay the message."

The smile on He Yiming's face froze. He rolled his eyes; this fellow was truly something else.

Xu Jun’s face also reddened. He snorted angrily, "Senior, please accompany me up the mountain."

The leading disciple’s expression changed slightly. "Inspector Xu..."

Xu Jun waved his hand, sending a sharp whistle slicing through the air, and declared angrily, "You don't need to worry about this. If anything happens, I will take full responsibility."

The disciples exchanged looks and finally withdrew obediently. As long as a Xiantian expert guaranteed the matter, they wouldn't dare obstruct further.

"Senior He, please..." Xu Jun said respectfully.

He Yiming nodded with satisfaction. While this man's martial cultivation wasn't exceptional, he certainly showed a degree of responsibility in handling affairs.

However, he was unaware that upon learning Bao Zhu was also a Sacred Beast, Xu Jun's shock intensified. He began to suspect that He Yiming was an individual they absolutely could not afford to offend. If an attitude mistake brought such an enemy upon the entire sect, he would forever be the sect's greatest sinner. That was why he immediately utilized his privileges as a Xiantian expert to invite He Yiming into the Ice Palace.

The enraged roars of a Sacred Beast could still be heard faintly in the distance. Although He Yiming couldn't discern which Sacred Beast it was, the sound suggested it possessed considerable strength, roughly comparable to the Mottled Sacred Tiger of the Yu family from the past.

It seemed that beast was simply unlucky to have encountered Bao Zhu.

He Yiming had never worried about Bao Zhu, because Bao Zhu had the backing of two massive powers: the Heavenly Lake lineage and the Totem Clan. Even if he didn't intervene, at this critical juncture, the Ice Palace wouldn't dare do anything drastic to it.

Xu Jun kept sneaking glances at He Yiming’s expression along the way. Seeing that He Yiming remained so composed and nonchalant, he silently congratulated himself for not having misjudged the man.

As they ascended the mountain, they encountered three checkpoints, each guarded by Ice Palace disciples. Their purpose was the same as those before the first checkpoint. But in the face of Xu Jun's unwavering resolution, not a single one dared to object, allowing Xu Jun to lead He Yiming to the grand entrance. Flanking this entrance were towering walls that seemed to stretch endlessly.

This place appeared to be a world covered in ice and snow, yet that was merely superficial. Only upon entering the Ice Palace would one realize that the world inside and outside were entirely different.

Outside the Ice Palace, the cold wind howled, and the air bit fiercely. Cultivators below the Xiantian realm endured the torment of this extreme cold every day, with some freezing or starving to death on the ice plains. Yet, the abilities possessed by those raised in this harsh land were extraordinary.

Forget the prosperous Eastern lands; even the Northwestern Frontier could not compare to their ability to mobilize their entire populace like an army.

And yet, within this expanse of ice and snow, there existed a sanctuary that enjoyed perpetual spring, where temperatures were mild and comfortable.

After stepping through a gate that marked the boundary, He Yiming felt as if he had arrived in the southeast of the continent. Looking up, he saw a vast valley filled with countless strange plants, upon which butterflies and bees buzzed incessantly.

Having grown accustomed to the ice and snow, suddenly encountering such an environment created a sensation that was hard to process.

He Yiming surveyed his surroundings, only retracting his gaze after a long moment.

He let out a sigh. "No wonder everyone on the Ice Plain spoke of the dream to reside in the Ice Palace. This is the true Ice Palace."

While traveling across the Ice Plain, he had heard countless stories of noble aspirations held by valiant men, but what surprised him was that many of their dreams were centered on joining the Ice Palace.

This was undoubtedly linked to the Ice Palace's irreplaceable status in the Northern Frontier, but the environment here likely played a significant role.

Xu Jun smiled proudly. "Senior flatters us, but it is true that the Ice Palace holds immense prestige in the Northern Frontier, and many wish to join." He paused. "We deliberately open our gates every year, allowing anyone willing to join to gather at the foot of the mountain for us to select from. Thus, the entire Northern Frontier serves as the Ice Palace’s rear base, allowing us sufficient generations of disciples to grow slowly."

He Yiming paused, silently weighing the pros and cons of such a policy.

The roars in the distance seemed to intensify, indicating that the Mountain Guarding Sacred Beast had not yet apprehended the little creature. Moreover, the sounds suggested it was facing a truly formidable opponent.

Then, a long, drawn-out cry echoed from the mountains. The moment this sound rang out, a flicker of hesitation and concern crossed Xu Jun’s face.

He Yiming’s gaze was sharp as lightning; such a subtle reaction from Xu Jun could not escape his notice.

"Brother Xu, which Venerable Great One made that cry?" He Yiming asked in a deep voice.

Xu Jun suddenly straightened, a trace of joy appearing on his face.

"Senior, that is our sect’s Grand Elder, Xu Dongshan." He paused, murmuring, "Perhaps Elder Xu is also pursuing your Sacred Beast." In his estimation, no matter how powerful Bao Zhu was, it should yield to the combined pursuit of one Sacred Beast and one Great Venerable. Yet, He Yiming remained entirely unconcerned.

A slight smile touched the corner of He Yiming's lips. He secretly shook his head; Bao Zhu hadn't even deployed its Flame Dragon Burning or sonic attacks. Clearly, under the pursuit of two such opponents, it was still handling the situation with ease.

A bead of cold sweat formed on Xu Jun's forehead. He was anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, yet dared not show it too overtly.

After a moment of hesitation, he finally said, "Senior, I shall go see the sect Elders now. Please recall your Sacred Beast pet."

He Yiming laughed heartily. He had released Bao Zhu specifically to use its nose to search for Yuan Lixun, so he certainly wouldn't recall it now. Moreover, he was certain that Bao Zhu, having already thrown the Ice Palace into such disarray, would ensure Yuan Lixun came to investigate.

Indeed, mere seconds later, the long cries in the distance ceased, replaced by a triumphant roar from Bao Zhu.

He Yiming's eyebrows jumped slightly. He knew Bao Zhu must have located Yuan Lixun.

Xu Jun looked at He Yiming, utterly bewildered. The Sacred Beast that invaded the Ice Palace had clearly been caught, yet why was the senior wearing a smile of joy? At this moment, Xu Jun felt a massive headache coming on; he truly couldn't fathom the motives of such a supreme expert.

Another familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar cry sounded in the distance. He Yiming's heart surged; he could not hold back any longer. His figure flickered slightly, and he vanished.

White Horse Lightning wagged its tail and quickly followed suit.

Xu Jun froze, inwardly crying out, Not good! He ran desperately toward the distance, but with his speed, he stood no chance of keeping up with He Yiming and White Horse Lightning, and was instantly left far behind.