The color of his skin was no longer the flowing yellow of water, but had turned directly to red, like a perfectly boiled lobster—vibrant enough to tempt a bite.

He Yi Ming frowned slightly, unable to fathom why such a bizarre feeling suddenly surged within him. His gaze swept up to the yellow radiance shimmering above, and he vaguely felt that his state of mind had been profoundly influenced.

This place was truly no sanctuary; it could be likened to the sea of magma beneath the ten-thousand-foot volcano.

Continuing forward, He Yi Ming's expression truly shifted when his foot stepped into the orange-hued water.

This sensation was utterly unconventional. From beneath his feet, the water appeared perfectly normal on the surface, but only upon direct contact could one realize that the flow existed in a state half-liquid, half-mist.

However, due to the influence of this strange topography and environment, it was impossible to discern any clue from a distance unless one physically entered the substance.

This half-liquid, half-mist water possessed an intense heat. If a raw egg were placed here, it could be peeled and eaten as a hard-boiled egg moments later.

Of course, even with the high temperature, it posed no threat to He Yi Ming, as the temperature of the water mist could never surpass that of the magma sea in the ten-thousand-foot volcano.

Since He Yi Ming could endure the temperature there, this water mist was even less concerning.

However, upon entering this area, He Yi Ming distinctly sensed the sliver of Water Divine Power absorbed into his Dantian beginning to boil, mimicking the environment by transforming into a state of half-water, half-mist.

Initially, this Water Divine Power was so minuscule that no matter how it changed, it wouldn't evoke any strange sensation in He Yi Ming. But now, having traversed five differently colored water domains—from the coldest purple domain to this current orange domain of half-mist—

The Water Divine Power absorbed had become considerable enough to warrant He Yi Ming's full attention.

He Yi Ming stood within the orange water domain, observing the changes around him while meticulously contemplating the mutation occurring within the strange Water Divine Power in his Dantian.

Among the Five Elements, Water is undoubtedly the most versatile; the adage "Water takes no fixed form" encapsulates the true essence of Water elemental power.

To completely command this power was clearly no easy feat.

Countless pieces of data regarding Water Divine Power flashed through his mind, deepening He Yi Ming's astonishment.

Of the Five Elements, Water is the only force capable of manifesting in three distinct states: Ice, Water, and Mist. Theoretically, possessing the innate talent for any one of these attributes allows for conversion through different water-based manipulations, achieving the "Three Flowers Apex Condensation" of these three forms.

Furthermore, this Three Flowers Apex Condensation is termed the "One Lineage Apex Condensation," whose power, in the Eastern World, is considered second only to the supreme technique of the Five Elements Apex Condensation.

It was precisely for this reason that Yuan Li Xun could wield the Ice Palace’s imitation divine artifact, the Ice Glaze Mirror.

Now, within the orange currents, He Yi Ming quietly reflected upon the variations and insights presented by these three distinct forms of Water power.

If Bing Xiao Tian knew He Yi Ming's thoughts at this moment, he would surely regret allowing him to enter the Seven-Colored Palace so readily.

Di Shi Tian’s letter requested He Yi Ming enter the Seven-Colored Palace to comprehend the Water Divine Power.

But even the Water Divine Power had grades of superiority; common Water Divine Power was merely pure water energy, far less potent as an auxiliary force than the Ice and Mist variants.

Even Bing Xiao Tian himself had failed to grasp these two distinct divine powers.

Yet, a certain mutation was occurring within He Yi Ming. His body, perceiving the changes brought by the mist, brought his spirit into an exceptionally marvelous state.

His eyes slowly brightened. If Bai Ling Ba were present, he would surely assume he had found his long-lost brother, for under excessive excitement, He Yi Ming's Intent Power and True Qi were being released through his eyes, resulting in this shocking luminosity.

With a slight flick of his wrist, he produced the Five Elements Ring. A flash of five-colored light revealed a book of the Divine Path appearing in his hand.

Gazing upon this Book of the Divine Path, his excitement grew further.

This book was actually a treasure copied from Bai Ling Ba, detailing the complete texts of the Thirty-Six Foundation-Shattering Forms and the complete Mist Cultivation Technique.

Although this item was not a true Book of the Divine Path, Bai Ling Ba’s unique abilities had managed to simulate it perfectly.

He Yi Ming calmly turned the pages and immediately saw the descriptions pertaining to the Mist Cultivation Technique.

His spirit entered the Book of the Divine Path, dedicating himself entirely to its contents.

After an unknown length of time, He Yi Ming set his legs in motion, walking straight ahead, traversing the orange water domain until he reached the final red domain.

Among all the domains, the temperature here was undoubtedly the highest, and there was no flowing water left—it had completely transformed into water mist.

However, this peculiar scene, too, could not be discerned without physically entering.

As He Yi Ming's body entered this location, the half-water, half-mist Water Divine Power in his Dantian seemed to be drawn by this environment, shifting into a complete mist form.

He Yi Ming held the book, appearing completely oblivious to his own condition, yet a boundless, miraculous power continuously emanated from him.

※※※※

In the grand hall of the Ice Palace, Bing Xiao Tian and the Qilin Holy Master both came out to greet the visitors. These three guests arriving from afar were of such noble standing that even they had to personally welcome them.

Guided by Xu Dong Shan, the First Elder of the Ice Palace, three individuals of distinct bearing slowly approached the front of the hall.

Bing Xiao Tian waved his hand slightly. Xu Dong Shan bowed deeply to the Sect Masters before respectfully retreating. Throughout the entire process, he dared not steal a glance at the three newcomers.

He felt an immense pressure emanating from these three guests. Although none of them displayed their personal might, their very names were enough to cause any person to be deeply moved.

Zi Du Li, Sect Master of the Ling Xiao Supreme Hall; Ao Bo Rui, Sect Master of the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land; and Liu Chang Ju, Sect Master of the Southern Border Glazed Cave. The three paramount figures of the Human Path in the present age had arrived together at this moment.

While the three had previously resided in the Ice Palace concurrently, their last joint visit had been staggered, making the current impact far more profound.

Zi Du Li and Ao Bo Rui maintained their usual serene composure, but Liu Chang Ju, the Master of the Southern Border Glazed Cave, was a broad-faced man whose skin even faintly shimmered with a reddish hue, forming a natural contrast to Bing Xiao Tian.

The cultivation methods practiced by these two were diametrically opposed: one excelled in Fire elements, the other was renowned for Water elements. Yet, both possessed unique strengths. In their hundreds of years of acquaintance, they had clashed multiple times, though never in battles to the death.

Bing Xiao Tian nodded to everyone and smiled, "Gentlemen, you have answered my invitation; Bing Xiao Tian has failed to welcome you properly..."

Liu Chang Ju waved his large hand dismissively, "Brother Bing, let's dispense with the pleasantries. We have upheld our end of the last agreement."

This Glazed Cave Master not only practiced a top-tier Fire-elemental technique but also possessed a fiery temper.

Everyone was aware of his disposition, so no one took offense. A subtle look of haughty satisfaction flickered across the faces of Zi Du Li and Ao Bo Rui.

Bing Xiao Tian’s eyes lit up. "Have the three of you truly succeeded?"

Liu Chang Ju laughed heartily several times, "We were quite fortunate to encounter the suitable subject; it was true good luck."

The Qilin Holy Master burst into laughter. "Excellent! Where is the item?"

The gazes of Ao Bo Rui and Zi Du Li simultaneously turned to Liu Chang Ju. The Master of the Southern Border Glazed Isle lightly raised his hand and produced a silver-white feather cloak.

This cloak not only possessed ten thousand perfectly uniform, flawless white feathers but was also adorned with five differently colored round beads embedded in the chest area.

Under the sunlight, these five beads exuded strange colors, and one could vaguely perceive an inexplicable connection between them.

Bing Xiao Tian stepped forward, taking the feather cloak from Liu Chang Ju’s hand. He slowly channeled a stream of True Qi into it.

Instantly, the five round beads lit up. Five streams of differently colored light circulated ceaselessly, forming a circular cycle.

A formidable power was unleashed from the cloak. As this power radiated outward in ripple-like waves, even these powerful peak Human Path experts clearly felt the unbelievable, immense magnitude of that force.

"Good..." Bing Xiao Tian exclaimed loudly, his voice brimming with joy.

A strange light flickered in the Qilin Holy Master’s eyes as he slowly nodded, saying somewhat tartly, "Old Bing, you certainly benefited greatly this time."

Bing Xiao Tian shot him an irritated glare. "If you're not satisfied, why don't you find a suitable candidate? I’ll give the item to you."

The Qilin Holy Master was momentarily struck dumbfounded, then forced a bitter smile. "The cultivation technique for the Deep Cold Physique is a secret of your Ice Palace; even if I found someone, wouldn't they still benefit you?"

A trace of hidden amusement crossed the faces of Zi Du Li and the other two. They were well aware of the relationship between Bing Xiao Tian and the Qilin Holy Master; this bickering between two peak experts who started their careers around the same time was not new.

Bing Xiao Tian let out a soft snort and ignored him, sighing instead, "With this cloak for protection, coupled with the twenty Snow Fox Spirit Pills, Li Xun should be able to hold out safely."

An undisguised look of pleasant surprise flashed across the faces of the three.

Liu Chang Ju called out loudly, "Did that old assassin really capture the Snow Fox? That old fellow, hehe..." Though he didn't finish the sentence, his tone left no doubt as to his unconcealed admiration.