"Her name is Yuege." Sui Feng continued the introduction, "She is the daughter of the Icebound Tribe's Chief, deeply cherished by him, so her status is anything but ordinary."
"It seems I've really stumbled upon a treasure this time." I was overjoyed.
"I think, with her, I should be able to trade for my sister and the person you wish to save," Sui Feng proposed.
"That's wonderful, Yan Luo finally has a chance at salvation," Long Xin exclaimed.
"Yan Luo!!" Sui Feng looked surprised, as if something just struck him. "The person you want to save is named Yan Luo?"
"Why, do you know her?" Sui Feng's reaction made my heart clench with suspense.
"Though I don't know her personally, I have heard of her," Sui Feng looked at us with a sudden tension. "Some time ago, someone infiltrated the forbidden grounds of the Ice Palace and etched a map leading to the Sacred Domain of the Seven Heavens, which was hidden deep within! Rumor has it these intruders came from the continent of Marfa, across the Dead Sea." Sui Feng stared at us in astonishment. "Could it be that you people are from the continent of Marfa?"
"....." Mo Hui and Mo Cha were momentarily stunned, not expecting Sui Feng to guess their identity.
Long Xin nervously glanced at me. She knew the Snow Region Continent harbored a deep, inexplicable hatred for people from Marfa, which was why they had kept the truth hidden from Sui Feng initially.
"To be frank, we are indeed from the Demon Dragon Empire of the Marfa Continent." Knowing I could no longer hide it, I decided to come clean.
"The Demon Dragon Empire." To my surprise, Sui Feng actually sounded excited. "Are you perhaps Xingye, the elder twin of the Twin War Gods of the Demon Dragon Empire?"
"Xingye." I was somewhat bewildered. "Twin War Gods?"
What in the world was this? I instinctively looked at Long Xin, only to find her equally confused.
"Are Xingye and Xingzhan very famous?" Long Xin asked reflexively.
"Famous is an understatement," Sui Feng was visibly thrilled. "They are absolutely thunderous names!" Sui Feng looked agitated. "I heard that the last time they snatched the map from the forbidden grounds of the Icebound Tribe's Ice Palace, those two single-handedly killed over a hundred pursuing Mages, and among them were five Sanctuary Heavenly Archmages from the Icebound Tribe! One hundred and twenty-three in total! They virtually annihilated the magical strength of the Icebound Tribe! How could they not be famous!"
"Good heavens, I didn't realize they were that ruthless," I was also startled.
Sui Feng seemed to have strayed off-topic and quickly returned to the point. "You still haven't told me—are you Xingye or not?"
"I am not," I admitted this time without any reservation.
"Ah..." Sui Feng seemed a little disappointed. "But you look quite formidable too. Could you tell me your name?"
"My name is Xingchen."
"Xingchen." Sui Feng savored the name. "It also carries the character 'Xing' (Star). It seems anyone with 'Xing' in their name is quite capable."
"......" I didn't know what to say. Did this guy harbor no hostility toward us at all?
"You find it strange," Sui Feng seemed to read our thoughts and chuckled lightly. "Although the majority of people on the Snow Region Continent hold hostility toward the Marfa Continent, that feud dates back over ten thousand years. Compared to that, achieving our respective wishes together is far more important." Sui Feng continued, "Besides, your Demon Dragon Empire severely wounded the Icebound Tribe last time, which indirectly did our Snow Plains Tribe a great favor. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared sneak in here alone to rescue my sister."
"I see." We finally understood a bit more, but I was more concerned about Yan Luo's current condition. Now that there was someone who knew the situation, I wouldn't let this opportunity slip by easily!
"Do you know the current situation of our companion, Yan Luo?"
"I'm afraid I don't know the specifics," Sui Feng admitted, though with some regret. However, his eyes lit up as he looked at Yuege, who was still unconscious. "This girl definitely knows."
"Heh, that's true." I finally remembered that I had a live source right in my hands.
"Wake her up and ask!" Long Xin also brightened up.
"Yes." Sui Feng stepped forward. "Let me handle the interrogation. You must not let her discover your identities, or she won't speak a word even if she dies."
"Heh, you two seem quite familiar," I teased.
"From childhood quarrels to adulthood, how could we not be familiar?" Sui Feng sighed, imbued with deep helplessness. "To avoid arousing her suspicion, could you hand her over to me? As for whether she sees you or not..."
"This..." Long Xin and the others looked at me hesitantly.
"Fine, but only within this room," I stated seriously.
"Understood," Sui Feng nodded in agreement.
After a while, the sounds of fierce arguing drifted from the room, which eventually quieted down.
Evidently, Sui Feng had managed to wake Yuege!
After a significant delay, Sui Feng walked out of the room dejectedly and came into the main hall.
He looked quite battered, making us wonder just what the bound Yuege could have done to him.
However, Sui Feng did not disappoint; he extracted the intelligence we needed.
It turned out that after Yan Luo was captured following a failed attempt, she was being held inside the forbidden Ice Tower within the Ice Palace!
Logically, given the actions of Xingye, Xingzhan, and Yan Luo, capture should have meant certain death. But holding her captive suggested they intended to lure Xingye and Xingzhan into a rescue attempt to wipe them all out in one sweep.
However, Xingye and Xingzhan seemed not to have made any move yet!
Learning this brought us considerable relief; at least none of them were in immediate physical danger!
"But this makes things tricky," Sui Feng said grimly. "Last time you killed so many of their Mages in one go, the Icebound Tribe Chief, Yue Che, has hardened his heart and is determined to annihilate you regardless of the cost." Sui Feng looked helpless. "Trying to exchange hostages for your companion Yan Luo is probably not going to work. Even with his own daughter, Yuege, in our hands this time, he absolutely will not compromise."
"Ah!" I was stunned.
"What are we going to do?" Long Xin grew anxious.
"It seems we must find another way," Mo Hui sighed helplessly.
A silence fell over the hall. The matter that had seemed within reach now appeared distant again.
After careful consideration, I couldn't think of any solution other than a direct assault.
It seemed I would have to use the tactic of feigning one thing while doing another! (Creating a diversion while executing the real plan!)
A plan quickly formed in my mind.
"I have an idea," I said, organizing my thoughts. "This time, we will use only Yuege to trade for your sister." I looked at Sui Feng.
"Ah!" Sui Feng hadn't expected me to propose such a thing. "What about your companion?"
"Yes, aren't you planning to save Yan Luo?" Long Xin also became very anxious.
"Listen to me finish," I quickly interjected. "We must save Yan Luo, which is why we need to use Yuege to draw away the guards' strength."
"Draw them away?" Mo Hui and Mo Cha seemed to grasp my meaning and exclaimed joyfully. "Luring the tiger out of its mountain lair?"
"Precisely," I affirmed confidently. "Brother Sui Feng, this time you will use Yuege to trade for your sister, but I have one condition."
"I understand," Sui Feng smiled. "I will definitely find a way to make this hostage exchange as grand and high-profile as possible, drawing out their main force and creating an opportunity for you to infiltrate the Ice Tower."
"We'll be counting on you this time."
"Don't mention it," Sui Feng said solemnly. "This time you are helping me save my sister; I should certainly do something to help you in return." Sui Feng continued, "However, to ensure success, I need to arrange this carefully, and it might be too difficult for me alone. I'll need to mobilize the experts from the tribe, so it might take some time."
September Seventeenth!
Ninety li north of Throne City! The White Snow Ice Plain!
The gentle winter sun melted the ice and snow, bathing the vast ice plain in a soft, hazy, bright light! It infused the silent expanse with a vibrant energy!
Yet, a dull, heavy roar instantly shattered this hazy tranquility!
Upon the slightly rising hills of the ice plain, dozens of riders, moving like flying arrows, abruptly reined in their charging horses as they reached the crest. They pulled their reins tight, facing the sun, standing tall and imposing!
The person leading them was slender, with hair as silver as snow. Her expression was stern, appearing to be just past twenty. A green veil covered her face, hiding her features from the crowd, yet everyone could sense a commanding, regal aura emanating from her.
This person was Sui Yun, the Chief of the Snow Plains Tribe, the elder sister of Sui Feng and Youran! A formidable figure who could shake the entire Snow Region Continent with a mere stomp of her foot.
Upon learning her younger brother had gone alone toward the Throne City to rescue his sister, Sui Yun was greatly shocked.
Sui Yun was the tribe's future heir; any accident involving Sui Feng would have unthinkable consequences!
Moreover, the defenses of the Icebound Tribe's forbidden grounds were notoriously stringent—how could the arrogant young boy, Sui Feng, possibly infiltrate them? Upon hearing the news, Sui Yun hastily led the tribe's top experts to rush after him overnight, hoping to bring Sui Feng back, only to run into him halfway there!
However, what Sui Yun hadn't anticipated was that Sui Feng had successfully captured Yuege, the Icebound Tribe's young mistress! She was immensely pleased!
It turned out that after capturing Yuege, Sui Feng intended to use her to exchange for his sister. But he also knew that relying solely on his own power, succeeding in trading for his sister, Youran, was impossible!
So, he decided to bring Yuege back to the tribe to plan further, not expecting to run into Sui Yun en route!
The rest of the affair became much easier!
Sui Yun had brought the tribe's elite masters!
They were perfectly suited for the daunting task of a hostage exchange!
As for how Sui Feng managed to capture Yuege, Sui Yun didn't have time to ask, and Sui Feng didn't volunteer the information!
The group immediately began preparations for the hostage exchange!
One had to admit, even Heaven seemed to be on Xingchen's side!
Behind Sui Yun were her brother Sui Feng, and the tribe's elite warriors: Xiaoyao, Chen Guang, Chen Yu, Long Fei, and others! They were the top experts of the younger generation in the Snow Plains Tribe, and also childhood close friends of Sui Feng and Sui Yun!
(Minor characters appearing, thanks to enthusiastic readers for their contributions!)
This rescue and exchange naturally required their participation!
Besides the dozen or so top young fighters, the rest were the top experts of the older generation in the Snow Plains Tribe! It could be said that the strongest lineup the Snow Plains Tribe possessed was gathered here!
Soon enough, dust rose in the distance, and the thunder of hooves shook the ground, making it tremble violently—clearly, a large number of people were approaching.
"They're here," Sui Feng said, nervous yet excited, finally about to see his sister.
Since his sister was abducted by the Icebound Tribe five years ago, the siblings hadn't seen each other since!
Memories flooded his mind—how was she now?
She must have suffered greatly these past five years!
After the dust settled, a blurry gray line appeared on the horizon, rushing toward them!
Leading the vanguard were ten knights clad in full heavy armor!
Behind them followed an unusually large, silver war chariot, pulled by eight magnificent, divine Snow Plains Warhorses! It was incredibly fast and agile!
This was the carriage of the Icebound Tribe Chief—the Silver Seat!
Behind the chariot marched ranks of heavy-armored cavalry, each bearing a large bow, shield, and sword or saber at their waist. Their military discipline was impeccable, radiating palpable killing intent!
"I didn't expect Yue Che to come personally," Sui Yun sounded somewhat surprised.
"That is only natural," next to Yue Che stood Seth, looking respectful. "The Chief has graced us with his presence; how could Yue Che dare to act presumptuously and only send his subordinates to negotiate."
No one dared to underestimate this unassuming young man!
He possessed neither profound magic nor formidable martial cultivation, yet he was undeniably the second most important figure in the entire Snow Plains Tribe!
The Snow Plains Tribe's ability to hold its ground and successfully fend off the Icebound Tribe's incursions for the last two decades, preventing them from gaining an inch of territory, was largely thanks to Seth’s indispensable contribution!
(Minor character Seth appears, thanks to Seth_Waller for the generous contribution, a deep bow!)
"The Chief's prestige shakes the world, and with the wise Seth accompanying him," Xiaoyao declared proudly, "even if Yue Che is arrogant, he wouldn't dare to look down on us."
What kind of figures were Sui Yun and Seth? Who dared to underestimate them? Any oversight could lead to irreparable losses. With Yue Che's steady composure, he would never make such a mistake!
Therefore, he had to come in person. Furthermore, to prevent any mishap, he even mobilized five of the Nine Great Divine Generals—figures rarely deployed lightly!
The White Snow Ice Plain!
There were two mountain ridges!
Named Snow Ridge and Cold Ridge!
The two ridges faced each other across an open space, the location meticulously chosen by Seth after careful deliberation and analysis!
Because the area between the two ridges was completely open, exchanging hostages in this location made it difficult for either side to execute major conspiracies!
When the Silver Seat's eight divine steeds whinnied in unison and halted their charge, the silver war chariot had already ascended Snow Ridge, and the neat silver formation stopped its advance simultaneously!
Yue Che lifted the curtain of the carriage. What greeted his eyes was a world of silver, and an invisible yet profoundly heavy aura of murderous intent!
The killing intent stemmed from the veiled figure standing on the opposite ridge, mounted on a horse!
"It's Sui Yun! And Seth!" the Divine General Bing Chen murmured solemnly!
"Young brat, daring to show off your arrogance before this Venerable One," Yue Che spoke disdainfully, but he was secretly vigilant. He was about to open his mouth to chastise them and dampen the Snow Plains Tribe's morale, but Sui Yun preempted him.
"Yue Che old man, have you brought my sister?" The voice was not loud; it even carried the soft beauty and crispness unique to a woman's tone, yet it was perfectly audible to everyone!