A gale roared, snow lashed down in fury, the sky darkened and the world turned a dismal gray. Countless ice shards, the size of fingers, rained down ceaselessly, ravaging the land.
The entire world was submerged in the muffled, dull roar of the blizzard's fury! A blizzard—this was my first time encountering one!
How breathtaking is the power of nature! Facing such a wildly raging storm, even though everyone present, including myself, were battle-hardened veterans, our faces paled in fright!
Luckily, Suifeng spotted the danger early enough, and we managed to find a lee side of a cliff to shelter us, even setting up our specially reinforced tent against the wind and snow. Only then did we escape disaster!
Huddled inside the tent, everyone was still shaken, peering out at the world through the tent’s specialized slits. Yet, the great beast let out several uneasy roars, sounding exceptionally muffled and desolate!
How could I not understand its thoughts! This sudden blizzard had completely disrupted our plans!
The clues we had painstakingly gathered about Yue Che and the others, and the trail that led us here, were now utterly buried beneath this storm! Everything would have to start from scratch again!
Though deeply unwilling, there was nothing we could do but wait! The fierce blizzard raged for an entire day before finally subsiding!
When we emerged from the tent again, it was already the next morning! The creatures native to the Snow Domain Continent had long adapted to this capricious environment; to them, a storm was merely an insignificant shift in the weather.
As the clouds receded and the snow cleared, the world instantly regained its vitality. Everywhere buzzed with the sounds of insects and birds, teeming with life!
It was enough to make one think the preceding blizzard had been nothing more than an illusion! Although we lost the immediate trail of Yue Che and the others, we had at least roughly confirmed the direction they had fled!
After a brief respite, the group set off on their journey once more! In my mind, a forest should be a realm where trees blot out the sky, yet the situation in the Forest of Mist was entirely different from my expectations!
After crossing the cliff where we had sheltered from the storm, what unfolded before us was an endless, vast snowy plain! As far as the eye could see, everything was a blinding expanse of white!
It gave one a feeling of invigorating elation! Everyone instinctively drew a deep breath, savoring the fresh coolness permeating the air after the blizzard!
The previous frustration over the lost clues due to the storm had significantly eased with the sudden open vista before them. Perhaps the blizzard had buried much of the prior evidence.
However, thinking further, this storm might also have halted Yue Che and his group’s progress by a full day! Moreover, while the new snow cover would obscure any traces they left behind, it would also ensure they left clearer markers along their subsequent path—wasn't that a good thing for us?
Of course, the critical issue was that we needed to find their tracks as quickly as possible! Everyone subconsciously looked toward me!
“It seems we need to split up to maximize our chances,” I said. Though reluctant, I had to make this extremely risky decision: “No matter who finds traces of Yue Che and the others, do not reveal yourselves rashly.
Use snow pigeons to keep in contact.” Snow pigeons are a unique species of pigeon indigenous to the Snow Domain Continent, possessing astonishing directional sense and tracking abilities, making them the primary means of communication across the continent. On this pursuit of Yue Che, each of our mounts was equipped with three of these snow pigeons, precisely to guard against unforeseen circumstances—and it turned out we encountered one!
“Now, let’s form groups!” I glanced at Long Xin: “Mo Hui, Mo Cha, Chen Guang form one group. Chen Yu, Long Xiang, Long Fei form another.
This King, Long Xin, and Suifeng will be the third group.” “Yes,” everyone responded in unison, accepting the orders! I divided the nine-person team into three groups, sending them off to search in three different directions!
Long Xin, Suifeng, and I headed due north. Time was pressing, so the others dared not delay even for a moment!
We galloped across the boundless snow plain for a full day, and finally, Long Xin, Suifeng, and I arrived before a sparse patch of woods! Somewhat surprisingly, there was a clear, azure lake right before the woods.
It stood out vividly between the cold snow plain and the forest, and even from a distance, we could see faint wisps of mist rising from its surface! “It’s the Warm Lake,” Suifeng exclaimed happily.
“Perfect timing to refill our waterskins!” Warm Lakes are a peculiar type of lake unique to the Snow Domain Continent—essentially hot springs! Formed by concentrated subterranean thermal energy, the heat emanating from them kept the water significantly warmer than the surrounding environment, at least thirty-five degrees Celsius.
Not only was the water pleasantly warm, but it was also sweet and refreshing. Some people on the continent even specialized in brewing wine using this rare lake water.
To unexpectedly discover such a rare haven in this desolate wilderness, the three of us were naturally overjoyed! We dismounted without hesitation and rushed to the lakeside!
Some drank, some washed their faces, and even the great beast eagerly plunged its head into the lake, gulping down great drafts of water with hearty satisfaction! Just as we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, a sharp wave of killing intent suddenly washed over us!
My heart jolted: “Careful, something’s happening.” Suifeng and Long Xin’s expressions shifted slightly; clearly, they too had sensed that unusual killing aura! We quickly stood up and returned to our mounts!
The great beast bounded swiftly to my side, ears pricked high, scanning the surroundings! From the left side of the woods, dust boiled up into the sky, a hazy gray line surging towards us, sweeping everything away!
Only when they drew closer did we clearly see they were a large contingent of Wolf Riders! In the blink of an eye, this troop of Wolf Riders surrounded us!
Swords and blades drawn, their intent bristling with murderous energy! Not Yue Che’s men!
A wave of disappointment washed over me! But Suifeng’s face changed drastically: “They are Fog Clan warriors.” Fog Clan warriors!
I had long heard tales of the Fog Clan warriors’ prowess across the continent, and now I finally had the chance to witness this mysterious race! Their mounts were equally large and powerful Ice Wolves!
Their entire bodies were encased in strange white leather armor! Each one was tall, robust, and immensely strong!
Even while seated atop their Ice Wolves, a rough estimate suggested each one stood well over two meters tall—terrifyingly built! Their hair and eyes were a peculiar amber-like emerald green!
But what truly seized our attention were their weapons! Unlike the common Knight Lances used across the continent, their weapons were uniformly heavy maces, thick and long, studded with terrifying steel spikes!
Paired with their burly physiques, they exuded a suffocating, heavy sense of oppression! “Let me handle the introductions,” Suifeng said, being far more experienced than I in dealing with these minor peoples.
He stepped forward slowly and offered them a friendly gesture! Across the Snow Domain Continent, the various tribes shared a set of agreed-upon conventional languages and gestures!
Suifeng was signaling that we held no hostility! It was also a way to probe and question the other party’s intentions!
There were clearly two leaders among the opponents! One of them was considerably smaller than the others—though “smaller” was relative!
At least in my eyes, he stood no less than 1.8 meters tall! What struck me as odd was that his weapon was a crescent blade!
However, this crescent blade was vastly different from the common ones on the continent! It was longer, larger!
The curve of the blade, however, appeared more delicate and smooth. The entire weapon possessed an ineffable, mesmerizing, and eerie quality that made it unforgettable at first sight!
What shocked me further was the sensation of a tremendously potent magical fluctuation contained within that blade! What a bizarre and demonic blade—I kept my guard up!
Could this person be a mage? (A grand introduction for a magnificent extra character!
The Demonic Blade Wuyin, male, eighteen years old, Young Master of the Fog Clan, a super genius practicing both battle and magic. His weapon is the Demonic Blade, a notoriously strange weapon on the Snow Domain Continent.
This extra character is generously provided by the enthusiastic reader 136510*****. If you also wish to make a cameo, please sign up at the Black Flag Army Special Forces Recruitment Office in the review section!
As always, your support is my motivation! Let us look forward to the exciting performance of the Demonic Blade Wuyin!) While I was sizing them up, the youth regarded us with cold arrogance: “Who are you people, and why do you trespass in our clan’s forbidden Holy Lake?” Beside him stood a girl of considerable age and delicate beauty.
To my astonishment, the girl was carrying a heavy Infernal Axe! Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed such an absurdly oversized battle-axe could exist in this world!
It was larger than my entire frame! Judging by its appearance, the weight must be at least over 300 jin!
Clearly, it was a custom-made heavy Infernal Axe. Yet, as she held it, it seemed to weigh nothing at all, as if she were lifting a feather!
Furthermore, her mount was a colossal wolf, whose sheer size was comparable to the giant Ice Wolf King that Yue Che once rode! Perhaps only a beast of that magnitude could bear such an astonishingly heavy weapon!
It was hard to fathom that such a delicate beauty would wield such a cumbersome heavy weapon; just looking at it sent a shiver down my spine and threatened to steal my breath! This girl was certainly a terrifying figure blessed with innate divine strength!
With a single glance, I placed her on my list of extremely dangerous individuals! (Another magnificent extra character: Ghost Axe Wufeng, female, eighteen years old, Wuyin’s twin sister.
Possesses innate divine strength and wields the custom massive Infernal Axe. She is an extremely dangerous, violent dinosaur.
This character is generously provided by the enthusiastic reader Freedom’s Wind. I bow in gratitude.) The girl now looked displeased: “Brother, stop wasting time with them.
In a thousand miles, we’ve only found this group. The hundred souls of Jincun must be connected to them.” The other warriors nearby roared with even fiercer killing intent: “Kill them!
Avenge Jincun!” Suifeng gave a slight, faint smile and bowed respectfully—a universal gesture of respect on the Snow Domain Continent: “Esteemed leaders, we have not committed the acts you speak of. There must be some misunderstanding.
As for the Holy Lake, we truly meant no offense; please forgive us.” The young leader’s expression softened slightly, but he remained unfriendly, stating coldly: “Lay down your weapons and come with us, or else…” The girl beside him unconsciously swung the impossibly large Infernal Axe, letting out an arrogant snort. Long Xin, watching from the side, felt her heart pound, terrified that the girl might accidentally bring that axe down on her!
“…” Suifeng looked toward me with helplessness! It seemed that facing these two unreasonable, headstrong little demons, even the perpetually gracious Suifeng was at a loss!
Whether to fight or negotiate depended on my decision! In truth, I had already guessed the general course of events.
The village we saw earlier must have been the Jincun they mentioned, and their appearance here clearly meant they assumed we were the murderers who slaughtered Jincun. Although I knew perfectly well that Yue Che and his group were the ones who massacred Jincun, we happened to show up here at the worst possible time!
I doubted anyone would believe us even if we told the truth. Moreover, chasing Yue Che was urgent; we didn't have time to waste!
There was another point: the arrogant demeanor of these two youngsters greatly annoyed me! Greatly annoyed!
I debuted at thirteen, became famous throughout the world by eighteen, and now I am certainly someone of standing, yet I have never encountered such presumptuous tones from anyone, much less them! “Little fellows, you talk big.
Let’s see what skill you truly possess?” I squeezed my legs, and my great beast let out a sudden roar, shooting like lightning toward the leading brother and sister! Forceful frontal assault has always been my customary approach!
Long Xin, long accustomed to my style, unleashed an Ice Roar almost simultaneously, aiming it at the pair! It seemed they hadn't expected me to attack immediately!
The siblings’ faces paled slightly! Even Suifeng looked stunned!
But the fierce fighting spirit of the Fog Clan warriors was not a false reputation! Almost the instant I charged, several riders burst out from the left and right flanks of the brother and sister!
The girl’s axe swept out in a slight arc, neutralizing Long Xin’s Ice Roar, scattering it in all directions! At the same time, six maces came crashing down on me!
Not bad, they have some skill!! Perhaps the Fog Clan warriors were indeed strong, but in my eyes, their attack patterns were riddled with flaws!
By now, I had assembled the Dragon Shadow Sword into the Dragon Shadow Spear. I swept out with a horizontal swing!
A streak of light flashed! Then came a series of crisp, discordant sounds!
It was the six maces, simultaneously severed by the sharp edge of the Dragon Shadow Spear! Then, with a single crescent sweep, they were flung from their wolf-backs!
Sent flying a great distance! I had held back considerably; otherwise, those six would have been dismembered by my spear long ago!
No one expected that in a single exchange, those six couldn't even withstand one move! And taking advantage of the moment those six were sent flying, I reached the siblings!
The Dragon Shadow Spear moved like lightning, aimed at the chests of the brother and sister! In truth, I had no intention of harming them.
Although the two little brats were arrogant, they weren't enough to incite my killing intent! Furthermore, capturing them was the only way to force a fair discussion and the opportunity to explain myself!
After all, we didn't want to antagonize the powerful Fog Clan without cause! “Courting death!” the youth holding the demonic blade sneered, showing no inclination to retreat!
The strange demonic blade merely flipped over lightly! A massive ring of fire suddenly exploded outward!
It shot towards me like lightning! The scorching heat washed over my face!
Damn it! It was a Repulsion Fire Ring!
The most basic and common technique among all mages! But when executed by this young mage wielding the demonic blade, it carried a soul-shaking pressure!
Because the magical power condensed within it was astonishingly strong!! This level of strength was certainly no less than Yue Ge, who had defeated Suifeng previously!
Although, as a Demon Devouring Body, I am immune to magic, I had to consider the well-being of my great beast! Reluctantly, the Dragon Shadow Spear, which was halfway through its thrust, swept back in a counter-arc, unleashing a powerful crescent arc!
Boom! Rumble!
The potent crescent blade violently collided with the ridiculously strong Repulsion Fire Ring, erupting in a dull roar! The sheer explosive force even forced my great beast back several steps!
My hands gripping the Dragon Shadow Spear felt nearly paralyzed from the shock! My heavens!
What kind of monster is this? Does anyone use magic like that?
If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't believe any mage could use a simple Repulsion Fire Ring to actually force back my divinely strong great beast! Almost the instant I was forced back, the girl’s massive wolf let out a fierce howl!
It charged forward like a gale! And the unusually large Infernal Axe in her hands slammed down toward the great beast’s head like rolling thunder!
This incredibly large axe crashed down, seemingly sealing off all possibilities for lateral movement! Not only that, but the axe's sheer surface area also blocked all my angles of attack!
It was like a massive mountain bearing down on me! It truly left me feeling helpless!
There was no other way to counter it except to meet her blow head-on! This girl clearly understood the essence of meeting force with force, and she seemed certain I wouldn't dare clash directly with her!
I felt both annoyed and amused! If I didn’t show them a bit of my true ability, I really wouldn’t be able to deal with them!
While strength isn't my primary asset, after mastering the Nine Dragon Body Protection, I truly haven't feared anyone in terms of raw power! Even Yue Che never gained an advantage over me in a physical contest!
Instantly gathering my strength, I rammed the spear forward with equal force against the descending Infernal Axe! Clang!
Boom-rumble! Another thunderous, massive sound!
The huge axe was sent flying a long distance by my spear thrust! However, the terrifying impact force was entirely absorbed by the great beast!
Its powerful body was once again forced back several steps! But the girl's mount also let out a muffled groan and was knocked airborne, losing its balance!
In the contest of strength, I ultimately gained the upper hand! But my hands gripping the spear were almost fractured by the terrifying impact force!
Although a bit battered, I wouldn't let this rare opportunity slip away! The great beast roared again and lunged at the unbalanced girl!
“Afeng, watch out!” The young man cried out in alarm! His long blade flashed down like lightning!
What a sharp strike! His skill was undoubtedly equal to that of a first-rate warrior!
Even stranger was the bizarre, distorted lightning glow flickering along the edge of his blade! It was clear that this incredibly fast strike was augmented with the effects of a Thunder Spell!
Impressive—this youth was a rare genius proficient in both combat and magic! But now was not the time for curiosity!
The Dragon Spear curved slightly, and the battle qi within me suddenly erupted, sweeping towards this sudden attack! Clang!
Boom! Another violent collision!
The youth’s demonic long blade was knocked flying a great distance by the astonishing surge of my battle qi! The young man himself was thrown off balance and was clearly about to fall from his mount!
At that moment, the great beast had closed the distance, and taking advantage of the situation, I lashed out with a great grappling move from my left hand, seizing his belt and hoisting him up! This chain of events happened in the blink of an eye!
The youth hadn't even registered what was happening before I had him in my grasp, and the sharp point of the Dragon Shadow Spear was pressed against his vital throat: “Stand down, now!” Ah! All the Fog Clan warriors stood dumbfounded, staring at me!
Even the youth I held in my hand wore an expression of disbelief: “How is this possible? My blade clearly struck your spear, but you are unharmed.” “I’m fine,” I paused for a moment, then quickly understood.
Apparently, the youth’s Lightning Blade technique was unique; this move had likely tricked many people, but as a Demon Devouring Body, I was naturally immune to his Thunder Spell. Of course, I wasn't about to explain, merely smiling mysteriously: “Apologies, your electricity has no effect.” “No effect?
How can that be?” The youth was utterly astonished. “Big bully, let my brother go!” It was the little girl, who had been thrown back earlier, now rushing forward, her face contorted with rage!
However, when she saw the spear point I held against the youth’s throat, she quickly halted her charge! Her cheeks puffed out in anger, making her look exactly like a little toad!
Heavens, this girl is too cute! I suppressed the urge to laugh: “My apologies, but right now, I’m the one calling the shots.” If you want your brother to live, pull back all your people.” The other Fog Clan warriors were hesitant, unsure whether to advance or retreat!
They could only stare blankly at the girl. Suifeng and Long Xin took this opportunity to retreat to my side.
“Such fast action,” Long Xin murmured softly. “I didn’t even get to fight.” “...” Suifeng looked on with helpless resignation: “Was all that really necessary?
They could have just talked things out. Drawing blades and spears like that only hurts feelings.”
"What feelings? Are you that familiar with them?" I asked curtly.
"." Sui Feng paused slightly, about to say something more!
The young man held tightly in my grip roared in furious indignation, "Who in the blazes are you, daring to oppose our Mist Clan? Are you tired of living?"
"The Mist Clan!" I've always yielded to softness but recoil from hardness, and this young man's attitude thoroughly displeased me. "My apologies, but this King has never feared anyone."
"You... you have outrageous nerve." The little girl's eyes blazed with fury, as if she wished to tear me limb from limb.
"Enough, Sui Feng, it's your turn to shine," I said leisurely, watching them with unhurried composure. ". I trust they now have the patience to listen to everything you have to say?"