His grudge against the Emperor of Da Li remained fixed in his heart, impossible to forget. The worst part was his powerlessness; the Da Li Imperial Palace was heavily guarded, and a high monk from Tianwang Temple was suppressing the Holy Artifact there. He knew he would fare poorly if he tried to force entry, so he could only swallow his anger for now, planning to exact revenge another day.

Thus, he relentlessly focused on elevating his cultivation. To this end, he preached Buddhism, cultivated believers, increased the Power of Faith, and even journeyed to the Northern Wasteland in search of methods for advancement.

Now, hearing of a high monk, a sliver of hope appeared. If he could shatter the suppression of the Holy Artifact, with his current cultivation, even if he couldn't slay the Da Li Emperor, he could at least secure his own safety. Relying on his Great Teleportation Divine Ability, even a Grandmaster couldn't detain him.

However, the most fundamental requirement remained enhancing his cultivation. Once his true power increased, everything would naturally resolve itself; otherwise, other constraints would always exist.

But advancing beyond the Grandmaster realm was never simple. The quickest path he currently saw was the Power of Faith; all other methods paled in comparison in terms of efficacy.

Yet, increasing the Power of Faith required time for accumulation, bit by bit. Otherwise, the foundation would be unstable, inevitably leading to collapse in the future.

Advancement as a Grandmaster also demanded time, so he could only suppress his urge for revenge, seeking opportunities to strengthen himself. Rescuing the patriarchs of the Zhao and Tang families back then was a small way to cause trouble for the Emperor, offering a slight vent for his frustration.

Li Yubing pursed her lips and smiled, "Getting to the Suspended Temple isn't that easy. Are you planning to venture there now?"

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "Let's wait a while longer. It won't be too late once my strength improves."

Li Yubing laughed, "You're still clear-headed. Look at all the Grandmasters who came for this banquet; every single one is stronger than us. If even they dare not go, we’ll be in trouble!"

Li Muzhan nodded, "Palace Mistress, rest assured. I am quite self-aware."

Li Yubing said, "I just fear that after you kill a few Grandmasters, you’ll think Grandmasters are nothing special. That would be a huge mistake!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Palace Mistress, rest assured, I know my limits."

"Can you discern the true depth of the City Lord?" Li Yubing inquired.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "His profoundness is unfathomable, his restraint absolute. He is truly masterful; I suspect he has reached another realm."

"Could it be he truly doesn't know martial arts?" Li Yubing asked.

Li Muzhan shook his head, "When I approach him, I sense danger."

"Mmm, I vaguely feel the same. It's not distinct," Li Yubing nodded, "It seems certain then. This City Lord is indeed a formidable expert. I wonder if we can ever reach that level."

"Let's go take a look at the Arctic Supreme Domain," Li Muzhan suggested with a smile.

Li Yubing nodded, "Their cultivation advances are all due to the Arctic Supreme Domain. Naturally, we must go there too, though it’s terribly dangerous."

Li Muzhan grinned, "When our twin swords unite, we will be invincible!"

Li Yubing pouted and smiled slyly, "Are we really joining forces?"

Li Muzhan nodded, "It will be good to have someone to look out for when we are together!"

"Then I shall rely on your good fortune," Li Yubing replied with a charming smile.

That evening, they attended the City Lord's manor banquet—a grand feast honoring their arrival. Over fifty Grandmasters were invited.

Only then did Li Muzhan realize just how numerous Grandmasters were, and that every single one present was stronger than both him and Li Yubing, most of them reaching the level of Tong Tianshu.

What was even more astounding was that these fifty-plus Grandmasters represented only the elite of Northern Barren City; there were nearly five hundred more Grandmasters in total.

Li Muzhan and Li Yubing felt like country folk entering a large city. Beyond being wide-eyed, a strong desire for self-improvement stirred in them, making them yearn to elevate their strength immediately and join that esteemed company.

They heard that this place was miraculous for advancement because of the Arctic Supreme Domain—a realm of ice and snow, teeming with ferocious beasts and extreme danger. However, every beast killed would increase one's strength.

This was because the beasts here were extremely peculiar, unlike those elsewhere. Beasts from other places left carcasses upon death. These beasts, however, vanished without a trace upon dying, leaving behind only a trace of aura that was absorbed by the hunter.

According to the City Lord, the Arctic Supreme Domain was an immensely vast natural formation. The beasts within were formed from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, not ordinary creatures. They lacked flesh and blood, making them difficult to harm with conventional weapons. Only Grandmasters stood a sliver of a chance; those below the Grandmaster level were helpless and met instant death upon encounter.

These spirit beasts lacked sentience or intellect, acting only on instinct. But instinctual perception is often sharper. If they encountered two Grandmasters, they sensed inferiority and would evade them. If they met a single Grandmaster, they would charge out, seeking to devour flesh and blood to condense a physical form.

Most Grandmasters, unwilling to venture deep, often went alone. Furthermore, Grandmasters were wary of each other, not wanting others to know their true strength, so few traveled in pairs into the Domain.

Li Muzhan reflected on these characteristics; they resembled ghosts in the mundane world.

The instincts of these spirit beasts were potent. When they met something stronger, they hid away, only attacking the weak. Therefore, the spirit beasts a Grandmaster encountered inside were invariably stronger than the Grandmaster. One careless move, and the beast could finish them. Over the years, at least eighty or ninety Grandmasters had perished in the Arctic Supreme Domain—a devastating loss.

Despite this, Grandmasters still flocked there, endlessly eager to improve their cultivation through the Arctic Supreme Domain.

The world possessed cultivation techniques for concealing one's aura, which worked on humans, but were useless against these spirit beasts. No matter how profound the concealment technique, they could not deceive them. They clearly sensed a Grandmaster's true strength and would never be fooled. Thus, entering the Arctic Supreme Domain allowed no luck; one could only engage in direct, hard-fought slaughter to steal the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for personal use.

The Arctic Supreme Domain was unimaginably huge; no one knew its true extent. Even an expert like the City Lord had failed to see its entirety. They only knew that the further north one traveled, the greater the danger, and the stronger the spirit beasts.

The most crucial aspect of surviving the Arctic Supreme Domain was knowing when to retreat. Otherwise, once one stepped into genuine peril, turning back became nearly impossible, even for companions traveling together; exceeding the limit meant difficulty in retreating whole.

Li Muzhan and Li Yubing were both clad in purple robes. Before them stretched a vast, snowy expanse, surrounded by towering ice peaks—some like silver mountains, others like crystalline glaciers, sparkling beautifully under the sunlight.

Upon first entering, Li Yubing frequently gasped in admiration. Such scenery was rarely witnessed; the divine craftsmanship of nature was beyond mortal imagination.

Li Muzhan remained outwardly calm, absorbing the surroundings. This truly was a massive, natural formation. Once immersed, his senses immediately became disoriented, severing all connection with the outside world.

He tested it: stepping just one foot into the Arctic Supreme Domain, the ordinary world behind him vanished, as if only this Domain existed.

He then tried stepping back out. Fortunately, he could enter and exit freely; otherwise, if trapped, he wouldn't know how to break free.

Such a vast and powerful formation was beyond his ability to decipher. Luckily, once he stepped inside, everything returned to normal. His senses recovered, perhaps even sharpened slightly.

He sighed inwardly. The spiritual energy within the Arctic Supreme Domain was far richer than outside. Even setting aside the spirit beasts, this was a holy land for cultivation.

It was a pity that beyond the Grandmaster realm, there were no further cultivation methods. Remaining in such a spiritually rich environment might prolong life but wouldn't lead to further progress.

For those below the Grandmaster level, it would indeed be a sacred place for cultivation. Unfortunately, those below that level couldn't reach it, and even with a Grandmaster guarding them, it remained perilous.

"This truly is a marvelous place!" Li Yubing turned, sighing, "It certainly deserves the title of 'Supreme Domain'!"

They stood atop a silver mountain peak, looking down at the glaciers and silver peaks—a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Li Muzhan smiled, "It was nice at first, but seeing too much is the same; it’s all one color. A flaw in its beauty."

Li Yubing retorted, "Staring at other colors too long becomes tedious, but the pure, flawless white here—I could never tire of it! ...Never mind, you lack any true artistic soul!"

Li Muzhan chuckled, "Palace Mistress underestimates me again. To appreciate scenery, one needs a calm heart. At this moment, not knowing the full extent of things, how could I have the leisure for sightseeing?"

"Let's go!" Li Yubing said cheerfully.

The two, their purple robes fluttering, descended the peak and moved rapidly. Li Muzhan suddenly stopped; Li Yubing halted just as suddenly, and they stood side by side.

Before them stood a small deer, about the size of a mountain goat, with graceful curves. It stood quietly on a block of ice, its clear eyes gazing peacefully at them—innocent and lovely.

"What a beautiful little deer!" Li Yubing exclaimed.

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, "Our trouble has just begun!"

Li Yubing laughed, "I'll test it first while you back me up. Let's see what powers this little thing has. I truly hate to strike it!"

Li Muzhan cautioned, "Palace Mistress, be careful. This little one won't be easy to handle."

He felt a chill crawl up his spine, a sensation more intense than when facing a Grandmaster—it reminded him of when he first encountered Tong Tianshu. Things were not good.

Li Yubing agreed, "I feel it too. Be cautious!"

Li Muzhan frowned. He had improved significantly; with the augmentation of the Power of Faith, he could now control an area of a hundred meters. This little deer was within his range, yet it felt like a gust of wind—so fluid and agile, almost impossible to grasp.

Even the most powerful technique is useless if it cannot strike the opponent. This little deer was filled with spiritual energy, elusive as the wind, making it extremely troublesome.

Li Yubing flashed toward the little deer, slowly extending her jade hand, hoping to make gentle contact and befriend it.

"Careful!" Li Muzhan shouted.

With a muffled bang, Li Yubing flicked her sleeve and slid backward three zhang, somewhat clumsily dusting the ice and snow from her sleeve.

She had tried to reach out, offering friendliness, but the little deer responded unceremoniously by spraying a beam of white light. Fortunately, Li Yubing had been on guard and reacted quickly; otherwise, she would have been instantly turned into an ice sculpture.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Palace Mistress, let's forget it. It looks adorable, but it has no heart. Your friendliness will be useless."

He, too, was charmed by the deer’s innocent beauty, but it was too dangerous. He recalled what Huai Ren had told him: in the Arctic Supreme Domain, the more beautiful the spirit beast, the more dangerous it was.

Never expect mercy from them. We treat them as prey; they treat us as weeds. Does a person feel pity for weeds?

Although Li Muzhan didn't fully believe it, he understood these beautiful little spirit beasts were extremely dangerous. He didn't possess the benevolence of someone willing to sacrifice himself to feed an eagle.

Bang bang bang bang... The little deer transformed into a stream of light, darting toward Li Yubing. Beams of white light shot from its mouth—elegant and beautiful in motion, pleasing to the eye.

Li Yubing, however, had no time to appreciate the display. She awkwardly waved her sleeves, blocking each beam. Every block forced her back three or four zhang. In moments, she retreated to Li Muzhan's side.

Li Muzhan didn't move, observing the deer's movements. Its agility was startling, flowing like the wind. Li Yubing tried to counterattack, but its movements were too swift, forcing her into a purely defensive posture.

The deer's movement was fast, but the white light it spat was even quicker—truly lightning-fast, arriving instantly. Otherwise, Li Yubing wouldn't be in such a sorry state.

Seeing Li Yubing pushed so hard, Li Muzhan still showed no intention of acting, watching the deer’s motions quietly, sensing its transformations in his mind.

The little deer was unpredictable, like a gust of wind, impossible to pin down—truly difficult. The fact that it dared to engage meant it didn't take Li Muzhan and Li Yubing seriously; otherwise, it wouldn't have revealed itself.

Li Muzhan estimated that to defeat it, a surprise attack resulting in a swift kill was necessary. Otherwise, if defeated, it could simply flee, wasting everyone's effort.

Bang bang bang bang bang... Amidst a series of muffled thuds, Li Yubing was forced into continuous retreat, utterly unable to strike back.

Li Muzhan continued watching, but Li Yubing could no longer endure it. She scolded, "Wuji, why aren't you taking action quickly!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Palace Mistress, it seems we must fight with everything we have!"

Li Yubing snorted, "This chilling energy is too bizarre; I can't break through it!"

Li Muzhan said, "Let me face it. Palace Mistress, please retreat slightly!"

"Good," Li Yubing agreed readily.

This little deer looked adorable, but it was fierce in battle. The chilling energy it spat was like solid, sharp knives. His inner force couldn't completely dissolve it; it flowed inside his body, slowly freezing his internal energy, making movement increasingly difficult and his speed progressively slower. If this continued, he would soon be unable to even parry one of its attacks.

Li Muzhan flashed behind the little deer, striking out with one palm. Amidst the intent of his piercing sword-strike, his right palm hit the deer. With a muffled bang, the deer instantly solidified into an ice sculpture. Then, the ice shell shattered, and it gracefully darted out, spitting a beam of white light.

Li Muzhan flashed and vanished, reappearing behind the little deer again, striking with another palm. The deer froze instantly, becoming an ice sculpture again. As Li Muzhan's palm struck, the ice shattered, and it darted out, simultaneously releasing a wave of white light.

This wave of white light diffused, forming a circle spreading around its body. Li Muzhan momentarily paused, frowning, and retreated a few steps. He exhaled sharply—Ha—expelling the chilling energy that had pierced his body.

He was most skilled in manipulating vital energy. Although this chilling energy was dense and pure, settling heavily in his body, impeding the flow of inner force, his spirit was formidable. With a concentrated effort and running his esoteric technique, he instantly dissolved and expelled the chilling energy outside his body.

This method of controlling and deflecting force was wondrously profound, condensed from his years of experience and realization, not taught by outsiders—it was peerlessly subtle.

"Wuji, how is it?" Li Yubing called out.

Li Muzhan laughed, "Truly formidable!"

"Do you need my help?" Li Yubing asked.

Li Muzhan replied, "Wait a little longer!"

He suddenly flashed and vanished again, appearing around the little deer, striking from a distance. Bang! The deer disappeared, reappearing behind Li Muzhan just as he had, spitting a beam of white light—incredibly fast, even faster than when it attacked Li Yubing moments before.

Li Muzhan flashed and disappeared; the white light struck only his shadow. He flashed again, appearing behind the deer, striking with a palm. The deer vanished, only to reappear behind him, spitting a beam of white light.

The two flickered, their forms alternately visible and hidden, truly like ghosts. Li Yubing's vision blurred from watching, and she marveled inwardly. Moments ago, the little deer had shown restraint; now, if she were struck like that, she wouldn't last a few hits.

She could tell that the white light it spat now was far more potent than what it had directed at her earlier; she couldn't withstand many hits.

Li Muzhan and the little deer were locked in a stalemate, neither gaining a clear advantage.

Li Muzhan frowned in thought, flashing his movements to avoid direct clashes with the little deer. The chilling energy it spat was growing purer, and after taking a few hits, he was definitely not gaining an advantage.

Chih! A white light flashed, piercing the little deer—right in the neck. The deer paused, solidified into an ice sculpture, then shattered. The deer jumped out and spat a beam of white light.

Li Muzhan frowned. The white light flashed again; before the deer could reform, it solidified again, turning into an ice sculpture. Then the ice shattered, and it floated out, its form slightly more transparent.

Li Muzhan's white light flashed again, about to end it, when Li Yubing hastily called out, "Wait!"

The white light vanished, and the flying dagger returned to his palm. Li Muzhan paused, turning to look at Li Yubing. Li Yubing floated toward the little deer and slowly extended her jade hand.

The deer’s clear eyes watched her silently; its form flickered, becoming faintly visible.

Li Muzhan shook his head but didn't stop her. Now that the little deer's strength was diminished, Li Yubing’s action, though still risky, wasn't a major concern. If worse came to worst, he could embrace her and flee directly. He possessed miraculous life-saving skills.

Li Yubing slowly reached out, her jade hand moving toward the deer's lips. Under Li Muzhan's gaze, the little deer did not attack. Carefully, it lowered its head and licked the center of Li Yubing's palm sweetly.

Li Muzhan shook his head. It seemed the words of those Grandmasters were not entirely true. Perhaps it was a matter of mentality. This little deer, formed from spiritual energy, was driven purely by instinct, which was the truest expression. Killing intent could be sensed, and friendliness could also be sensed.

Li Yubing gently stroked the little deer's head. The creature narrowed its eyes slightly, behaving like a tame kitten. Li Yubing held it in her arms and smiled, "Wuji, I want to keep it."

Li Muzhan nodded, "As you wish. However, it probably can't leave the Supreme Domain."

"Can't leave the Supreme Domain?" Li Yubing asked, surprised.

Li Muzhan explained, "It is formed from spiritual energy; this is a condition imposed by the formation. If it leaves the Domain, and the external spiritual energy is not dense enough, I fear..."

"That can't be true, can it?" Li Yubing replied, half-believing, half-doubting.

Li Muzhan mused, "It's like us humans; if we climb too high a mountain, we find it hard to breathe. The little deer might suffer the same if it leaves the Domain."

"Then what should we do?" Li Yubing asked, "Wuji, you surely have a way!"

Li Muzhan gave a wry smile, "Palace Mistress really insists on having this little deer?"

"It's so cute!" Li Yubing huffed, "I must raise it!" (To be continued)