The Northern Darkness Family, the Glacial Pavilion.

The Glacial Pavilion was constructed entirely from Snow Ice Rock, a naturally occurring frigid stone that radiated bone-chilling cold even during the hottest summer days.

It rose nine stories high, reaching dozens of zhang, radiating an oppressive coldness, resembling a spectral, frozen mountain peak.

This was the solitary sanctuary for Bei Ming Shang’s arduous cultivation.

The Northern Darkness Family’s Martial Soul, the ‘Extreme Cold Ice Flame,’ was inherently frigid; training within a structure built from Snow Ice Rock was immensely beneficial for its essence.

Generally, unless he was refining a secret treasure, Bei Ming Shang almost never left the confines of the Glacial Pavilion.

Every visitor to the Northern Darkness Family had to endure the Pavilion’s penetrating chill and meet him there.

And Bei Ming Shang, as a man, never considered the comfort of others, forcing everyone else to accommodate his rigid demands.

From the first level to the ninth, the cold intensified progressively.

Even ordinary young men of the Northern Darkness Family could only wait on the third or fourth floor when called to see him; ascending further became physically agonizing.

The sixth level of the Glacial Pavilion.

At the center of towering ice pillars sat the imposing figure of Bei Ming Shang, cloaked in a thick, swirling aura of cold energy.

Upon the icy columns surrounding him, strange, chilling blue flames burned, making the air here lethally cold.

Mo Tuo stood opposite him, frowning deeply, while the handsome Bei Ming Ce remained by his side.

Yin Kui and Jiu Shan were positioned behind two distant pillars, resembling spectral shadows, sitting with their heads bowed low, appearing to have drifted off to sleep.

Under the guidance of a guard from the Glacial Pavilion, Mu Yudie and Di Yalan arrived at the sixth level.

The cold here was twice as intense as on the fifth floor! The moment the two women stepped across the threshold, their slender bodies trembled violently, feeling as if they had entered a vast ice cave; their hands and feet were already beginning to stiffen.

“You’ve arrived,” Bei Ming Ce stepped forward, exchanging a meaningful look with Mu Yudie.

“This is my grandfather.

And this gentleman is… the Patriarch of the Mo Family.” A sudden tension crossed the faces of Mu Yudie and Di Yalan.

They glanced at Mo Tuo, their expressions seeming to freeze in place.

Luo Hao’s death had been recounted clearly by Hu Long: besides the intervention of Barnard and the Nether Moon Emissary from Dark Nether, streaks of lightning had fallen from the sky… Afterward, the two women had met Mo Chaoge and knew she was inextricably linked to Luo Hao’s demise.

It was unfortunate that the Mo Family held considerable sway within the Merchant Alliance, maintaining ties with the Northern Darkness Family.

The fact that Bei Ming Ce had so easily driven Mo Chaoge away earlier clearly indicated he did not wish to rupture relations with the Mo Family—he had no intention of defending them.

Now, unexpectedly encountering the Mo Family Patriarch here, Mu Yudie and Di Yalan felt a natural displeasure, but in the presence of Bei Ming Shang, they could show nothing, only nursing their silent resentment.

“We greet Grandfather Shang,” Mu Yudie and Di Yalan said in unison, bowing deeply to Bei Ming Shang, pointedly ignoring Mo Tuo.

Mo Tuo remained impassive, a faint smile playing on his lips, acting as if the two women’s snub was entirely inconsequential.

“I heard you spent time in the Gloom Forest with a certain young man? I have matters I need to inquire about concerning that boy.

Do you know anything about his origins?” Bei Ming Shang nodded gently, his narrow eyes devoid of any particular expression as he got straight to the point.

Mu Yudie’s heart constricted.

After a moment of hesitation, she replied, “He was merely an insignificant minor martial artist.

Why would Grandfather Shang concern himself with such a person?” “He possesses something I desire,” Bei Ming Shang’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Do you know the boy’s background?” Mu Yudie shook her head.

“Not clearly.

We met him purely by chance on the road.

We traveled together out of fear of demonic beasts hunting travelers.

Regarding his origins, I truly know little, only that his name is Ding Yan, and he seems to be an ordinary martial artist from the Merchant Alliance.” “Ding Yan…” Bei Ming Shang nodded, pausing briefly.

“Do you know which city he hails from, or in which areas he tends to appear?” “No,” Mu Yudie confirmed, shaking her head again.

Bei Ming Shang fell silent suddenly.

After a while, he spoke in a low voice, “Very well, there is nothing further.

The Martial Arts Tournament will be held shortly; you two can accompany Ce’er to observe it.

I imagine you’d grow bored staying confined here.

I had some acquaintance with your grandfather; since he is gone, I will naturally look after you well.

Rest assured, the people from Dark Nether absolutely dare not act against you within the Merchant Alliance territory.” “Thank you, Grandfather Shang,” Mu Yudie’s eyes grew moist, her voice slightly choked.

“Whenever I recall the tragedy that befell my Mu Family, Xiao Die wishes nothing more than to grind those responsible to dust! My entire clan, a hundred souls, wiped out overnight! Grandfather Shang, you must secure justice for me!” “That matter cannot be rushed; we will discuss it later,” Bei Ming Shang nodded, waving a hand.

“You two should go rest now.

This floor is too cold; with your current cultivation, you likely cannot bear it for long.” “Understood.” Mu Yudie did not press the issue further.

She bowed once more, tugged lightly at Di Yalan’s sleeve, and the two withdrew.

“Might that girl be hiding something?” Mo Tuo frowned after Mu Yudie and Di Yalan departed.

“Just a single name will make the search exceedingly troublesome.” “Ce’er, what is your assessment?” Bei Ming Shang glanced at Bei Ming Ce.

“She didn't seem to be lying.

I will find an opportunity to question her again.

Regardless, the incomplete map from Misty Pavilion remains, so there is no need to rush things immediately,” Bei Ming Ce replied.

Bei Ming Shang nodded.

“Good.

You keep an eye on those two girls.

Remember, do not be deceived by anyone.

I do not wish for you to become a sword wielded by another’s hand, understand?” “Grandfather, I know what I am doing,” Bei Ming Ce smiled confidently.

“Brother Mo, do not fret over this matter.

I will dispatch men shortly to notify the Shi Family and the Zuo Family, instructing them to collectively keep an eye out for Ding Yan.

Rest assured, I will conduct the search under my own banner; it will not implicate you,” Bei Ming Shang declared with arrogance.

“When the five great families of our Merchant Alliance search together, I refuse to believe a mere commoner can evade us! Oh, and later, remember to have someone send me a portrait of that boy.

As long as he is alive, he cannot escape.” “Very well, I shall take my leave then,” Mo Tuo said no more, nodding once before departing directly.

“Ce’er, pay close attention to Zuo Shi of the Zuo Family.

Zuo Shi has established a connection with Chi Xiao.

If you could manage to bring Zuo Shi into our household as well, it would save us a great deal of effort,” Bei Ming Shang said, glancing at Bei Ming Ce after Mo Tuo had gone.

“That girl possesses extraordinary innate talent, she is Zuo Xu’s beloved treasure, and she is quite willful.

If you can subdue her, that old fellow Zuo Xu will have no recourse but to tie his fate to our Northern Darkness Family.” “No need to rush; one by one,” Bei Ming Ce responded with supreme confidence.

Bei Ming Shang nodded again.

“Mu Yudie’s talent is indeed decent, but while her Sound Art Martial Soul is powerful, it offers no aid to our Northern Darkness Family’s ‘Extreme Cold Ice Flame.’ However, the girl named Di Yalan, whose ‘Blue Demon Flame’ Martial Soul possesses potential synergy with our family’s ‘Extreme Cold Ice Flame.’ Watch her carefully, Ce’er.

If you can unite with her, she might bear an exceptional descendant for our Northern Darkness Family in the future.” “Do not worry, Grandfather.

Anything I set my sights on never escapes me.” “Good.

Since they have entered the Northern Darkness Family, neither of them will be leaving.” ...

The Zuo Family.

Zuo Xu reclined in his chamber, leisurely sipping tea.

Behind a screen to his back, a shadowy figure knelt and reported: “Bei Ming Shang sent a messenger with a request asking us to locate a youth named ‘Ding Yan,’ claiming the boy stole something belonging to the Northern Darkness Family.

They are offering five Profound-grade weapons if we find the person.” “Five Profound-grade weapons,” Zuo Xu tasted his tea and chuckled lightly.

“Bei Ming Shang truly remains as stingy as ever.

Trading five Profound-grade weapons for half of the incomplete map leading to the ‘Heavenly Gate’—he certainly calculates his schemes well.” “Patriarch, how shall we proceed?” “Search for him.

Have our people make an announcement in the various cities, but don’t be too earnest.

Just find a few fellows named Ding Yan to satisfy him, lest that fellow grows suspicious.” “This subordinate understands.” ...

The Shi Family.

Shi Jian also received the identical message.

He sneered as he held the letter.

“It seems Mo Tuo has sought out Bei Ming Shang.

Hmph! Thankfully, that brat Shi Yan told me the truth, otherwise, I wouldn’t know the situation.

Oh, Bei Ming Shang, you probably never dreamed that Ding Yan is Shi Yan.

Asking me to help him find the person—hehe, I’ll help him search thoroughly!” “How shall we search?” Han Feng asked calmly.

“Find a few people associated with the Mo Family, silence them all, claim their name is Ding Yan, and escort them to the Northern Darkness Family.” “Understood.” ...

The Northern Darkness, Zuo, Mo, Shi, and Ling Families—the five great houses of the Merchant Alliance—were all engaged in the search for a person named ‘Ding Yan’ across the various cities of the Alliance, some loudly and publicly, others stealthily.

Instantly, the name “Ding Yan” became red-hot throughout the Merchant Alliance.

Numerous people named Ding Yan suffered misfortunes, being seized by agents of the five great families.

Many individuals closely connected to the Mo Family, yet not named Ding Yan, also suffered unwarranted calamity, being brutally beaten into silence and hauled off to the Northern Darkness Family.

Because the Martial Arts Tournament was on the verge of commencing, the martial artists of the Merchant Alliance were all sharpening their skills, and many warriors from outside regions had traveled thousands of miles specifically for the event.

The irony was that many arriving martial artists were immediately apprehended by the five great families simply because their name happened to be Ding Yan.

Overnight, the person named “Ding Yan” became a rat scurrying in the street, cursed and hunted by everyone.

Meanwhile, the true originator of this chaos remained in the Shi Family’s gravity training room, stabbing a heavy iron sandbag tens of thousands of times daily with his fingers.

With every strike, the iron sandbag, suspended high and weighing hundreds of jin, would be pierced with a deep hole.

“Puchi!” Shi Yan plunged his five fingers deep into the center of the sandbag, withdrawing his arm, which now gleamed with a strange, cold light, appearing terrifyingly like blades forged from metal.

“Mmm, the Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin, and the storm from Misty Pavilion is also brewing.

My ‘Finger Spear Technique’ has finally seen minor success.” ...

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