Chapter 102: Three Feet of Ice, Formed in an Instant

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Ancient cave in the mountain.
The two fled together until the wind talismans’ power was completely exhausted before finally stopping. After nearly half an hour, they arrived here.
During the journey, Qingyuan did not conceal anything and recounted the entire story of the grudge with Yuling, clarifying Lu Yushuang’s identity as the owner of the Orchid Pavilion.
“From what I’ve seen on the map, deep within this cave lies a hidden realm, ideal for cultivation. With divine thunder fragments scattered throughout the mountain, few venture into the depths of this ancient cave.”
Qingyuan and Gu Cang entered the cave as Qingyuan explained, “Though this place isn’t the best for cultivation on Mount Fuzhong, it’s still quite good. Most importantly, only through the map can I view the entire layout and confirm the feng shui. Ordinary cultivators would find it nearly impossible to discern the intricacies of the cave’s depths based solely on surrounding terrain unless they are well-versed in feng shui.”
In truth, apart from those skilled in feng shui, there are also those able to soar through the clouds and mist, who from above could discern the secrets of Mount Fuzhong.
However, it seems that no one in Luoyue Prefecture possesses such an ability. Perhaps among the few Taoists of the Orthodox Dao Sect, there might be such individuals, but the sect’s strict rules and the formation they established mean they rarely set foot on Mount Fuzhong.
...
As they walked, Qingyuan finalized the route to the treasure’s hiding place and began organizing his belongings.
The wind talismans had been used up, along with one green talisman, leaving only four green talismans remaining; the tiger-wolf wooden carving, barely usable, was already damaged; three iron god cores were damaged but since they were already broken, it was of little consequence.
Now, he was left with four green talismans, two intact iron god cores, and seventeen pieces of dark agarwood nails.
Though the dark agarwood nails were effective weapons capable of injuring others, if used improperly, they were worth less than stones.
Qingyuan’s true reliance was on the Red River White Night Shadow Spirit Chariot.
“Having reached the Third Heaven in cultivation, I’m capable of wielding this Red River White Night Shadow Spirit Chariot. I wonder how much power this remnant treasure still retains?”
Though damaged, the Red River White Night Shadow Spirit Chariot was originally a high-grade magical artifact. Even if its power was reduced to a fraction, it was still not something a low-tier Third Heaven cultivator could withstand.
By all accounts, this chariot was Qingyuan’s greatest asset.
Yet, he was reluctant to use this sinister treasure unless absolutely necessary. Even carrying it required constant suppression with true energy, as it was not sealed within a divine bag.
“I’ll escort you inside and set up some defenses around here.”
Qingyuan told Gu Cang, “The formation on Mount Fuzhong will last at most another ten to fifteen days before ceasing. If I return by then, I will take you away. But if I do not come back, you must cultivate here until all outside cultivators leave Mount Fuzhong.”
Gu Cang was silent for a moment before nodding.
...

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“Sister, it’s just ahead.”
Yuling bounced along, pointing at the dark cave entrance. “My mother said there’s a flower at the entrance, and she saw a beam of light escape into the cave.”
Lu Yushuang looked toward the cave. Divine thunder fragments mostly fell amidst the forest, so most people searched for thunder in the woods. Few ventured into caves.
Had she not been guided, Lu Yushuang would never have thought the thunder fragments might coincidentally fall inside a cave.
Even if some cultivators had such thoughts, divine thunder was often visible in the forests outside. Unless it was the last desperate moment when thunder was scarce, they would not look inside caves.
Lu Yushuang thought, “No wonder she’s the most deeply cultivated flower spirit on Mount Fuzhong; with a single thought, the entire mountain is revealed before her eyes.”
Yuling plucked a flower and tucked it into her hair. The petals were pale pink, her hair black and glossy—it looked very beautiful. She smiled brightly, “Alright, sister, this time we’ll collect the most divine thunder.”
A faint smile appeared in Lu Yushuang’s eyes as she softly replied, “Alright.”
...
Inside the cave.
“This trip might involve a confrontation with subterranean fire.”
Qingyuan had studied the map countless times. Fortunately, he had previously obtained a robe made from ice silkworm silk from an old man named Fan.
Gu Cang’s black robe was already damaged, so Qingyuan took off his outer robe and threw it to him, donning the ice silkworm silk robe himself.
His inner garment was pure white and spotless, giving him a somewhat refined look. After changing into the robe, white with a faint blue glow, it fit him perfectly.
Though dressed in the robe, he did not tie his hair or carry a dust whisk, making him less like a formal Taoist and more ethereal.
Wearing the robe, even with the inner garment, he felt cool and thought, “Northwestern ice silkworm silk is truly rare, though this robe is woven fabric rather than a forged treasure. It’s a pity. If a master of forging were to work with this silk, they could create a top-grade magical weapon.”
After changing, Qingyuan instructed Gu Cang to secure the divine bag and pointed out the path before preparing to bid farewell.
Suddenly, his expression shifted slightly.
Gu Cang looked surprised as Qingyuan raised his hand and cupped his ear to listen. His pupils contracted, revealing seriousness.
Qingyuan turned his head and mouthed words without sound.
Yet Gu Cang understood his meaning.

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“Someone’s coming!”
Qingyuan lifted his iron rod, true energy flowing continuously along the Yellow Court Immortal Scripture within him; his left hand gathered a spell, yet to be released.
The footsteps drew nearer.
About two, light footsteps—likely women.
Rounding a corner, the visitors came into view.
“Orchid Pavilion...” Qingyuan’s face darkened considerably.
“It’s you?” The visitors showed surprise as well.
“Such a troublesome adversary...”
Qingyuan’s mind flashed but he hesitated not for a moment. His five fingers pressed together and he thrust his palm forward, from which a streak of fire erupted, forming a fiery dragon that lunged toward Lu Yushuang.
Lu Yushuang did not expect such decisiveness. She immediately cast a spell but felt no fear as her Frost Blossom Sword condensed frost and swung forward.
Qingyuan’s spell had been long prepared, and though she met it hastily, her profound cultivation allowed her to withstand the attack.
However, just as she blocked the flame, Qingyuan’s iron rod emitted a crimson thunderbolt that came crashing forward.
The red lightning roared like thunder, shaking the cave so fiercely stones fell and dust swirled.
“Ice Mirror!”
She thrust her sword forward; frost condensed along the blade’s edges and expanded outward.
The blade was three feet long, the ice mirror three feet thick.
Freezing three feet deep, not by slow accumulation, but in an instant!