“No time to delay.”
Chen Ping made a swift decision. “We shall set off at once. Sect Leader Ling, the sect has only just stabilised and still requires you to remain and manage affairs. We will take our leave now.”
Ling Yunzi rose to see them off, accompanying them all the way to the mountain gate. He gave Ling Shuang a few more instructions, then spoke solemnly to Chen Ping. “Senior Chen, the strength of the Beiming Divine Clan is unfathomably deep, especially on their home ground of the ice plain where they are like tigers with wings.”
“If matters prove impossible, please prioritise your own safety above all. There will be time in the future. The Sword Sect’s mountain gate will always be open to you.”
Chen Ping nodded. “Sect Leader Ling, rest assured. I know where to draw the line.”
With that, the three transformed into a streak of flowing light far swifter and more brilliant than when they had arrived, soaring into the sky and heading straight towards the extreme north of the Tenth Heaven continent.
The further north they flew, the more rapidly the temperature of the world plummeted.
The landscape below shifted from green mountains and clear waters to barren frozen earth, then to continuous snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Howling cold winds began to carry ice crystals and snow particles, striking against their protective spiritual light with a fine rustling sound.
Ordinary cultivators here, even without venturing deeper, would need to circulate their magic power to resist the severe cold.
Ling Shuang was indeed very familiar with the route. From time to time she spoke up to point out directions, avoiding known areas of violent blizzards that could cause disorientation or hidden spatial rifts.
Her words were concise and clear, displaying the capable efficiency that matched her outward appearance.
The Red Cloud Demon Lord remained silent throughout the journey. Most of the time he kept his eyes closed in meditation, adjusting his condition to its peak. Only occasionally, when gazing towards the vast expanse of white that seemed to connect with the firmament in the north, would urgency and resolve flash in his eyes.
Chen Ping, while flying, quietly sensed the distinctly different heavenly laws of this extreme northern land.
Here, ice and water laws were exceptionally active and abundant, while laws of other attributes were relatively dormant.
Chaos immortal power circulated within his body, simulating and evolving icy characteristics as he silently adapted to the environment.
From time to time he released his divine sense, piercing through the endless wind and snow to scan the extreme distance, attempting to detect any traces of the so-called divine clan or unusual energy fluctuations.
The wind and snow of the extreme north grew ever more ferocious. Leaden grey clouds pressed low over the ice plain, and howling cold winds whipped ice shards that crackled against the protective spiritual light of the three travellers.
After flying for two full days, Ling Shuang pointed to a natural cave surrounded by massive ice ahead. “Senior Chen, Fellow Daoist Red Cloud, that ice cavern ahead can shelter us from the wind and snow. Let us rest there for the night and continue tomorrow.”
Chen Ping nodded. With a flick of his sleeve, a gentle surge of chaos immortal power parted the blizzard and escorted the three to the cave entrance.
The interior of the cave was unexpectedly dry. The ground was covered with a thin layer of ice crystals, and in the corners stood ice pillars of various shapes, emitting a faint chill.
The Red Cloud Demon Lord remained silent as usual. He found a corner, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes to regulate his breathing. Faint demonic essence swirled around him, isolating external disturbances.
Ling Shuang took out several pieces of warm jade and laid them on the ground. She then retrieved spiritual fruit and clear water from her storage bag, offering them to Chen Ping. “Senior Chen, the journey has been arduous. Please replenish some spiritual energy first.”
Her movements were gentle. Her pale fingers gleamed softly in the dim light. When she spoke, a barely perceptible nervousness coloured her eyes, and her cheeks, still flushed from the travel, appeared even more delicately beautiful.
Chen Ping accepted the spiritual fruit. His fingertips inadvertently brushed the back of her hand, feeling only cool smoothness.
“Many thanks for your thoughtfulness, Miss Ling Shuang.” He spoke mildly, his gaze settling on her slightly shy face.
Ling Shuang quickly withdrew her hand, twisting the corner of her robe. In a soft voice she said, “Senior is too kind. You have shown the Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect the grace of rebirth. This is only what I ought to do.”
She paused, as if gathering courage, then continued. “Senior, this time you are heading to the Eternal Ice Plain to face the Beiming Divine Clan. Do you have confidence?”
“When soldiers come, block them. When water comes, dam it.” Chen Ping’s tone was calm yet brimming with absolute assurance. “They are merely an arrogant branch of a divine clan. They cannot stop me.”
Admiration flickered in Ling Shuang’s eyes. Softly she said, “Senior truly possesses overwhelming divine might. In truth, when I previously travelled with the Heavenly Fire Sword Venerable, I too heard of the overbearing nature of the Beiming Divine Clan. Almost no one dares provoke them on the ice plain. Senior, you must be extremely careful on this trip.”
Her voice carried genuine concern. Her gaze locked firmly on Chen Ping, filled with worry.
Chen Ping understood clearly in his heart.
Since departing from the Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect, whenever they rested, Ling Shuang would always find various topics to converse with him, from old sect matters to insights on cultivation, to local customs along the way. The admiration and desire for closeness in her words were plain to see.
With his experience, he naturally understood the thoughts of this young woman.
He looked at her flushed cheeks and evasive eyes, then suddenly spoke. “Miss Ling Shuang, is there something you wish to say to me?”
Ling Shuang’s body stiffened. She abruptly raised her head, meeting Chen Ping’s profound gaze. Her cheeks instantly turned crimson, like a ripe apple.
She opened her mouth, yet for a moment did not know how to respond. Her eyes darted away in panic, her voice barely audible. “I… I merely feel that Senior’s cultivation is profound and wished to seek more guidance on cultivation matters.”
Chen Ping gave a light chuckle, his tone carrying a hint of teasing yet without any frivolity. “Guidance on cultivation? I think what you truly want is to dual-cultivate with me.”
“Ah!”
Ling Shuang let out a startled cry. As if her innermost thoughts had been exposed, she instantly became flustered and helpless. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
“Senior… I… I did not mean it that way…”
She hurriedly explained. “I only thought that Senior is a heaven-bestowed genius. If I could dual-cultivate with you, not only would my cultivation advance rapidly, but I could also assist you better in searching for the Blood Soul Cold Pool Lotus… I have no other intentions. If you are unwilling, please pretend I never said anything…”
Seeing her incoherent and on the verge of tears,
Chen Ping restrained his playful expression and grew serious. “Ling Shuang, there is no need to be shy. On the path of cultivation, having a dao companion is commonplace. I can see that you have feelings for me. As for me, I hold no dislike towards you.”
He paused, then continued. “We are both cultivators. Strength is paramount. Dual cultivation can deepen affection while rapidly raising cultivation. It serves both purposes.”
“This journey to the Eternal Ice Plain is fraught with danger. Every additional fraction of strength means an additional fraction of security. If you truly harbour such intent, there is no need to conceal it. Come directly.”
Ling Shuang was stunned. She stared blankly at Chen Ping, clearly not expecting him to be so straightforward.
She had originally thought she would need to lay more groundwork, even preparing herself for rejection, yet she had never imagined Chen Ping would be so decisive.
