Within the light screen, Lin Feng closed his eyes, clearing his mind of all distractions. He sensed the flow of ice elemental power around him, attempting to merge his inner self with this force. However, initially, his thoughts involuntarily drifted to the tense scene of his battle with the ice-armored giant, his heart filled with a yearning for power and a fear of defeat. Gradually, he realized that this mindset wouldn't help him comprehend the profound mysteries of ice elemental power, so he tried to calm himself down, focusing on inner peace as Su Ran had taught him.

Just as Lin Feng was trying to adjust his mindset, the woman from the Blood Shadow Sect was also deep in thought within the light screen. The Blood Shadow Sect's techniques were known for their ruthlessness and unpredictability, a stark contrast to the peaceful and pure nature of the Ice Spirit Clan. She tried to let go of the ferocity within the Blood Shadow Sect's techniques and feel the gentleness and inclusiveness of the Ice Spirit power, but her long-standing cultivation habits made it difficult for her to change. Her heart was filled with struggle, torn between her desire for the Ice Spirit Clan's secret treasures and her deeply ingrained cultivation principles.

The Valley Master of Lingfeng Valley was also in a predicament. Lingfeng Valley's cultivation methods emphasized agility and change, differing from the Ice Spirit Clan's philosophy of inner peace and fusion with Ice Spirit power. He continuously circulated Lingfeng Valley's techniques within the light screen, attempting to find a point of convergence with the Ice Spirit's profound mysteries, but he remained unable to grasp the essence. Time ticked by in tense contemplation and comprehension.

Within the light screen, Su Ran gradually entered a wondrous state. She recalled the scenes from the Ice Spirit Clan's inherited memories: the Ice Spirits living in harmony with nature on the tranquil ice plains, their spiritual power flowing naturally and smoothly into their surroundings like a gentle stream. Su Ran tried to empty her mind, no longer fixated on cultivation techniques, but instead trying to feel the most authentic aspect of the Ice Spirit power. Suddenly, she felt as if she had established a subtle connection with the surrounding Ice Spirit power. This power was no longer an external element, but had become a part of her inner self, flowing naturally with her will.

Su Ran felt a surge of joy, knowing she was approaching the core of the Ice Spirit Profound Truth. At that moment, a soft, icy-blue light emanated from her body, seemingly containing a tranquil yet powerful force. This light continued to spread, penetrating the light barrier and attracting the attention of others.

Seeing the light emanating from Su Ran's direction, Lin Feng felt a surge of inspiration, as if he had received some kind of enlightenment. He no longer deliberately pursued the fusion of powers, but simply enjoyed the feeling of contact with the power of the ice spirit, like returning to the carefree days of his childhood playing on the icy plains. Gradually, he also felt a subtle connection between his heart and the power of the ice spirit, and wisps of icy blue spiritual energy began to slowly swirl around him, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

Seeing the changes in Su Ran and Lin Feng, the Blood Shadow Sect woman grew increasingly anxious. She knew that if she couldn't successfully comprehend it within the allotted time, she would not only miss out on the Ice Spirit Clan's secret treasure but also be at a disadvantage in the subsequent competition. Just as she was about to give up, she suddenly remembered that while the Blood Shadow Sect's techniques were ruthless, they also rigorously tested one's willpower. She tried to transform this unwavering willpower into a pursuit of inner peace, resolutely letting go of distracting thoughts. Finally, at the very last moment before time was up, she felt the Ice Spirit power responding deep within her, and a faint icy blue light appeared on her body.

Seeing that the three had made progress, the Valley Master of Lingfeng Valley couldn't help but feel a little anxious. However, he knew that it was precisely at times like these that he needed to remain calm. So he calmed himself, ceasing his forced comparison of Lingfeng Valley's techniques with the profound mysteries of the Ice Spirit, and instead viewed the power of the Ice Spirit from a completely new perspective. He imagined the fusion of wind and ice; the fluidity of the wind could make the power of the Ice Spirit flow more smoothly, while the stability of the ice could make the wind more controllable. Just then, he felt he had gained a new understanding of the power of the Ice Spirit, and an icy blue light shone from his body.

Almost simultaneously, the old man's voice rang out in the stone chamber: "Time's up. All four of you have grasped a smattering of the Ice Spirit's profound mysteries, and thus have passed the test." With that, the ice-blue light screen vanished, and the group reappeared before each other.

The old man looked at everyone and nodded in satisfaction: "Since you have passed the test, I will bestow upon you the secret treasure of the Ice Spirit Clan. This treasure is called the 'Heart of the Ice Spirit.' It can enhance your understanding and application of the power of the Ice Spirit, and it can also protect you in critical moments." After speaking, the ancient book on the stone platform flashed with light, and a blue crystal radiating a dazzling light slowly rose up, which was the "Heart of the Ice Spirit."

However, the moment they saw the "Heart of Ice Spirit," a glint of greed flashed in the eyes of both the Valley Master of Spirit Wind Valley and the woman from Blood Shadow Sect. The woman from Blood Shadow Sect spoke first: "Our Blood Shadow Sect is determined to obtain this 'Heart of Ice Spirit.' If it weren't for me..."

The Blood Shadow Sect woman spoke first: "Our Blood Shadow Sect is determined to obtain this 'Heart of Ice Spirit'. If it weren't for my Blood Shadow Sect sisters holding back the Ice Armor Giant just now, how could you have passed the test so smoothly?" Her eyebrows were raised, and her eyes revealed an undeniable ruthlessness. The Blood Shadow Sect sisters behind her echoed her, each of them adopting a defensive posture, as if they were ready to fight at the slightest provocation.

The Valley Master of Lingfeng Valley snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and said, "Sect Master Xueying, don't be so unreasonable. The people of Lingfeng Valley have also contributed a lot in the battle against the Ice Armor Giant, and this test was conducted fairly. How can you say that the 'Heart of Ice Spirit' should belong to your Xueying Sect?" He leaned forward slightly, and the spiritual wind around him surged quietly, making his clothes flutter, giving the impression of confronting the Xueying Sect.

Su Ran frowned, observing the tense atmosphere between the two sides, and stepped forward, saying, "Gentlemen, it should be a cause for celebration that we passed the test. While the 'Heart of Ice Spirit' is precious, if it leads to conflict, it would be contrary to the original intentions of the Ice Spirit Clan's ancestors. Why don't we discuss a proper way to fairly distribute this gift from the Ice Spirit Clan?" Her gaze was sincere, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere. Behind her, Lin Feng and the other disciples watched the situation unfold with worried expressions.

The woman from the Blood Shadow Sect sneered, saying, "Su Ran, don't pretend to be a peacemaker. This treasure belongs to whoever obtains it; further words are pointless." With that, she rapidly formed hand seals and chanted incantations, sending a blood-red shadow, like a dragon, hurtling towards the "Heart of Ice Spirit." Seeing this, the Valley Master of Spirit Wind Valley's expression darkened. He waved his hands, unleashing several wind blades that whistled out and slashed at the blood-red shadow.

The blood shadow collided with the wind blade in mid-air, producing a muffled sound. The blood shadow was instantly shattered by the wind blade, but it turned into wisps of blood mist that spread out. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the woman from the Blood Shadow Sect flashed away like a ghost towards the "Heart of Ice Spirit." How could the Valley Master of Spirit Wind Valley let her succeed? His figure transformed into a streak of azure light, giving chase.

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Su Ran sighed inwardly and shouted to her disciples behind her, "Everyone be careful, don't get involved in the conflict." After saying that, she also used her Ice Spirit Movement Technique to try to stop the Blood Shadow Sect woman and the Valley Master of Spirit Wind Valley.

Just as the Blood Shadow Sect woman was about to touch the "Heart of Ice Spirit," a wall of ice suddenly rose from the ground, blocking her path. She glared angrily at Su Ran and shouted, "Su Ran, how dare you stop me!" Su Ran's expression was firm as he said, "Sect Leader of Blood Shadow Sect, such forceful seizure is not the righteous way. I hope you will calm down."

At this moment, the Valley Master of Lingfeng Valley also arrived, and he and the woman from the Blood Shadow Sect surrounded Su Ran in a pincer movement. The Valley Master of Lingfeng Valley said, "Su Ran, you and I are allies. Why should you oppose us for this illusory fairness? Why not join forces to take this 'Heart of Ice Spirit' and then discuss how to distribute it?"

Before Su Ran could answer, the Blood Shadow Sect woman said disdainfully, "Hmph, why waste time talking to her? Let's deal with her first, and the 'Heart of Ice Spirit' will be ours." With that, she flipped her hands, and two blood-red scimitars appeared in her hands, emanating an eerie aura, and she attacked Su Ran. The Valley Master of Spirit Wind Valley was not to be outdone; a wind-attribute longsword appeared in his hand, its blade shimmering with azure light, and he and the Blood Shadow Sect woman launched an attack on Su Ran together.

Su Ran's heart tightened, knowing that the combined strength of these two was not to be underestimated. She quickly circulated her ice spirit power, and a layer of crystal-clear ice armor appeared on her body, while an ice sword also materialized in her hand. Facing their attacks, she first dodged the Blood Shadow Sect woman's curved blade, while simultaneously swinging her ice sword to block the Spirit Wind Valley Master's longsword. The ice sword clashed with the longsword, producing a crisp sound, and a chilling aura spread along the longsword. The Spirit Wind Valley Master hurriedly circulated his spiritual power to dispel the cold.

Taking advantage of the stalemate between Su Ran and the Valley Master of Spirit Wind Valley, the Blood Shadow Sect woman attacked from the side, her curved blade flashing with a sharp, blood-red light as she slashed towards Su Ran. Su Ran sensed the attack from behind but had no time to dodge. In that critical moment, Lin Feng stepped forward, his icy spear surging forth like a dragon emerging from the sea, thrusting towards the Blood Shadow Sect woman. The Blood Shadow Sect woman was forced to abandon her attack on Su Ran and turn to parry Lin Feng's spear.

Meanwhile, the battle between Su Ran and the Valley Master of Lingfeng Valley intensified. The Valley Master unleashed Lingfeng Valley's ultimate technique, the "Wind Spirit Illusion Sword," his figure transforming into several phantoms, attacking Su Ran from different directions. Su Ran dared not be careless and...