Mountain King
The misty haze of Yunhua Mountain seemed to still drape Yunhe's shoulders, yet she stood thousands of miles away in the frigid winds of the northern border. Looking around, all she saw was an endless snowfield. The north wind was like a knife, whipping up layers of ice shards that stung her skin. In the bitter cold, it seemed as if even spiritual energy was frozen, its flow sluggish.
Yunhe remained dressed in his simple blue robe, his expression unchanged. Wuying, wrapped in a thick cloak and carrying an umbrella, was still shivering from the cold—she did not possess Yunhe's profound cultivation to withstand the harsh winter.
"Can you still hold on?" Yunhe took out another robe from somewhere and put it on her. He looked into the distance, trying to find a place to temporarily shelter from the wind and snow in the vast snowfield.
It wasn't that Yunhe was unwilling to use some of her immortal power to help Wuying keep warm, but unfortunately, one was an immortal and the other a demon, and their powers clashed, making it difficult for her to help.
"It's alright, Immortal Venerable," Wu Ying shook her head, "Let's hurry and find that..."
Before she could finish speaking, she sneezed, her nose turning bright red.
"...Let's avoid the snow first."
If she gets frostbite, it will slow down the search for medicine, which would be troublesome. Thinking this, Yunhe suddenly had a flash of inspiration and led Wuying towards the center of a pale white expanse.
“I have an old acquaintance here; I can ask him to take me in.”
Upon hearing that it could ward off the cold, Wu Ying nodded hurriedly, took a deep breath of the icy air, and followed closely behind Yun He, afraid that if she was even half a step behind, she would be buried by the snow and die far from home.
Before long, the two arrived at the heart of the snowy region. The place was deserted; even the ice and snow cautiously avoided them, daring not to trespass.
"Stand further away."
After Wu Ying ran away as instructed, Yun He took out her folding fan. With a casual wave, the blade instantly ripped open the soft snow and the steel-like glacier beneath. Beneath the thick layer of ice stood several elegant pavilions. Outside the pavilions, orchids and rare herbs were planted everywhere, and a light, delicate fragrance permeated the air, making one feel joyful and free from sorrow.
Wu Ying was so engrossed in the sound that she uncontrollably lifted her leg towards the deep pit.
With a gentle touch to her brow, Wenliang snapped back to reality, realizing she was suspended above a bottomless abyss. Startled, she stumbled a few steps and fell backward into the snow, still shaken.
“That’s ghost grass,” Yunhe stopped, picked up the still-shaken Wuying, and rode the wind down. “Eating it can make you forget your troubles, but it’s addictive. If you smell or eat too much of the mundane things, you will lose yourself and remain forever in your imagination.”
"This is the Ghost Grass? I've only ever seen it in ancient books before..." Wu Ying patted her chest and hurriedly thanked him, "Thank you for your guidance, Immortal Venerable."
Yunhe did not respond, but continued to lead the people down.
Half a moment later, the two landed in front of the pavilion. Upon closer inspection, Wu Ying realized that the pavilion was much larger than it appeared from the cliff, and the lanterns hanging from the four corners of the eaves were not ordinary lanterns, but were made of dragon bones and covered with python skin.
This house is incredibly luxurious; I wonder who the venerable one inside is. Wu Ying was pondering how to ask the homeowner for the medicinal herbs, including the ghost grass, when she turned her head and saw Immortal Venerable Yunhe already standing in front of the door, knocking on the door.
The dragon head on the door creaked a few times and slowly spat out a glass bead.
“Immortal Yunhe,” the dragon head stepped back from both sides, and the door of the building opened wide, “How have you been?”
Just as she was about to follow, Wu Ying realized that she couldn't move her legs, and that a faint blue fairy light surrounded her. Looking up, she saw Yun He perform a somersault and leap back, his folding fan precisely blocking the oncoming giant claw, and mercilessly retaliating with several blades of wind.
After a few muffled thuds, two laughs came from inside the building: "Alright, alright... after a few more moves, you'll have torn this little house of mine to shreds. Please come in."
"Let's go." Yunhe called back, and casually tossed the glass bead away. "Take it, or you won't be able to get in."
Holding the beads, Wu Ying hurried a few steps into the building and finally saw the appearance of the house's owner. At first glance, he seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, his demeanor was elegant and noble, and miraculously, one wanted to get closer to him.
"That's quite unusual," the man remarked. "You actually have times when you travel with others? Or..."
The man scrutinized her carefully, his gaze complex, before finally saying, "Is she a little girl from another tribe? So delicate and pretty, unlike her own kind... She looks so lively. Unlike you, who's always dressed in green."
“She is indeed a demon, there’s no need to beat around the bush.” Yunhe led Wu Ying to sit down without any ceremony. Several little devils diligently poured tea and asked them to enjoy it. She did not drink it, but urged Wu Ying to have more: “This tea warms the body and can also help you cultivate.”
The man nodded in agreement, smiling amiably: "If you like, I'll have my little devils pack some up for you to take away, young lady."
“…You’re too kind, sir.” Wu Ying took a small sip and said cautiously, “This is our first meeting today, and I dare not accept such a great honor.”
“You’re too kind, young lady,” the man said, still ordering the boy to go to the storeroom. “I am but a humble countryman, and all I have to offer as a small gift are these crops. I hope you will accept them and not find them too cheap.”
After a long silence, Yunhe finally spoke to Wuying, saying, "If it doesn't suit your taste, just throw it away when you leave. I'll take you into his private stash and get something better."
These words had a somewhat bandit-like tone, and Wu Ying waved her hands repeatedly, saying that the tea was excellent and there was no need for such extravagance. The man also chuckled, propping his head up with his hand, and ordered the boy to leave the table, simply packing a few ounces of everything in the restaurant as a greeting gift.
"Really..." The man rubbed his temples, looking both helpless and troubled. "Yunhe, you're making it sound like I'm so petty... Alright, what brings you back to me today?"
"I have indeed come to see you today because I have something important to discuss," Yunhe said solemnly. "As the Mountain Lord and Snow God, you have long resided in the Northern Territory. Do you know where the 'Ten Thousand Year Ice Soul' is located?"
Seemingly surprised by her question, Shan Jun paused for a moment. He closed his eyes, kneading the tabby cat in his hands, pondering for a long time before frowning and asking, "That thing is unpredictable, and it's guarded by a pair of Snow Demons. It's extremely dangerous and doesn't obey my commands... How could I possibly know its exact location? What... do you want to find it?"
Yunhe then took out the soul lamp. Although the white flame inside had solidified considerably, it was still waning. He recounted the whole story in a rough manner. Shanjun's brows furrowed even more tightly, and even the cat in his arms stood on end and hissed.
“There are still such ruthless people…” Mountain Lord sighed, his voice heavy with sorrow, “But that Ten Thousand Year Ice Soul… I have no news of it. The last time I sensed it was more than a hundred years ago. At that time, it was absorbing the breath of the Northern Cold Forest.”
After a moment of contemplation, he continued, "A few days ago, the leopard demon guarding the Frost Sea reported that there seemed to be some unusual activity at the bottom of the sea. When they went into the sea to investigate, they saw that the bodies of the fish were covered with snow-white frost flowers, but they did not know the reason. Thinking about it this way, it is possible that Ice Soul is staying there. If you two set off for the Frost Sea tomorrow, you may be able to find some clues."
The Frost Sea is a thousand miles away, teeming with countless ferocious beasts that live in their own domains, constantly waging war and causing frequent earthquakes and tsunamis in the surrounding area, disrupting peace. This situation poses no threat to Yunhe alone, but if he were to bring Wuying along, it would be fraught with danger.
But Wu Ying had to go with her, otherwise, without the source of demonic energy, no matter how strong Yun He's immortal power was, he would not be able to shake that chaotic thing that was both immortal and demonic.
Moreover, Wu Ying's body was already frozen stiff and her demonic energy was stagnant here. If she were to reach the even colder bottom of the Frosty Sea, she might die on the spot and be unable to bring back an explanation to the Demon Lord.
Just as Yunhe was in a dilemma, Shanjun released the cat, got up and went to the inner chamber, bringing back a crimson feather robe.
"This garment was woven from the feathers of the Bifang, and it can ward off all cold."
The mountain spirit unfolded it and placed it in front of Wu Ying. The feathered robe and fire feathers swayed a few times and then shrank to the size of a woman. Wu Ying took it and tried it on; it fit her perfectly.
"With this by your side, young lady, you will not fear the bitter cold." The cat jumped back into the mountain lord's arms, lazily snuggling. The mountain lord fed the cat a few pieces of meat, then turned to look at the cloud crane and smiled, "Once you two find the Ice Soul, you can return it to me."
Immortal Venerable Yunhe didn't give him a chance to play the good guy and asked directly, "Do you want me to capture those Snow Demons alive and then send them to you?"
“Exactly.” Despite being exposed, Shan Jun still smiled. “Besides that, I also hope that you can bring back a few of the Soul-Binding Corals growing in the Heart of the Frost Sea for me… In exchange for the corals, you two can take whatever you want from the courtyard.”
Glancing at the cat in his arms, Yunhe softened his tone: "She... still doesn't remember you?"
"Haha..." The Mountain Lord lowered his head, kissed the cat's ears, and whispered, "Becoming an immortal from a demon is against the laws of heaven... What's more, it's to shield someone else from heavenly tribulations. The mere dissipation of the physical body and the wandering of the three souls and seven spirits are already the most merciful punishment... You know, what I hate most in this life is becoming an immortal. But... I'm also glad I became an immortal."
If he hadn't become an immortal, how could his younger sister have died so tragically? If he hadn't been unable to leave this snowy plain after becoming an immortal, how could the search for the soul-binding coral have been delayed until today? But... if he hadn't become an immortal and been granted a title, how could he have preserved his younger sister's remnant soul and left her with the hope of resurrection?
The cat, oblivious to the complex emotions, simply burrowed into the mountain lord's clothes, rolling around and nibbling at his long hair, meowing and wanting to play. The mountain lord, holding the cat, pinched the corner of his eye and chuckled, "I've digressed. You two should settle down and rest tonight. After breakfast tomorrow, I'll send a little devil to see you off. If you need anything, just send a message here, and I'll do my best to help... Throughout the entire northern border, she and I can hear you."
Demon Realm, Pharmacy.
Mo Yiheng carefully bent over, moving a herb with curled leaves and a faint blue glow into a specially made jade basin. This herb was one of the accompanying auxiliary herbs of the Ash Leaf Orchid, crucial for neutralizing the medicinal properties and alleviating pain. He was completely focused, his movements almost reverent, not daring to be distracted by the few drops of sweat that beaded on his forehead, lest he mishandle the demonic energy and prevent his master from recovering.
Demonic energy gathered around him, and Night Asura appeared like a ghost, his voice extremely low: "Your Excellency."
"Speak," Mo Yiheng said, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes. It has been reported that the Envoy of the Smoke Domain has been getting quite close to the leader of the Seven Fiends recently. The two often linger at the former residence of the Demon Lord, and in their conversations, they seem to be dissatisfied with the Lord's long stay in the mortal realm due to the fox spirit and his close relationship with Yunhua. In addition, they have had several contacts with the guards who guard the Demon Abyss Secret Realm. The Envoy of the Smoke Domain also often seeks opportunities to approach his subordinates, seemingly trying to turn them against him."
After carefully transferring the medicine into the jade basin, Mo Yiheng stood up and headed towards the Demon Palace, coldly saying, "Dissatisfied? I think they've been living in peace for too long and have forgotten who the true ruler of this Demon Realm is. Keep a close eye on them, and suppress any unusual activity immediately. Also, strengthen the guards at the Medicine Station and prevent any suspicious persons from approaching."
"Yes." Ye Xiuluo accepted the order, but did not leave immediately. He simply took out a note with a blank expression and symbolically advised, "Your Majesty, you have not closed your eyes for many days. Why don't you leave this place to me for a while?"
“No need,” Mo Yiheng refused decisively, his gaze sweeping over the handwriting on the note—clearly not Ye Xiuluo's—before returning to the delicate medicinal herbs in the basin. “Wu Ying asked you to persuade him, and you actually did…and even if you did, your tone was completely flat. This matter concerns Master, and cannot afford the slightest mistake. Within the Demon Clan…ha, do they really think you're just a capable person I casually promoted after ascending to the throne?”
They actually dared to set their sights on Night Asura; those old guys are truly useless now.
Even if Mo Yiheng were to become bored one day and turn against himself, Ye Xiuluo would never do so.
After a moment's consideration, he gave another order: "You may feign compliance to test the waters."
"yes."
Night Demon said no more, bowed and retreated into the shadows.
Silence returned to the hall, save for the azure plant that symbolized Yun Shu's hope for healing, swaying gently in the demonic energy. Mo Yiheng remained silent, merely gazing at it, his icy gaze gradually melting, and the killing intent around him slowly subsiding.
Master, are you feeling better today? What interesting things have happened among the fellow disciples?
He wanted to probe with his divine sense to ask, but feared disturbing Yun Shu's rest. In the end, he could only take a deep breath, force himself to put them aside, and continue to nourish these precious medicines with pure demonic energy. At this moment, this was the best protection he could do.
While undercurrents surged within the Demon Realm, Yunhua Mountain remained tranquil.
As soon as Yun Shu finished her meditation for the day and stepped out of the spiritual spring, her fox ears twitched, and she heard the "sneaky" noise.
His empty eyes fixed precisely on one side of the stone gate, and he called out with a smile, "Jinzhu, have you made a new design again?"
The junior sister, the least senior among all the disciples of Yunhua, pouted after being caught red-handed. Carrying the box and flower basket, she rushed to her grandmaster Yunshu's side and complained in a low voice, "The fox spirit's ears are really sharp. I clearly didn't step on any grass today..."
"Hmm... I definitely didn't step on it, and I didn't hear a sound either." Yun Shu pricked up her ears and spoke nonsense. "I was just guessing, I got it by accident. What interesting things did they talk about with you today?"
Jinzhu became interested and started braiding the flowers in her hands, swinging her braids as she recalled, "There are so many! Let me think... This morning before our morning exercise, I went to the dining hall with my senior sisters, but before we even entered, I saw a senior brother being carried out horizontally! It scared me to death! Later, I overheard the other senior brothers talking and learned that he had stayed up too late playing all night and fell asleep while eating! No matter how much they shook him, they couldn't wake him up, so they had to carry him out! And... and Senior Sister Lin from the Great Elder's place came back to the mountain today and gave me several Western Region flatbreads, they were so hard they almost made my teeth fall out..."
"Is that so...? That's truly fascinating." Yun Shu listened intently, as if she had witnessed those events herself, and even her pain subsided considerably.
As she spoke, Jinzhu seemed to remember something and asked curiously, "During the afternoon class, the Grand Elder suddenly stopped talking and started looking southeast. When the senior brothers called him back to his senses, he muttered to himself something like 'the winds and clouds are unpredictable' and 'it seems that strange phenomena are about to appear.' I was completely confused... What did the Fox Immortal mean by that?"
Southeast...that's where the Demon Realm is. Yun Shu's heart skipped a beat. She decided to find a time to talk to Mo Yiheng, but she only paused for a moment before replying to Jin Zhu, "Perhaps it's some rare celestial phenomenon. If you're interested, you can ask your senior brothers and sisters."
But I prefer flowers.
"Then I'll ignore everything. Is it finished? Should I put it on?"
"Um!"
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