Cold Fragrance Valley [Complete] - 19

Chapter Twenty: The Ice River Heroine

Xiao Qionghua, who had been chasing after him on horseback, saw that the "Qingyun" Taoist was in a hurry and also flew after him, repeatedly shouting, "Please stop!" She concluded that there must be another reason behind this, so she could only look at Lan Tianpeng, who was galloping ahead, and said in a reproachful tone, "Cousin, why are you in such a hurry? You can listen to the Taoist priest explain the reason first before you go."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng, who was furious at the moment, immediately realized that he had been too impulsive, so he quickly turned his horse around and stopped. However, his handsome face remained ashen as he stared at the "Qingyun" Daoist who had caught up with him, and said in a deep voice, "Daoist, please speak quickly. I have decided to personally go to the Glacier Plateau to meet this self-proclaimed expert from the Western Regions, the Glacier Heroine."

Because Lan Tianpeng's horse was fast, they had already reached the town entrance in the blink of an eye. The "Qingyun" Daoist glanced around the town, pointed to a small hill not far away, and said, "It's not convenient to talk here. Please, Young Valley Master, come to the tree on the hill to discuss this." Hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua had no choice but to jump down and lead their horses towards the hill. The three of them climbed the hill, tied their horses, and sat down on some square stones.

The Taoist Qingyun spoke first, saying gently, "Before I explain the whole story, Young Master, you must promise to listen to me before you leave. Otherwise, I cannot tell you."

Lan Tianpeng, seeing the Taoist Qingyun chasing after him with shouts and threats, felt his anger rise again. However, before he could speak, Xiao Qionghua nodded first, saying, "Of course, Taoist, please speak freely." Seeing that

Lan Tianpeng didn't say anything, the Taoist Qingyun immediately said humbly, "What I want to tell Young Master and Miss Xiao is the news about the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' brought back by another junior brother of our sect. It's not entirely the same as what Young Master said..."

Lan Tianpeng was startled and asked in a deep voice, "What's different?"

The Taoist Qingyun bowed slightly and said humbly, "According to my fellow disciple, the legendary swordsman 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' has long since passed away, returning to paradise."

Lan Tianpeng was startled, his handsome face changing instantly. He hurriedly asked, "Who told you this?" The

Daoist Qingyun smiled humbly and said, "Our sect not only knows that the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' has been gone for many years, but we also know that we did not ask the young master to have our senior uncle fulfill the sword-fighting agreement that was never fulfilled."

Lan Tianpeng was shocked again. He couldn't help but ask, puzzled, "Strange, who told you this?" "

Qingyun" Daoist smiled modestly and said, "It was a middle-aged woman who told my junior brother herself."

Lan Tianpeng was startled again and asked with concern, "Was it a graceful woman who looked only thirty-eight or thirty-nine years old, wearing a dark blue silk robe and a black checkered skirt? And accompanied by an old woman with gray hair?"

Qingyun Daoist shook his head and smiled, "My junior brother didn't mention the middle-aged woman's clothing, and I don't know either. However, the one who went to the inn to invite him to see that middle-aged woman was indeed an old woman with gray hair..."

Lan Tianpeng was startled and blurted out, "That's Sister-in-law Mude."

Qingyun Daoist was taken aback and asked with concern, "What, does the young master know those two female benefactors?"

Xiao Qionghua, fearing that Qingyun was lying, immediately said, "Whether it was Sister-in-law Mude or not, my cousin isn't sure either. Please tell us the whole story first, and then we'll know who that middle-aged woman is."

The Taoist Qingyun nodded in agreement and continued, "After my junior brother arrived at the inn, the old woman led him into a secluded courtyard. A bamboo curtain hung above the door to the small hall in the center, and the old woman told my junior brother to sit on a lacquered chair outside."

Xiao Qionghua immediately interjected, "So, your junior brother didn't see the middle-aged woman's face, but only heard her speak from behind the curtain, is that right?"

The Taoist Qingyun immediately nodded and said, "That's right, but I could still vaguely see the outline of her face."

Lan Tianpeng asked, puzzled, "Where is that?" The Taoist Qingyun said, "In an inn in Tiantai County." Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately glanced at Lan Tianpeng, as if to say, it probably wasn't a lie.

Lan Tianpeng asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

The Taoist Qingyun replied, "My junior brother was sent by our master to the coastal areas to search for news and whereabouts of the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman,' while I was in the Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Henan regions. After arriving in Tiantai County, my junior brother inquired about the whereabouts of the legendary swordsman, the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman,' in restaurants and teahouses. The next day, a frail old man dressed in coarse linen clothes approached him."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately affirmed, "That old man is Lao Mude."

The Taoist Qingyun smiled and continued, "My junior brother didn't ask his name, but the old man claimed to know news of the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' and even knew his family. My junior brother was overjoyed and immediately asked the old man to take him there, but the old man told my junior brother to wait three days for news." Three days later, the woman who came to the inn to find him was none other than the one I had just mentioned. Of course, it was my junior brother who first explained the reason for his visit, and the middle-aged woman then told him that the once-great swordsman, the "Silver-Clad Swordsman," had long since passed away and could no longer keep his duel. The middle-aged woman also asked my junior brother to tell my master to also inform the "Ice Glacier Heroine" and convey her sincere apologies. Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng unconsciously lowered his head, feeling a surge of gratitude for the "Qingyun" Daoist's earlier persistent pursuit and calls to stop him. The

"Qingyun" Daoist glanced at Lan Tianpeng and continued, "However, that middle-aged woman said with relief, 'Although the Silver-Clad Swordsman has been gone for many years, fortunately, he has a successor...' I think that the middle-aged woman was probably referring to Young Master Lan." "

Qingyun" paused, smiled apologetically, and continued, "Young Master and Miss Xiao ventured to the Glacier Plateau and went directly to challenge the 'Glacier Heroine' to a sword duel. The Glacier Heroine must have been surprised. If she, as a middle-aged woman, had questioned Young Master, he would have been unable to answer. That is why I was so anxious to bring Young Master back."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng could only bow and apologize, saying, "I am young and impetuous, and inexperienced. If you

hadn't stopped me, Master..." Before Lan Tianpeng could finish, Qingyun quickly bowed and apologized as well, saying, "My words were inappropriate, and I have been careless." He paused, then suddenly changed his tone and said seriously, "To be honest, it's a minor matter that Young Master and Miss Xiao went to the Glacier Plateau and met the 'Glacier Heroine.' The fact that she questioned them about the sword duel is the most important thing. The most important thing is that it has stirred up her long-standing emotional wounds." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, having a premonition, exclaimed "Oh!" and listened more attentively.

The Taoist Qingyun asked solemnly, "Do you two know the story of how the 'Ice Maiden' invited the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' years ago?"

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua shook their heads simultaneously, saying, "We know nothing of it, but we feel there's more to it than meets the eye."

The Taoist Qingyun nodded slightly, saying, "Indeed, few in the Central Plains may know, but in our Western Regions martial arts world, it's the unanimous version of events..."

Lan Tianpeng immediately asked with concern, "What did you say, Master?"

The Taoist Qingyun then asked, "Do you two know the Ice Maiden's original age?"

Xiao Qionghua was most concerned about this, so she shook her head, saying, "We don't know, Master, do you?"

The Taoist Qingyun said, "I am a monk, and I shouldn't discuss personal matters, especially since the other party is a woman. However, I want the Valley Master to be mentally prepared when he encounters the 'Ice Maiden' in the future..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua was puzzled and said, "We've already decided not to go to the Ice Plateau, how could we possibly encounter the 'Ice Maiden'?"

"Qingyun" smiled apologetically and said, "I haven't finished speaking, so you two are unaware. Now, I'll first talk about the origins of the 'Ice Maiden' and her appointment to duel with the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman.' First of all, the 'Ice Maiden,' who has always maintained a mysterious aura, is known by very few, and even fewer know her real name or age. This is a secret, a secret known to very few." "Qingyun" nodded and smiled, a hint of sadness in his smile. After a long pause, he said, "Before I reveal this secret, I request that you two absolutely keep it a secret."

Lan Tianpeng immediately said solemnly, "Of course, please speak freely, Daoist Master. My cousin and I are willing to guarantee it with our integrity."

Qingyun smiled with relief and said, "I believe the young master's words, and even more so, I believe in the young master's heart and character." He paused, letting out a heavy sigh. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua exchanged a glance, realizing that "Qingyun" and the "Ice Maiden" seemed to have some emotional entanglement or other connection.

In the blink of an eye, they heard Daoist Qingyun say in a deep voice, "The beautiful title 'Iceland Heroine' has always represented the mistress of the Ice Palace. Whoever becomes the mistress of the Ice Palace is called the 'Iceland Heroine'..." These unexpected words startled Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, who simultaneously exclaimed in surprise.

Daoist Qingyun seemed not to hear them and continued in a deep voice, "...In the Western Regions, in the Central Plains, and even in the entire martial arts world of our country, decades ago, everyone knew that there was a beautiful palace on the Ice Plateau, where a beautiful mistress lived—the 'Iceland Heroine.' This mistress is eternally youthful and beautiful, forever young, forever guarding that beautiful palace, and forever refusing to marry..."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng unconsciously understood and said, "So that's how it is. Initially, I did think that the 'Iceland Heroine' invited my master uncle to a sword duel because of her marriage problem." "

Qingyun" Daoist sighed and said, "The fact that 'Ice Glacier Heroine' can never choose a husband is also a great secret. Therefore, many handsome men who admire her and consider themselves romantic still come to the Li Palace to propose marriage."

Xiao Qionghua frowned upon hearing this and asked in confusion, "Since it is such a great secret, how did you know, Daoist?"

"Qingyun" Daoist smiled bitterly and said, "Please forgive me for keeping this secret for now. Perhaps you two will know it yourselves in a few days."

Seeing that "Qingyun" would not speak, Lan Tianpeng could only ask with great puzzlement, "Strange, why can't 'Ice Glacier Heroine' choose a husband?" "

Master Qingyun" sighed sadly and said, "Let alone the fact that she can't choose a husband, even the slightest thought of it will kill her within weeks."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua gasped in surprise and asked in unison, "Why is there such a strange phenomenon?"

Master Qingyun smiled bitterly and said, "This is not a natural phenomenon, but a man-made illness."

Xiao Qionghua's heart skipped a beat, and she asked urgently, "Master, are you saying that 'Glacier Heroine' took some kind of medicine?" "

Qingyun," the Taoist priest said sadly, "It's true she took the medicine, but not willingly."

Lan Tianpeng was startled and asked, puzzled, "What do you mean? Did someone force her to take it?"

Qingyun nodded again and said, "That's right, someone forced her to take it."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua's heart stirred with murderous intent, and she immediately asked in a deep voice, "Who is that person? Can you tell us, Taoist priest?"

Qingyun smiled calmly and said, "Of course..."

Xiao Qionghua asked impatiently, "Who is it?"

Qingyun said, "The Ice River Heroine."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were stunned and said in unison, "Taoist priest, what exactly is going on? You've completely confused us."

The Taoist priest Qingyun said solemnly, "I am a monk, how could I lie? Didn't I just say that in the beautiful palace of the Glacier Plateau, there will always be a Glacier Heroine?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately seemed to understand and said, "So, the previous generation of the 'Glacier Heroine' forced the next generation to take the drug?"

Qingyun immediately shook his head and said, "It wasn't entirely forced; you could say it was voluntary, but not entirely of her own volition."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua shook their heads and smiled at the same time, saying, "We really don't understand what you mean, Taoist priest."

Qingyun sighed sadly and said, "After I finish speaking, you two will naturally understand. Now I can boldly say that the 'Glacier Heroine' who invited the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' before is no longer alive..."

Xiao Qionghua exclaimed in surprise and blurted out, "So, the 'Glacier Heroine' doesn't have the legendary skill of 'eternal youth'?" "

Qingyun" smiled calmly and said, "As far as I know, very few of the ladies who have served as mistresses of the Li Palace have lived past thirty years."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately muttered to himself, "Of course they will stay young and beautiful forever."

"Qingyun" immediately refuted, "No, they do indeed have methods to preserve their youth, but they're not as mystical as the outside world claims."

Xiao Qionghua perked up upon hearing this and couldn't help but ask with concern, "What methods do they use?"

Qingyun replied without hesitation, "Exquisite internal strength is certainly one reason, and their living in the beautiful palace where spring reigns all year round, free from the extremes of heat and cold, is another. But most importantly, there's a magical flower in their palace. It's said that applying these petals to a woman's delicate face can make her skin tender and white, as smooth as cream, and gradually erase wrinkles."

Lan Tianpeng had no interest in these things. He believed that it was normal for people to grow old with white hair and long beards, so he interjected, "Master, you just said that 'Ice Heroine' forced the next generation of 'Ice Heroines' to take medicine, which could also be considered voluntary; what do you mean by that?"

The Daoist "Qingyun" said solemnly, "When the current palace mistress, 'Ice Heroine,' discovered that she didn't have long to live..."

Xiao Qionghua, however, interjected with concern, asking, "How did she know she wouldn't live much longer?" The

Daoist Qingyun replied solemnly, "Of course, it's because she had already developed feelings for a husband, which caused the poison to take effect and she was about to die." Xiao Qionghua, being exceptionally intelligent, understood that Qingyun referred to a woman whose intense emotions, fueled by lustful desires, caused the poison to take effect.

As she pondered this, she heard Daoist Qingyun continue, "When this palace mistress realized her vital energy was waning and she feared she wouldn't live much longer, among her hundreds of disciples…"

Lan Tianpeng suddenly asked, puzzled, "Are all of the Ice River Heroine's disciples women?"

Daoist Qingyun replied without hesitation, "Of course, you could say there isn't a single man on the Ice River Plateau."

Xiao Qionghua then asked with concern, "The Ice River Heroine has hundreds of disciples; did she already choose her substitutes beforehand?" "

Qingyun" Daoist nodded and said, "I think it should be like this: she first summoned the woman who would replace her, naturally a younger woman, to her palace, and then told this younger woman that she was about to die. If the woman wished to become the mistress of this beautiful palace, she must sacrifice the enjoyment and duties that a woman should have—giving up a virtuous wife and a kind mother..."

Lan Tianpeng, upon hearing this, felt that Qingyun's explanation had a flaw, so he interjected, "Aren't the female disciples of the 'Ice River Heroine' forbidden from choosing husbands and marrying?"

Upon hearing this, Qingyun immediately shook her head solemnly and said, "I didn't say that. If a disciple of the 'Ice River Heroine' wishes never to return to the beautiful palace, she must bring back a baby girl as a substitute..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately said indignantly, "This is a sinful rule! Isn't this forcing her disciples to steal other people's baby girls?"

The Daoist Qingyun immediately shook his head and said solemnly, "While I dare not say that such a situation has never occurred, at least so far, it has not happened in the Li Palace on the Glacier Plateau."

Lan Tianpeng asked in confusion, "So, these baby girls brought here were all born to their own disciples?"

Daoist Qingyun said, "Of course, but their rules are very strict, and there are many rules that I cannot disclose. However, you two may have the opportunity to learn about them in the future." Xiao Qionghua

, who was standing to the side, naturally understood, so she changed the subject and said, "Please, Daoist, tell us about the passing down of the lineage just now."

The Taoist Qingyun nodded slightly and continued, "It's simple. As long as a disciple is willing to succeed the mistress of the Li Palace, she can become an overnight ruler with absolute authority, possessing all the treasures and a unique sword technique. Of course, this is only after repeated questioning, and only after the disciple willingly accepts the pills..." Lan

Tianpeng, upon hearing this, asked with a puzzled expression, "Just like that, that disciple becomes another Ice River Heroine?"

The Taoist Qingyun added, "Of course, it has to wait until the previous mistress of the Li Palace has passed away, but it's said that it usually doesn't take more than half a month."

Xiao Qionghua asked with concern, "Isn't there an antidote?"

The Taoist Qingyun shook his head and said, "No, unless one possesses the supreme and exquisite divine skills of Buddhism, and it must be within six months of taking the pills, otherwise, even lingzhi, immortal fruits, and he shou wu will be of no use."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng couldn't help but ask again with a puzzled expression, "Strange, how did you know such a great secret of the sect, Taoist Master?"

"Qingyun" smiled sadly and said, "Didn't I just say that I not only asked you two to keep this a secret, but also to forgive my inability to tell you the truth? However, you two might have a chance to uncover this mystery." He paused, then suddenly asked seriously, "If the young master and Miss Xiao are willing to meet this new mistress of the Li Palace, I would like to act as your guide."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were taken aback and said in confusion, "Just now, the Daoist Master was so anxious to stop us from going..."

Before they could finish speaking, Daoist "Qingyun" said seriously, "Just now, the young master and Miss Xiao did not know the details of the Li Palace, which is why you were so anxious to stop us. Now that you know the whole secret, of course you can go." He paused again and suddenly asked seriously, "Now that you two are going, do you feel that you already understand the mistress of the Li Palace, 'Ice Glacier Heroine'?" Xiao Qionghua immediately nodded and said, "

Of course! If the Taoist priest hadn't revealed the secret, when we met the current 'Iceland Heroine,' we would have really thought she was the same heroine who invited the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' to a sword duel back then."

Lan Tianpeng smiled humorously and shook his head, saying, "Back then, we must have been amazed, thinking we were in a fairyland, seeing a beautiful, immortal fairy. We are all mortals; how could we possibly fight a fairy? We were at a psychological disadvantage from the start." "

Qingyun Daoist couldn't help but laugh and say, "Of course, if you have doubts in your mind, your martial arts will naturally suffer."

Xiao Qionghua said gratefully, "I really have to thank you, Daoist Master."

Qingyun immediately said modestly, "Not at all, not at all. You two are guests, and I should do my duty as a host."

Lan Tianpeng frowned and said with difficulty, "But about your sect..."

Qingyun Daoist immediately explained, "Young Valley Master, you don't need to worry about that. First, our sect leader already knows that you two have been heading towards the Glacier Plateau. Second, if we go from here to our sect's altar, we still have to travel more than two hundred li, while going to the Glacier Plateau is less than a hundred li. If we go to our sect first and then to the Glacier..."

Xiao Qionghua was worried about missing the Huangshan Sword Tournament, so she interjected, "Since we are going to your sect, we will naturally not go to the Glacier."

The Taoist Qingyun immediately said solemnly, "Coming here and not visiting the magnificent palace of the glacier would be a wasted trip to the Western Regions."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua had no choice but to confess, "To be honest, we are afraid that if we go to the glacier and then to your sect, we will miss the Huangshan Sword Tournament."

Qingyun unconsciously said, "If you two go to the glacier and defeat the 'Glacier Heroine,' it doesn't matter whether you go to our sect or not."

Xiao Qionghua and Lan Tianpeng were moved by this, and immediately remembered the words of the "Heroic Beggar" Uncle Ma Wu: as long as they defeat the "Glacier Heroine," perhaps Kunlun would admit defeat! However, Lan Tianpeng hesitated and said, "But... your sect leader already knows that I have come to the Western Regions. If I don't go to your sect..."

The Taoist Qingyun said solemnly, "This can be explained by me when I return. Besides, the 'Silver-Clad Swordsman' has already passed away, and our former sect leader has also retired due to old age. Whether you go or not is irrelevant."

Lan Tianpeng's heart stirred upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but ask with concern, "But what reason do we have for going to the glacial plateau?" The

Daoist Qingyun immediately said solemnly, "We will naturally say that we have long admired the magnificent scenery of the Li Palace and have come to the glacier to see it."

After hearing the secret of the "Glacier Heroine," Xiao Qionghua's interest naturally diminished somewhat, but after thinking of the "Heroic Beggar's" words, she felt that since they were already close to the Ice Palace, they might as well go and see the magnificent scenery of the Li Palace, which would not be a wasted trip. So, as soon as Qingyun finished speaking, he immediately said cheerfully, "Since the Daoist says so, let's ask the Daoist to lead us there."

Lan Tianpeng immediately frowned and said, "We have horses, Daoist, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Daoist Qingyun said seriously, "If we go from here by horse, we will not arrive until noon tomorrow. Assuming we use our lightness skills and take a shortcut, we can arrive by midnight tonight..." Xiao Qionghua immediately interjected

, "It's not very good to disturb others in the middle of the night, is it?"

Daoist Qingyun immediately laughed and said, "We arrive at night to see the night view of the beautiful palace, so naturally we will visit at dawn. Otherwise, if we arrive at noon tomorrow, how can we go to the nearby peaks to enjoy the night view after we've finished? That wouldn't be economical in terms of time. If we take a shortcut, we will have to leave the glacier by noon tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua immediately praised, "Okay, we will follow the Daoist's suggestion and go on foot... But, my horses..."

The Taoist Qingyun immediately stood up and said, "I will take your horses and leave them at the inn in town. Also, I need to prepare some food and supplies for the night."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua and Lan Tianpeng stood up simultaneously and said, "In that case, let's all go together."

Taoist Qingyun smiled and immediately dissuaded them, saying, "The town is just a short distance away; there's no need for you two to walk. You rest here; I'll be back in a moment." With that, he untied "Bloodfire Dragon" and "Little Green" and headed straight for the town entrance. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua didn't insist; only after Taoist Qingyun descended the hill did the two sit down on the original rock.

More than a year of training had heightened Lan Tianpeng's awareness of things. As soon as the Taoist Qingyun led the horse into the town, he looked at Xiao Qiongxiong and said in a low voice, "Cousin, look at Taoist Qingyun. Why is he so patiently telling us about the Ice River Heroines and the secrets of their succession? Is there some ulterior motive?"

Xiao Qionghua thought for a moment, then hesitated and said, "No way. Judging from his demeanor, he doesn't seem like a bad person."

Lan Tianpeng continued, "But why does he insist that we go see the Ice River Palace?"

Xiao Qionghua hesitated slightly and said, "On the bright side, maybe it's really as he says, just being a good host. On the other hand, maybe it's for his own benefit."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately became serious and said, "Cousin is right. During our conversation just now, I noticed that he seemed to have some worries in his eyes."

Xiao Qionghua nodded in agreement, saying, "I noticed that too. In short, he wants to use our trip to Ligong Palace to fulfill his own desires."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately blurted out without thinking, "Cousin, are you saying that Daoist Qingyun wants to take advantage of accompanying us on our tour of Ligong Palace to get close to the Ice River Heroine and express his love for that beautiful lady?"

Xiao Qionghua couldn't help but chuckle, then said after a couple of giggles, "What are you talking about? Daoist Qingyun is a Buddhist disciple, and he's already over forty years old. How could he still have such thoughts?"

Unexpectedly, Lan Tianpeng said seriously, "What's wrong with that? Even the Pure Yang Lu Zu teased Bai Mudan three times." Upon hearing this

, Xiao Qionghua blushed. She could only helplessly say, "Whether 'Qingyun' Daoist has that thought or not, we've met the Ice River Heroine, admired her martial arts, and should hurry back to Huangshan so as not to miss the sword competition or waste our trip to the Western Regions."

Mentioning the Huangshan sword competition, Lan Tianpeng suddenly asked, puzzled, "Cousin, I heard that the Huangshan sword competition gathers sword masters from all the sects in one place, where they compete in different areas, and finally, a leader is chosen..."

Xiao Qionghua smiled brightly and said, "It's still early, why worry about that? This time, the leader is undoubtedly yours..."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately became serious and said, "Cousin, have you always hoped that I would win the sword competition at the Huangshan tournament?"

The competitive Xiao Qionghua immediately replied seriously, "Of course! Otherwise, how can 'Lengxiang Manor' become renowned throughout the martial world?"

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng shook his head and said, "I didn't mean that." Xiao

Qionghua was startled, her beautiful face changing instantly. She couldn't help but ask in a reproachful tone, "You? Don't you care about the reputation of Lengxiang Manor in the martial arts world?"

Lan Tianpeng shook his head and said calmly, "I've never thought about that."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua was so angry that she blurted out, "What have you been thinking about all this time?"

Lan Tianpeng said calmly, "I've been thinking about who I will represent at the Huangshan Sword Tournament." Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua was stunned. At the same time, she suddenly realized that this was indeed a problem that had puzzled Lan Tianpeng.

The Huangshan Sword Tournament was dominated by a few sects whose main weapon was the sword. Although these major sects had rarely won the championship in the numerous tournaments, they were also the ones who initiated and supported the tournament. These sects were mostly composed of Taoist disciples from the Xuanmen sect, followed by nuns. Shaolin, as a leader in the martial arts world, although primarily using swords, staffs, shovels, and fists, also possessed a profound and exquisite "Damo Sword Technique" that was famous throughout the martial arts world. Unfortunately, no one had yet mastered its profound mystery and reached its ultimate level—flying on a sword and taking the enemy's head from a distance of a hundred miles. Therefore, Shaolin was also one of the initiating sects, which encouraged its disciples to diligently study the "Damo Sword Technique" in order to win the championship. While sword duels can certainly inspire progress in swordsmanship across different schools, each tournament inevitably results in numerous serious injuries and deaths. Under the weight of their reputations and prestige, no one is willing to concede defeat and step outside the established order. In such situations, battles must escalate to the point of death or bloodshed.

Now, deciding who Lan Tianpeng should represent is indeed a difficult question. The fame of "Cold Fragrance Valley" in the martial world is largely due to the legendary Lan Tianpeng's Golden Back Saber technique. According to the rules of the sword duel tournament, no weapon other than a sword can be used to force entry or challenge anyone. Any attempt to challenge someone will be met with collective punishment from all the participating schools, as there is also a Dragon Head Tournament for different weapons, fists, palms, and even those on horseback or on foot. Lan Tianpeng is the young master of Cold Fragrance Valley, and he is a disciple of Ding Shangxian, the unparalleled master of the "Flying Cloud Pen," who also inherited the sword and robes of the great swordsman, the Silver-Clad Swordsman! Xiao Qionghua pondered this for a long time, perplexed by the question, and thus unable to answer. Just then, Daoist Qingyun hurriedly emerged from the town entrance.

Upon seeing him, Xiao Qionghua immediately stood up and said, "Let's discuss this later. It would be best to consult with Sisters Huangfu and Ouyang."

Lan Tianpeng, also rising, said casually, "We'll have to wait until we see our two senior sisters before deciding." With that, the two smiled and headed down the hill to meet him. Reaching the bottom of the hill, Daoist Qingyun arrived. Only then did the two notice that he was carrying a small bamboo basket on his back. Upon

seeing Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, Daoist Qingyun immediately smiled happily and said, "The horses have been left at the first inn at the town entrance. I've already explained everything. To save time, I'll lead the way." Lan Tianpeng immediately

cupped his hands in a smile and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Daoist Master." Then, the three of them used their lightness skills and galloped straight west.

The Daoist Qingyun seemed to know that this was not a time for competition or a contest of strength, but a long journey, traversing mountains and valleys, to reach a point nearly a hundred miles away before midnight. Even so, Daoist Qingyun's movements were as swift as a monkey, as fast as a shooting star. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua followed gracefully behind Daoist Qingyun, clearly quite at ease.

As dusk approached, the surrounding landscape was filled with towering mountains, and the mountain winds were particularly strong, causing ancient trees to whistle and millennia-old pines to weep, the chill biting to the bone. However, Lan Tianpeng, Xiao Qionghua, and Daoist Qingyun, all possessing superb internal energy, flew against the wind without feeling the cold. At midnight, the bright moon rose high, clouds billowed among the peaks, and high in the west, the sky was already shimmering with silver light, a magnificent spectacle of silvery splendor.

The Daoist Qingyun stopped first on a smooth, flat cliff and said cheerfully, "Young Valley Master, Miss Xiao, let's rest here for a while and have some dinner."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua stopped at the same time and said "Okay" repeatedly. Daoist Qingyun took off the exquisite bamboo basket from his back, and Lan Tianpeng helped him untie the thin rope. The bamboo basket was shaped like a barrel, divided into six sections, each like a box, containing a meal. Daoist Qingyun's meal was vegetarian, while Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua's meals contained chicken and meat. The three of them sat cross-legged on the flat cliff and each held a small box to eat. The bright moon gradually rose higher, the night sky was clear, and as they looked around, the peaks rose higher and higher. Looking down, the sea of clouds was like cotton, and the mountain breeze blew gently on their faces, cool as water, and the chill of the evening was gone.

After the three finished eating, the Daoist "Qingyun" said first, "Please wait a moment, I'll go fetch some spring water." With that, he took a deerskin pot from his longevity pouch, displayed his light-footed skill, and sped towards the southern cliff edge.

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua frowned, exchanging glances. Xiao Qionghua whispered, "Strange. Judging from this, this Daoist Qingyun is not only very familiar with this mountainous region, but also seems to frequently use this shortcut to the Glacier Palace." Lan Tianpeng didn't say anything, only nodded.

They watched as Daoist Qingyun leaped to the southern cliff edge, immediately crouched down, and extended his deerskin pot down the cliff. Clearly, the spring was not far from the edge. However, judging from the way Daoist Qingyun's upper body leaned down and his right arm strained, the distance from the spring to the cliff edge was probably just enough for his right arm to barely touch. Seeing this, Xiao Qionghua unconsciously said, "Fortunately, Daoist Qingyun knows this shortcut; otherwise, who knows how many days it would take us to cross the mountains on horseback and find lodging?" Before she finished speaking, Daoist Qingyun had already carried a full leather jug of spring water and leaped back.

As he removed the stopper, Daoist Qingyun said cheerfully, "You two have truly made the trip worthwhile by being able to drink from the sweet spring water of this remote mountain." He then poured the water from the jug into small baskets with inlaid clear containers.

Lan Tianpeng thanked him profusely, saying with a smile, "My cousin just said it was all thanks to the Daoist Master's guidance."

The Daoist Master Qingyun smiled cheerfully, half-seriously, half-jokingly saying, "As long as Miss Xiao doesn't suspect I have ulterior motives, I'll be eternally grateful."

Lan Tianpeng's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately said seriously, "Daoist Master, you have such an elegant and kind demeanor, guiding us through the night. My cousin and I are more than grateful; how could we possibly suspect you?"

The Daoist Master Qingyun immediately bowed apologetically, saying, "I have already broken my vows; I hope the young master will not bring this up again." With that, he picked up the lacquer tray and handed it to Lan Tianpeng. Lan Tianpeng accepted it with both hands, thanking him profusely.

Xiao Qionghua, her face slightly flushed, automatically picked up her lunchbox. She firmly believed that Qingyun couldn't possibly have overheard what she and Lan Tianpeng had said, yet Qingyun didn't mention Lan Tianpeng's suspicion of her, but instead spoke of her, Xiao Qionghua. Therefore, she reasoned that one shouldn't be too sharp-tongued; her intelligence was evident in her demeanor, making it clear to everyone that she, Xiao Qionghua, was a clever and resourceful girl. Of course, being "wise and resourceful" naturally meant that she would carefully consider and secretly guard against any sudden event, which was also based on Qingyun's words.

Conversely, Lan Tianpeng wasn't easily perceived as resourceful. This wasn't to say that Lan Tianpeng was an unintelligent young man, but rather that his innate temperament differed from Xiao Qionghua's. As Lan Tianpeng drank the spring water, he pondered that Qingyun's earlier apology, in the context of Buddhist precepts—Buddhist disciples refrain from frivolous talk and deceitful acts—was a violation of the precept. Qingyun had acted on his own assumptions, guessing others' intentions without any concrete evidence. However, the fact that Qingyun realized his mistake immediately after speaking, and even admitted it, still made him a virtuous and cultured Buddhist disciple.

Seeing the somber atmosphere, Qingyun smiled and asked, "What do you two think of the spring water?" This prompted Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua to find the spring water refreshingly cool and delicious.

Xiao Qionghua smiled first and said, "Hmm, not bad, cool and sweet, very delicious."

Lan Tianpeng, however, said in bewilderment, "Strange, there's snow on the mountaintop, yet this place is as cool as autumn, and the spring water is so refreshing. The wonders of nature are truly perplexing."

The "Qingyun" Daoist smiled happily, pointed due west, and said, "The wonders of nature are countless. If you don't believe me, look, there's one right before our eyes." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua followed his finger and looked due west. Their eyes suddenly lit up, and they exclaimed in surprise! Forty miles due west, where the sky met the stars, the mountain peak was a silvery white. Under the bright moonlight, among the patches of silver light, there shimmered magnificent colorful clouds. At first glance, it seemed as if they were in a fairyland.

Xiao Qionghua exclaimed first, "It's so beautiful!"

Lan Tianpeng asked in bewilderment, "Daoist, is that the 'Ice Queen's' palace?" "

Qingyun" Daoist smiled and said, "To see the beautiful scenery of the Li Palace, you must enter that colorful cloud..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Qionghua blurted out, "Then, that's the glacial plateau?"

"Qingyun" Daoist nodded and smiled, "That's right, in a little over an hour, we'll arrive there."

Xiao Qionghua glanced at the night sky and said excitedly, "It's only been a short while since the night watch started, and we're already there..."

Lan Tianpeng frowned upon hearing this, knowing that Xiao Qionghua was carried away by her excitement and subconsciously spoke based on her own lightness ability. Since it was inconvenient to stop her, he could only frown. Seeing Lan Tianpeng's expression, Xiao Qionghua immediately realized her mistake and stopped talking. The Taoist Qingyun, a seasoned veteran of the martial world and already over forty, saw the expressions on Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua's faces and immediately laughed heartily, saying, "It's not that I'm flattering you, but in the entire martial arts world, I dare not say whether anyone can surpass Young Master Lan and Miss Xiao's lightness skills. However, in the Western Regions, I dare say no one can compare."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua humbly replied in unison, "You flatter us, Taoist Master. The martial arts of the Western Regions are unparalleled, and many are authentic Buddhist techniques..."

Before they could finish speaking, Taoist Qingyun interrupted with a smile, "Alright, let's go now and see if we can encounter any masters of authentic Buddhist techniques from the Western Regions." With that, he stood up, used the spring water from the leather basket to wash the trays and boxes, stacked them together, tied them up as before, and had Lan Tianpeng carry them on his back.

Thus, with Taoist Qingyun leading the way, the three of them used their lightness skills and sped towards the glacial plateau. This time, Daoist Qingyun's movements were much faster than before. His sleeves fluttered, his Daoist robes rustled, and even the sword tassel on his back and the whisk in his hand seemed to fly in a straight line. Xiao Qionghua, seeing this, felt somewhat embarrassed and could only add more internal energy. Lan Tianpeng, however, believed that Daoist Qingyun's display of lightness skill was part of his established routine; even if Xiao Qionghua hadn't said so, he would still have traveled as fast as possible.

As the bright moon rose higher, the glacial plateau, shimmering with silver light and colorful clouds, drew closer and became more and more beautiful. Gradually, a chill crept in, and some crystalline white snow appeared on the ground. Moreover, the distant and near mountain peaks were also dotted with silver, these snow-covered mountains stretching directly towards the glacial plateau ahead. Just then, on a round ridge covered in snow to the south, one or two fast-moving figures suddenly appeared. The red-gray figure was as fast as lightning, swifter than the wind, rushing from the round ridge. Before Qingyun Daoist could notice, Lantian Peng coughed to avoid any surprises. Having walked in silence the entire way, Lantian Peng's sudden cough naturally caught Qingyun Daoist's attention.

Qingyun Daoist was startled and quickly turned around—in that instant, his expression changed, and he let out a soft "Ah!" while muttering to himself, "It's those two."

Seeing that Qingyun Daoist had already spotted the two figures in red and gray, Lantian Peng immediately asked with concern, "What, Daoist Master, do you know them?" Upon

being asked, Qingyun Daoist immediately looked at Lantian Peng and Xiao Qionghua, and said shrewdly, "These two are mortal enemies. We'd better sit back and watch them fight." Lantian

Peng didn't say anything, as he never liked to interfere in other people's affairs unless the other party was being overbearing. Xiao Qionghua, however, was different. Upon hearing "watch them fight," she let out a soft snort, clearly somewhat unconvinced. Because "sitting on the mountain to watch the tigers fight" is a cowardly and opportunistic tactic where one person is no match for two tigers, waiting for both to be injured before making a move. "Qingyun's" words clearly indicated that the newcomers were a pair of formidable figures. Of course, this was nothing short of an insult to Xiao Qionghua, who was competitive and possessed exceptional skills! Therefore, she gave a coquettish snort and asked in a reproachful tone, "What are the conducts of these two?"

Before "Qingyun" could answer, a rapid whooshing sound of clothes tearing through the wind reached them from behind! Immediately afterward, with two whooshing sounds, two figures, one in red and one in gray, sped past the three of them from the left and right—Xiao Qionghua was furious upon seeing them, but seeing that neither "Qingyun" nor Lan Tianpeng showed any reaction, she had to suppress her rising anger.

The person wearing a blood-red robe appeared to be in his forties, with thick eyebrows, fierce eyes, a long beard, long hair, and a golden crown, resembling a king of a fiefdom! The only incongruous thing was the pair of large, four-sided, lacquered copper rods slung on his back, polished to a gleaming shine, seemingly weighing at least a hundred pounds. The other man wore a moon-white long robe and a light blue square scarf, with a fair, slightly yellowish complexion and a small mustache less than three inches long, appearing to be under forty. However, judging from the thick eyebrows and bright eyes of the man in the moon-white robe, he and the man in the red robe were clearly from the borderlands. Since the man in the moon-white robe was unarmed, he likely wielded a soft weapon or a short blade. The two men sped past, but simultaneously turned back. When they saw Xiao Qionghua, their eyes lit up, and they exclaimed softly, "Eh!" Their movements involuntarily paused. However, it was only a brief pause; they seemed to remember their purpose and the matter at hand, turned back, and continued their rapid journey.

Seeing that Lan Tianpeng's expression was calm and without malice, merely watching the two ride away indifferently, Xiao Qionghua could only look at the "Qingyun" Daoist, let out a soft snort, and said in a deep voice, "Judging from these two, their appearances are fierce, and their behavior is furtive; they are definitely not good people."

The Qingyun Daoist could only sigh and say, "Although these two are arrogant and conceited, they are not particularly evil..."

Xiao Qionghua immediately asked in a deep voice, "So, they have committed quite a few minor evils?"

The "Qingyun" Daoist hesitated and said, "They have indeed used their skills to bully others, and thus have gained some minor reputation for chivalry in the Western Regions." Upon hearing "they have indeed used their skills to bully others," Xiao Qionghua's heart skipped a beat, and her anger vanished completely. She was deeply afraid that she herself had also violated this taboo of chivalrous men.

In her thoughts, she heard "Qingyun" continue, "The one in the red robe is a Shali man named Meng Dingshan. He has superhuman strength, wielding two hundred-pound poles, and is known as the 'Red-Robed Emperor.' He is extremely wealthy in the region." Ever since Meng Dingshan met the "Ice Maiden" ten years ago, he swore to the heavens that he would marry her, dismissing all his other wives and concubines to demonstrate his unwavering devotion.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately interjected, "Judging from the situation just now, it's clear he went to the Li Palace to find the 'Ice Maiden'?"

"Qingyun" gave a wry smile and said, "Judging from the way these two are rushing off, they're probably going to challenge 'Ice Maiden' to a duel."

Lan Tianpeng asked, puzzled, "Who is that person in the moon-white robe?"

"Qingyun" said, "That person is from Tok City, named Gapwen. Because he loves reading and reciting poetry, he calls himself 'Young Master Tok.' He also frequently travels to the Central Plains and wears Confucian robes, making him feel even more like a true young master. I don't know how good Gapwen's calligraphy and poetry are, but his skill is indeed impressive, especially his exquisite white-handled fan, which can truly be described as divine..."

Xiao Qionghua glanced at it and immediately interjected, "Master, how does it compare to your whisk?" "

Qingyun" Daoist forced a smile and said, "We haven't sparred, but I know my own limitations and might be able to protect myself."

Lan Tianpeng frowned, surprised, and said, "Daoist, you are the junior brother of the new leader of the Kunlun Sect, and can be considered a first-rate master of your sect. If you are not being modest, then... then you simply don't like martial arts."

Qingyun Daoist naturally understood Lan Tianpeng's meaning—if it wasn't modesty, then his aptitude for martial arts was unsuitable, and he had changed his mind and disliked martial arts! Therefore, he frowned and smiled, saying with some emotion, "Martial arts are as vast as the sea; one cannot lack any skill. It's best to be proficient in everything. I am not as good as 'Young Master Tok' Gapwen, who has at least three special skills."

As they spoke, "Young Master Tok" and "Red-Robed Emperor" had already disappeared from sight. For the sake of conversation, the three of them unconsciously walked in a straight line. Seeing that Qingyun Daoist was talking a lot and expressing his feelings, Lan Tianpeng naturally didn't say anything more. However, the scene before them grew increasingly magnificent. All around was crystal-clear ice and snow, a boundless silver world stretching as far as the eye could see. At the same time, the sounds of ice clashing and rushing water could be clearly heard. In particular, in the crystal world a hundred feet ahead, colorful clouds shone brightly, especially in the direction of the clashing ice, where seven-colored rays shot out like seven-colored sparks shooting into the sky, extending from the distant depths, past them, and for miles around.

Xiao Qionghua couldn't help but ask, "Daoist, what's that over there? It sounds like giant ice colliding!"

Daoist Qingyun immediately smiled and said, "Didn't you and the young master want to see a glacier? It's just ahead. "

Lan Tianpeng asked, puzzled, "Aren't glaciers formed by frozen ice?"

Qingyun smiled modestly, "If glaciers were frozen, they probably wouldn't have this name. Think about it, if a glacier is frozen solid, and snow accumulates year after year, wouldn't it become completely frozen? Even if you only see it once every three or five years, the glacier's path would disappear."

Xiao Qionghua asked curiously, "So, glaciers are all made of broken ice and flowing water?"

Qingyun nodded and smiled, "That's right, blocks of ice on top, flowing water below, but the solid ice isn't all broken ice, because the smallest ice blocks are like millstones. Because the solid ice is constantly colliding with each other in the water, most of them are shaped like balls."

Lan Tianpeng looked at the shooting colorful clouds and seemed to understand, saying, "So, these shooting colored lights are all formed by giant ice floes rolling around?"

The Daoist Qingyun nodded and said, "Young Valley Master is right. Because the ice is constantly being struck in the water, the side facing the moon immediately reflects a rainbow of colors, especially bright under the sun, but not as magnificent as under the moon."

As soon as he finished speaking, two loud shouts and several delicate cries suddenly rang out from the place where the ice had been. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were startled and lunged forward simultaneously—their lunge was as fast as an eagle's flight, swifter than lightning, appearing at first glance like two streaks of smoke, leaving the Daoist Qingyun, who had been flying with all his might, utterly stunned.

The distance of thirty-odd zhang was covered in a flash by Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua. Looking down, they saw only the reflection of rushing water under the westernmost ice cliff in the wide, valley-like riverbed. Looking around, they saw only a blinding light and could not see where the shouts and cries had come from. Following the sound of the ice clashing, they looked towards the glacier beneath the western ice cliff. It was very wide, and judging from the impact of the ice blocks and the reflected light, the glacier's current was very rapid.

As they observed, Daoist Qingyun caught up and anxiously asked, "Did you two see anything?"

Lan Tianpeng shook his head, replying first, "Strange, we only heard shouts and screams, but saw no one."

Upon hearing this, Qingyun immediately urged anxiously, "Oh no, they must have crossed the river." With that, he rushed towards the riverbed.

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were both puzzled and asked in unison, "Daoist, how do you know those two have already crossed the river?" As they spoke, they leaped after him, heading straight for the riverbed.

Upon being asked, Qingyun immediately replied anxiously, "Just now, I only vaguely heard a loud shout, and I couldn't be sure. Moreover, I didn't hear any woman's shout at all. If there had been a woman's shout, then they had crossed the river..."

Lantian Peng immediately asked with concern, "You mean the two of them have already gone to the Glacier Palace?"

Qingyun nodded anxiously and said, "They not only went, but they've already crossed the perimeter of the palace's guard posts..."

Xiao Qionghua immediately asked indignantly, "So, the two of them weren't invited here?"

Qingyun immediately said worriedly, "If they were invited, would they have rushed into the palace in the middle of the night?" As they spoke, they had reached the deafening edge of the glacier. The glacier was several tens of feet wide, and the current was extremely rapid. The giant icebergs were as large as millstones and as small as drums, crashing and tumbling against each other as they flowed downstream.

Seeing this, Xiao Qionghua immediately forgot what she had just said and asked in surprise, "The glacial water is so rapid, where does it originate?"

Qingyun Daoist was anxious to cross the river, but he couldn't refuse Xiao Qionghua's question, so he briefly asked, "At the branch of the Kunlun main ridge, on the summit of Tianshan, there are four lakes. They are perpetually spring-like and never freeze. The water overflowing from these four lakes eventually converges and flows into the glacier, causing the water to surge and push, forcing the giant ice floes to move rapidly, constantly crashing against the frozen ice on both banks, a continuous flow that eventually formed the glacier."

Upon hearing this, Lantian Peng immediately interjected, "So, the 'Red-Robed Emperor' and 'Young Master Tok' just now both flew across the glacier?" "

Qingyun" Daoist nodded and said, "Indeed, so in terms of lightness skill, they far surpass me."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qionghua asked in surprise, "What, Daoist, are you saying you can't cross?"

"Qingyun" smiled wryly and said, "Of course I can cross, but I don't have the speed of the 'Red-Robed Emperor' and his companion." After saying this, he gestured respectfully and said, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao, please go first."

Upon hearing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately frowned and said, "We haven't been invited, how can we cross the river? What if the guards ask us questions? How will we answer?"

"Qingyun" immediately and decisively said, "If they ask, I will handle everything." Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were puzzled by "Qingyun's" concern and eagerness for the Li Palace. Just as they were wondering, "Qingyun" humbly said, "Since you two are so modest, I have no choice but to go first." With that, he leaped up, his feet touching the ice, and sped towards the other side.

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were both stunned by the scene, completely overturning their earlier assumptions. They had thought that Daoist Qingyun's voluntary act of leading them here indicated either worldly desires or a dislike for the "Ice Glacier Heroine." Now, it seemed to be connected to the "Ice Glacier Heroine" in some way. Fearing for Qingyun's safety and also unwilling to let him see them use their special technique—the Body Step—they quickly and silently followed behind Daoist Qingyun, their movements as graceful as duckweed floating on water.

The Daoist Qingyun leaped with extreme caution, not daring to be distracted. A fall into the river would be devastating, even for someone with exceptional martial arts skills, leaving no time to look back. However, his mind was constantly preoccupied with whether Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua had crossed. So, as he finally leaped towards the opposite bank, the moment his feet touched the shore, he immediately turned back. He was stunned by what he saw; his expression changed drastically. On the opposite bank, amidst the shimmering silver of the icy snow, there was no sign of Lan Tianpeng or Xiao Qionghua. But he was, after all, an experienced man of the martial world, and he was certain that Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua would not simply turn and leave without a word.

Startled by this discovery, he abruptly turned back—and at the same moment, Lan Tianpeng smiled humbly and said, "Please, Daoist, lead the way."

The Daoist Qingyun was initially taken aback, then readily agreed, saying nothing more, and with a display of his lightness skill, he sped off towards the icy bank. Just as the three were advancing, two more loud shouts echoed from the distant ice cliff. Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingyun immediately said anxiously, "Young Valley Master, we must hurry! These two must be here to cause trouble." In the blink of an eye, they reached the foot of the ice cliff, and without stopping, the three leaped into the air, ascending straight up the cliff.

Although Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were certain that Daoist Qingyun was connected to the "Ice Glacier Heroine," they were still afraid he might be ambushed by her guards until it was confirmed. Therefore, the two slightly gathered their inner energy, their bodies moving like swallows in flight, passing Qingyun and flying straight up the cliff. As soon as Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua reached the top, they swiftly performed their movement techniques—and just as they leaped onto the cliff, several sharp shouts rang out simultaneously, and several red figures rushed towards them from near and far. Although Lan Tianpeng used his movement techniques, he could still see his surroundings very clearly. Several figures rushed towards them from near and far, all sword-wielding girls dressed in red-tasseled trousers, red satin hats, and white fur trimmed around their heads. Because Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua used their special movement technique, they instantly multiplied into more than ten people upon reaching the cliff, causing the two red-clad guards in front to miss their target. The others further away, though still attacking with their swords, hesitated, their expressions filled with surprise and confusion.

Just then, a figure flashed at the edge of the cliff, and the Daoist "Qingyun" leaped up. As soon as "Qingyun's" feet touched the edge, she shouted, "Stop! We're all family!"

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, though confused, immediately stopped. At this moment, several female guards rushed over from afar. Upon seeing Daoist Qingyun, they exclaimed with delight, "So it's you, Daoist Master!"

Daoist Qingyun immediately said in a deep voice, "These two are the foremost heroes of the Central Plains, this is Young Master Lan, and this is Miss Xiao. Please greet each other and return to your posts."

Hearing this, the women all drew their swords, bowed, and said in unison, "Welcome to the Central Plains' Heroic Duo at the Glacier!"

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua knew that Daoist Qingyun's purpose in introducing them was to let the female guards know that they were a man and a woman from the Central Plains, both chivalrous figures. Even the girls from the Western Regions might not know about the Cold Fragrance Valley of Mo Wu Ridge. Hearing the female guards address them as the Central Plains' Heroic Duo was both amusing and absurd, but the two still humbly returned the greeting.

Daoist Qingyun immediately asked with concern, "Where have the 'Red-Robed Emperor' and 'Young Master Tok' gone?"

One of them immediately turned and pointed deep into the distance, saying respectfully, "We couldn't stop them; they've already rushed towards the official direction." Upon

hearing this, Daoist Qingyun immediately said in a deep voice, "If those two are fleeing in panic, don't stop them; let them go." The women all bowed and responded in unison, turning back to their positions.

Daoist Qingyun then immediately urged Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao, please, the Glacier Palace is just ahead."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were now certain that Daoist Qingyun had some connection with the "Glacier Heroine," judging from the way he directed the women—it seemed as if he were the master. Hearing Daoist Qingyun say that the palace was just ahead, they looked around and saw only endless ice and snow and some undulating snow-covered rocks; they couldn't see any beautiful palace at all. However, based on the two loud shouts earlier, it was clearly within a hundred feet ahead. With a thought, the two of them flew forward.

"Qingyun" Daoist followed closely, saying with trepidation, "Young Valley Master and Miss Xiao must suspect that I am playing tricks on you. However, in an hour or two, you will understand my good intentions."

Lan Tianpeng was indeed as "Heroic Beggar" Ma Wu had said: he was smart in important matters but confused in trivial ones. At this moment, he could see that "Qingyun" did not want them to go to the Kunlun Sect's headquarters first, and was willing to reveal the secrets of the Ice Palace throughout the ages. He had gone to great lengths to lure them here, so of course he had other reasons. However, he firmly believed that Daoist Qingyun's actions were well-intentioned, so he humbly said, "Daoist, please rest assured. If my cousin and I didn't trust you, we wouldn't have come."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Qingyun was moved and said, "Very well, I am very grateful for the young master's words. If everything goes smoothly this time, I am willing to bear any hardship that may befall me."

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were very puzzled, especially by the hint of tears in Daoist Qingyun's last few words, which surprised them even more. They were about to ask for the reason, but the scene before them changed, and their eyes lit up at the same time—a deep valley several miles in circumference gradually appeared before them, which at first glance seemed to have no exit.

Further ahead, they could see the bright green trees and the winding water in the valley. As they approached the edge of the deep valley, behind the snow-capped rocks, four female guards in red robes and carrying swords appeared. As soon as the four women appeared, they drew their swords and shouted, "Who are you, men and women, in this beautiful palace at night? Stop right there!"

The Taoist "Qingyun," already brandishing his whisk, called out, "This humble Taoist, Qingyun, has personally brought honored guests. You all quickly return to your posts."

The four female guards, having recognized the Taoist's attire and voice, cheered in unison, "Taoist Master, hurry! Someone rushed over from the left side, sisters!"

The Taoist "Qingyun" immediately said in a calm voice, "Don't panic, everyone. This humble Taoist has brought honored guests here precisely for those two." As he spoke, he was already upon them. The four female guards in red hats bowed and tapped their swords in welcome. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua nodded in greeting and hurried past.

Once past the snow-covered cliff, the entire valley's scenery was now in full view. Amidst the lush greenery a hundred feet above, the water shimmered, and majestic palaces stood tall. While the pavilions and halls appeared to be built along the water's contours, from this vantage point, they possessed a different grandeur. The five palaces, golden and crimson, with silver and jade walls and steps, shimmered with iridescent colors under the bright moonlight, creating a wondrous spectacle rarely seen on earth. From the cliff's edge, the palace seemed to be built according to the natural contours of the valley, without any additional walls or gates. However, in the instant Lan Tianpeng surveyed the scene, he suddenly saw two circles of flashing sword light on a clearing near the east, and four figures swirling about. It was none other than the "Red-Robed Emperor" from before, and he and the "Young Master Tok" were each entangled with a woman who appeared to be dressed in colorful robes.

Before they could finish observing, Daoist Qingyun blurted out, "They're already there, Young Master, let's go quickly!"

The moment Daoist Qingyun finished speaking, Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua leaped into the air like eagles hunting rabbits, rushing towards the two clusters of sword light a hundred feet away. Daoist Qingyun dared not delay, and also used his lightness skill to rush along the wide man-made path along the sloping cliff. Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua, with their incredible speed, covered the hundred-foot cliff in the blink of an eye, arriving at the battle scene. Their arrival was sudden and silent; the "Red-Robed Emperor" and "Young Master Tok," who were fighting and using their swords to defend themselves, were completely unaware. However, suddenly, several delicate shouts rang out, and several women with rainbow-colored palms leaped out from under the nearby flowering trees, each wielding a sword, and rushed towards Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua.

Upon seeing this, Lan Tianpeng immediately said loudly, "Ladies, please don't misunderstand..."

Before he could finish speaking, several women in colorful robes stood a foot away from him, swords drawn. One of them shouted, "Quickly explain your origins, or you'll become ghosts under our swords!"

Lan Tianpeng thought to himself, "What arrogance!" but replied aloud, "We are friends of the Daoist Qingyun..."

One of the women immediately asked in a more conciliatory tone, "Where is Daoist Qingyun? Why isn't he here?"

Before she finished speaking, Daoist Qingyun's anxious voice came from seven or eight zhang away: "This humble Daoist is here, please don't misunderstand." The

"Red-Robed Emperor" and "Young Master Tok," who were fighting, also shouted, forcing back the two women in their colorful robes, and leaped out of the circle. Daoist Qingyun, standing behind Lan Tianpeng, also flew over and urged the women with swords in front of them, "You all, please step back. These two are honored guests specially invited by this humble Daoist for the Palace Master." The "Red-Robed Emperor" and "Young Master Tok," who had jumped out of the circle, both gave a soft shout and walked towards them.

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua then saw that the "Red-Robed Emperor" and "Young Master Tok" had just greeted the two women in colorful robes with a respectful bow, saying, "Young Valley Master, please follow me." As they spoke, they walked directly towards a woman dressed in silver satin robes with red trim. Because her hair was tied up high with a phoenix ornament and her delicate face was covered with a layer of silver veil, Lan Tianpeng determined that the woman was the Ice River Heroine.

Just as Lan Tianpeng took a step, the "Red-Robed Emperor," who was approaching rapidly, shouted, "Wait!

I have something to ask you." Lan Tianpeng's sword-like eyebrows furrowed, and he stopped, asking in a deep voice, "What do you want to ask me?"

Before the "Red-Robed Emperor" could speak, "Young Master Tok" preemptively asked, "What business do you have with the Palace Master at such a young age?"

Lan Tianpeng smiled coldly and said, "What right do you have to ask me? And why should I tell you?" Upon

hearing this, "Young Master Tok" was immediately enraged, raising his eyebrows and angrily asking, "Do you know who I am?"

Lan Tianpeng smiled smugly and said, "What does it matter who I am?"

"Young Master Tok" suddenly opened his eyes wide, shouted, and was about to fly forward when the "Red-Robed Emperor," standing beside him, abruptly blocked his way, saying angrily, "You can hit me after I've finished asking my question."

Suddenly stopped, "Young Master Tok" was enraged and roared, "What do you intend to do?" His right palm flashed, aiming for the "Red-Robed Emperor's" abdomen. The "Red-Robed Emperor," no ordinary man, snorted and retreated half a step, grabbing "Young Master Tok's" right wrist with a swift movement! "Young Master Tok" lowered his arm and shoulder, his left palm shooting out diagonally, while his right palm seized the opportunity to grab his opponent's groin.

Seeing the two men's vulgar and obscene fighting, Lan Tianpeng immediately shouted, "Stop!" This shout startled the women present, causing their ears to ring and their hearts to race. The "Young Master Tok" and the "Red-Robed Emperor," who had been exchanging blows in a flash, unconsciously separated. The Taoist "Qingyun," watching from the side, clearly understood that if either of the two men, "Young Master Tok" and "Red-Robed Emperor," were to fight unarmed, given their rapid movements, he had a real chance of winning.

However, upon hearing this, the "Red-Robed Emperor," who had just separated, strode to within a foot of Lan Tianpeng, pointed at the frosty-faced Xiao Qionghua, and asked in a deep voice, "Who is this beautiful young woman to you?"

Lan Tianpeng replied in a deep voice, "She is my cousin."

The "Red-Robed Emperor" continued in a deep voice, "Has she married in the Central Plains?"

Xiao Qionghua, already filled with rage, could no longer hold back. She pointed at him and said angrily, "Is it any of your business what I do?"

The "Red-Robed Emperor" laughed heartily and said, "Beauty, I, the Great Emperor, want to take you as my concubine. Why can't I ask?"

Xiao Qionghua's face contorted with murderous intent, her delicate body trembling. She muttered to herself, "You're practically courting death." Then, turning to look at the "Qingyun" Daoist, she asked in a deep voice, "Is it permissible to kill here?"

Before the Taoist Qingyun could answer, the Red-Robed Emperor laughed and said, "Looking down upon the world, who dares to kill me?"

Xiao Qionghua no longer cared about the taboos within the palace. With a flick of her wrist, a dragon's roar echoed, and a flash of green light appeared—the Azure Nether Sword was already drawn! At the same time, pointing the sword at the Red-Robed Emperor, she said, word by word, "If I dare to kill you, I will dismember you here today."

Upon hearing this, the Red-Robed Emperor laughed even louder! Xiao Qionghua immediately shouted angrily, "Shut up! Quickly withdraw your weapon!"

The Red-Robed Emperor continued laughing, "I never use weapons when sparring with beautiful ladies."

Xiao Qionghua immediately shouted angrily, "Today I will make you use a weapon!" As soon as the word "weapon" left her lips, she strode forward, thrusting her sword straight forward.

The Red-Robed Emperor laughed, swaying his shoulder and closing in, his palms flashing, one striking Xiao Qionghua's protective hand, the other her soft breast, both palms striking simultaneously with lightning speed. The Taoist priest "Qingyun" naturally knew of Xiao Qionghua's astonishing martial arts skills, but the veiled woman and some of the Rainbow Palm women were worried for her. Xiao Qionghua's aim was to force her opponent to use a weapon, so she maintained her sword stance and retreated gracefully, while the dark green sword moved swiftly in a "工" shape—the veiled woman and the others only saw a flash of green light, and Xiao Qionghua and the "Red-Robed Emperor" stopped simultaneously with a soft clang, and everyone cried out in surprise.

Xiao Qionghua's sword stance remained unchanged, still straight, but the tip of the sword was already pressed against the "Red-Robed Emperor's" throat, and the golden crown on his head was also sliced off by the sword tip and fell to the ground. The "Red-Robed Emperor" stretched out his arms, opened his mouth and stared wide-eyed, his jaw pressing tightly against Xiao Qionghua's sword tip, as if this would prevent the sword tip from piercing his throat. His face, which had been dark red just moments before, was now as white as paper with fear, his eyes filled with shock and terror, and large beads of sweat rolled down his broad forehead.

"Young Master Tok" was stunned. He had roamed the Western Regions with arrogance and had visited the Central Plains many times, but he had never encountered such a formidable woman. "Qingyun" Daoist was also dumbfounded. Although he believed Xiao Qionghua's swordsmanship far surpassed that of the "Red-Robed Emperor," he hadn't expected such a shockingly unexpected victory. The group of elegantly dressed women from the Ice Palace were even more dumbfounded.

Xiao Qionghua pressed the tip of her sword against the "Red-Robed Emperor's" throat, coldly smiling as she asked, "Now, do you want to use your weapon?" The "Red-Robed Emperor," terrified, nodded repeatedly, groaning, no longer daring to speak.

Xiao Qionghua gave a soft snort and said in a deep voice, "I'm not afraid you won't agree." As soon as she uttered the word "agree," the tip of her sword slashed with the force of her withdrawal, striking the "Red-Robed Emperor's" back tendon in the chest with a hiss, snapping it instantly. The two red swords, which had been sharpened, also fell to the ground with two "crackling" sounds.

The "Red-Robed Emperor," like a vengeful ghost released from the gates of hell, roared and bent down to strike, saying in a fierce voice, "Releasing me is like releasing a tiger! I'll smash you to pieces today!"

Xiao Qiong coldly smiled and said, "Since you're not human, then you'll become a ghost soon."

Upon hearing this, the "Red-Robed Emperor's" eyes turned bloodshot, and he roared, "I'll fight you to the death!" With a frenzied roar, his expression became like that of a madman, and he unleashed a "Mount Tai Pressing Down" move, swinging two parallel swords with a terrifying force, aiming straight for Xiao Qiong's head. The momentum was indeed frightening. The palace maids, worried about Xiao Qiong, cried out in alarm again.

At the same time as the women cried out, a delicate shout rang out, a slender figure flashed, a streak of blue light rolled like a dragon, a series of screams followed, and as the two swords fell to the ground, five more pieces of corpses appeared on the ground. Upon seeing this, the ladies of the palace were all horrified and paled, instinctively covering their faces and letting out shrill screams! "Young Master Tok" Gapwen, "Qingyun" Daoist, and the veiled woman were all stunned.

After Xiao Qionghua cleaved the "Red-Robed Emperor" into five pieces with her swirling sword, she walked towards the stunned "Young Master Tok," saying in a deep voice, "And you..." Before she could finish, the terrified "Young Master Tok" stumbled back several steps, his expression horrified, speechless.

Just then, a deep yet clear female voice rang out: "Forgive and forget; honored guest, please obey your host's wishes." The voice wasn't harsh, but it possessed an unyielding and unassailable power.

Xiao Qionghua looked up, her phoenix eyes suddenly brightening, and she too was taken aback. On the lush grass seven or eight zhang away, stood a stunningly beautiful young woman with a silver veil on her head and a flowing, shimmering dress. A thin, gossamer-like silver veil covered her delicate face. All the elegantly dressed women of the palace were already kneeling on the grass.

Lan Tianpeng and Xiao Qionghua were both stunned by the sight. They had assumed the woman veiled in a thin silver gauze and dressed in flowing robes was the mistress of this magnificent palace. But now, seeing all the palace ladies kneeling and paying the highest respect to the stunningly beautiful girl standing on the lawn, clad in a flowing silver gown and veiled in thin gauze, they realized that this beautiful girl in silver was the true mistress of this grand palace—the "Ice Maiden." Lan Tianpeng

and Xiao Qionghua gazed intently at the "Ice Maiden." Her jet-black hair was styled high, adorned with phoenix-shaped gold and silver ornaments, her jade pendants jingling, and silver flowers embellishing her face. Her face was like a crescent moon, her eyebrows delicately drawn. Her skin, especially, was like solidified white jade, radiant like moonlight—truly a rare beauty. The thin silver gauze veiled her delicate face further accentuated her unparalleled elegance, making her appear like a celestial being untouched by worldly concerns.

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