Within the city of Ye, countless people watched with wide eyes at the white silhouettes that covered the mountains and plains outside. An overwhelming cold aura surged from these figures, impacting the environment so much that the temperature in the city plummeted and snow began to fall.
“Could these be the people from the Ice River Valley?”
“What are they doing in Ye City? The scale of their power is terrifying!”
“Are they targeting the Ye Family?”
“Nonsense, the Ice River Valley’s status is far beyond the Ye Family or even the Five Great Clans. Why would they have any interest in the Ye Family?”
“Then why do you think they’ve come with such a force? Are they here for a tour?”
“…”
The sudden appearance of the Ice River Valley’s army sent the city into an uproar, as everyone tried to understand who could possibly make one of the Three Great Valleys, the Ice River Valley, mobilize on such a scale. The chill spread like a shroud, enveloping the city within a hundred meters, sealing it off from the outside world, and turning it into a frozen prison.
“The Ye Family, hand over the Poison Woman and others. Otherwise, today, the Ye Family will be destroyed!”
As the citizens panicked at the cold barrier, a hoarse, old voice carried by the powerful Dou Qi entered the city and echoed in everyone’s ears.
“The Poison Woman? So they came for the Poison Woman… No wonder…”
“It’s surprising that the Poison Woman is with the Ye Family. These guys are really bold…”
The old voice calmed the citizens somewhat. Some were relieved, realizing the Ice River Valley was here for the Ye Family. Although the city was under siege, as long as no one acted recklessly, the Ice River Valley shouldn’t harm innocents.
A few white figures slowly descended from the sky and hovered in mid-air. Their indifferent gazes swept over the city before focusing on the center, where the Ye Family was located. At the forefront of these figures was Tian She, who had narrowly escaped from Heavenly Fire Venerable. Beside him were several strong elders of the Ice River Valley and a white-robed, old man. His warm smile belied his formidable presence, making even Tian She wary.
As the figures appeared, the city erupted in chaos once more.
“Is that Tian She from the Ice River Valley? I can’t believe he’s here!”
“You’re blind; not only Tian She, but also the big figure beside him.”
“Is that Tian Shuangzi, the Great Elder of the Ice River Valley? They actually sent him out? It’s said he reached the Dou Zun level ten years ago!”
“The Ice River Valley must really want to capture the Poison Woman at all costs…”
While the city was in turmoil, the Ye Family was similarly in a state of panic. All members, especially the elders, paled as they saw the formidable display in the sky.
“Tian Shuangzi, Tian She…”
Yezhong stammered; either of these two could destroy the Ye Family. Now, with both of them here, the Ye Family…
“Poison Woman? When did the Ye Family ever harbor the Poison Woman?”
An elder, flustered, asked. Others fell into thought, then remembered suddenly:
“Is it about Xiao Yan and the others? Does the Poison Woman belong to their group?”
Realization dawned on Yezhong and the elders. They trembled, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“No need to panic. You don’t have to fight them to the death.”
A calm voice interrupted their panic. They turned to see Heavenly Fire Venerable. Though they couldn’t afford to offend the Ice River Valley, they couldn’t afford to offend this man either. Trapped between two giants, they felt helpless.
Heavenly Fire Venerable gazed at the sky, his gaze piercing through space to focus on the old man in white robes.
“A Dou Zun… They finally came…”
As Heavenly Fire Venerable murmured, a younger voice joined in. He turned to see a straight, young figure, emitting a sharp aura—Xiao Yan.
“Quite resourceful. To find us here. How is Little Healer Immortal?”
Heavenly Fire Venerable appeared beside Xiao Yan.
“Almost, but not quite ready yet.”
“True threats from the Ice River Valley. I’ll likely be occupied by that old man…”
Their situation was dire. If Heavenly Fire Venerable was tied up, Tian She might target Xiao Yan. A peak Battle Sect would be hard to handle, especially with other strong elders present.
Xiao Yan nodded, knowing the danger. He exhaled slowly, his eyes flashing with a fierce resolve. The Ice River Valley had sent a strong force, but it would take more than that to break him.
“Elder Yezhong, don’t worry. This is our issue, not yours…”
Xiao Yan smiled reassuringly at the pale elders. Turning to Heavenly Fire Venerable, he chuckled, “Elder Yi, care to meet the Ice River Valley with me?”
“Haha, I’ve faced Dou Shengs before. This is nothing.”
Heavenly Fire Venerable laughed heartily. Xiao Yan, feeling a surge of valor, stepped into the air, soaring towards the sky. Under the watchful eyes of many, he halted not far from Tian She and the others, followed by Heavenly Fire Venerable.
“Old Tian She, didn’t expect you to bring so many reinforcements after your last escape…”
Tian She’s face darkened. “You may have a tongue, boy, but when you’re in my hands, I’ll make sure you know the meaning of regretting being alive!”
“One who barely survived last time dares to brag?”
Tian She’s eyes flashed with fear, remembering their previous encounter.
“Haha, you must be the one who defeated Tian She. I’m Tian Shuangzi, the Great Elder of the Ice River Valley.”
“Stay out of this, or I’ll have to stop you.”
Tian Shuangzi maintained his smile, but his tone was clear. Heavenly Fire Venerable shook his head.
“Well, then, I’ll have to stop you myself…”
“Without mercy.”
Tian She, relieved, scanned the area for Xiao Yan. Not seeing him, Tian She sneered, “This city is sealed off. None of you will escape!”
Xiao Yan’s eyes turned cold.
“Let’s get to it. Hand him over; I hope you don’t fail like before…”
Tian Shuangzi glanced around, his gut telling him to end this quickly. He stepped towards Heavenly Fire Venerable, ignoring Xiao Yan.
Tian She, his gaze turning to Xiao Yan, snarled, “I’ll see if anyone can save you this time!”
Xiao Yan, calm, gathered his Dou Qi.
Just as Tian She was about to strike, a dense black fog approached, bringing a sinister laugh. “Tian She, let me handle this. This is the goal of the Soul Temple.”
Xiao Yan’s face turned icy. “Soul Temple?”
“Hehe, I never expected you to reach Battle Sect. Old Yao Chen chose well, but we still captured him. Haha!”
The black fog coalesced into a shadow, a laugh that turned Xiao Yan’s eyes red. Killing intent surged from Xiao Yan, his voice dripping with malice.
“Wu Huo Fa!”
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