93: Chapter 93 In-depth Study of Heritage, Preparing for Battle

"If a worker wishes to do a good job, he must first sharpen his tools." The dangers of the Beiming Cold Abyss were extraordinary; he must use the Legacy as a foundation and approach it with a foolproof plan.

The "inheritance star mirror" contained the vast knowledge and experience left behind by generations of "Gatekeepers." Within it, there must be detailed records regarding the Beiming Cold Abyss, secret techniques for dealing with extreme cold environments, combat skills for ice and snow, and perhaps even methods to break through the special environments where the "reincarnation seal" and "soul-stabilizing bead" were located.

This was far more fundamental and efficient than temporary refinement or scouting for scattered intelligence. Dedicating the final three days entirely to the deep excavation and comprehension of the Legacy was the only way to maximize his survival probability and mission success rate in the Beiming Cold Abyss.

His mind made up, Lin Ye no longer hesitated. He announced a three-day seclusion, declining all disturbances, and then, in a secret chamber behind the Lingyun Hall, he set up layers of Restrictions and took out the "inheritance star mirror."

The "inheritance star mirror" hovered before him, emitting a soft starlight. Lin Ye sat cross-legged and immersed his Divine Soul into it.

In an instant, his consciousness felt as if it had been pulled into an endless sea of stars. Countless starlight runes, like swimming fish, darted and combined within it, forming a vast stream of information. With a thought, he focused his attention on information related to "Beiming," "extreme cold," "ice," "Soul," "reincarnation seal," and "soul-stabilizing bead."

Immediately, the relevant starlight runes seemed to be summoned, gathering one after another, unfolding scenes, passages of text, and Cultivation Techniques before his "eyes."

He saw a thrilling journey from the ancient era where a Senior "Gatekeeper" had ventured alone deep into the Beiming Cold Abyss, battling a "Ice Soul Mystic Flood Dragon" born from the Origin of extreme cold near the "Eye of the Northern Deep" for three days and three nights, finally heavily injuring it with the "Star Fall" secret technique to obtain a small piece of "Mystic Nether Ice Crystal."

The scenes contained extremely detailed descriptions of the Beiming environment (terrifying low temperatures, ice storms, illusory snow mazes, spatial rifts) and the characteristics of the "Ice Soul Mystic Flood Dragon" (strong physical attacks, terrifying ice-type Spells, ability to control an ice Domain, and a weakness at the warm core in the center of its brow).

He saw a fragmented Cultivation Technique called the "Mystic Yang Cold-Resisting Art," created by a "Gatekeeper" skilled in fire techniques. It could circulate Supreme Yang Spiritual Qi along a special route to form an "internal fire cycle" within the body, greatly enhancing resistance to extreme cold environments, and could even briefly form a "Yang Fire Shield" on the body surface to resist the invasion of cold toxins. This technique had some commonalities with the "Great Sun Golden Flame Technique" and could be referenced and fused.

He saw a Divine Soul secret technique called "Ice Heart Clarity," which could keep the Divine Soul clear in extreme cold environments, resist the "Soul-freezing" effect (unique to Beiming, capable of slowly freezing the Divine Soul), and enhance resistance to ice-type illusions and mazes. It was similar in effect to Su Waner's "soul-calming ancient lamp," and they could complement each other.

He saw descriptions of the "Eye of the Northern Deep": it was the most core and dangerous area of the Beiming Cold Abyss, a massive ice vortex that constantly rotated and devoured all light and heat. The space-time within was extremely chaotic, connecting to an unknown cold plane. The center of the vortex was said to be the lost location of the "reincarnation seal," but it was also shrouded in extreme "Mystic Nether Death Qi" and chaotic "space-time turbulence." To enter it, one needed the Supreme Yang power of the "yan jun token" to protect the body, the Nether aura of the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" to balance the Death Qi, and the "spirit-nourishing bead" or "soul-stabilizing bead" to stabilize the Divine Soul; only then would there be a glimmer of possibility.

He also saw some scattered clues about the "soul-stabilizing bead": this bead did not seem to be naturally conceived in this realm, but was refined by an ancient powerful being using the "spirit-nourishing bead" as a foundation, fused with some strange substance from the "Reincarnation" level. It had the miraculous effects of stabilizing the Soul, calming the mind, resisting Heart Demons, and even briefly stabilizing space-time. Its last known location was indeed in Beiming, but the specific location was unknown; it seemed to be hidden by some powerful ice-type Formation or natural forbidden zone.

Information poured in like a tide, and Lin Ye, like a thirsty sponge, frantically absorbed, understood, and digested it. Combining it with his own existing knowledge and insights, he quickly integrated this Legacy information and made it his own.

The key points of the "Mystic Yang Cold-Resisting Art" were extracted and integrated into the circulation route of his own "Great Sun Golden Flame Technique." He attempted to construct an "internal fire cycle" within his body and soon felt it becoming handy; his resistance to cold significantly increased. The Ice-Fire Taiji in his Dantian also seemed to become more balanced and stable because of this, and the Dao of Ice and Fire complementing each other might have unexpected uses in the Beiming environment.

The "Ice Heart Clarity" secret technique was initially mastered. Combined with the righteous Sword Intent of the "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed at the center of his brow, he felt his Divine Soul becoming more condensed and transparent, possessing stronger defense against external mental interference and cold erosion.

He also had a deeper understanding of the "Star Fall" secret technique. This secret technique was not simply summoning a meteorite, but using the "inheritance star mirror" as a medium to draw upon the starlight power from the mysterious "Inheritance Star Path" space to form a destructive blow. Although the power was great, the consumption was also terrifying. The Legacy mentioned that if one could set up a "guiding star Formation" in a specific location (such as high altitude near the Eye of the Northern Deep) in advance, it could slightly reduce consumption and improve power and accuracy. He secretly noted this method down.

In addition, he also found some small tips on hiding, tracking, setting ice-type traps in ice and snow environments, and using the conflict of ice and fire to create greater destruction, all of which he studied one by one.

Three days passed in a flash during his deep seclusion.

When Lin Ye opened his eyes again, starlight faintly appeared in his pupils, and his aura was as heavy and steady as a mountain. The unknown and fear regarding Beiming had been replaced by ample preparation and powerful self-confidence. He felt that his overall strength, especially his adaptability to extreme environments and his application of the Legacy power, had improved significantly compared to three days ago.

When he left seclusion, the four of them—Chu Yun, Su Waner, Gui Li, and Ye Xiao—were already prepared and waiting outside the hall. All four had changed into specially made cold-resistant robes, their auras were full, and their eyes were determined.

"How is it?" Lin Ye asked.

"Elder Liu of Danxia Peak has prepared sufficient 'Chi Yang Pills,' 'Cold-Dispelling Talismans,' and 'Soul-Returning Liquid' for us. The Divine Weapon Peak also provided several High Grade ice-attribute defensive Magical Artifacts and ice-breaking tools. The Dark Hall has gathered the latest maps and known danger point markings for the edge areas of Beiming," Chu Yun reported.

"Through secret channels, Gui Li found out that the Yinkui Sect's team heading to Beiming this time is led by a 'Nether Elder' at the Late Stage of Golden Core, accompanied by at least five Foundation Establishment and over ten elite Qi Refining Cultivators. They seem to be looking for a place called 'Ice Soul Valley,' which is said to be an ancient battlefield ruin where ghosts linger, and is related to the legend of the 'soul-stabilizing bead.' But the specific location is unknown, and they are also exploring," Gui Li added.

"Ye Xiao has planned three relatively safe infiltration routes and prepared contingency plans for common dangers such as ice storms, avalanches, and ice rifts," Ye Xiao said concisely.

Su Waner held her "soul-calming ancient lamp," the flame stable. It was clear she had also adjusted her state to the best, and further refined part of the power of the "spirit-nourishing bead"; the power of the ancient lamp seemed to have increased.

"Very good." Lin Ye nodded, expressing satisfaction with everyone's preparations. He took out four specially made "Yang Soul Protective Talismans," refined from the scraps of the "spirit-nourishing bead" and the aura of the "Mystic Yang Cold-Resisting Art," and distributed them to the four. "These talismans can help you resist the Beiming cold and Soul-freezing. If you crush them at a critical moment, they can unleash a burst of Yang fire, buying you a chance to catch your breath."

"Thank you, Acting Sect Master (Master)!" The four received them solemnly.

"This trip to Beiming is extremely dangerous. Our goal is the 'reincarnation seal' and the 'soul-stabilizing bead,' but we must be on guard against the Yinkui Sect at all times. If you encounter an irresistible danger, prioritize preserving your lives. You may disperse and retreat, and rendezvous at the 'Snow Wolf Plain' on the outskirts of Beiming," Lin Ye instructed finally. "Let's go!"

The five no longer delayed, boarded a small flying boat that had been modified with added cold-resistance and concealment Formations, quietly left the Lingyun Sword Sect, and sped towards the north, towards that forbidden zone covered in eternal ice and snow—the Beiming Cold Abyss.

The flying boat flew at full speed, crossing the northern part of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. The temperature became lower and lower, and snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Ten days later, ahead was a vast world of white ice and snow. Continuous snow-capped mountains were like crouching dragons, wild winds howled, kicking up snow foam across the sky, and visibility was extremely low. The air was filled with biting cold and thin Spiritual Qi.

The Beiming Cold Abyss had arrived.

The flying boat landed in a leeward ice valley on the edge of the Cold Abyss. The five stepped out of the flying boat. Even with their cold-resistant robes and "Yang Soul Protective Talismans," they still felt a chill that penetrated to the bone marrow, and their Spiritual Qi circulation felt slightly sluggish. Looking around, the world was one color, with only the howling wind and snow.

"Following the third route planned by Ye Xiao, we will first head to the 'Ice-Crack Canyon'. It is a relatively safe passage that can take us five hundred miles deep into the Cold Abyss. Afterward, we will need to decide our specific direction based on the sensations from the 'inheritance star mirror' and the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts', as well as the movements of the Yinkui Sect," Lin Ye said.

"Understood."

The five of them put away their flying boats and utilized their movement techniques, advancing toward the Ice-Crack Canyon through snow that was deep enough to reach their knees.

Lin Ye took the lead, using his "Fiery Golden Eyes" to clear the path and detect hidden ice crevices and dangers beneath the snow in advance.

Su Waner held the lamp to provide light and stabilize their minds.

Chu Yun, Gui Li, and Ye Xiao were responsible for guarding the flanks and the rear.

The environment of the Beiming was even harsher than they had imagined.

Besides the extreme cold, there were ice-blade storms that appeared from time to time, capable of tearing through magical robes, as well as "Snow-Devouring Insects" hidden beneath the snow that could consume living beings.

There were also some ice-attribute Yao Beasts, such as "Snow Wolves," "Ice Bats," and "Cold Pythons." Although their strength was not high, they moved in packs and, by utilizing the environment, were extremely troublesome.

Fortunately, the five were well-prepared and coordinated seamlessly. With Lin Ye's "Fiery Golden Eyes" providing warnings and his powerful strength clearing the way, they proceeded without any dangerous incidents.

Three days later, they arrived at the "Ice-Crack Canyon."

On both sides of the canyon were ice cliffs reaching a thousand zhang in height, and in the middle was a riverbed covered by ice and snow (already frozen solid).

The gale in the canyon was even more intense, sounding like ghosts wailing, but it was relatively safe.

Just as they were about to pass through the narrowest part of the canyon, Lin Ye suddenly raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.

"There are signs of combat ahead, and... the aura of the Yinkui Sect," Lin Ye said, his gaze sharp as he looked toward the bend ahead in the canyon.

There, scattered on the ice were some broken pieces of Magical Artifacts and frozen black bloodstains, with faint traces of Nether Qi and cold Spiritual Qi fluctuations lingering in the air.

"It is the people from the Yinkui Sect, and they passed by not long ago. They may have been attacked," Gui Li said after carefully sensing the area.

"Advance with caution and check the situation," Lin Ye whispered. Everyone became more vigilant and slowly approached.

Turning the corner, the sight ahead made everyone gasp.

On the icy surface of the canyon lay seven or eight corpses scattered about, all dressed in black robes—they were indeed Yinkui Sect Cultivators!

Two of them were at the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment, and the rest were at the Late Stage of Qi Refining.

Their deaths were gruesome; it appeared they had been struck and torn apart by some immense force. Their bodies were dismembered and covered in a layer of pale blue frost, blending in with the surrounding environment.

"This was not done by Yao Beasts," Ye Xiao said in a deep voice after examining them. "The edges of the wounds are smooth and instantly frozen by an extremely strong icy force. It looks as if... they were instantly slaughtered by an extremely cold Sword Qi or ice blade. Moreover, the Storage Pouches on their bodies have all been looted."

"Could it be local Cultivators of the Beiming? Or... have people from other Sects arrived as well?" Chu Yun asked in confusion.

Lin Ye crouched down and used his "Fiery Golden Eyes" to carefully observe the corpses and the surrounding traces.

Suddenly, on the ice surface next to a corpse, he discovered a mark that was extremely blurred and almost blended into the ice.

It was a... fragmented pattern that seemed to be composed of six ice crystal snowflakes.

"This is..." Lin Ye frowned deeply. He seemed to have seen a similar description of this pattern in an ancient memory from the "inheritance star mirror."

That was... the mark of a mysterious and powerful ice-snow remnant race that had long since vanished in the river of history of the Beiming—the "Snow Soul Tribe"?!

The Snow Soul Tribe? The remnants from legend who served ice and snow and mastered ancient icy powers? Were they not already extinct? How could they appear here, and even attack the Yinkui Sect?

Furthermore, looking at the traces of the battle, the person from the Snow Soul Tribe who attacked was extremely strong, at least at the Golden Core level, and their control over icy power was superb.

Matters seemed to have become even more complicated.

"It seems that besides the Yinkui Sect, there are other forces in this Beiming Cold Abyss that we are unaware of, and... they are of unknown allegiance," Lin Ye said, slowly standing up, a hint of gravity flashing in his eyes.

"Continue forward, and be doubly careful. If you encounter anyone who is not from the Yinkui Sect, try to avoid conflict and observe first."

Everyone nodded, their moods becoming even heavier.

They continued to advance deep along the canyon. After traveling another hundred miles or so, the path ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a vast ice field surrounded by ring-shaped ice mountains.

In the center of the ice field, there stood several... Ice Palaces?! They were crafted entirely from cold ice, magnificent and beautiful, yet carrying an ancient and vicissitudinous aura.

And near the entrance of the Ice Palace, an even more intense battle was erupting!

One side consisted of over twenty Yinkui Sect Cultivators. The leader was an old man with a cold and deep aura, holding a black bone staff; he was none other than the "Elder Youming" at the Late Stage of the Golden Core! They were controlling dozens of powerful corpse puppets and ghosts, besieging the Ice Palace.

The other side consisted of about a dozen "Snow Soul Tribe" warriors dressed in snow-white animal skins, their faces blurred (seemingly obscured by ice crystals), and their bodies surrounded by biting cold air!

They held ice crystal spears or bows and arrows, their movements agile, and their ice-attribute Spells were fierce and precise. They seemed able to blend in with the surrounding environment, appearing and disappearing like ghosts, and were actually locked in a stalemate with the numerically superior Yinkui Sect!

What made Lin Ye's pupils contract even more was that at the top of the highest tower of the Ice Palace, a slender female figure emitting a faint blue light could be vaguely seen. She was holding an ice crystal staff, pointing it toward the battlefield from afar, seemingly presiding over some kind of Formation and amplifying the power of the Snow Soul Tribe warriors.

Through the faint sensations from the "inheritance star mirror" and the "command token of ten thousand ghosts," Lin Ye could feel that from deep within the Ice Palace, there seemed to be a pulsation coming that was of the same Origin as the "soul-stabilizing bead," but even more ancient and cold!

Could it be... that the "soul-stabilizing bead" or clues to it were inside this Ice Palace of the Snow Soul Tribe?!

Was the Yinkui Sect besieging the Ice Palace for the "soul-stabilizing bead"? Was the Snow Soul Tribe defending it to the death because it was their sacred object?

"What should we do?" Chu Yun asked in a low voice. When the snipe and the clam grapple, the fisherman benefits?

Lin Ye's eyes flickered as he quickly weighed the options. The Snow Soul Tribe's allegiance was unknown, but the Yinkui Sect was a mortal enemy.

If he let the Yinkui Sect break through the Ice Palace and obtain the "soul-stabilizing bead," the consequences would be unimaginable.

Moreover, judging by the posture of the woman in the Ice Palace and the fighting style of the Snow Soul Tribe, they did not seem to be evil.

Perhaps... he could try to make contact with the Snow Soul Tribe? But the risk was immense; the other party might also view them as intruders.

"Observe the situation, find a place to hide first." Lin Ye signaled everyone to retreat into a crevice in the ice cliff. Utilizing the lingering effects of the "shadowless veil" and the icy environment, they concealed their figures and observed the battle.

The battle had entered a white-hot stage.

Elder Youming was powerful; with a wave of the bone staff in his hand, streams of hideous ghostly shadows lunged out, corroding the ice layer and freezing Souls.

Although the Snow Soul Tribe warriors were brave, they were at a numerical disadvantage and were gradually being forced back, retreating toward the Ice Palace.

The woman on the tower also seemed to be struggling, the light of the Formation flickering uncertainly.

It seemed the defense of the Ice Palace was about to be broken.

Suddenly, the woman on the tower seemed to have sensed something; she turned her head abruptly and looked toward the direction of the ice cliff where Lin Ye and the others were hiding!

Despite the "shadowless veil" and the wind and snow, Lin Ye felt a cold, clear gaze that seemed capable of seeing through illusions fall upon him!

Immediately afterward, the woman's lips moved slightly, and a clear, cold, yet urgent and pleading female voice sounded directly in Lin Ye's mind:

"Outsiders who hold the power of the 'Flame Lord' and the 'command token', please help my tribe repel these filthy spirits that profane the ice and snow! My tribe is willing to offer the 'Ice Soul Heart-Condensing Lotus' and clues regarding the 'soul-stabilizing bead' as a reward!"

She could actually see through their concealment?! And she could simultaneously sense the auras of the "yan jun token" and the "command token of ten thousand ghosts"?! She even knew about the "soul-stabilizing bead"?!

Who on earth was this Snow Soul Tribe woman?!

Lin Ye's heart was shaken violently. He could not refuse the conditions offered by the other party.

The "Ice Soul Heart-Condensing Lotus" was a top-tier ice-attribute Heaven And Earth Treasure, which would be of great benefit to his cultivation of ice-attribute Cultivation Techniques and the "Mystic Jade Body."

And the clues to the "soul-stabilizing bead" were one of the core objectives of their trip.

But did he really want to get involved in this battle? Was the other party genuinely asking for help, or was it a trap?

Just as he hesitated for a split second.

Elder Youming also seemed to have sensed something; his cold gaze swept toward the ice cliff, and he shouted sternly, "You cowardly rats hiding your heads and showing your tails, get out here for this seat!"

As his voice fell, he pointed his bone staff, and a condensed stream of pitch-black Nether Qi transformed into a giant ghost claw, tearing through the wind and snow and fiercely grabbing toward the ice cliff where Lin Ye and the others were hiding!

Their whereabouts were exposed!

To fight, or not to fight?