48: The cold wind penetrates the bones, and the murderous intent accompanies it

Three days passed in a flash.

Outside the Sect's gate, the biting wind of early winter, laden with residual snow, stung people's faces.

A massive flying boat hovered silently above the square.

This flying boat, crafted entirely from azure jade, had sleek lines and its hull was covered in wind-controlling runes. It was the Sect's "Flowing Cloud Boat," specifically for long-distance missions.

Eight figures had already gathered beneath the boat.

The leader was Wei Changkong.

He was still dressed in a moon-white long robe, his posture tall and straight, a smile on his face. He was conversing in a low voice with several fellow Disciples beside him, exuding an extraordinary demeanor, naturally becoming the center of the crowd.

Beside him, Guo Fan stood with his arms crossed, an arrogant expression on his face, his gaze frequently sweeping towards the direction of the Sect's gate, a barely concealed sneer on his lips.

The other few were also well-known Disciples within the inner Sect, each with a profound aura and a cultivation at Foundation Establishment Peak.

They subtly took Wei Changkong as their leader, forming a close-knit small group.

About a dozen yards away from them, a solitary figure stood.

It was a woman, dressed in a simple grey combat attire, her long hair tied back simply, carrying an ancient-sheathed longsword on her back.

The woman's appearance was not outstanding, only moderately pretty, but her temperament was as if she kept everyone a thousand miles away.

She just stood there quietly, as if isolated from the surrounding commotion, forming her own world.

This person was named Cold Moon, a famous lone Sword Cultivator of the inner Sect, a ruthless individual who dedicated all her time to arduous cultivation and missions.

Just then, a figure walked out slowly from the Sect's gate, with unhurried steps.

Zou Feng had arrived.

He had changed into a black combat attire, which made his figure appear even taller and more upright, his entire being exuding a restrained sharpness.

His appearance instantly drew everyone's attention.

"Junior Brother Zou, you're here."

Wei Changkong was the first to greet him, his smile warm and enthusiastic, as if seeing a close friend.

"I was worried you'd be delayed by mundane matters, but it seems Senior Brother worried too much."

He affectionately patted Zou Feng's shoulder.

Guo Fan snorted coldly and spoke in a sarcastic tone.

"Oh, our great Genius has finally arrived, he really made us wait."

The few Disciples around him also let out low chuckles, their gazes towards Zou Feng filled with disdain and scrutiny.

"Junior Brother Guo, don't be rude."

Wei Changkong turned back, feigning displeasure as he reprimanded him.

He then turned to Zou Feng and smiled apologetically.

"Junior Brother Guo is straightforward, with no ill intentions. Junior Brother Zou, please don't take offense."

"This trip to the Xuan Sha Cave Abode is fraught with danger. We are a team, and we must work together."

Zou Feng's expression was calm. He nodded slightly to Wei Changkong.

"Senior Brother Wei is right."

He ignored Guo Fan's provocation and paid no mind to the unfriendly gazes around him, as if they were just a group of insignificant ants.

This complete disregard made Guo Fan even more furious than any retort would have.

His face darkened, and just as he was about to lash out, Wei Changkong stopped him with a look.

Wei Changkong looked deeply at Zou Feng, his estimation of this newcomer rising a few points in his heart.

This Heart-Nature far surpassed that of his peers.

And precisely because of this, he needed to be nipped in the bud even more.

"Alright, everyone is here. Let's depart."

Wei Changkong waved his hand and was the first to leap onto the flying boat.

Everyone followed closely.

Zou Feng stepped onto the deck, walked straight to a secluded corner at the stern, sat down cross-legged, and closed his eyes to rest.

The female Cultivator named Cold Moon also chose another corner, keeping her distance from everyone.

Buzz!

The "Flowing Cloud Boat" trembled slightly, and the runes on its hull lit up one after another, forming a pale green light shield that kept the biting cold wind out.

The flying boat transformed into a streak of light, soaring into the sky, speeding towards the border of the Great Yan Dynasty.

The interior space of the flying boat was quite spacious.

Wei Changkong's small group occupied the central position. They talked loudly, their voices neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for everyone on the flying boat to hear.

"Speaking of which, last time we went to the Black Wind Marsh, if Senior Brother Wei hadn't made a decisive move and trapped that Fourth-rank demon python with the Three Talents Sword Formation, we would probably have been left there."

"That's right, Senior Brother Wei's Formation attainments are second to none in the inner Sect."

"This time, True Man Xuan Sha's Immortal Cave is said to have chaotic Restrictions inside, which is a perfect opportunity for Senior Brother Wei to show his skills."

Their words were full of praise for Wei Changkong, while also showcasing their small group's rich mission experience and powerful strength.

Guo Fan's gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, darted towards Zou Feng in the corner, with a strong sense of showing off.

"The Xuan Sha Cave Abode is not a warm jade banquet. Relying on a bit of luck and unconventional methods won't keep you alive."

His voice suddenly rose a few octaves.

"Some people, ah, really think that by defeating one of me, they can swagger around the inner Sect? How naive!"

"For this mission, I hope some people don't drag everyone down. Otherwise, swords and blades have no eyes. If you die in a Restriction, no one will collect your body for you!"

It was a naked threat, without any concealment.

In the corner, Zou Feng's eyelids didn't even twitch.

He appeared to be resting with his eyes closed, but in reality, his Divine Sense had long since sunk into the Jade Slip his Revered Master, Zhao Elder, had given him.

About True Man Xuan Sha's life, the characteristics of his Cultivation Technique, the Formation styles he specialized in... about the topography of the Xuan Sha Mountain Range, the geomorphic changes over the past hundred years, the possible areas of spatial cracks... countless pieces of information flowed, integrated, and analyzed in his mind, constructing a complete model.

At the same time, he split a wisp of his Heart-Nature to observe everyone on the flying boat.

Wei Changkong's hypocrisy and cunning.

Guo Fan's impulsiveness and stupidity.

The sycophancy of the few followers.

And... the woman named Cold Moon.

From beginning to end, she was like a brick, uninterested in everything outside.

But Zou Feng could feel that beneath that exterior, there was an extremely sharp and pure Sword Intent hidden.

This was a pure Sword Cultivator, a person who lived only for her goals.

According to the public information from the Sect's Mission Hall, she took on this mission for a Body Refining Spirit Medicine rumored to exist within the Immortal Cave, the "Ice Soul Body Refining Grass."

As long as it didn't conflict with her goal, she would most likely remain neutral.

A variable that could be temporarily ignored but needed to be watched with caution.

The flying boat pierced through clouds and fog, moving at an extremely fast speed.

The mountains and rivers below rapidly receded, and the scenery gradually changed from lush, continuous mountain ranges to desolate and bleak landscapes.

The concentration of Spiritual Qi in the air also slowly decreased, replaced by wisps of Evil Qi.

After an unknown amount of time, the flying boat's speed began to slow down.

Wei Changkong stood up, his voice solemn.

"Everyone, the Xuan Sha Mountain Range, we have arrived."

Everyone stood up and looked out the portholes.

Below, they saw a continuous stretch of black mountains.

The peaks were jagged like dog's teeth, with grotesque rocks, and their entire bodies were an ominous iron-black color.

There was hardly any continuous greenery on the mountains, only some twisted and strange black withered trees stubbornly growing in the rock crevices.

The entire mountain range was shrouded in a layer of grey-black miasma, lifeless and exuding a suffocating oppression that made one's heart palpitate.

The "Flowing Cloud Boat" slowly descended into a relatively flat valley.

The cabin door opened.

A cold wind, mixed with a putrid smell, instantly poured in.

This wind was much colder and more bone-chilling than the winter wind within the Sect, as if it could directly penetrate into one's bone marrow.

Wei Changkong stepped off the flying boat and surveyed this ominous land.

"Everyone, from now on, be on high alert."

His gaze finally fell on Zou Feng, his tone filled with concern.

"Especially Junior Brother Zou, your cultivation is still shallow, and your experience is insufficient. You must stay close to me and never act on your own, understand?"

Zou Feng looked up, met his "sincere" gaze, and nodded calmly.

He stepped off the flying boat, his feet landing on the black sandy soil.

The "Black Tortoise Heart Guard Mirror" was quietly pressed against his chest.