186: Night Talk on the Icefield, Refinement of Sword Intent

After repelling the Hall of Souls' attack, the caravan continued its journey across the vast ice plain.

However, the atmosphere was completely different from before; all the guards, including Steward Wu, looked at Li Ao and Medusa with an almost reverent awe.

Their unparalleled demeanor, effortlessly slaying eight Dou Emperors and severely wounding a Heavenly Venerate, was deeply etched into their hearts.

The footsteps of the pack animals seemed lighter, as if they too recognized the strength of their protectors.

As dusk approached, the day-long blizzard finally began to weaken.

Steward Wu chose to set up camp under a huge ice rock sheltered from the wind.

The guards skillfully cleared an open space, pitched tents, and lit heating devices powered by fire-attribute magic cores, casting an orange-yellow glow that brought a touch of warmth to the deepening twilight.

Jin Ling dismounted from the carriage and stepped onto the soft snow; her small face still lacked color, but her eyes were much brighter than before.

She secretly glanced at Li Ao, who stood with his hands behind his back at the edge of the camp, gazing into the distance, then looked at Medusa, who sat quietly by the fire, meditating with her eyes closed, her heart filled with gratitude and an indescribable sense of security.

"Young Miss Jin, have some hot soup to warm yourself up."

Steward Wu personally brought a steaming bowl of meat soup.

"Thank you, Uncle Wu."

Jin Ling took it and sipped slowly; the warm food in her stomach dispelled much of the cold.

Li Ao stood at the edge of the ice rock, letting the cold wind whip his clothes and hair.

He wasn't merely looking at the scenery but was reviewing the battle from earlier in the day.

With "silent ruin" in hand, the feeling of employing the nascent "Three Forms of Nirvana" was completely different from when he previously used only Nirvana Power or Saber Intent.

Saber Intent gave Nirvana "direction" and "cohesion," preventing the power from dissipating and doubling its efficiency; while Nirvana imbued Saber Intent with the characteristics of "ending" and "destruction," causing a qualitative change in its lethality.

"The 'Stream Severance' form focuses on the instantaneous burst of 'severing' and 'annihilation,' which is remarkably effective against energy entities and Formations."

"The 'Burying Star' form, on the other hand, emphasizes the oppressive 'momentum' and widespread Nirvana, suitable for dealing with enemies with strong defenses or those unable to evade."

He meticulously pondered the practical application and subtle differences of the two Saber Techniques, constantly simulating and optimizing the energy circulation routes and the Fusion ratio of Saber Intent and Nirvana Power in his mind.

"Unfortunately, the 'Return to Ruin' form is still just a vague Concept and has not yet taken shape."

Li Ao mused.

His ideal third form should be a sublimation of the first two, truly drawing upon the Origin of the nirvana star core to create a Domain of absolute stillness and all things returning to ruin, but that required a deeper understanding of the Nirvana Law, which he was currently unable to achieve.

However, he was already very satisfied with the power of just the first two forms.

Especially when wielded with "silent ruin," it was like adding wings to a tiger.

This life-bound saber seemed to exist inherently to embody his "Way of Blade Silence."

"It seems that the decision to reforge my weapon was the correct one."

Li Ao caressed the cold blade of "silent ruin," feeling the faint resonance emanating from within, his resolve growing firmer.

"Your saber is fast."

A clear, cold voice sounded from behind him.

Li Ao turned to see Medusa had come to his side at some point.

The campfire's light danced on her exquisite profile, making her purple eyes appear even deeper.

"Not fast enough."

Li Ao shook his head slightly, "It might be sufficient against the likes of Wild Eagle, but if I encounter true powerhouses, such as those high-ranking Heavenly Venerates of the Hall of Souls, or even... Dou Saints, this speed and power are far from enough."

Medusa was silent for a moment, then said, "Your power is very special, possessing both extreme sharpness and destruction.

This king can feel that it is still growing."

Li Ao nodded, not denying it.

The potential of the nirvana star core was far beyond what he could currently tap into.

"The Ice Spirit Clan... it is said that their Legacy is ancient and they live in isolation.

Perhaps they might have some understanding of your Nirvana Power, or a way to accelerate your control over this power."

Medusa looked towards the depths of the ice plain, where the Ice Spirit Clan's direction was marked on the map.

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Ao's eyes; he hadn't expected Medusa to think of this.

Indeed, as an ancient race, the Ice Spirit Clan might possess some unknown secrets.

Even without a direct connection, drawing upon their experience in controlling ice and stillness-type powers might inspire his comprehension of Nirvana.

"I hope so."

Li Ao looked towards the unknown land shrouded in night and blizzard, his eyes filled with anticipation.

As night deepened, the camp gradually quieted down, with only the crackling of the campfire and the faint footsteps of the night watch guards remaining.

Li Ao returned to his tent, but instead of sleeping, he sat cross-legged and took out the "nine nether cold iron" he had acquired from Wanjin Pavilion.

The moment the jade box opened, a chilling Evil Qi once again permeated the air.

He did not immediately begin to smelt it, but gently placed his palm on the cold iron, circulating the nirvana star core within his body, and directed an extremely subtle wisp of Nirvana Power to slowly probe into the cold iron's interior.

What he intended was not a crude absorption, but to feel and understand this extremely yin and cold Evil Qi, to perceive its Concept of "freezing" and "dead stillness," and to see if it could mutually verify with his own Nirvana Power, or even... absorb its essence to nourish himself.

This was a slow and meticulous process, requiring immense patience and precise control over power.

Wisp by wisp, the chilling Evil Qi was guided, stripped, and analyzed by Nirvana Power, then slowly refined and absorbed by the star core.

Li Ao could feel that his understanding of the "icy" and "stagnant" aspects of "Nirvana" was deepening at an extremely slow but definite pace.

At the same time, he also dedicated a sliver of his consciousness to the interior of the nirvana star core.

The wisp of Xiao Yi Xian's true spirit, nurtured by the star core's Origin, seemed to have solidified by an imperceptible amount, though still fragile, at least it no longer faced the risk of dissipating.

"Xian'er, just wait a little longer... once we reach the Ice Spirit Clan and obtain all the Materials, I will definitely bring you back as soon as possible."

Li Ao murmured in his heart, his gaze gentle and firm.

The night was long, the ice plain silent.

But within this small tent, power was quietly growing, and hope was slowly coalescing.

There were still several days' journey to the Ice Spirit Clan's territory.

And the Hall of Souls' next attack might be waiting for them in some blizzard-swept place ahead.