Chapter 38: The Trial of the Hidden Snow Sect

Li Qin'er looked at Chen Xiang, puzzled. What was wrong with Master Li at this moment? Why did his silhouette seem somewhat desolate?

"Master, we'd better hurry. If we linger in one place too long, we might encounter demon beasts," Li Qin'er reminded him.

She shrugged her coat—even though it wasn't white, its style was quite unique. Still, it was warm, and it had been given to her by Master Li. She liked it very much.

Chen Xiang felt reluctant to leave after hearing her words. If demon beasts arrived, it would be a good chance to gain some experience. But finding the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow was the most urgent goal, so he steadied himself and said, "Alright, let's move quickly!"

The Land of Extreme Cold lay deep within the southernmost reaches, in the Heart of the Ice Valley—said to be the coldest place on the continent. Yet now, many people had gathered here, shivering in the biting wind, faces alight with eager anticipation.

"To become a disciple of our Hidden Snow Sect, you must pass four trials. This is the first. As long as you find your own way into the valley and locate at least one Frostgrass growing beneath the snow and ice, you may proceed. You can stay in the valley for up to three days; afterwards, those who hand over the Frostgrass will advance to the next round," announced a young man, his face as pale as jade, standing before the Ice Valley with a confident smile.

"Only one Frostgrass to pass? That's way too easy, ha ha!"

"Fool—Frostgrass is pure white, growing beneath the snow and ice. If you find even one, it's sheer luck!"

"Fellow cultivator, want to team up?"

"Yes!"

...

In front of the Ice Valley, thousands of cultivators discussed heatedly, as if the first trial were already in hand.

Most were in the Foundation Establishment or Core Formation stages, with a few Nascent Soul cultivators among them. That the Hidden Snow Sect could gather so many in this remote place spoke volumes of its reputation.

One Foundation Establishment cultivator, teeth chattering, grinned and muttered, "Looking for Frostgrass? Heh, luckily my father made me bring our ancestral Snow Seal Pearl—it can sense all spiritual herbs. Hidden Snow Sect, I’m definitely getting in!"

As he fantasized, a hand landed on his shoulder.

"Who’s there? What are you doing?" Startled, he spun around, but saw only other excited cultivators chatting—no one paid him any mind.

Frowning in confusion, he dismissed it, focused on entering the valley.

At the rear of the crowd, in an inconspicuous corner, two figures clad in green coats stood. One had both hands tucked into his sleeves, looking a bit sly; the other, slender and graceful, her perfect curves outlined beneath her clothes, a broad-brimmed hat lending her an odd, mismatched appearance. Though their attire was peculiar, nobody noticed them.

---

"Master, what were you up to just now?" Li Qin'er asked curiously.

Chen Xiang grinned, one hand hidden in his sleeve, fingering a pearl that glowed softly. "Nothing much. That person's voice was too quiet—I could hear it better up front."

After another two or three days trekking through the snowy wilderness, they finally reached the inner region of the Far South. Here, the cultivators had grown even more numerous. Chen Xiang stopped one and learned that the Ice Valley was actually the Hidden Snow Sect’s trial ground for recruiting disciples.

Chen Xiang had thought the Ice Valley belonged to no one, but now a powerful, mysterious sect occupied it. He could only observe for now, making plans as he went.

Hearing Chen Xiang's words, Li Qin'er rolled her eyes. Could his lie be any more obvious? The man's voice was enhanced by spiritual power—it could be heard for a hundred miles. How could Chen Xiang not hear it, standing so close?

"Who would have thought the Hidden Snow Sect had taken over the Ice Valley—did they have my permission? Not even a greeting. Who knows if the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow is still inside?" Chen Xiang complained. He feared it would be gone, and his trip wasted; his plan to restore Qin'er's appearance might have to be postponed.

Though the hat concealed her features, whenever he took advantage of her physically, he couldn't help but remember her face, making his embarrassment and compulsiveness worse.

Li Qin'er was speechless. Why would the sect need your permission to occupy the Ice Valley?

Just then, the thousands of cultivators fell silent as a rumbling voice sounded.

"No matter what method you use to obtain Frostgrass in the valley, we won’t interfere. But one thing: do not enter the Frozen Cave—it is forbidden, protected by powerful wards. Even a peak Divine Transformation cultivator would perish if the ward is triggered," the young man said solemnly.

The crowd grew serious. Not only were the wards terrifying—even peak Divine Transformation cultivators would be obliterated—they dared not touch them.

As for the Frostgrass, any method was permitted? Did that mean even killing others for their herbs was allowed? It seemed this trial would not be so simple.

"That’s all you need to know. We await your return with Frostgrass! Enter the valley!" the young man shouted.

At his signal, all the cultivators activated their shields, rushing into the valley, afraid the Frostgrass would be picked clean if they delayed.

Yet some remained in place, smirking at those who rushed in, unconcerned.

Among them, Li Qin'er and Chen Xiang stood unmoving.

"Idiots, running in to help others find Frostgrass," Chen Xiang chuckled, exposing the truth.

"Master, should we go in? The Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow is probably in the Frozen Cave, but the sect leader said it's heavily warded—we might not be able to enter," Li Qin'er said.

Chen Xiang nodded, smiling. "Don't worry, Qin'er. We can definitely get in. Trust me! If all else fails, the Hidden Snow Sect has kept it sealed for so long—they must have some in storage. I'll just steal it from them."

---

Li Qin'er was startled by Chen Xiang's words, grabbing his arm. "Master, you mustn't! The Hidden Snow Sect has a thousand-year legacy—there may well be powerful Transformation Stage cultivators guarding it. Stealing the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow from their sect would be extremely dangerous!"

Chen Xiang took the opportunity to caress Li Qiner's soft hand. No matter how many times he touched it, it always felt wonderful.

"Don't worry, Qin'er. There's nowhere in this world I can't go. Besides, I'm not foolish enough to risk my life."

Li Qiner blushed as he held her hand, but didn't resist—she was used to it by now. Hearing Chen Xiang's bold words, she somehow felt reassured.

As the outside cultivators went in one by one, Chen Xiang sensed it was time.

"Qin'er, let's enter," Chen Xiang said to her.

"Alright!" Li Qin'er nodded.

The two walked from their corner, strolling leisurely toward the valley.

"Hmm?" The young man looked curiously at Chen Xiang and Li Qin'er.

"What's wrong, Third Senior Brother?" a youthful girl asked.

"When did those two arrive? I didn’t notice them earlier. Their attire is quite unusual," the young man replied.

The girl glanced at Chen Xiang and Li Qin'er, frowning. "I didn’t notice them either. If they could evade our detection, they must have some ability."

"And their strange clothes seem to be cold-resistant garments. If they’re not unlucky, perhaps we’ll see them again in the second round," the young man, Third Senior Brother, observed keenly, recognizing the special nature of their coats.

"Really?" The girl looked closely, and the other disciples nearby also watched Chen Xiang and Li Qin'er with curiosity.

What kind of enchanted garment looked so shabby? It was absurd!

"To be continued..."