Zhi Hao, Black 3, and Black 4 continued their journey north, battling through increasingly intense snowstorms. The cold wind blew fiercely, making each step feel heavier, but their determination remained firm. Over the past few days, they had only encountered endless forests of ice and towering mountains. No signs of life, just a vast expanse of white snow.One night, as the snow fell so heavily that the sky seemed boundless, the group discovered an abandoned tent. Outside, fresh footprints were visible, sinking into the snow that had yet to be covered completely."Who could survive here in such conditions?" Black 4 asked, eyeing the footprints with suspicion.Zhi Hao studied the footprints for a moment. "These were made only a few hours ago. Someone's around here."They approached the tent, and upon opening the door, they found a middle-aged man sitting in a corner. His body appeared fatigued, but his eyes remained sharp. He wore thick, tattered clothes, and a light wound on his face

The cave felt warmer, thanks to the energy stone Zhi Hao held. Its soft light reflected off the icy walls, creating moving shadows that added to the mysterious atmosphere. Ling Xue stared at the stone intently, her eyes showing a mix of admiration and curiosity.Zhi Hao raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by her question. "The Mainland? No, I've only heard stories about it. As for this stone… I found it in a place far from here." Zhi Hao lied slightly, knowing it was impossible to reveal the truth about his World Ring.Ling Xue nodded slowly, seeming to piece something together. She leaned against the cave wall, her gaze drifting into the darkness. "The Mainland… it’s like a myth to many, but I’ve been there. That’s why I know what you’re holding isn’t ordinary. Energy stones like that are usually found only in ancient ruins on the Mainland."Zhi Hao sat across from her, his curiosity piqued. "What exactly is on the Mainland? Tell me more."Ling Xue gave a faint smile, though it d

The explosion from the Lightning Sword Technique: Wrath of the Gods devastated the guardian creatures of the ruins. The blue light of the attack illuminated the dark corridor, casting massive, shifting shadows on the trembling walls."Impressive, Young Master!" Black 4 exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with admiration despite his heavy breaths after the earlier battle.The creatures were scattered. Some of the giant spider-like bodies were cleaved in two, while others burned with lingering electric energy crackling in the air. The rustling sounds gradually faded, leaving an eerie silence.Yet, Zhi Hao didn’t lower his sword. “Don’t let your guard down,” he said firmly. “This isn’t over yet.”Black 3 and Black 4 quickly took defensive positions around Ling Xue, who was still analyzing the carvings on the walls.“Young Master is right,” Ling Xue murmured, her expression grave. “The energy protecting this place is still active. What we just faced was only the first layer of the ruins’ guardi

"You chose to die with bravery. I suppose that's commendable," Zhao Feng said, raising his hand now brimming with crimson energy.Zhi Hao smirked faintly. "Maybe you're strong, but never underestimate someone fighting for what they hold dear."The lightning energy surrounding Zhi Hao suddenly surged, fiercer and more violent than before. His Lightning Sword Technique began to show signs of evolution, as if Zhao Feng's overwhelming pressure pushed him beyond his limits."Lightning Sword Technique – Wrath of Heaven!" Zhi Hao leaped high, slashing with all his might, unleashing a wave of lightning that engulfed the entire hall.Zhao Feng stood arrogantly, watching Zhi Hao's raging storm with a look of disdain. "You might seem brilliant in the Nine Star Earth Realm, but do you know? When I reached that level, you weren't even born yet. I've crushed countless warriors far stronger than you."Zhi Hao gripped his sword tighter, the sparks around him intensifying. "Enough talk. If you're trul

After hours of trudging through the freezing snow, Ling Xue realized Zhi Hao could barely hold on any longer. She turned to Black 4 and pointed toward a direction. "Beyond that hill, there’s a safe cave."It took significant effort, but they eventually reached the cave. The cold intensified, with the snow growing thicker, making their earlier journey even more grueling.“Lay him here!” Ling Xue cleared a slightly damp patch of ground.Black 3 and Black 4 quickly carried Zhi Hao to the spot Ling Xue indicated. They carefully placed him on a flat rock, examining his battered condition anxiously. His injuries were severe, and his energy aura was so faint it was nearly imperceptible.Ling Xue knelt beside him, pulling out various herbs and salves from a small pouch she carried. Skillfully, she began cleaning Zhi Hao's wounds and applying the ointments to the most critical areas.“He really pushed himself beyond his limits,” Ling Xue muttered, biting her lip to hold back tears.Black 4 sto