On an endless sea, a massive iron ship cut through the wind and waves, sailing westward at tremendous speed.
The ship was loaded with cultivation supplies, and its crew consisted entirely of disciples from the Water God Temple.
Yang Kai stood at the bow, gazing toward the western horizon, his thoughts drifting. Ever since his dual cultivation with Su Yan, they had never been separated for this long. The deep longing in his heart was like aged wine—the longer it was stored, the richer it became.
He had stayed on Water Spirit Island for about half a month. Seizing the opportunity of the trade exchange between the Water God Temple and the Ice Sect, Yang Kai had boarded the ship along with them.
During those two weeks, Shui Ling had taken excellent care of him, providing every possible convenience and constantly trying to persuade Yang Kai to join the Water God Temple. Unfortunately, he never budged.
Before departing, Shui Ling had been sulking and didn't even show up to say goodbye.
During those half months, Yang Kai had also managed to track down the herb needed for refining a saint-grade pill through Shui Ling's help.
The herb wasn't available in Water Blue City, but for the Water God Temple, finding it wasn't too difficult.
Though the iron ship couldn't match Yang Kai's flying speed, it was by no means slow. Moreover, this ship had apparently been forged using special methods—it bore traces of artifact craftsmanship. Even if they encountered demon beast attacks on the open sea, it wouldn't be destroyed easily.
Several Transcendent Realm experts were stationed on the ship as a precaution.
He Pu from Yin Cloud Island had come along this time as well. He was mainly responsible for handling the trade dealings with the Ice Sect. Although the Ice Sect was powerful, with many experts, and their demeanor was cold as ice, that very quality meant they were quite trustworthy during transactions. The Water God Temple had been cooperating with them for years, and both sides trusted each other. All they had to do was bring the goods, and they could exchange them for a large quantity of ice-attribute spirit herbs and medicines from the Ice Sect.
Furthermore, the Ice Sect region was rich in a type of ice-attribute mineral ore, which were all valuable materials the Water God Temple needed.
"Young Master Yang." He Pu appeared beside Yang Kai with an obsequious smile. "In about another half month, we should reach the area of the glacier. Then we'll have to disembark and fly over. The person you're looking for is in that glacial world."
"The Ice Sect—what kind of sect is it?" Yang Kai turned his head to look at him.
"I'm not too sure about that myself," He Pu said with an awkward smile.
"You don't know either? Aren't you in frequent trade contact with them?"
"We are, yes. But I've never actually entered the Ice Sect. Every time we trade, it takes place on a stretch of glacier that still seems to be some distance from the sect. Those Ice Sect people—not only are they cold and unapproachable, but they always wear sour faces, as if we owe them money. And they're extremely wary of outsiders. They believe the Ice Sect is a pure land, and that outsiders only bring defilement to that flawless world. Anyone who dares approach their territory won't be treated kindly."
"So you don't know where exactly the Ice Sect is located?" Yang Kai frowned slightly.
He Pu shook his head, gave a light cough, and said, "The Young Miss instructed that if this trip doesn't go smoothly, she'd ask Young Master Yang to return to Water Spirit Island. She will be waiting there for your arrival."
Yang Kai let out an amused laugh. "That little rascal is still trying to rope me in, huh?"
He Pu's mouth twitched. He had never heard anyone call the Young Miss a "little rascal." Young Master Yang's tone was something else entirely—and his relationship with the Young Miss was clearly no ordinary one.
"The wind's strong and the waves are rough out here. Let's go inside," He Pu said with a smile. "The brothers have prepared some food and drink. They'd like to treat Young Master Yang, if you'd be so gracious."
"Sure." Yang Kai nodded and followed He Pu into the ship's cabin.
Though people like He Pu didn't know the exact nature of the relationship between Yang Kai and Shui Ling, they could make some guesses. Shui Ling treated Yang Kai differently from everyone else, so naturally they wanted to build some rapport with him.
Yang Kai, ever the go-with-the-flow type, quickly bonded with the crew members. They passed cups back and forth, toasting and drinking, the atmosphere warm and lively.
Days passed by. The air grew noticeably colder, as if the iron ship were gradually sailing into a frigid, icy world.
The waves on the sea had weakened considerably compared to before. Thin ice surrounded the vessel on all sides.
As time went on, the situation grew worse and worse.
Yang Kai knew they must be approaching the glacial world. His heart filled with boundless anticipation, and his spirits soared.
Half a month later, the sailing ship came to a halt. The sea ahead had frozen solid. Goose-feather snow drifted down from the sky, and the ice accumulated on the ocean surface was several feet thick.
The ship could go no further.
He Pu deftly directed the crew to stow the ship's cargo into Cosmos Bags, preparing to step onto the glacier.
After a flurry of activity, everything was ready.
A few people were left to watch over the iron ship. The rest jumped down, braving the biting cold wind as they headed west.
The temperature here was exceedingly frigid. Even warriors like He Pu wore multiple layers of cold-resistant clothing. Yang Kai, on the other hand, was dressed lightly. Not only did he feel no cold, but his face even had a healthy rosy glow—something that left He Pu and the others marveling in astonishment, wondering what level of cultivation Yang Kai could possibly possess to remain completely unaffected in such harsh conditions.
What greeted their eyes was a world of white. The glacial landscape seemed utterly free of impurities, pure as the eyes of a newborn child.
The small group flew forward at full speed, covering a great distance over several days. Finally, the Transcendent Realm expert leading the group suddenly raised a hand in a signal.
Everyone stopped and squinted toward the distance.
In the snow-filled world ahead, there appeared to be several figures dressed in snow-white robes. Against that pristine backdrop, they were virtually invisible.
Yang Kai had already sensed the life auras emanating from those people, but he said nothing.