Chapter 1027: Soul Warning

After the banquet, while Feng Huituo was seeing guests off, Yun Che found an opportune moment to slip away. He wandered behind the palace for a short while before stopping in front of an unusual pond that hadn't frozen over. He gazed at the floating green leaves on its surface and let out a long sigh.

After a day of commotion, his ears were still ringing, and he still had no idea how to acquire the Qilin Horn.

"This is much harder than I expected," Yun Che muttered to himself in frustration.

For Mu Xuanyin, it would have been a simple request. But for him, he couldn't even bring himself to ask. After all, the Ice Wind Empire bore him no ill will and treated him with the utmost respect. As the Ice Wind Emperor, Feng Huituo had even declared his willingness to "sacrifice ten thousand lives." If Yun Che were to directly ask for the Qilin Horn...

It was a sacred artifact, considered by the Ice Wind Empire to be intrinsically linked to the nation's destiny!

In the Snow Song Realm, it seemed no one except Mu Xuanyin could make such a request.

But what other options were there besides making a forceful demand? Stealing it? As a sacred artifact of the nation, it was undoubtedly hidden in the most secluded and heavily guarded place. Even if he knew its exact location, what power did he possess to steal it?

Mu Xuanyin had specifically told him to come alone. With his current profound energy, any high-ranking palace guard could defeat him in an instant. As for Mu Xiaolan, who had unexpectedly accompanied him... she was even more of a burden than he was.

"Oh? Yun Che, so this is where you've been."

As Yun Che pondered, Mu Xiaolan approached with light steps, then with a playful skip, she stood beside him, grinning. "Hehe, don't you feel incredibly impressive today?" she asked.

Yun Che exhaled, remaining silent.

"Huh? Why do you seem unhappy?" Mu Xiaolan leaned closer, observing his expressionless face.

"What's there to be happy about?" Yun Che retorted, pursing his lips.

"Hmm... so many people praised and flattered you, rushing to toast you. Even Senior Brother Han Yi's father had to bow when speaking to you. I don't believe you're not at least a little proud inside," Mu Xiaolan said, puffing out her cheeks.

Yun Che sighed softly. "Do you think I'm the one they're flattering and revering?" he asked.

"Huh?" Mu Xiaolan was taken aback.

"No," Yun Che shook his head. "The one they truly revere and flatter is Master."

"Before I revealed my identity as a direct disciple, hardly anyone in the hall paid me much attention. The Ice Wind Emperor didn't even remember the name I'd just told him. Not only them, but your father, on the profound ark, shamelessly mocked my background and sternly ordered me to stay away from you."

"Ah!!" Mu Xiaolan gasped, her face paling slightly. "Father... he..."

"Alright, don't be nervous. I didn't say I blame your father." Yun Che reached out and gently poked her forehead. "When you see your parents later, remember to tell your father not to dwell on today's events, and there's no need for him to apologize to me. I don't mind at all, so he can sleep soundly tonight."

Mu Xiaolan clasped her hand to her forehead, finally understanding why her father had been so distracted and incoherent earlier. She asked anxiously, "Father actually... You... you really don't blame him?"

"What's there to blame?" Yun Che shrugged. "Isn't this perfectly normal? Given my profound energy and background, I only deserve such treatment in front of these important figures, don't I?"

"And their change in attitude is solely because of my identity as the Sect Master's direct disciple."

"Even if Master no longer held the titles of Snow Song Realm King and Ice Phoenix Sect Master, the people of the Snow Song Realm would still revere her like a deity. And if I didn't have this identity granted by Master, forget the praise and flattery from these people today; I doubt they would even give me a second glance. So, I have nothing to be happy about. Instead, I've gained a clearer understanding of the reality that power is supreme in this world."

Mu Xiaolan paused for a moment, then shook her head. "What you said isn't entirely right. While your profound energy isn't particularly outstanding now, your ice talent is remarkably high, and you are the Great Realm King's direct disciple. It won't be long before you become a powerful and influential figure. No one doubts this, so it's only natural for them to curry favor with you now."

"Forget it," Yun Che said indifferently. "Anyway, in two or three years... at most three or four, I'll leave this place. On our Blue Pole Star, I am the Great Realm King. I can be as impressive as I want!"

"Hmph," Mu Xiaolan scoffed, rolling her eyes at him. Then, in a voice only she could hear, she muttered to herself, "You're already a direct disciple; it'd be strange if the Sect Master let you go back."

But Father actually said those things to him on the profound ark... Oh, it's so embarrassing, what should I do...

"You... you really don't blame Father?" Mu Xiaolan asked again, head bowed, her voice soft with guilt and unease.

"If it were anyone else, with my old temper, I would have long ago... *cough, cough, cough*... but since it's Senior Sister Xiaolan's father, of course I don't blame him in the slightest," Yun Che declared confidently. "Besides, I know your father is by no means a bad person. His warning to me was also out of concern for you."

Yun Che turned his gaze to Mu Xiaolan's soft, clear profile. "I can tell that your father has a very direct and straightforward personality. He's not one for scheming, nor does he bother with it. When we first met, he openly and directly showed his disdain for me. Although he seemed particularly fierce at the time, he wasn't scary at all," Yun Che explained. "Senior Sister Xiaolan, do you know what kind of person is truly terrifying in this world?"

"Huh?" Mu Xiaolan's lips parted slightly.

"It's the kind of person who never lets anyone see their true joy, anger, or sorrow. Regardless of who they face — even someone as insignificant as an ant or someone they utterly despise — they always manage to make others feel completely at ease!"

As he spoke, Yun Che's face and eyes revealed a solemn expression.

Mu Xiaolan looked utterly confused, not understanding why Yun Che was suddenly saying these things.

"This kind of person possesses terrifying patience, shrewdness, and cunning... not just ordinary terrifying. At least, I could never flawlessly hide every trace of hatred in front of someone I deeply resent, let alone chat and laugh with them so naturally. Such people usually don't harm others and are admired, praised, respected, and looked up to by almost everyone as if they were saints. But once they decide to eliminate someone... it will definitely be a carefully considered, absolutely decisive, fatal blow that leaves no lingering consequences. It's like a venomous snake coiled in the darkness, suddenly striking at the most opportune, darkest moment. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine."

Having said this, Yun Che clasped his hands behind his head and quietly gazed up at the night sky.

Mu Xiaolan's gaze remained bewildered. "Yun Che, what... what are you talking about? I don't seem to understand."

"Did you not understand, or are you unwilling to believe you understood?" Yun Che shot her a sideways glance, muttering nonchalantly, "Don't doubt it, it's that person who just popped into your head... Forget it, you probably won't believe it anyway. Just take a little bit of it to heart and be more cautious."

Mu Xiaolan remained silent.

Just then, hurried footsteps approached from behind. Feng Hange arrived with a group of guards. His eyes lit up as he spotted Yun Che, and he quickened his pace. "Brother Yun, so you're here," he said. "Han Yi left due to urgent matters and thus neglected you. I hope you'll forgive him."

Yun Che turned, smiling. "Crown Prince, there's no need for such formalities," he said. "The Ice Wind Imperial Palace at night is truly beautiful and delightful. I found myself here without even realizing it."

Seeing no trace of displeasure on Yun Che's face, Feng Hange relaxed. He bowed and said, "To receive such high praise from Brother Yun, the beautiful scenery here would surely feel immensely honored if it could understand. By the way, your chambers have been prepared. Having journeyed through the wind and snow, Brother Yun, you must be a bit tired. Would you like to rest early?"

Yun Che considered for a moment, then nodded. "That would be good," he replied.

"Please. Oh, Miss Situ, your chambers have also been prepared, conveniently located near Brother Yun's. Perhaps you'd like to go see them together."

"Oh... alright," Mu Xiaolan said, somewhat dazed and clearly still pondering Yun Che's earlier words.

Led personally by Feng Hange, Yun Che and Mu Xiaolan arrived at the Ice Ceremony Palace, which had been meticulously prepared throughout the day. Cold flowers swayed, ice spirits danced slowly, and colorful corals shimmered. Even the carpet outside the palace was woven from the finest ice silk.

In front of the Ice Ceremony Palace, twenty maidens in snow-white, light gauze were already waiting. All appeared to be under twenty years old, each with beautiful features and an extraordinary noble aura. As Yun Che arrived, they stepped forward gracefully and bowed, saying, "Welcome, Young Master Yun."

Mu Xiaolan's lips parted in surprise.

"Brother Yun, this place is called the Ice Ceremony Palace. It has traditionally been used by our Ice Wind Imperial Family to entertain our most distinguished guests. Hundreds of the palace's finest experts guard it a thousand steps away, so you can rest assured about your safety," Feng Hange said in a lowered voice. "These twenty women were personally selected by my father from the imperial city. While they cannot compare to Fairy Fei Xue, they are all from noble families and are all virgins. Brother Yun, please feel free to... enjoy."

Mu Xiaolan was speechless.

"Oh! Excellent!" Yun Che's eyes gleamed as he nodded in satisfaction. "Crown Prince, you are truly thoughtful! Please convey my sincere thanks to your father."

"As long as Brother Yun is satisfied," Feng Hange said, feeling greatly relieved at Yun Che's beaming expression.

"Senior Sister Xiaolan, would you like to come in and have a look?" Yun Che asked with a smile.

It was phrased as a question, but it was clearly a polite way of telling her to leave.

Mu Xiaolan was furious. She stomped her foot forcefully and indignantly declared, "How dare I disturb the distinguished direct disciple of the Sect Master enjoying himself, hmph!!!"

With that, Mu Xiaolan turned and left.

Yun Che slowly nodded. "Is that so? Alright then, Crown Prince, I'll trouble you to escort Senior Sister Xiaolan back."

"Ah... alright, Brother Yun. If you have any instructions, please let me know anytime. Don't hesitate."

"You'd better not let Senior Sister Fei Xue find out!" Mu Xiaolan, who had walked some distance away, suddenly turned back and called out indignantly.

"Uh... Your humble servant takes his leave," Feng Hange said with an awkward bow, then hastily retreated.

"Ah, women are truly troublesome," Yun Che sighed softly in relief. He then looked up at the night sky, which was considerably darker than that of the Ice Phoenix Realm, and murmured to himself, "I have a feeling something big is going to happen tonight."