Chapter 2065: Zhu Yan

A Worldly Life

The mirage vanished, and the misty, hazy scene ahead returned, so there was no longer any need for argument.

That profound feeling, as if an ethereal immortal palace was right before their eyes, offering effortless transcendence with a single step, left a deep and lasting impression on everyone that couldn't be erased for a long time. It was no wonder that many outsider tribes eagerly pursued these mirages.

Everyone even vaguely hoped to encounter another mirage, but unfortunately, their wish was not granted.

After traveling through the misty tide for over a month, a hazy scene appeared ahead. Everyone was overjoyed at the sight and burst out of the misty tide in one go, only to their surprise, the landscape within their sight was still a pale expanse.

However, what was white was not mist, but snow.

A biting cold wind blew, and goose-feather snow silently fell. A vast expanse stretched between the sky and the sea, as the sea had transformed into a snowfield. According to the time of day, it should have been daytime, but under the shroud of snow clouds, the daylight was exceptionally dim.

"It is said that in ancient times, the Frigid Wilds Kingdom was not located here; they specifically migrated to this bitterly cold land..."

Ji Hong reached out a small hand, catching a snowflake. The fluffy white snowflake was large enough to be his blanket.

Among them, Ji Hong possessed the broadest knowledge of the various outsider tribes. "Due to the climate," he explained, "this sea area is almost in perpetual night, and the territory of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom is covered in snow year-round. Yet, in places others consider desolate and deadly, the Frigid Wilds Kingdom and their Imperial tribe thrive as if in their natural element..."

They arbitrarily chose a direction and flew for a long time across the vast sea. Eventually, they spotted a landmass, made contact with a member of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom's Imperial tribe, received guidance, and finally reached the kingdom's territory.

Rather than calling it land, it was more like an ice cap. Beneath the thick ice, there might have been soil and rocks, but they were invisible to the naked eye.

The Frigid Wilds Kingdom experienced only three seasons: the Fog Year, the Snow Year, and the Wind Year. As soon as heavy snow ceased, the cold winds grew more severe each day. In the eyes of the people of the Frigid Wilds, however, the Snow Year was considered the best season.

Qin Sang and his companions soon met the true people of the Frigid Wilds. Surprisingly, their stature and facial features were no different from humans. The biggest distinctions were their blue hair and blue eyes, and skin so pale it was almost transparent, as if their bodies were composed of ice water.

They possessed an extraordinary adaptation to cold. Even when heavy snow fell and northern winds howled outside, ordinary people only needed to wear thin garments woven from ice silkworm silk.

They lived in ice houses, used sleds for transportation, cultivated grains that could grow on ice and snow, and built their cities from ice blocks. They revered ice and snow, living in peace and prosperity.

The divine abilities of cultivators in the Frigid Wilds Kingdom were also related to ice and snow.

Qin Sang almost immediately thought of Liu Li. If she came to the Frigid Wilds Kingdom, she would adapt easily, and perhaps even gain new insights by studying the divine abilities of the Frigid Wilds people.

Walking within the ice city, Su Nü watched the coming and going people of the Frigid Wilds and suggested, "How about we find a way to change our hair and eyes to blue and disguise ourselves as people of the Frigid Wilds?"

Si Lu considered seriously, "It might be worth a try, but the divine abilities of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom are difficult to fake. However, unless we engage in combat, minor flaws should not be an issue."

Disguising themselves as people of the Frigid Wilds would be more convenient than remaining as humans.

Qin Sang turned and said, "Once we reach the capital of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom, Su Nü, you and Gu Ya will stay behind and find a place to settle. Si Lu, Ji Hong, and I will go ahead to the Vermilion Ape Tribe to scout the way."

Gu Ya gasped and eagerly asked, "Can't we go with you, Senior?"

Her heart had long since flown back to the Storm Realm. She had expected to return to her sect soon, so being asked to stay here, she was naturally unwilling.

"So many of us from different tribes would be too conspicuous," Qin Sang explained. "It would easily draw the Vermilion Ape Tribe's vigilance, which would hinder our subsequent actions. If any unexpected situations arise, it will also be easier for the two fellow Daoists and me to escape. Once I locate the Storm Realm, I will find a way to bring you over..."

The Jiaojiao Tribe held a special status within the Celestial Division, and with Ji Hong accompanying them, many troubles could be avoided. Qin Sang decided to directly use the Frigid Wilds Kingdom's teleportation array to transfer to the Vermilion Ape Tribe.

However, with Su Nü, a total of three Void Refinement level experts entering their territory, the Vermilion Ape Tribe could hardly stand by. After all, all powerful members of the Sacred Tribe had entered the Sacred Land, and the strongest individuals in other tribes were only at the second level of the Void Realm.

"Don't worry!" Su Nü reassured them. "Let me think of a good way, and we'll all become people of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom; then perhaps Brother Qin won't even need to pick us up."

Having settled the matter, they hurried to the capital of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom. Once Su Nü and the others were settled and Ji Hong had inquired about all the rules of the Frigid Wilds Kingdom, they bid farewell to the others and walked towards the palace where the teleportation array was located.

On the surface, the place was guarded by a cultivator at the first level of the Void Realm. Seeing Qin Sang and the two others, he was slightly surprised.

Ji Hong was perched on Si Lu's shoulder, and both Qin Sang and Si Lu had their faces covered by cloaks.

"May I ask when you arrived in our tribe, and why there is no record in the palace?"

Ji Hong was responsible for the negotiation. He appeared innocent, not even batting an eyelid when lying. "We accidentally entered the misty tide and unexpectedly stumbled into your esteemed land," he stated, "and now wish to use the teleportation array to depart. Our tribe has an existing agreement with your esteemed tribe, and we hope fellow Daoist can facilitate our passage."

The guard hesitated for a moment. He was aware of the agreement Ji Hong mentioned, one clause of which stipulated that whenever the Jiaojiao Tribe found superior seeds in a certain place, they must first promote them there and share the seeds with the local inhabitants.

The Jiaojiao Tribe, due to their unique divine abilities, held an extraordinary status. No tribe wished to offend them, and the arrival of Jiaojiao tribesmen was genuinely welcomed, precisely because of this agreement.

The Frigid Wilds Kingdom also had no shortage of masters possessing such abilities, but they were still a notch below the Jiaojiao Tribe.

"I wonder if fellow Daoist has found any superior seeds?" the guard asked.

"We are eager to return, and our stay here has been too brief to find any," Ji Hong declared, patting his chest. "If your esteemed tribe has a need, I can come back to help you search later."

The Frigid Wilds Kingdom was a high-ranking tribe in the Celestial Division, with deep foundations, and no urgent need for superior seeds. However, befriending a Jiaojiao Tribe master was not a bad thing.

The guard glanced outside, already inclined to let them pass. The scrutiny for those leaving was inherently less strict than for those entering, and there was no abnormality within the kingdom.

He was hesitating whether to consult the elder stationed there when he suddenly heard a voice transmission: "Let them go."

The guard's eyes flickered, and he waved his hand to open the palace doors, gesturing them to enter.

Qin Sang and Si Lu detected a subtle fluctuation, and their gazes, piercing through their cloaks, fixed on the depths of the palace.

Si Lu transmitted, "Someone might have detected something."

"They might be suspicious," Qin Sang said, "but they certainly can't ascertain fellow Daoist's identity. It seems they don't wish to delve deeper. As we expected, unless the Frigid Wilds Kingdom has designs on Si You, they wouldn't forcibly keep fellow Daoist as a secret chess piece. Otherwise, fellow Daoist would simply be a hot potato."

Si Lu nodded slightly.

With the Sacred Land above, the various tribes maintained a state of contention without outright destruction. Extermination of tribes rarely occurred within the outsider tribes. The Frigid Wilds Kingdom, being accustomed to the ice and snow, was reluctant to venture out, and others were reluctant to enter.

Interfering in the internal affairs of another tribe, especially another high-ranking tribe, would likely trigger unexpected turmoil.

Spiritual light flickered before their eyes, and after experiencing the familiar sensation of dizziness, they found themselves standing on another teleportation array.

The three opened their eyes to see a high altar beneath them. Several vermillion-lacquered stone pillars stood around them, but there was no dome above. Peculiar peaks surrounded them, and a few people stood opposite the high altar.

Then, a strange laugh suddenly rang out: "Haha! You little thing, you actually dared to come back!"

One of them pointed at Ji Hong on Si Lu's shoulder and laughed heartily, his laughter echoing through the mountains, exceptionally grating.

This person had a pointed mouth and monkey-like cheeks, yet lacked any vulgar air, instead possessing a rather heroic demeanor.

His hair was messy like tangled grass, and he was unkempt. He wore a vermillion battle robe, his exposed hands were reddish-crimson, and he tightly gripped a long crimson-gold staff.

He was laughing so heartily that if not for his long staff propping him up, he might have fallen backward.

The few people nearby also wore grinning expressions.

"It's you!"

Ji Hong's mood instantly soured, and his cheeks puffed out in anger.

The last time he came to the Vermilion Ape Tribe, this very person was guarding the place. He hadn't expected to run into him the moment they arrived this time.

"Hahahaha..."

The man finally managed to stop laughing and looked at Ji Hong with a gaze full of mockery. "Little thing," he taunted, "did you bring reinforcements this time? No matter, this old man will take on any number of helpers you bring! As long as you can win one fight, this old man will make an agreement with you: you can go anywhere you want, except our tribe's forbidden lands, and I won't ask a single question!"

Qin Sang and Si Lu had heard Ji Hong recount his previous encounter.

The Vermilion Ape Tribe was warlike by nature. When their temper flared, they disregarded even the King of Heaven, treating ancient agreements as worthless.

This Vermilion Ape tribesman, seeing a Jiaojiao tribesman for the first time, was overcome with excitement, like a hunter spotting prey. He insisted on pestering Ji Hong for a fierce battle, promising that if Ji Hong could win, he would be allowed to search for superior seeds within the Vermilion Ape Tribe.

The Jiaojiao Tribe traveled everywhere, relying on various escape divine abilities. Combat was their weakness; in a direct confrontation, they were no match for the Vermilion Ape Tribe.

After a battle, Ji Hong was disgraced and forced to use his divine abilities to escape the battlefield.

He intended to reason with the Vermilion Ape Tribe's elders, but they avoided him. Moreover, during that period, other Vermilion Ape Tribe masters came one after another, challenging him with the same conditions.

Ji Hong had nowhere to hide and eventually almost exhausted all his escape divine abilities. If he continued fighting, he would likely take several blows, so he had no choice but to flee the Vermilion Ape Tribe. He still feels indignant about it to this day.

"Wild monkey! Let's see how long you can stay arrogant!" Ji Hong shouted, hands on hips, full of vigor. "This young master will get justice today!"

The Vermilion Ape was slightly surprised and couldn't help but glance at Qin Sang and Si Lu. Not seeing anything remarkable about them, he sneered, twirled his staff, and was about to utter some harsh words.

Just then, a streak of light suddenly flew across the sky, abruptly turning above them, and a slightly aged but powerful voice boomed out.

"You scoundrel, withdraw at once! How dare you be rude to our esteemed guests!"

The streak of light vanished, revealing a white-haired old man. His face was covered in wrinkles, but his posture was upright and strong, his eyes bright and captivating. Standing there, he was as majestic as a mountain, seemingly touching the sky and rooted to the earth.

Qin Sang and Si Lu secretly felt awe.

The old man looked at Ji Hong, gave a slight bow, and said, "Last time, our discipline was lax; I hope young friend will not take offense."

Then his gaze shifted, falling upon Qin Sang and Si Lu. After a brief assessment, his eyes suddenly flashed with brilliant light. "Fellow Daoists," he challenged, "would you care for a battle with me!"

Ji Hong's small face drooped, and he sighed, "It seems they're all cut from the same cloth!"

The Vermilion Ape Tribe master who had just been rebuked also grumbled softly upon hearing this, filled with indignation.

Si Lu stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "My name is Qu Lin. I do not yet know fellow Daoist's esteemed name."

The old man seemed to just remember that the other party was a guest. "How rude! How rude!" he exclaimed. "This old man is Yuan Miao. I greet fellow Daoist Qu."

Si Lu nodded, his tone softening. "Fellow Daoist Ji Hong is a close friend of mine," he said. "We are here to protect him while he collects superior seeds, and we have no intention of provoking conflict with your esteemed tribe. You must be aware of the divine abilities of the Jiaojiao Tribe, fellow Daoist. Allowing them to search for superior seeds in your esteemed tribe is mutually beneficial. We hope fellow Daoist Yuan can be accommodating."

"This old man naturally knows the abilities of fellow Daoists from the Jiaojiao Tribe," Yuan Miao replied. "However, my tribe has no prior acquaintance with any of you. And with so many masters arriving together, how are we to know you don't have other designs?"

Yuan Miao shook his head.

Hearing him forcefully concoct such an excuse, both Qin Sang and Si Lu frowned.

Then Yuan Miao's eyes lit up. "However," he declared, "as the saying goes, 'you never know a man until you've fought him.' If you engage in a great battle with me and manage to defeat me, that will prove you have no hidden agenda. From then on, you may come and go as you please!"

What kind of logic was that?

Qin Sang and Si Lu couldn't help but be stunned, realizing that this old monkey was clearly just looking for an excuse to fight them.

But judging by Yuan Miao's expression, if they didn't agree, they likely wouldn't find peace.

"I've long heard that the Vermilion Ape Tribe is warlike, and it truly lives up to its reputation!" Si Lu transmitted, sighing. "However, the Vermilion Ape Tribe is also easy to deal with. If you can defeat him, he will be completely convinced and won't easily break his promise. It seems difficult to resolve this peacefully today. What are your thoughts, fellow Daoist Qin?"

Qin Sang mused to himself. Observing Yuan Miao's aura, although he was also at the early stage of the second level of the Void Realm, his energy was profound, not comparable to Si Lu, who had just entered this realm. Furthermore, the Vermilion Ape Tribe was inherently belligerent. They often settled disputes with their staves internally, resolving conflicts through fierce battles, and every tribesman possessed extensive combat experience.

Si Lu was no match for Yuan Miao; he himself would have to fight.

However, personally intervening carried the risk of revealing his identity.

Should he retreat now and seek another path?

"Fellow Daoist possesses the divine ability to manifest wings, allowing you to disguise yourself as an Imperial tribe member of the Feathered Race," Si Lu said. "Although there would be mixed demonic qi, as long as I insist that fellow Daoist is a guard I recruited, there's a chance to deceive them. Furthermore, my Celestial Division's high-ranking tribes also have ties with the East Sea Water Tribe, so befriending demon cultivators is quite common. Also, I have something to say; I wonder if fellow Daoist Qin is willing to hear it?"

Before this journey, they had communicated, and Si Lu was aware of some of Qin Sang's divine abilities.

"Speak freely, fellow Daoist," Qin Sang immediately replied.

"The place fellow Daoist seeks is near the Vermilion Ape Tribe's territory," Si Lu continued. "Once found, how do you plan to handle yourselves? Can you truly remain hidden forever?

Compared to other tribes, the Vermilion Ape Tribe's temperament is actually easier to deal with.

As long as fellow Daoist can subdue them with your strength and ask them for a place to reside, they might not refuse.

This battle will have to be fought sooner or later! Of course..."

Si Lu suddenly smiled. "Once they determine fellow Daoist Qin is a good opponent," he added, "many might frequently come to challenge you."

Qin Sang nodded subtly to himself. Throughout this journey, what he had considered most was how to get along with the nearby outsider tribes.

There was some truth in Si Lu's words. Encountering the Vermilion Ape Tribe might be the best outcome.

However, to play the part fully, it would be best to only use strength-based divine abilities this time.

Thinking this, Qin Sang stepped forward into the air, his aura steadily rising. "Fellow Daoist Qu Lin's injuries have not yet healed," he declared. "As I am responsible for his protection, I shall take this opportunity to experience fellow Daoist Yuan's divine abilities!"