The freezing, bone-chilling wind surrounding the area completely halted for a single fraction of a second. A massive crowd was tightly packed across the sprawling stone plaza in front of the Spiritual Renovation Pavilion. Over a hundred disciples of the Four Peaks stood completely frozen in absolute shock. Not a single sound escaped anyone's lips. Every gaze was locked onto the chunk of solid, bluish ice resting right in the middle of the plaza.
The surrounding atmosphere turned suffocatingly heavy within the blink of an eye. Hidden within this profound silence was a crushing weight capable of shattering the soul of any ordinary cultivator in an instant.
Trapped, paralyzed, and completely frozen inside that block of ice was Senior Brother Feng! The renowned Spirit-Forging longsword he had been holding slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the ground, while sheer, unbelievable terror flared deep within his eyes. The man who had spent so long lording over the Internal Disciples with unbridled arrogance had been turned into a frozen statue by a mere Outer Disciple in the span of a single breath!
"Impossible... Feng-brother was defeated in a single strike... and by an Outer Disciple, of all people, turned into ice?!"
A stammering voice cut through from the back of the crowd. A clear, shivering tremor of unknown fear laced the speaker's tone.
"He was at the Ninth Stage of the Qi Condensation Realm! But that kid... Railin... there isn't even any powerful Qi aura emanating from him! How on earth did he flip such a massive surge of power?"
Ignoring the surrounding whispers and terrified gazes entirely, Railin stepped forward at a steady, unhurried pace. His dark robes fluttered slightly in the mountain breeze. His eyes were calm and profound, completely devoid of arrogance, yet harboring not a shred of fear.
He bent down and reached for the wooden tray lying on the ground. Resting upon it was a small, glowing red-gold box—the 'Nine Sun Core Pill'. It was a rare and immensely valuable medicinal pill capable of propelling any cultivator at the final threshold of the Qi Condensation Realm straight to the doors of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Railin picked up the wooden box with a gentle touch of his fingers. A mild, soothing warmth washed over his skin.
"The Nine Sun Core Pill... Through this, the Dual Inner Fire and Ice Core inside my body will finally find a perfect balance," Railin murmured quietly to himself.
Just as he turned to resume his path, the surrounding air abruptly grew heavy. A terrifying, crushing pressure descended from the skies—as if a colossal mountain had torn through the heavens and slammed down upon everyone's shoulders!
"Stop right there, you insignificant insect!"
A deep, furious roar shook the entire plaza. The crowd instantly parted in fear, splitting into two halves. Descending gracefully from the sky was an elder clad in a regal red and grey robe—Elder Guan of the Pavilion! True fury blazed from the corners of his eyes. Feng had been his most cherished disciple, and seeing him humiliated and frozen solid in front of everyone had shattered all his patience and pride into dust.
"To think an ant from the Outer Peak dared to raise a hand against an Internal Disciple!" Elder Guan's voice sent vibrations coursing through the very molecules of the air. "And you had the audacity to take that Nine Sun Core Pill without my permission! Hand the pill back immediately and kneel to beg for forgiveness, or I will destroy your cultivation once and for all today!"
Railin paused his steps. He slowly turned his head to meet Elder Guan's furious glare. Not a single trace of fear crossed his face; instead, a strange, chilling smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Permission, Elder?" Railin asked in a completely calm, resolute tone. "The rules of the arena were crystal clear from the very beginning. Whoever wins the duel takes the prize. Senior Brother Feng entered the fight of his own free will and he lost. Did I break any rules by simply claiming what is rightfully mine?"
"You are crossing the line!" Elder Guan's hands trembled with rage. He raised his right hand upward. Instantly, a massive blazing crimson fireball materialized above his palm, scorching the surrounding air into ash. "You dare teach me about rules, you mere ant? I will turn you to ash right here in this plaza today!"
All the surrounding disciples scurried backward in absolute terror. Elder Guan was a peak-level Foundation Establishment Realm powerhouse! A single strike from him could obliterate the soul of any ordinary disciple.
Railin's pupils narrowed slightly. He immediately began activating the chaotic ice and fire currents churning deep within his chest. He knew all too well that locking horns directly with an Elder at this moment was extremely dangerous—practically suicidal! Yet, despite the odds, he would never bow his head before anyone.
Right at that moment, an ethereal white light descended from the heavens.
Clang!
It sounded like hundreds of crystal wind chimes ringing out in unison across a snow-covered valley! The massive blazing fireball in Elder Guan's hand suddenly vanished into the air like morning mist! The temperature across the entire plaza plummeted to sub-zero levels in a split second. Every person's breath instantly froze, turning into thick plumes of white vapor.
Tearing through the clouds, an otherworldly sight descended. Standing atop a massive blooming lotus made entirely of pure ice was a woman. She wore ice-white silk robes, with crystal hairpins adorning her locks. Her beauty was as heavenly as her presence was chilling, ruthless, and overwhelmingly dominant.
She was none of other than—Peak Master Bing Lian, the supreme master and ultimate guardian of Ice Mystic Peak!
Elder Guan's face turned completely pale in an instant. He hurriedly cupped his fists and bowed deeply, stammering, "Peak Master Bing Lian! You... you are here?"
Bing Lian's ice-cold eyes locked onto Elder Guan. Her voice carried the chilling impact of colliding glaciers: "Elder Guan, before raising a hand against a disciple of my peak, did you forget that the guardian of Ice Mystic Peak is still breathing?"
"No... no, Peak Master! You misunderstand!" Elder Guan wiped the sweat from his forehead frantically. "This Railin broke the rules! He injured the Internal Disciple Feng and forcefully snatched the core pill!"
"He won entirely within the rules," Bing Lian said coldly. "I watched every single moment from above the clouds. Feng challenged him of his own accord. Railin did nothing wrong. But you... an Elder, attempting to strike down a junior? Is there anything more shameful than this?"
Elder Guan fell completely silent. His face burned with a mixture of shame and boiling rage, yet he didn't dare utter a single word in defiance of Peak Master Bing Lian's overwhelming might.
Bing Lian didn't bother sparing the Elder another glance. Her frost-blue eyes shifted down to Railin standing below. Railin lowered his head and bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Peak Master."
"You did quite well, Railin," Bing Lian's tone softened slightly, though a fierce, underlying mystery still lingered within it. "However, your true battle has only just begun. The Nine Sun Core Pill alone is not enough for the unique constitution of your body. Follow me."
With those words, Bing Lian dissolved into a flash of white light and vanished into the air. Without wasting a single second, Railin ignited his internal energy and soared into the sky, riding the wind straight toward the highest summit of Ice Mystic Peak. Hundreds of disciples below could only stare in stunned awe.
Ice Mystic Peak: The Frozen Palace
Perched at the absolute pinnacle of the mountain, this palace was carved entirely out of ancient Soul-Ice. Any ordinary person or weak cultivator standing here for even a single minute would freeze solid into stone.
Railin stepped into the inner hall of the palace. Seated on a high throne was Peak Master Bing Lian, flanked by two young women standing to her right.
The elder of the two was Ruo Shu, dressed in light blue royal robes, her eyes radiating immense intellect and sharp spiritual depth. Beside her stood her younger sister, Mi Shu, who looked at Railin with bright, curious eyes and a playful smile. Both of them were Peak Master Bing Lian's closest personal disciples.
"Railin," Bing Lian's deep, resonant voice echoed through the grand hall. "The core pill you acquired is enough to facilitate a breakthrough for ordinary cultivators. But for the Ice-Fire Core resting inside your body, that pill alone is nothing. If you attempt to force a breakthrough right now, every single meridian in your body will shatter into dust."
Railin's brows furrowed. He asked in a low, profound tone, "Then what do I require now, Master?"
Bing Lian looked straight at Ruo Shu. Ruo Shu stepped forward gracefully, her voice sweet yet carrying a heavy, serious weight:
"Railin, to stabilize your breakthrough, you need two exceptionally rare items—'Spatial Forging Essence' and 'Ice-Prince Dragon Blood'. Both of these items are strictly forbidden within our Sect, and finding them through ordinary means is nearly impossible."
"Then where can I acquire them?" Railin asked directly.
Ruo Shu smiled cryptically as she looked at him. "Beyond the borders of the Sect lies a lawless, highly dangerous place known to all as—The Dark Black Market. Anything in this world can be found there, provided you have the right price and the strength to survive."
Bing Lian handed a small crystal token to Ruo Shu, then turned her gaze to Railin.
"Ruo Shu will not travel with you openly, as the eyes of the other peaks are constantly watching us. However, she will secretly pave the way for you within the black market. Meanwhile, Mi Shu will keep a close eye on all intelligence within the Sect. Railin, this is your final test before the Grand Assembly Trial. Go to the Black Market, gather the necessary resources, and return once your breakthrough is complete."
Railin bowed deeply with utmost reverence. He understood that his true battle was no longer confined within the Sect, but lay out in that dark and perilous world beyond.
"I understand, Peak Master. I will not disappoint you."
Railin turned and walked out of the palace. Amidst the howling, freezing winds, his eyes blazed like twin flames. He knew the journey to the Dark Black Market would not be easy—danger, betrayal, and bloodshed awaited him at every turn. Yet, to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm, he was ready to plunge into any fire!
Standing amidst the snowfall of Ice Mystic Peak, Railin clenched his fists tightly. The Dark Black Market awaits!
The heavy, echoing thud of the massive ice-white palace doors slowly sealing shut deepened the surrounding silence. Railin stood alone on the snow-covered plaza outside. A freezing chill pierced up through the soles of his boots, coursing directly through his meridians, but the spiritual fire burning within him instantly neutralized the frost.
"The Dark Black Market... this is going to be a true test of survival," Railin muttered to himself.
Without wasting another second, he safely tucked the small crystal token gifted by Peak Master Bing Lian deep inside his storage pouch. This token was not only the key to reaching the borders of the black market, but also the sole medium to connect with Ruo Shu's covert intelligence network.
He began descending the rugged path down the mountain. As he navigated the treacherous terrain of Ice Mystic Peak, the terrified face of Senior Brother Feng and Elder Guan's furious glare flashed across his mind. He knew very well that after this incident, Elder Guan and his faction wouldn't simply sit back and twiddle their thumbs. Before the Grand Assembly Trial, they would try to stop him at any cost—especially once they found out he was leaving the Sect grounds for the Black Market, which would only make the situation far bloodier.
"Let them come," a dangerous, cold smile touched the corners of Railin's lips. "No matter what obstacles stand in my way, I will not let slip this opportunity to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm."
Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Railin spotted Mi Shu waiting for him behind a massive boulder. A mischievous and curious glint danced in the young girl's eyes. She hurried over and whispered softly:
"Railin-bhaiya! You're finally here! I just received word that Elder Guan's lackies are patrolling the perimeter of the Outer Peak. They suspect Peak Master has sent you on a special mission."
Railin asked calmly, "How is the situation inside the Sect right now, Mi Shu?"
"Not good, but not too bad yet," Mi Shu replied with a cheeky grin. "Senior Brother Feng hasn't fully recovered yet. That frost did severe damage to his meridians. However, Elder Guan has personally hired some outer disciples to keep an eye on you. Be extremely careful when you cross the Sect's main gate."
"Thank you, Mi Shu," Railin said with genuine gratitude. "Keep a close watch on all intelligence within the Sect. I must ensure no new crises erupt before I return from the Black Market."
"Don't worry about it! Elder sister Ruo Shu has already arranged to clear the outbound route. Just take care of yourself," Mi Shu waved goodbye.
Railin delayed no longer. He pulled his black robe tighter around himself and pulled the hood down to partially conceal his face. He strode straight toward the Sect Outer Gate.
As he arrived in front of the massive Azure-Dragon Gate of Ice Mystic Peak, two gate-guard disciples stepped forward to block his path, suspicious glares locked onto him.
"Hold on! Who goes there?" the first guard demanded harshly. "Outer Disciple Railin? Show me your authorization to leave the Sect grounds at this hour!"
Railin calmly retrieved his Outer Disciple identity token from his pouch and held it out before them. In a level voice, he stated, "I am on a personal mission assigned by the Outer Peak Assignment Hall. This is an emergency out-sect trip."
The two guards thoroughly inspected the token. Though lingering suspicion remained in their eyes, the authentic seal of the assignment hall meant they didn't dare push further. No matter how much influence or power Elder Guan wielded, ordinary gate-guards had no authority to directly defy official orders from the Assignment Hall.
"Fine... pass through," the first guard waved dismissively with an annoyed expression. "Remember, you must report back within three days!"
"Understood," Railin replied briefly, before darting through the massive stone gates in a single swift motion.
The moment he stepped outside the Sect, the surrounding environment shifted drastically. While the interior of the Sect radiated a sacred, spiritual aura, the forests and mountainous regions outside were utterly wild, dark, and mysterious. Rows of colossal ancient trees and mountain paths shrouded in thick fog made the landscape look like the gaping maw of a colossal demon from afar.
Railin accelerated his pace, channeling a light burst of Qi into his legs to sprint faster than the wind. His target: the hidden pathways leading to The Dark Black Market.
Midway through his journey deep within the dense forest, an unnatural odor suddenly drifted into the air—a sickening blend of rotting foliage and fresh blood.
Railin instantly halted his momentum, leaping silently onto the thick branch of a massive oak tree. His eyes scanned the dark woods with razor-sharp precision.
"Come out," Railin said in a cold, deep tone. "How long do you plan on hiding behind those bushes?"
In a flash of motion, three shadowy figures emerged from the depths of the forest. Clad in black assassin robes with cloth masks concealing their faces, each of them clutched venom-laced short blades in their hands.
"You're sharp, kid!" the middle assassin sneered darkly. "No one escapes the sight of Shen Zhou's men. Elder Guan's orders are clear—bring you back dead or alive."
Not a single trace of fear crossed Railin's face. Slowly, he reached into his inner space and drew his familiar, frost-kissed sword. A brilliant, ice-white glow began radiating from the blade.
"Then I must say..." a deadly smile crept onto Railin's lips, "...your journey ends right here, right now!"
See you in next chapter....