Chapter 786 – "The Treasure No One Else Can Give"
The midday light of the Celestial Paradise filtered through the tent's sheer fabric, casting a warm glow across Shi Lian's bare shoulders. She sat on the edge of the bed, hair still damp from washing, her gaze fixed on Alex as he adjusted the clasp on his shirt.
"Alex," she said softly.
He turned.
"I… never said it properly before. Thank you." Her voice was steady, but her fingers twisted the hem of the blanket. "For restoring me, for giving me the strength to stand again… and for making me a Ninth Level cultivator. I know how rare that is. I know what you gave me."
Alex stepped closer, resting his hand on her head, his tone warm. "I only gave you the push. The rest was yours already."
Before Shi Lian could answer, Yu Mei's teasing voice came from the low table where she was sipping tea. "Auntie, you're too modest. Do you have any idea what he really gave you?"
Shi Lian frowned in curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Yu Mei leaned forward, eyes glinting. "His seed. It's not just potent—it's the most valuable treasure in the world. If the women outside knew what it could do, if they realized one night with him could take them to Level Nine…" She smirked. "Every woman from here to the far ends of the continents would do anything for it."
Shi Lian flushed deeply, torn between embarrassment and intrigue.
Yu Mei set her cup down, walking over and placing a hand on her aunt's shoulder. "And every time he injects his seed into your womb, you're not just feeling pleasure, you're taking in power no elixir or technique can match. That's why you rose so fast. That's why you'll never find another man who can give you what he does."
Shi Lian glanced at Alex, her lips parting, then closed them again, unable to find the words. She finally whispered, "…Then I'll never waste a drop."
Yu Mei laughed, satisfied, and hugged her from behind. "Good answer. You're family now, but that doesn't mean I won't compete for him. You'd better keep up, Auntie."
Alex, watching the two women with his usual calm, only smiled faintly. "Then I suppose I'll have to make sure there's enough for both of you."
The playful tension hung in the air, but underneath it, Shi Lian understood what Yu Mei was truly saying — this man was hers now, and his gift was a treasure she would guard as fiercely as her own life.
Chapter 786 – "The Treasure No One Else Can Give"
The soft afternoon light spilled into the tent, gilding Shi Lian's hair in warm gold. She sat beside Alex on the low bedding, her gaze lowered in thought. For a long moment, she simply traced her fingertips along his hand before speaking.
"Alex," she began, her voice steady but touched with emotion, "thank you. For restoring me… for freeing me… and for making me a Ninth Level cultivator. You gave me back more than strength. You gave me back myself."
Alex smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I only gave you a path. You were the one who walked it."
From the nearby table, Yu Mei set down her teacup, her eyes glinting with that mix of elegance and sly boldness that Shi Lian now recognized as her niece's true self.
"Auntie," Yu Mei said, stepping closer, "do you even realize what he gave you? Not the cultivation level — I'm talking about what made it possible."
Shi Lian blinked. "…What do you mean?"
Yu Mei crouched in front of her, voice dropping into a conspiratorial purr. "His seed. It's the most valuable treasure in the world. If women outside knew that just one night with him could make them Level Nine… they'd tear down entire sects to get it. Every woman would offer anything — everything — for what you've already had."
Shi Lian's breath caught, a flush warming her cheeks despite her composure.
Yu Mei's hand came to rest lightly over her aunt's abdomen. "Every time he injects his seed into your womb, you're not just taking him into you… you're absorbing power no pill, no ancient artifact, no so-called 'immortal elixir' could match. That's why your breakthrough felt so different. That's why you'll never find another man who can give you what he does."
Shi Lian looked from Yu Mei's knowing gaze to Alex's calm, steady eyes. Her lips curved into a soft but certain smile. "…Then I'll guard it like my life. And I'll never waste a drop."
Yu Mei chuckled, satisfied, and leaned in to press a light kiss to her aunt's cheek. "Good answer. You're my aunt, but you're also my rival now. You'll need to work to keep up with me — and the others."
Shi Lian's smile turned faintly playful, a spark of the new courage Alex had awakened in her. "Then maybe I'll surprise you. You're not the only one who can bring him gifts."
Alex, amused, let the faintest smirk cross his lips. "I look forward to seeing what you both come up with."
For a heartbeat, the air between them was charged — not with tension, but with shared understanding. Shi Lian knew now what she held… and Yu Mei was confident she'd planted the thought that would keep her aunt fiercely protective, and perhaps even more ambitious, about the man they both loved.
Yu Mei straightened, her expression shifting from teasing to something sharper — the glint in her eyes that meant she was plotting. She circled behind Shi Lian, her hands resting lightly on her aunt's shoulders.
"You know…" Yu Mei began, her tone casual but laced with intent, "Mei Suhua was just the start. There are plenty of women here in the Celestial Paradise — arrogant, self-important, convinced they're untouchable. Women who mean nothing to Alex now… but could be reshaped into something useful. Into ours."
Shi Lian tilted her head, listening without pulling away.
Yu Mei's fingers traced slowly down her arms. "Imagine it, Auntie. A woman stripped of her pride, molded to call him 'Master' and you 'Mistress.' Someone who will obey without hesitation, serve without question. Someone who exists only to please him… and to amuse us."
Shi Lian turned her head slightly, meeting her niece's gaze. "And you're thinking of finding one now?"
Yu Mei's lips curved in a sly smile. "I already have a few candidates. All I need is someone to help… train them. Someone with patience, elegance, and the kind of insight only you have. Between my methods and your subtle touch, she won't stand a chance."
Shi Lian studied her for a moment. The "old" her might have hesitated, might have found such an idea improper. But the woman Alex had remade — the one who had tasted love, respect, and power — felt no such hesitation.
"Who do you have in mind?" she asked simply.
Yu Mei's smile widened. "I'll show you soon. But first… I want her to see us together, united. Mistress and Mistress."
Shi Lian's answering smile was calm, but her eyes carried the same quiet fire Alex had come to recognize. "Then let's make sure she understands exactly where she belongs."
Yu Mei leaned in to whisper, her breath warm against her aunt's ear. "That's my Aunt."
Shi Lian adjusted her seat on the bed so she faced Yu Mei fully, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "And you're sure the others wouldn't object? I can imagine some women would see slaves as… competition."
Yu Mei gave a light laugh, almost musical. "Oh, Auntie, you really don't know us yet." She stepped closer, lowering her voice in that conspiratorial tone she loved to use when sharing something juicy. "Every single one of Alex's harem has already agreed that he can have sex slaves. All of them — Ciel, Morgan, Reyne, Airi, Hanabi, Nefertiti, Nyx, Iris, Mary, Mira, Vira, Mircella, Ileana, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Amaterasu — not one of them objected."
Shi Lian blinked, surprised by the sheer list. "All of them?"
Yu Mei smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction. "We even have a long private chat group through the rings he gave us. It's where we talk about everything — ideas for training, potential candidates, little reports about our… progress. Sometimes we even trade tips." She arched an eyebrow. "And yes, we gossip about him there too."
Shi Lian couldn't help a small laugh at that. "So that's why the rings have more functions than just protection."
"They're useful tools," Yu Mei said, sitting beside her and draping an arm over her shoulders. "With that group, we all stay coordinated. If someone finds a woman who'd make a good slave, we discuss it together. No surprises, no jealousy. Just… cooperation."
Shi Lian considered this, her expression thoughtful. "So, if we trained one together, the others would not only accept it — they'd expect us to share the results?"
Yu Mei's eyes gleamed. "Exactly. And you'll find that sharing isn't about losing anything. It's about proving that you have enough power and confidence to let others enjoy what you've made… knowing they'll still come back to you."
Shi Lian's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. "Then I think I'm going to enjoy being part of this group."
Yu Mei gave her a satisfied nod. "I was counting on it."
Yu Mei smirked as if remembering something amusing. "Oh, and speaking of the chat group — you should have seen Mary's face the first time the topic of sex slaves came up."
Shi Lian tilted her head. "Mary?"
"Yes," Yu Mei said with a chuckle. "The one with the blue hair and blue eyes — gentle, shy, very nun-like. Sweet as a saint, but so easily flustered." She lifted her hand to her mouth as if holding back another laugh. "The moment someone suggested Alex could have a sex slave, she blushed so hard you'd think she was about to faint. She couldn't even type a full sentence without tripping over her words."
Shi Lian smiled faintly, intrigued. "But you said 'the first time.' Meaning she reacted differently later?"
Yu Mei's smirk deepened. "That's the thing. Mary and Mira are the same person — just different personalities. When Mira takes over, she looks completely different — white-lavender hair, purple eyes — and the change in personality is… dramatic. Mira's a pervert through and through. She didn't just approve of the sex slave idea — she said she'd help recruit them and even suggested a few names."
Shi Lian's brows lifted, her curiosity piqued. "So one half blushes at the thought, and the other half actively encourages it?"
"Exactly," Yu Mei said with a satisfied nod. "Mary will cover her face and mumble if the topic comes up, but Mira? She'd invite the whole tent if she could. And the best part? They're both fine with Alex having other women — they just… express it differently."
Shi Lian leaned back slightly, her mind turning over the possibilities. "That's… unusual. But I can see how it could be… useful."
Yu Mei's tone turned playfully conspiratorial. "Trust me, Auntie, when you meet both of them, you'll understand. Mary might shy away from certain words, but Mira? Mira would love to watch us train a slave together."
Shi Lian gave her niece a knowing look. "Then perhaps we should make sure Mira is present for that day."
Yu Mei's smile was all mischief. "Now you're thinking like me."
Yu Mei settled back into her seat, her eyes glinting as she scrolled through the glowing interface of her ring. "And of course, there's Aphrodite. She didn't just agree with the idea — she practically endorsed it in the chat."
Shi Lian's expression turned curious. "Aphrodite?"
"Yes," Yu Mei said with a grin. "A beautiful, bare-skinned temptress with pink hair, golden roses in her hair, green ornaments, thigh-high boots, and nothing else. Light tan skin, eyes like liquid pink fire. She refuses to wear clothes because she says fabric just gets in the way. Playful, lustful — sexual desire is her nature. Before Alex, she took pleasure with plenty of men, but none of them mattered to her. She used them for her own desires or the wealth they offered. Alex is the only man she's ever loved."
Shi Lian gave a faint, amused hum. "So for her, agreeing to sex slaves wasn't surprising."
"Not in the slightest," Yu Mei confirmed. "She told the group, and I quote, 'The more women he has, the more I get to watch him.' And then she added that as long as Alex loves her alone, she doesn't care how many others he takes — in fact, she prefers the variety because she enjoys sharing the bed with them."
Shi Lian raised an eyebrow. "And she refused to be with any other man after Alex?"
Yu Mei nodded. "Exactly. She's done with all others. To her, sex slaves aren't competition — they're entertainment, decoration, and sometimes extra hands." Yu Mei smirked. "She even suggested we let her 'break in' a new one before training begins, just to 'test the flexibility.'"
Shi Lian gave a small laugh. "I can see how this group of yours can get… creative."
Yu Mei's voice dropped into that sly, confident tone again. "Creative, united, and completely loyal to Alex. You'll fit right in, Auntie."
Shi Lian smiled knowingly. "I think I already am."
Chapter 787 – "The Sun Mother and the Little Star"
Yu Mei poured herself another cup of tea, the steam curling between them. "Oh, and Auntie — there's someone you haven't met yet. Amaterasu."
Shi Lian tilted her head. "I don't know that name."
"You wouldn't," Yu Mei replied, her tone softening. "She's from a different world entirely. Black hair, black eyes… the kind of woman who defines the word mother. Warm, steady, protective. She has a daughter with Alex — Yuka."
Shi Lian's brows lifted. "One of his children?"
Yu Mei nodded. "Yes. And Amaterasu never minded that Alex has many harem members. She's grounded, accepting — like a pillar in the family." Her lips curved at the memory. "When we were done talking about sex slaves in the chat group, Yuka came online. She was sitting with her mother, Amaterasu, and greeted everyone… but she did it in her own way. Every message she sent, she added the word mama at the end. Everyone loved it — you could feel the warmth even through the ring's connection."
Shi Lian's expression softened. "She sounds sweet."
"She is," Yu Mei agreed. "Then she saw my name in the chat and asked — with the purest smile you can imagine — 'Are you my new mother?'" Yu Mei's voice warmed. "I introduced myself, and she immediately called me Yu Mei-mama. I… loved it."
Shi Lian chuckled quietly. "It suits you. You've always been good with children when you actually want to be."
Yu Mei sipped her tea, a small, genuine smile lingering. "Maybe. But with Yuka, it was different. She's just like her mother — warm enough to melt you without even trying. And Auntie, when you meet her, I think she'll call you 'Shi Lian-mama' before you can even finish saying hello."
Shi Lian's lips curved faintly, already picturing it. "Then I'll be ready."
Yu Mei leaned back, still smiling at the thought of Yuka, then her expression shifted into something more thoughtful.
"Auntie, there's something else you should know," she said. "Alex… isn't from this world. He came from another one — a place called Earth."
Shi Lian's eyes widened slightly. "Another world?"
Yu Mei nodded. "Yes. And many of our sisters — Morgan, Reyne, Airi, Hanabi, Nefertiti, Nyx, Iris, Mary, Mira, Vira, Mircella, Ileana, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, and Amaterasu — they're all living there too. Earth is… different from here, but it's where they first met him, or where they chose to stay when they weren't traveling with him."
Shi Lian considered that, her voice quiet. "And yet they all share him so willingly…"
"That's because they know who he is and what he's worth," Yu Mei said simply. "And there's one more — Ciel. She's not from Earth or from here. She's something entirely unique — the will of a whole planet named World Frontier. Alex created a vessel for her, so she could walk beside him as a woman, not just a voice in the void. She's part of him in a way none of us can quite match."
Shi Lian's gaze softened with curiosity. "The will of a planet… in a body he made for her. That's… hard to even picture."
Yu Mei's expression softened as she spoke again. "Ciel is… special, Auntie. She has silver hair that shimmers like moonlight and golden eyes that feel like they can see right through you — but never in a way that makes you uncomfortable. She's gentle, sincere, and so pure it's almost unreal. She loves Alex with every bit of her being, and her only wish is for him to be happy."
Shi Lian's brows lifted faintly. "Even if that means sharing him?"
Yu Mei smiled. "Especially if it means sharing him. She's genuinely happy whenever he brings someone new into the harem because she sees all of us as her sisters. She welcomes each one with open arms, no hesitation, no jealousy."
Shi Lian tilted her head, a note of genuine respect in her tone. "That's rare."
"It is," Yu Mei agreed. "All the girls love and respect Ciel. We see her as our big sister — the one who makes sure everyone feels like they belong, no matter where they came from. Even I…" Yu Mei allowed a small smile, "…even I don't test her patience. She's the heart of our family."
Shi Lian nodded slowly. "Then I look forward to meeting her. Someone who can hold all of that together… I imagine she's extraordinary."
Yu Mei's smile deepened. "She is. And when she calls you 'Sister,' you'll understand why no one can ever dislike her."
Yu Mei's tone shifted again, now tinged with a little mischief. "There's something else about Ciel you should know — and about Morgan and Reyne too."
Shi Lian glanced at her niece, curious. "What's that?"
"They're all in Alex's right hand," Yu Mei said, tapping her own to illustrate. "Not just symbolically — literally. There's a mark there, a symbol, and within it is a space where Ciel, Morgan, and Reyne reside when they're not outside with him."
Shi Lian blinked, momentarily thrown. "…Inside him?"
Yu Mei nodded. "Exactly. They can see everything we do. Everything. From the moment we started talking about sex slave taming… to when you and I were together with him… they saw it all." Her smile turned playful. "And if they want to, they can step out at any time."
Shi Lian's cheeks warmed despite herself, but Yu Mei continued without pause. "Ciel's the one who created that connection — she's the master of it. And she's the one who taught Morgan and Reyne how to watch, listen, and… enjoy the view, so to speak."
Shi Lian gave her niece a dry look, though the corner of her mouth twitched. "So you're saying we've had an audience this whole time."
Yu Mei's grin was pure mischief now. "Oh, Auntie, we always have an audience. The only question is whether we put on a good enough show for them."
Shi Lian exhaled through her nose, half in exasperation, half in reluctant amusement. "Then I suppose we'll just have to make sure we do."
Yu Mei patted her aunt's hand, clearly pleased. "That's the spirit."
Just then, Alex stepped into the tent, his gaze moving between the two women. "You look like you're conspiring again," he said with a faint smile.
Yu Mei smirked. "Only about things that benefit you."
Shi Lian gave him a more composed smile. "You could say we've… aligned our interests."
Alex arched an eyebrow but didn't pry. Instead, he glanced at the faint light spilling through the tent's entrance. "We've been in here a while. Should we go for a little travel now? Stretch our legs, see what the Celestial Paradise still has to offer?"
Yu Mei didn't hesitate. "Sure."
Shi Lian nodded, her expression calm but her eyes warm. "Yes. Let's go."
Alex extended his hands to both of them, and as they took them, Yu Mei's lips curved into a knowing smile. Whatever treasures they found next, she was certain the real entertainment would be in who they found along the way.
Chapter 788 – "The Heart of Ice"
The three of them walked side by side through the wild expanse of Celestial Paradise, sunlight filtering down through shifting clouds. The air was crisp here, the ground glittering faintly with frost despite the warmth above.
It didn't take long before Yu Mei paused, her eyes narrowing toward a jagged ridge of pale stone ahead. "Do you feel that?" she murmured.
Shi Lian did — a faint, cold pulse through the air, not hostile, but insistent. "Ice essence… strong, and concentrated."
Alex's gaze followed the sensation to a dark opening at the base of the ridge. "A cave," he said simply.
They stepped inside, the light fading behind them as the tunnel sloped down. Frost coated the walls in delicate spirals, the air growing colder with each step. Then, after a final turn, the passage opened into a vast underground hall… and all three stopped.
Before them stretched a massive ice crystal cavern, the ceiling lost in shadow, the floor a frozen mirror reflecting the pillars of pure sapphire-blue crystal that rose like the supports of a palace. The entire place shimmered faintly, the air heavy with ancient, potent ice essence.
Yu Mei's eyes widened slightly. "This… is not natural."
Shi Lian stepped forward slowly, scanning the cavern. "I've never seen ice of this purity. It's almost… alive."
Alex's gaze sharpened. Deep within the glimmering field of crystal, he thought he saw faint shapes — shadows, vaguely human, sealed within the ice.
Alex stepped closer, the faint crunch of frost under his boots echoing in the vast cavern. As his eyes adjusted to the refracted light, the shapes within the largest crystal pillar became clearer.
His expression darkened. "It's not just random cultivators," he said quietly.
Yu Mei moved up beside him, her breath misting in the frigid air. "Who?"
He lifted a hand toward the central formation. "The Sect Master of Frost Moon Palace… and she's not alone. Four elders, all sealed the same way… and fifteen disciples."
Shi Lian stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the frozen faces. "That's—" She stopped abruptly as her eyes caught on one figure near the front. "…Lan Xueya."
Yu Mei arched a brow. "You know her?"
Shi Lian nodded faintly. "She's one of their most promising disciples. For her to be here means they brought their strongest… and still ended up like this."
The ice around them pulsed faintly, almost as if aware of their presence, a cold wave brushing over their skin.
Alex's gaze lingered on the Sect Master's still, regal face within the crystal. "They're alive. But whatever this ice is, it's feeding on their energy. If we don't act soon, that won't be true for much longer."
Alex stepped closer to the central crystal, placing his palm against the frigid surface. A sharp, biting cold tried to sink into his skin, but his mana surged, pushing it back.
"This isn't normal ice," he murmured. "It's a living seal — drawing strength from them to sustain itself. To break it without killing them, we need to attack and heal at the same time."
Yu Mei's lips curved faintly. "Which means… you."
Alex closed his eyes, focusing. Mana swirled through him as he called on fire magic and ice magic together, threading them with the gentle warmth of life magic. The forces opposed each other, yet in his control they formed a perfect balance — destruction and restoration, heat and cold, all bound by the Law of Mana, sharpened by the Law of Fire and the Law of Ice.
The crystal began to hum, fissures spreading across its flawless surface as Alex's energy seeped in, unweaving the freezing formation while mending the life force it had been draining.
With a deep, resonant crack, the pillar split open. Shards of ancient ice fell away in a glittering rain, revealing the Sect Master of Frost Moon Palace within — her form still cloaked in frost, eyes fluttering open as she gasped for air.
She stumbled forward instinctively, only for Alex to steady her with a firm hand. "Easy. You've been sealed for a while," he said calmly.
Her breath trembled, her gaze flickering between his face and the shards at her feet. "…You freed me?"
Alex gave a short nod. "And you're not the only one." He glanced toward the other crystals, where the elders and disciples — including Lan Xueya — remained frozen in silent stillness.
Without wasting time, Alex moved to the next crystal pillar. Mana flared around him again, the intertwined flows of fire, ice, and life perfectly balanced under the guidance of the Laws. One by one, the massive frozen spires cracked and fell away in showers of glittering shards.
The four elders were the first to be freed. Their bodies sagged the moment the ice released them, breaths shallow but steady. Then came the fifteen disciples, Lan Xueya among them, her expression peaceful even in unconsciousness.
Yu Mei and Shi Lian worked quickly, guiding each freed body to a flat area of the cavern, laying them down gently. The breath of the newly freed misted in the cold air, but none stirred awake.
"They're just asleep," Alex said, placing a hand over Lan Xueya's chest to check her mana flow. "The ice drained their strength and put them into a protective rest. Give them time — they'll recover."
The Sect Master of Frost Moon Palace watched all this in silence at first, her expression shifting from disbelief to awe. When the last shard of ice hit the cavern floor, she turned to Alex, her voice low but intense.
"You freed all of us," she said, her words carrying both shock and deep gratitude. "I thought… we would be trapped for centuries."
"You would have," Alex replied evenly. "That ice wasn't going to let go until it took everything from you."
Her lips parted slightly at the blunt truth, and she looked at the sleeping forms of her sect. "…Then we owe you everything. All of us."
Alex simply stepped back, scanning the cavern for any lingering threat. "Let them rest. When they wake, they'll need food, water, and time to recover before they can fight again."
The Sect Master stood quietly for a moment, her breath still misting in the frigid air, gaze sweeping over her sleeping elders and disciples. Every one of them was alive because of him.
She turned back to Alex, her expression as composed as ever — but her voice carried a weight that betrayed the depth of her feelings.
"I have seen men who flaunt their strength for their own gain," she said softly, "and men who promise protection only to vanish when it matters most. But you… you did not hesitate. You saw us — strangers — and acted as though we were your own."
Alex shrugged lightly. "Leaving you here wasn't an option."
Her lips curved in a faint, almost wistful smile. "In five centuries, very few have acted without weighing the benefit first. I have learned to stop expecting it. Perhaps I was wrong."
Yu Mei watched with interest, noting the subtle shift in the woman's posture — the way her shoulders relaxed, the way her eyes lingered on Alex a moment longer than courtesy required.
The Sect Master inclined her head. "You've given me back my sect, my people, my… family. I owe you more than I can repay."
"You don't owe me," Alex replied simply. "Just keep them safe."
Her smile deepened, but there was a glint in her eyes now — not just gratitude, but curiosity. "Perhaps I will. But one debt deserves another. When you need something from me… ask."
She held his gaze for a heartbeat longer, as though silently testing him. Then, with a graceful turn, she moved to kneel beside Lan Xueya, brushing frost from the girl's cheek.
Yu Mei leaned toward Alex with a small, knowing smirk. "I think you made an impression."
Before the Sect Master could say anything more, a faint sound broke the stillness.
Grrrmmm…
Her stomach had rumbled loud enough to echo softly in the crystal cavern.
For a split second she froze, her composed mask slipping as a faint blush touched her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, visibly embarrassed. "That's… odd."
Yu Mei arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. "At Ninth Level, you don't need to eat. But it seems your body disagrees."
The Sect Master frowned slightly, clearly confused. "I don't understand. I haven't felt hunger in decades."
Alex stepped closer, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's not ordinary hunger. The ice drained your life force while you were sealed. Your body's demanding something to replenish what was lost — food, mana, warmth. You'll recover faster if you eat."
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she gave a quiet nod. "I see… Then I'll accept whatever you can spare."
Yu Mei's lips curved in a faint smile. "Don't worry, we'll feed you. Alex is very… generous."
The Sect Master caught the teasing undertone but chose not to comment, though the faint color in her cheeks didn't fade.
Chapter 789 – "A Feast in the Cavern"
Alex didn't waste time. With a thought, he summoned ingredients from his storage, setting up a portable cooking station right there in the center of the crystal cavern. The air, once biting with cold, soon filled with the rich, warm scent of sizzling meat and fresh herbs.
On one side, he prepared Western dishes — thick, juicy steaks seared to perfection, golden french fries crisping in oil, bubbling cheese pizzas topped with fresh vegetables, fragrant creamy pasta swirled with garlic and herbs, buttered corn on the cob, roast chicken with rosemary, and even apple pies cooling on a rack.
On the other, he made familiar Xianxia-style dishes the Sect Master recognized — delicate gyoza dumplings steamed and fried to golden perfection, braised pork belly glazed in sweet soy, steamed fish with ginger and scallions, fragrant fried rice dotted with vegetables, sweet lotus seed buns, and hearty spicy hotpot with fresh greens and sliced meats.
The Sect Master of Frost Moon Palace sat quietly nearby, her gaze moving from one dish to another. She had never seen many of the foods he was making — the flat, cheesy bread of pizza, the thin golden strips called french fries, the strange red sauce he ladled over pasta — but the smell was intoxicating. The mix of savory meats, melted cheese, and fresh herbs curled through the air, blending with the comforting aroma of steamed dumplings and rich broths.
Yu Mei leaned toward her aunt. "You've never had these, have you?"
"No," the Sect Master admitted softly, eyes still fixed on the sizzling steak. "But… it smells unlike anything I've known. Warm. Inviting."
Alex worked quickly, preparing enough for everyone — the Sect Master, Yu Mei, Shi Lian, and the twenty Frost Moon Palace members who would soon be waking. Large trays of each dish were set out on a table conjured from his storage, steam curling up into the cavern's frosty air.
When the first bite of gyoza reached her lips, the Sect Master closed her eyes, savoring it. But her gaze kept drifting back to the strange dishes from his other world, curiosity winning over hesitation.
Large trays of each dish were set out on a table conjured from his storage, steam curling up into the cavern's frosty air.
She ate it and said it was very delicious. But her gaze kept drifting back to the strange dishes from his other world, curiosity winning over hesitation.
As the Sect Master savored another bite, a faint stir came from the other side of the cavern. One of the elders shifted, letting out a slow, groggy breath. Another followed, blinking against the light reflecting off the crystal walls.
Soon, quiet murmurs filled the space as the four elders and fifteen disciples began to wake one by one. Lan Xueya was among the first of the younger ones to sit up, rubbing her temples as if shaking off a long dream.
The rich scent of food reached them, and more than a few heads turned toward the table laden with steaming dishes. Confusion flickered across their faces — not just at their unfamiliar surroundings, but at the strange mix of foods spread before them.
Yu Mei's lips curved. "Perfect timing. They'll regain strength faster if they eat right away."
The Sect Master rose gracefully, though she still felt the lingering weakness in her limbs. "Rest easy, all of you," she said firmly to her people. "We are safe. And we owe it to our benefactor… to accept his hospitality."
Her words drew their attention to Alex, who was just pulling another tray of steak from the pan, the scent making even the still-dazed disciples swallow involuntarily.
Lan Xueya's eyes wandered over the table, stopping on the glossy cheese pizza and the thick slices of steak still steaming on the platter. "What… are these?" she asked, glancing between Alex and Yu Mei.
"Western food," Yu Mei replied smoothly. "From Alex's other world. Try it."
Hesitant but curious, Lan Xueya picked up a slice of pizza. The melted cheese stretched in long, tempting strands as she took her first bite. Her eyes widened instantly. "It's… hot, soft, and—" she paused to chew, "…very delicious."
A few other younger disciples, emboldened by her reaction, tried the french fries, pasta, and roasted chicken. Soon their initial hesitation gave way to eager eating, muffled sounds of surprise and delight filling the air.
The elders, on the other hand, gravitated toward the dishes they recognized — steamed fish, gyoza, braised pork belly, and hotpot. They ate with restrained grace at first, but even they began murmuring quiet approval between bites. "Very delicious," one of the elders finally admitted, a rare softness in her voice.
Alex simply kept cooking, making sure plates stayed full as the once-frozen hall filled with the warmth of shared food and voices.
As they ate, quiet conversations began to ripple through the group.
One of the younger disciples leaned toward Lan Xueya and whispered, "Is he… from another world? No wonder his name doesn't sound like ours."
Another nodded in agreement. "And his strength… it's different. I didn't sense the kind of cultivation pressure we're used to, but still… he's far beyond any Ninth Level I've ever seen."
Even one of the elders, after finishing a bite of braised pork, spoke in a low voice to the Sect Master. "It's as if his power isn't bound by the same limits as ours. Not just cultivation — something else entirely."
The Sect Master glanced toward Alex, who was calmly slicing another tray of roast chicken for the table. The way he moved — without arrogance, without urgency, but with complete control — only deepened the mystery.
Yu Mei caught the whispers and smirked faintly. "You're not wrong," she said, her voice just loud enough for the nearest few to hear. "Alex isn't from here. And his strength… let's just say it doesn't depend on cultivation levels the way you think."
Her words only stirred more quiet curiosity, but none dared to ask directly — not yet.
Chapter 790 – "The Ice Prison's True Victims"
No one pressed Alex further. His origins, his power — those were personal matters, and they all understood it would be rude to pry. Gratitude outweighed curiosity, and so the conversation settled into light talk as they finished the last of the meal.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, the Sect Master suggested they explore the cavern more thoroughly. Together, they walked toward the far side, where the largest crystal formations loomed like frozen mountains.
As they drew closer, shapes began to emerge within the translucent blue. Silhouettes — slim, graceful, and unmistakably feminine — were suspended inside, their features preserved in eerie perfection.
One of the disciples slowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "They look… familiar. Almost like the figures from those old paintings in the Frost Moon Palace archives."
The Sect Master stopped abruptly, her eyes narrowing as recognition hit her. "It's not just a resemblance. These women… I know some of them." Her voice dropped into a grave tone. "They are disciples, elders, even leaders from various famous sects who entered this secret land over the centuries — and never returned."
Gasps rippled through her group.
She stepped closer, her expression darkening as her gaze swept the endless rows of crystal pillars. "They're all from sects with one thing in common… they are women, and they cultivate ice. Frost Moon Palace, Snow Jade Hall, Glacial Spirit Pavilion… even the Silver Winter Temple. All related to women and ice."
Alex moved beside her, scanning the frozen forms. There were hundreds of them, each preserved as if caught mid-breath, their clothing and weapons locked in place.
"They were drawn here," the Sect Master said bitterly. "The aura in this place promises great benefits for ice cultivators. We came here for the same reason… and nearly joined them."
The air seemed colder now, the truth of the cavern's history settling heavily over the group.
The Sect Master's gaze lingered on the nearest crystal, her voice low but steady. "These women were not just disciples. Many of them were elders, prodigies… even sect masters in their own right. Their disappearance left their sects leaderless and vulnerable."
She let out a quiet breath, as if recalling fragments of history. "Without them, those sects fell into chaos. Rivals struck quickly — some were destroyed outright, others slowly bled away until nothing remained. The survivors scattered. A few joined other ice sects to survive, but most… most of them came to Frost Moon Palace."
Yu Mei tilted her head. "So in a way, your sect grew stronger because of this?"
The Sect Master gave a faint, bitter smile. "Stronger in numbers, yes, but weaker in unity. They came from different traditions, carrying the scars of their sects' destruction. It took decades to forge them into a single family. All of this… happened hundreds of years ago, before I became Sect Master. I only learned the truth piecemeal from old records and whispered stories. Seeing it with my own eyes…" She trailed off, her expression hardening. "…is something else entirely."
Her disciples stood silent, the enormity of the revelation sinking in. The cavern was not just a prison — it was a graveyard of sects.
Alex glanced over the frozen women once more, his mind already turning over possibilities.
They moved deeper into the cavern, and the sheer scale of it became clear. Towering crystal pillars lined the walls in neat rows, each one packed with frozen figures — dozens upon dozens in every block of ice.
Yu Mei's eyes narrowed as she counted. "There are so many…"
The Sect Master's lips tightened. "If each pillar holds nearly a hundred people…"
Alex finished for her, his voice low. "Then in total, there are more than a thousand trapped here."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group.
But Alex's gaze had sharpened. He stepped up to one of the nearest crystals, resting his palm against its cold surface, feeling past the frost into the still forms within. "They're alive," he said firmly.
Everyone froze, staring at him.
The Sect Master's eyes widened. "Alive? After hundreds of years?"
"Yes," Alex said, turning to face them. "This ice doesn't want them dead. When it drains their life force, it stops before the point of death — letting them slowly regenerate their strength. And once they've recovered enough… it starts draining them again. Over and over."
Shi Lian's brows drew together. "A vicious cycle… keeping them just alive enough to feed on."
Alex nodded. "Exactly. This place isn't just a trap — it's a farm."
The realization sent a chill through the cavern deeper than the cold itself.