Slender willows sway in the breeze

Chapter 52 A Slip of the Hand, a Kind Heart
They say he's a young general, brave and skilled in battle, resourceful and wise, and most importantly, a Dao Lord at such a young age, truly a gifted individual.

They use such catchy words as if they're free; I'm tired of hearing them.

His father was generous with his praise, but the man called him a good-for-nothing as soon as they met, which was somewhat hurtful to his self-esteem.

Taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, Ji Qiyuan approached Gu Changzhou.

The final conclusion is: he's the kind of person who easily attracts hatred!

Ji Qiyuan sourly stated this conclusion.

Gu Changzhou glanced at him from head to toe, his expression conveying only one message: "A mediocre person is one who doesn't attract envy."

Ji Qiyuan: ...

What does that look in his eyes mean?
So they're calling him mediocre?

To successfully form a core at the age of twenty is already considered extremely talented.

This was the first time I'd ever been looked at like that.

Given Ji Qiyuan's personality, he would definitely teach them a lesson for being looked down upon like this.

But the person opposite him was Mo Linhou.

What else can you do but keep it to yourself?
Gu Changzhou knew that Ji Qiyuan dared not speak out against his anger.

It's ok.

He's still young. After a few more setbacks, he'll realize there's always someone stronger.

He is the son of a marquis, of noble status, and has abundant cultivation resources.

Even if you force it in, you can still force out a golden elixir.

If Ji Qiyuan knew that Gu Changzhou thought of him this way, he would be incredibly frustrated.

The closer you get to the center, the more powerful the monsters become, and disciples die every day. It's only because there are so many people that the path to the center of the Frozen Domain seems less dangerous.

By the fifth day, eight of them had perished.

A woman in white asked with slight displeasure, "How much longer until we arrive?"

This question doesn't specify who it's asking.

It's probably just a feeling of dissatisfaction, but who knows what that dissatisfaction is about or who it's directed at!
After spending a few days together, Liu Sijun learned that the woman's name was Lü Ruoying, she was eighteen years old, had a late Foundation Establishment cultivation level, and was a disciple of Lishui Prefecture in the Dayu Kingdom.

Of the twenty-four prefectures in the nine provinces, Lishui Prefecture ranked fourth.

“I came here last year, but I didn’t take this route, so I’m not sure.”

The one who spoke was Wei Siqi, the eldest son of a duke in the Holy Profound Kingdom. He was nineteen years old this year, had decent talent, and was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

He came here once last year.

Liu Shiyuan said, "I think I walked this road many years ago. If we continue along this road, it will probably take another three to four days."

Chu Yanming asked, "Is that dangerous?"

"That was many years ago. Back then, near the finish line, there was a snow demon guarding the area, and it was very difficult to deal with."

Wei Siqi: "Snow Demon?"

"Yes, back then, the snow demon had already refined its bones and was about to form its demon core. This place is covered by ice and snow all year round, which further enhances its demonic power."

Chu Yanming said, "So, that snow demon didn't die?"

"He was injured and fled back then, I wonder if he's still around! If he is, then after all these years, it must be even more terrifying."

As soon as Liu Shiyuan finished speaking, Ji Qiyuan jumped out and said, "What are you afraid of? Marquis Molin is here!"

"Yes, there's Marquis Molin!"

Immediately, disciples from the Wind and Thunder Kingdom echoed this sentiment.

Ji Qiyuan smiled innocently: "This road seems to be the shortest route to the end. If we take a detour, who knows how long it will take. It's just a snow demon. With so many people, we can't even subdue a snow demon?"

Most of the younger generation agree that this path should be followed.

This means that they may arrive before other disciples and have a greater chance of gaining the sect's approval.

Being noticed by a sect is an immense opportunity and a great honor.

They wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.

Liu Sijun looked at Gu Changzhou with schadenfreude: "They're using you as a thug!"

"Then they'll know what it means to be wicked and heartless, to stand by and watch someone die." Liu Sijun raised an eyebrow: "If they were really in danger, could you really just stand by and do nothing?"

"This is their own choice. If they lack the ability but want to take shortcuts, they will always have to pay the price."

Liu Sijun pondered these words carefully.

Suddenly laughed.

After spending the last few days with him, I thought Gu Changzhou was a kind and generous person.

I never expected it to be like this.

She was mistaken. How could a commander who could lead three armies and capture several cities be a soft-hearted person who was careless and cunning?

With victory in sight, the gloom of their fallen comrades was dispelled, and the fact that they had not encountered any monsters for two consecutive days further fueled their excitement.

Shouting that they should go all out and head straight for the finish line.

On the morning of the third day, a snowstorm began, but it did not dampen their enthusiasm.

Amidst the swirling snowflakes, a snow demon, draped in white snow, stands atop a snow-covered mountain not far ahead.

Her figure was light and graceful, as if she were walking on the wind. Her long eyelashes were covered with frost, her skin was as white as snow and had a faint blue glow. Her long hair was like a waterfall, and the ends of her hair shimmered with crystal-clear frost flowers, like blooming ice plums.

This is the snow demon they mentioned a few days ago.

Liu Shiyuan pointed to the snow-capped mountain not far away and said, "Once we cross that mountain, we won't be far from the finish line."

The snow demon was almost one with the snow mountain, and none of the disciples, who were focused on their journey, noticed his presence.

The snow demon gazed at them silently, then suddenly transformed into several snowflakes and disappeared from the spot.

An hour later, they finally arrived at the snow-capped mountain. Looking out, the highest peak of the mountain seemed to meet the sky.

"So high!"

It must have taken a lot of effort to climb up there.

Ji Qiyuan said, "Why don't we just fly up and save some energy?"

While you can't fly high on a sword, you can still leap low over obstacles!

The snow was heavy, and everyone had walked for a long time, their feet sinking deep into the snow, and they were all quite tired. Naturally, they were interested in Ji Qiyuan's suggestion.

Liu Shiyuan: "Lord Molin, what do you think?"

"I have no opinion."

If someone wants to die, you can't stop them.

The Frozen Domain is covered in ice and snow all year round, so it's normal for it to have snow. However, two days ago, Liu Shiyuan mentioned the Snow Demon, but they didn't take it to heart at all. It's one thing for the Foundation Establishment disciples not to notice that the snowflakes were unusual, but even the Core Formation disciples didn't notice. Those who died in those days died in vain.

Gu Changzhou's tone seemed perfectly normal to Liu Shiyuan.

So they decided to fly to the top of the snow-capped mountain.

One person leaps forward, and the others scramble to follow, afraid of being left behind.

At the foot of the snow-capped mountain, three small, almost invisible black dots were Gu Changzhou, Liu Sijun, and Chu Yanming, who was determined to protect his cousin.

Although, this cousin's cultivation level is higher than his.

"You're also a disciple participating in this training, aren't you in a hurry to go up?"

Gu Changzhou asked Chu Yanming.

But Liu Sijun's reply was: "Go up there to your death?"

Gu Changzhou was slightly surprised: "You can see the Snow Demon?"

Liu Sijun: "Even my father didn't notice, how could I possibly see it? No, it really is there!"

Chu Yanming's eyes lit up with excitement.

"My lord, is there really a snow demon nearby?"

He hasn't even seen the Snow Fairy yet!

Liu Sijun sighed and rubbed his forehead.

But as for her cousin, she still had to remind him: "Cousin, my father just said that the Snow Demon had already refined its bones many years ago. Even if it was seriously injured, it must have recovered long ago, and its demonic power may even be stronger than before."

(End of this chapter)