Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 23: Seeking Survival in the Desperate Cold Peak

A biting north wind, carrying a chilling cold, cut across Zhang Peng's face like a sharp blade. Clad in a heavy fur coat, he rode a swift steed, struggling through the vast snow-covered mountains. All around him stretched endless, undulating white peaks, every inch of land blanketed in ice and snow, a deathly stillness that chilled the soul.

Several days had passed since he left the capital, and Zhang Peng held only one unwavering belief in his heart: to find the Ice Soul Snow Lotus and rescue Xia Lijuan. Following clues he had gathered from friends in the martial arts world, he had pursued his plan all the way to this frigid land. But the snow-capped mountains were vast, and where could the Ice Soul Snow Lotus possibly grow?

The mountain path was rugged and difficult to traverse; the horse's hooves frequently sank into the thick snow, and every step forward required immense effort. Zhang Peng's hands were already numb with cold, but he gripped the reins tightly, daring not to loosen his grip for a moment. Suddenly, the mountain path ahead was blocked by a huge block of ice, with sheer cliffs all around, offering no other way out.

Zhang Peng reined in his horse, his brow furrowed as he gazed at the predicament before him. He dismounted and examined the ice carefully, trying to find a way to pry it open. Just then, a gust of wind howled past, whipping up a flurry of snow that almost blinded him.

"Heavens, are you trying to cut off my path to survival?!" Zhang Peng cursed under his breath, but showed no sign of backing down. He took a deep breath, gathered all his strength, and threw a punch, slamming it into the ice. However, the ice didn't budge, but his hand was throbbing with pain.

Just as he was at his wit's end, a low roar came from afar. Zhang Peng was startled and gripped his sword warily. A huge snow leopard slowly emerged from the snow mist, its fur as white as snow, but its eyes glowed with a bloodthirsty red light, and it approached Zhang Peng step by step.

"Perfect timing!" Zhang Peng knew that running away was useless; only a fight was possible. He assumed a fighting stance, ready to meet the snow leopard's attack. The snow leopard roared and leaped up like a white lightning bolt, pouncing on Zhang Peng. Zhang Peng dodged to the side, and the snow leopard missed its target, landing quickly before turning around and launching another attack.

Zhang Peng engaged in a fierce battle with the snow leopard. The snow leopard was incredibly fast, and each attack carried a sharp, aggressive force. Zhang Peng could only barely defend himself by relying on his agility and superb swordsmanship. During the fight, Zhang Peng's arm was slashed by the snow leopard's claws, and blood stained his sleeve, dripping onto the pristine white snow, a stark and glaring sight.

"This can't go on!" Zhang Peng thought to himself. Seizing an opening in the snow leopard's attack, he unleashed all his strength, thrusting his sword towards the snow leopard's throat. The snow leopard couldn't dodge in time and was struck by the sword. It let out a painful howl and slowly collapsed.

After defeating the snow leopard, Zhang Peng was exhausted. He sat down against the ice, panting heavily, the pain from his wounds washing over him like a tidal wave. He quickly bandaged his wounds and continued searching for a way to get through the ice.

Finally, he found a small crack at the bottom of the ice block. He inserted his sword into the crack and pried hard. With a loud "crack," the ice block finally broke open, revealing a narrow passage.

Zhang Peng struggled through the passage and continued onward. After walking for an unknown amount of time, he finally arrived at a valley. A thin layer of mist hung in the valley, and a few white flowers could be vaguely seen blooming in the snow.

"Could this be the Ice Soul Snow Lotus?" Zhang Peng was overjoyed and quickly walked into the valley. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed the Ice Soul Snow Lotus he had been searching for. The flowers were as white as jade, the petals shimmering with a crystal light, and emitting a faint fragrance.

Zhang Peng carefully plucked the Ice Soul Snow Lotus and placed it in his bosom. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly heard a faint cry for help. He followed the sound and found an old man trapped in an ice cave.

"Help me..." the old man cried weakly.

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhang Peng immediately took action to rescue the old man. He used his sword to cut through the surrounding ice, and with great effort, finally managed to free him.

The old man looked at Zhang Peng gratefully: "Young man, thank you for saving me. Why did you come to this snowy mountain?"

Zhang Peng told the old man about his search for the Ice Soul Snow Lotus to save Xia Lijuan. After listening, the old man sighed and said, "Your deep affection is truly rare. I am a hermit in this snow mountain and know it like the back of my hand. Now that you have obtained the Ice Soul Snow Lotus, I will give you a ride and help you get down the mountain as soon as possible."

Led by the old man, Zhang Peng embarked on the journey down the mountain. Along the way, the old man guided him along the safest route, avoiding many dangers. Finally, they emerged from the snow-capped mountain.

After thanking the old man, Zhang Peng mounted his horse and galloped towards the capital. He was eager to return, with only one thought in his mind: to get back to Xia Lijuan as soon as possible so she could take the Ice Soul Snow Lotus and recover quickly.

Traveling day and night, Zhang Peng finally returned to the capital. He went straight to the Prince's mansion and rushed into Xia Lijuan's room. Xia Lijuan was still unconscious, her face as pale as paper.

"Lijuan, I'm back! I've found the Ice Soul Snow Lotus!" Zhang Peng's voice trembled, his eyes filled with anxiety and anticipation.

The doctor quickly took the Snow Lotus, brewed it into medicine, and fed it to Xia Lijuan. Zhang Peng stayed by the bedside, holding Xia Lijuan's hand tightly, not daring to leave her side for a moment.

Time passed slowly, and Xia Lijuan's face gradually regained color. Finally, she slowly opened her eyes.

"Your Highness..." Xia Lijuan called out weakly.

Overjoyed, Zhang Peng cried, "Lijuan, you're finally awake!" He hugged Xia Lijuan tightly, as if he were embracing the whole world.

Having survived this life-or-death ordeal, Zhang Peng and Xia Lijuan's bond deepened. They knew that the future might hold even more challenges, but as long as they stayed together, nothing could defeat them.