Ice Profound City.
The largest metropolis within Ice Profound Empire's domain. Major clans, core factions, and the Ice Profound Imperial Palace all resided here.
Centered on Ice Profound City, tens of thousands of li around hosted countless powers from First to Sixth Grade—all vassals under the Empire, obeying imperial command like thunder. Joining Ice Profound City was an honor.
Only Seventh Grade and above could reside within. The three strongest: Wu Clan, Yang Clan, Lan Clan—all Eighth Grade.
Ice Profound City rivaled White Emperor City—only the climate differed utterly.
Here, blizzards raged year-round; biting cold ever-present. Yet this very reason birthed Ice-root cultivators—eight in ten citizens. Frigid nature accelerated ice cultivation, easing ice techniques and arts.
Like most cities, flight was banned. Lan An descended from afar…
Beside him, a lovely maid-clad girl gazed nostalgically at the city, slender arm linked intimately with his.
"Young Master, I miss the Princess so much!" Bing Lin'er murmured.
Raised by Bing Lan Xi since childhood, their bond was sisterly, not master-servant. Long separation bred deep longing.
"Soon you'll be together." Lan An pampered her short azure hair. Miss that bratty woman too.
The wives—save those in seclusion—followed Liu Yuqing to Liu Clan for introductions, bonding mother-in-law and daughters-in-law. Knowing this trip safe, they worried little.
Lan An assigned two Stone Men to Liu Shiquan for Liu Clan defense—preventing ambushes like the Lan Clan's.
One exception: Lan An caressed the ring on his finger, smiling: "Mengji, ever visited Ice Profound?"
Silence—she still fumed from last time.
"No answer? Next—another good show!" Lan An grinned wickedly.
"Hmph, why would I?" Her voice—cold, trembling with anger.
Dan Mengji had scoured realms for alchemy materials—vast knowledge. Ice Profound held nothing she needed. Tourism?
Lan An chuckled, satisfied, no further teasing. Hand in Bing Lin'er's, he approached the gate.
Snow blanketed the ground; their steps left prints. Flakes danced on Bing Lin'er's hair—adorable.
The gate stood open, traffic bustling. Yet guards manned it—weakest Nascent Soul, leader early Void Refining.
"Halt! State your identity and purpose!"
Seeing Lan An and Bing Lin'er, a guard barked.
"I'm Bing Lin'er, Third Princess's handmaid, returning from Sacred Spirit Academy to visit!" Bing Lin'er said softly, producing a jade token from her storage ring.
Normally, imperial subjects entered freely. Outsiders needed proof. Bing Lin'er wasn't surprised by the stop.
But next shocked her. The guard glanced at the token, sneering: "Since when does Third Princess issue such tokens? Impersonating? Scram!"
Bing Lin'er's eyes widened. Lan Xi's personal token—free passage! How could he not know?
"General, I'm Bing Lin'er—this is Third Princess's token!" She appealed to the early Void Refining leader.
Assuming the guard was new, she sought confirmation.
To her dismay, the general inspected, face darkening: "Bold! Forging the Princess's maid token? Leave—or be arrested!"
"You…!" Bing Lin'er seethed, ready to act.
Lan An calmly held her hand, stepping forward smiling: "Do you truly not recognize her—or pretend? Know me?"
The general's pupils contracted minutely, yet sternly: "Who are you? Why should I know you?"
Lan An smirked. Uncovered, from a Ninth Grade faction—if ignorant of his recent deeds, absurd. Feigned ignorance.
"Lan Clan men? Or another Prince/Princess's?" Lan An asked slyly.
Gate obstruction—crude. Puzzling.
"Hmph, nonsense!" General and guards paled.
The commotion drew eyes—but seeing Lan An's face, breaths held.
Lan An smiled. Dantian cauldrons stirred. First—reunite with Lan Xi. But trouble? Chicken-slaughter warning. He'd play big.
No intent to be low-key here.
Neigh…
A luxurious palanquin descended—drawn by two Fifth-Rank Ice Heaven Horses, driven by a sprightly maid.
It landed on snow, aiming for the gate.
"Greetings, Fifth Princess! Welcome back!"
General and guards bowed deferentially.
Lan An's eyes narrowed. Bing Dung's rival—Fifth Princess Bing Feifei.
Bing Lin'er, seeing the palanquin, nearly called for aid—but swallowed it. No owing rivals. Especially her.
Yet silence wasn't mutual. A gentle, surprised voice from within: "Oh? Isn't that Lin'er?"
Named directly, Bing Lin'er curtsied: "Lin'er greets Fifth Princess!"
"Rise. Lin'er's return means the gentleman beside is Young Master Lan?" The voice—casual, as if just noticing him.
Bing Lin'er inwardly snorted. Dream man of countless women—ignorant? Pretending.
Bing Feifei knew. To catch his eye: Don't fawn—dent his pride, spark conquest. Thus, she stayed veiled—playing hard.
"Indeed—my Young Master!" Bing Lin'er stressed Young Master, warning.
"Why not enter?" Bing Feifei ignored, feigning surprise.
"Hmph—they block us!" Bing Lin'er pointed at the general and guards.
"Forgive us, Miss Lin'er. Momentary blindness—Third Princess's token is rare. Please overlook!" The general bowed sincerely.
Lan An stayed silent, gauging Bing Feifei's intent.
All staged by her. Token misrecognition, then rescue—owe her favor?
"Misunderstanding cleared—join me? Space in the palanquin." Bing Feifei offered amicably.
"No need, Fifth Sister. I'll take Lin'er and my man."
Air grew colder. A fairy descended—overwhelming aura, peerless beauty dimming heaven and earth.
Jet-black hair pinned high, revealing a sensual neck. Ice Empress Robes clung, envied by female cultivators. Round sapphire eyes, sharp brows, honeyed lips, graceful figure, deadly curves, perky rear, jade-bare feet—painting's immortal.
Lan An dazed. Haven't seen her in ages—more stunning. Post-deflowering, Bing Lan Xi matured—like ripe peach awaiting plucking. Icy visage atop snowy peak—contrasting allure overwhelming.
Amid envious glares, Bing Lan Xi floated into his arms. They embraced tightly, hearts syncing, eyes conveying endless tenderness and words.
"Bratty woman… even more beautiful. Trying to kill me?" Lan An whispered.
Bing Lan Xi smiled sweetly, pleased. Yet pouted: "Just beauty?"
Lan An sensed her aura, pride surging: "Broke through Late Void Refining?"
No Spirit Pearl advantages—yet such speed. Heaven Punishing Sword Art suited her perfectly, plus her effort undeniable.
"She comprehended Sword Intent Realm—still below Qin Tian, but rapid progress. High sword talent," Jin'er rarely praised.
Lan An thrilled inwardly, sound-transmitting: "Sword Intent?"
Bing Lan Xi nodded smugly, pouting transmission: "Missing you—I buried myself in cultivation. Xi-Lan Sword eased longing!"
Lan An's heart stung. He kissed her smooth forehead.
Countless men seethed with jealousy. Far off, venomous eyes glared—Lan Khanh of Lan Clan, ruined by Lan An, fallen from Golden Board.
Lan Khanh's one-sided love for Bing Lan Xi—now seeing his goddess nestle in another's chest, blood boiled.
Inside the palanquin, Bing Feifei bit her lip. First step failed. But curiosity surged—Why so fast?
Gate to Palace—vast distance. News took time. How did Bing Lan Xi know of their arrival?
Void Refining divine sense reached the gate—but coincidence she scanned exactly then?
"Unless…" Bing Feifei's face twisted. Only one answer.
Bing Lan Xi constantly monitored the gate—divine sense fixed, heart awaiting her man. Thus, instant detection and flight.
"Proud Third Sister… this lovesick?" Bing Feifei struggled to believe—yet true.
What kind of man… makes Bing Lan Xi so enamored?
Bing Feifei wondered: "Lan An… who are you?"
…
Ice Profound City.
The largest metropolis within Ice Profound Empire's domain. Major clans, core factions, and the Ice Profound Imperial Palace all resided here.
Centered on Ice Profound City, tens of thousands of li around hosted countless powers from First to Sixth Grade—all vassals under the Empire, obeying imperial command like thunder. Joining Ice Profound City was an honor.
Only Seventh Grade and above could reside within. The three strongest: Vu Clan, Duong Clan, Lan Clan—all Eighth Grade.
Ice Profound City rivaled White Emperor City—only the climate differed utterly.
Here, blizzards raged year-round; biting cold ever-present. Yet this very reason birthed Ice-root cultivators—eight in ten citizens. Frigid nature accelerated ice cultivation, easing ice techniques and arts.
Like most cities, flight was banned. Lan An descended from afar…
Beside him, a lovely maid-clad girl gazed nostalgically at the city, slender arm linked intimately with his.
"Young Master, I miss the Princess so much!" Bing Lin'er murmured.
Raised by Bing Lan Xi since childhood, their bond was sisterly, not master-servant. Long separation bred deep longing.
"Soon you'll be together." Lan An pampered her short azure hair. Miss that bratty woman too.
The wives—save those in seclusion—followed Liu Yuqing to Liu Clan for introductions, bonding mother-in-law and daughters-in-law. Knowing this trip safe, they worried little.
Lan An assigned two Stone Men to Liu Shiquan for Liu Clan defense—preventing ambushes like the Lan Clan's.
One exception: Lan An caressed the ring on his finger, smiling: "Mengji, ever visited Ice Profound?"
Silence—she still fumed from last time.
"No answer? Next—another good show!" Lan An grinned wickedly.
"Hmph, why would I?" Her voice—cold, trembling with anger.
Dan Mengji had scoured realms for alchemy materials—vast knowledge. Ice Profound held nothing she needed. Tourism?
Lan An chuckled, satisfied, no further teasing. Hand in Bing Lin'er's, he approached the gate.
Snow blanketed the ground; their steps left prints. Flakes danced on Bing Lin'er's hair—adorable.
The gate stood open, traffic bustling. Yet guards manned it—weakest Nascent Soul, leader early Void Refining.
"Halt! State your identity and purpose!"
Seeing Lan An and Bing Lin'er, a guard barked.
"I'm Bing Lin'er, Third Princess's handmaid, returning from Sacred Spirit Academy to visit!" Bing Lin'er said softly, producing a jade token from her storage ring.
Normally, imperial subjects entered freely. Outsiders needed proof. Bing Lin'er wasn't surprised by the stop.
But next shocked her. The guard glanced at the token, sneering: "Since when does Third Princess issue such tokens? Impersonating? Scram!"
Bing Lin'er's eyes widened. Lan Xi's personal token—free passage! How could he not know?
"General, I'm Bing Lin'er—this is Third Princess's token!" She appealed to the early Void Refining leader.
Assuming the guard was new, she sought confirmation.
To her dismay, the general inspected, face darkening: "Bold! Forging the Princess's maid token? Leave—or be arrested!"
"You…!" Bing Lin'er seethed, ready to act.
Lan An calmly held her hand, stepping forward smiling: "Do you truly not recognize her—or pretend? Know me?"
The general's pupils contracted minutely, yet sternly: "Who are you? Why should I know you?"
Lan An smirked. Uncovered, from a Ninth Grade faction—if ignorant of his recent deeds, absurd. Feigned ignorance.
"Lan Clan men? Or another Prince/Princess's?" Lan An asked slyly.
Gate obstruction—crude. Puzzling.
"Hmph, nonsense!" General and guards paled.
The commotion drew eyes—but seeing Lan An's face, breaths held.
Lan An smiled. Dantian cauldrons stirred. First—reunite with Lan Xi. But trouble? Chicken-slaughter warning. He'd play big.
No intent to be low-key here.
Neigh…
A luxurious palanquin descended—drawn by two Fifth-Rank Ice Heaven Horses, driven by a sprightly maid.
It landed on snow, aiming for the gate.
"Greetings, Fifth Princess! Welcome back!"
General and guards bowed deferentially.
Lan An's eyes narrowed. Bing Dung's rival—Fifth Princess Bing Feifei.
Bing Lin'er, seeing the palanquin, nearly called for aid—but swallowed it. No owing rivals. Especially her.
Yet silence wasn't mutual. A gentle, surprised voice from within: "Oh? Isn't that Lin'er?"
Named directly, Bing Lin'er curtsied: "Lin'er greets Fifth Princess!"
"Rise. Lin'er's return means the gentleman beside is Young Master Lan?" The voice—casual, as if just noticing him.
Bing Lin'er inwardly snorted. Dream man of countless women—ignorant? Pretending.
Bing Feifei knew. To catch his eye: Don't fawn—dent his pride, spark conquest. Thus, she stayed veiled—playing hard.
"Indeed—my Young Master!" Bing Lin'er stressed Young Master, warning.
"Why not enter?" Bing Feifei ignored, feigning surprise.
"Hmph—they block us!" Bing Lin'er pointed at the general and guards.
"Forgive us, Miss Lin'er. Momentary blindness—Third Princess's token is rare. Please overlook!" The general bowed sincerely.
Lan An stayed silent, gauging Bing Feifei's intent.
All staged by her. Token misrecognition, then rescue—owe her favor?
"Misunderstanding cleared—join me? Space in the palanquin." Bing Feifei offered amicably.
"No need, Fifth Sister. I'll take Lin'er and my man."
Air grew colder. A fairy descended—overwhelming aura, peerless beauty dimming heaven and earth.
Jet-black hair pinned high, revealing a sensual neck. Ice Empress Robes clung, envied by female cultivators. Round sapphire eyes, sharp brows, honeyed lips, graceful figure, deadly curves, perky rear, jade-bare feet—painting's immortal.
Lan An dazed. Haven't seen her in ages—more stunning. Post-deflowering, Bing Lan Xi matured—like ripe peach awaiting plucking. Icy visage atop snowy peak—contrasting allure overwhelming.
Amid envious glares, Bing Lan Xi floated into his arms. They embraced tightly, hearts syncing, eyes conveying endless tenderness and words.
"Bratty woman… even more beautiful. Trying to kill me?" Lan An whispered.
Bing Lan Xi smiled sweetly, pleased. Yet pouted: "Just beauty?"
Lan An sensed her aura, pride surging: "Broke through Late Void Refining?"
No Spirit Pearl advantages—yet such speed. Heaven Punishing Sword Art suited her perfectly, plus her effort undeniable.
"She comprehended Sword Intent Realm—still below Qin Tian, but rapid progress. High sword talent," Jin'er rarely praised.
Lan An thrilled inwardly, sound-transmitting: "Sword Intent?"
Bing Lan Xi nodded smugly, pouting transmission: "Missing you—I buried myself in cultivation. Xi-Lan Sword eased longing!"
Lan An's heart stung. He kissed her smooth forehead.
Countless men seethed with jealousy. Far off, venomous eyes glared—Lan Khanh of Lan Clan, ruined by Lan An, fallen from Golden Board.
Lan Khanh's one-sided love for Bing Lan Xi—now seeing his goddess nestle in another's chest, blood boiled.
Inside the palanquin, Bing Feifei bit her lip. First step failed. But curiosity surged—Why so fast?
Gate to Palace—vast distance. News took time. How did Bing Lan Xi know of their arrival?
Void Refining divine sense reached the gate—but coincidence she scanned exactly then?
"Unless…" Bing Feifei's face twisted. Only one answer.
Bing Lan Xi constantly monitored the gate—divine sense fixed, heart awaiting her man. Thus, instant detection and flight.
"Proud Third Sister… this lovesick?" Bing Feifei struggled to believe—yet true.
What kind of man… makes Bing Lan Xi so enamored?
Bing Feifei wondered: "Lan An… who are you?"
…