After resting for some time, Su Yang stood up, rotating his shoulder and flexing his hand. The injury had fully healed, thanks to his healing pill and unique recovery abilities.
> "My injury is okay now," he said, tightening his grip on his sword. "We can take the test."
Su Yang and Lu Ying approached the large metallic gate ahead of them. Its surface was etched with ancient runes glowing faintly under the cold light of the cave. Su Yang studied the gate carefully.
> "Alright, Lu Ying. Try using your True Ice Qi to activate the mechanism," he suggested, stepping aside. "But don't use too much—just a small amount should be enough."
Lu Ying nodded. Taking a calming breath, she raised her right hand. A swirling fog of white qi formed around her palm, cold and dense. She then placed it gently on the gate.
The moment her qi touched the metal, a layer of frost rapidly spread across the runes, freezing them in intricate patterns. After a few seconds, the frost began to retreat, and with a soft grinding sound, the massive gate slowly opened.
> "Go on in first," Su Yang said. "Once you're through, I'll do mine."
Lu Ying nodded once again and stepped inside. As soon as she entered, the gate closed.
Su Yang stepped forward, drew his sword, and exhaled slowly. Channeling his spiritual energy, he infused the blade with sword qi—a shimmering white glow wrapped around the steel like dancing lightning.
With a sharp cry, Su Yang slashed at the gate.
The gate trembled, its runes flashing briefly. Then it opened slowly, granting him passage. Inside, Lu Ying was already waiting.
> "So," Su Yang said, walking up beside her, "what's the next test?"
Lu Ying pointed silently at a stone wall, where glowing words were etched:
> "This is the second test.
To proceed, you must defeat the Ice Golem. Once you cross the red line, your cultivation and strength will be restricted to the skin Tempering (peak) realm. Only then may the trial begin."
Su Yang stared at the message, furrowing his brows.
> "So we have to fight with our cultivation sealed? That's harsh."
"We don't have a choice," Lu Ying replied calmly, stepping toward the red line. "If we want to get out, we pass the test. That's all there is to it."
Su Yang followed her. As they crossed the red line together, a cold energy barrier shimmered, passing over their bodies. Su Yang felt his power immediately suppressed. His world energy became sluggish, and his qi flow weakened.
> So this is what Body Tempering peak feels like again... he thought, opening his status panel.
---
[Status: Su Yang]
Cultivation Level: Sealed (skin Tempering – Peak)
World Energy Control: Restricted
Strength: Dropped by 60%
Sword Qi Usage: Limited (5 seconds max)
---
> Tsk. I can break the seal if I need to... but that would mean failing the test. Not an option.
Before them, an enormous figure began to stir.
At the center of the room, an ice golem sat motionless like a statue. Its body was made entirely of crystalline ice, solid and dense, reflecting the dim light. When it sensed their presence, it slowly rose to its full height.
Over two meters tall, built like a gorilla, the golem's chest rumbled with energy. Its eyes glowed with a cold, eerie blue light.
> Appraisal.
[Name: Ice Golem]
[Type: Construct – Ice Element]
[Creator: Ice Master Lu Wei]
[Purpose: Trial Guardian – Meant to test skill, coordination, and tenacity.]
Remark: This golem was created to be stronger than its challengers. Cooperation is necessary.
Su Yang grimaced.
> "This thing is no joke. It's stronger than both of us combined. We'll have to work together—every step."
Lu Ying nodded, gripping her sword tightly. A thin sheet of frost spread across her blade as she activated her Ice Qi.
> "I'll try to freeze its legs and slow it
s movement. You attack from behind or above."
> "Got it. Let's see how much this golem can handle."