The guardians of Xuanwu Commandery not only possess extraordinary talents, but their minds are as calm as the weather itself. Their abilities are also exceptionally outstanding, ranking among the top in the Alliance—— The Nangong clan stands out with unparalleled defensive prowess, while their Ice Heart Technique perfectly counters the magical arts of the Changsun clan, the Alliances leader. Of course, this secret technique remains strictly confidential within the Nangong family.
Except, there are exceptions... Ah Jun is one of them now, but he does not know that a greater crisis is waiting for him.
The sacred site here is located higher up in the main city, on the top of a mountain—— Originally, it was also a giant volcano, but thousands of years ago, the cave entrance at the top of the mountain was covered by a magical water, and formed a huge lake, which is revered by the local people as the Basalt Lake.
The place where the saint lives is in the temple at the center of Xuanwu Lake, facing the surrounding Nangong Academy, but there is no bridge or secret passage in the middle. How can one get through?
The next morning, Ah Jun woke up, likely anxious about the upcoming challenge—— though he hadnt suffered from insomnia the previous night. The young man instinctively felt nervous and worried when facing unknown situations. Though he knew there was nothing to dwell on and didnt dwell on it, his body kept sending signals of unease—tension would inexplicably creep in. As the Sacred Medical Clan would say, this was related to his innate talents and physical uniqueness. "Since Im here," he thought, "I might as well make the best of it."
However, the kitten somehow woke up at dawn and rushed to Ah Juns room waiting for breakfast. With meowing sounds, it seemed to reassure him: "Relax, you can do this!" But Xiao Xi was different. Shed been gaming until midnight last night and was still snoring loudly. Her quilt was gone, and her belly was sticking out.
Ajun and the kitten exchanged knowing smiles before tucking Xiao Xi under the blanket. After breakfast with the Holy Maiden, Ajun realized Xiao Xi was spot-on – her culinary skills were on par with his own, and both dishes were perfectly palatable. When everyone finished eating, Xiao Xi finally woke up. His rational mind told him to get up and cheer his brother on, while his mothers stern warning still burned in his memory. He knew better than to slack off, or hed face a scolding when he got home.
At this moment, the saintess suddenly wanted to speak but stopped. She looked a little worried and uncertain whether Ah Jun could complete the training—— because even the people here did not dare to challenge easily, but she did not know how to persuade him.
After all, the saint girl had always been undistracted and cared little for others. She did not need to think too much, and this hesitation might be due to the instructions of the holy Beast and her grandfather, or perhaps there was another reason now.
After breakfast, the group followed the steps of the Holy Maiden and came to the Nangong Academy on the top of the mountain—— This is a high-level academy in Xuanwu County, which is similar in status to Zhuge Academy on the Island of Skilled Craftsmen, and focuses on cultivating special talents.
While the comprehensive strengths of top-tier universities in Chinas higher education system are evident, Nangong College stands out as a distinctive regional institution. Its architecture harmonizes with the local climate and geography, featuring translucent designs reminiscent of ice sculptures. Students retro-inspired attire creates an atmosphere that transports visitors to the ancient academy era.
After arriving at the center of the college, Xuanwu Lake, Ah Jun was attracted by the ancient and mysterious temple in the middle of the lake, and his heart was filled with awe again.
Xiao Xi and the kitten stood nearby, their eyes wide open in confusion as they wondered how to get through. Though they were originally meant to stay apart, the kitten insisted on coming along and kept pretending to be unwell. Worried, Ah Jun was eventually pulled by Xiao Xi to consult the Holy Maiden.
So, just like now—— the saint also made a rule with them not to go into the temple, not to make a loud noise outside, not to run around, which seemed simple, but for these two restless companions, it seemed a little difficult.
At this moment, the girl looked back at everyone, nodded to follow, and then began her elegant first step, which immediately touched the lakes surface——In an instant, her feet were covered with frost, and the water instantly froze. As the Holy Maiden walked, a solid yet chilly path gradually formed...
However, others following behind cant help but feel a twinge of worry. After all, theyre walking on a frosty path, always afraid of slipping——But each step they take gives them comfort. The road forms a layer of frost as the childrens feet touch it, gripping their shoes to prevent slipping, then immediately releases to ensure smooth movement.
Of course, people familiar with the ice can also skate on it—— which is exactly what the saint did in consideration of everyones safety, even though she still looks cold on the surface.
After a moment at the grand temple entrance, Xiao Jiwo and Xiao Xi found themselves at a standstill. Ah Jun reiterated his instructions for the younger brother to keep watch over the kitten. Xiao Jiwo seemed slightly displeased——Though Ah Jun nudged her several times urging the feline to perch on Xiao Xis shoulder, she remained rooted to the boys lap, her gaze fixed on the sacred maiden as if reluctant to leave.
With no other choice, Ah Jun reached out and patted the kittens head. He tried to grab her down with a gentle hold, but the little one clung desperately to his clothes. It wasnt until he accidentally nudged her cheek that the adorable feline finally let go—her paws curled up in a contented snuggle. The kitten then landed steadily on the ground. After checking on the kitten, Ah Jun glanced at Xiao Xi before waving goodbye. He followed the Holy Maiden into the temple, leaving Xiao Xiu and Xiao Wei to cheer softly from behind, their voices barely audible against the sacred atmosphere.
After entering the hall, the saint always seemed to be thinking of something, with a cold and quiet expression. She skillfully led A Jun walking in her own living place, keeping a reasonable distance from each other at all times.
As they walked through the temple, Ah Jun marveled at——its minimalist yet majestic layout, where every detail radiated profound mythological significance, evoking deep reverence. The central hall was adorned with intricate carvings of the Goddess and the mystical Black Serpent... When they reached a serene pool called Cold Jade Pond—the sacred site where the Holy Maiden practiced her cultivation—they paused. Beside the water lay the legendary Mirror of Fortune and the Ruyi scepter.
Before embarking on the trials, the Holy Maiden waved her hand, instantly forming a protective barrier. She then confirmed with Ah Jun again whether they needed to reconsider——But to her surprise, the boy remained resolute in his choice. Only after hearing the Holy Maidens repeated warnings did Ah Jun proceed with the second trial.
Then, following the instructions, he arrived at Tanxin. By this time, the water had already frozen into ice——Ah Jun began meditating before the Ruyi Mirror, while the Holy Maiden sat down opposite him, her hand slowly approaching Ah Juns palm. However, the method that originally required physical contact was temporarily modified.
Now, the Holy Maiden relied on her own strength to be close to Ah Juns palm, but kept a certain distance between them, connected by ice instead of direct contact. Then, she began to instruct the first level of training, the heart cultivation technique.
As for theoretical knowledge, Ah Jun was very good at grasping it since childhood. He had memorized the schools rules and methods by heart, and he also had a good understanding of the comprehension and application methods of the heart decision. But unfortunately, he could only watch others practice.
Soon, after the girl taught him the mantra and the technique, Ah Jun had memorized it and was ready to regulate his breathing and operate, eager to try it out.
Because, as the saint mentioned before, this times experience here is different from that of the school, and will not be constrained by the reality, which means that Ah Jun can use his ability.
——Of course, its certainly possible to try, but it wont be easy.
After completing the first phase of training, Sainte immediately withdrew her strength, stood up, and turned her back to Ah Jun, looking at the treasure mirror.
After a moment, she finally turned around and slowly approached the boy—— While explaining the next phase, she positioned herself behind Ah Jun, standing firmly beside him. Clutching the Black Tortoise Tear in one hand, she hesitantly placed it on his shoulder as she gazed at the mirror before them... Her other hand maintained a ritualized stance while murmuring incantations, activating the Heart Refinement Mode of the Cold Jade Pond—— This marked the second tier of the training—heart knots—which proved to be the most challenging hurdle.
At this time, Ah Jun also began to cooperate, closed his eyes to meditate and follow the guidance of the Holy Maiden. He felt a moment of confusion, and he found himself, perhaps, crossing the time again?
Hmm—— But this place felt oddly familiar, almost dreamlike. To be precise, it was the Heart Spirit Realm. The Holy Maiden had spoken of this realm before, though the circumstances here seemed different from those she had described before.
At this moment, the Holy Maiden was outside the spiritual realm of Ah Jun. In the hall, she kept an eye on the boys movements through the mirror of willpower, and then kept in touch with Ah Jun by means of the connection of the sacred instrument and provided him with guidance by means of the transmission of sound.
Outside the temple, Xiao Xi and Xiao Mao anxiously waited, unable to enter—— The Holy Maiden had implemented additional protective measures beyond their original agreement to prevent disturbance... Although they could observe Ah Juns movements through the protective barrier, the two had to wait outside. From the main gate, their only view of the situation remained limited.
"Hey... wheres the uncle?"
In the place he was familiar with, Ah Jun seemed to relax a little. He looked around... The center was the same as before, and he saw the gems again, but this time there was no protective layer, and the gems did not look so attractive.
Of course, Ah Jun is still very sensible. No matter what, he wouldnt touch the —— here. The environment seems somewhat similar to before—its quite bright but still empty. If only the uncle were nowhere else, they could sit down together and have a cup of tea.
——It was the uncles habit, and Ah Jun remembered it very well.