— The Search for an Unrotting Treasure —
Eren gently released Seraphine from the Swordborne Gourd, a cold, cruel smile touching his lips.
"Seraphine, don't worry. Damien, the one who drove you to your death—I won't let him die easily."
But no sooner had the smile appeared than it froze.
Seraphine's hand... was cold as ice.
Even—slightly stiff.
Eren's heart plummeted.
No!
If her body rots before the day of her resurrection
He shot forward as if propelled by a blade, found Selene, and grabbed her arm.
"Selene! You've seen much of the world. Is there a treasure that can preserve a body, prevent decay?! Tell me!"
Selene stared at him blankly.
The man she loved, frantic and heartbroken for another womanThe bitterness felt like a physical ache in her chest.
"Speak!" Eren urged, nearly out of control, completely oblivious to her feelings.
"... Clueless man," Selene gritted her teeth internally, then finally spoke. "There is one rare wonder—the Frostjade Marrow, also called the Millennial Ice Soul. It can keep a body from decay, preserve youth eternally, and even stabilize one's cultivation."
A spark of hope ignited in Eren's eyes.
"Where is it?"
"The Great Snowy Peaks to the north. The Frostveil Sect," Selene said gravely. "It's their foundational treasure, guarded for three hundred years. Their strongholds are numerous; forcing your way in is impossible."
"Then we'll trade," Eren's gaze was as sharp as a honed blade. "I have treasures they cannot refuse. Selene, take me there."
"... Now? ... It's a thousand miles away!" Selene found it unbelievable.
Before she could finish her sentence, Eren had already pulled out his phone and called Arden.
"I need a helicopter. Now. Immediately!"
He had to obtain the Frostjade Marrow with the utmost speed.
It was Seraphine's only hope.
---
— Arrival at the Frostveil Sect —
The helicopter tore through the blizzard, finally reaching the airspace above the Great Snowy Peaks.
Through the window, Eren saw a thousand miles of mountain ranges locked in frost and ice.
At the center, a towering peak split the sea of clouds like a frozen blade—the location of the Frostveil Sect.
"So cold..." Selene pulled her down jacket tight, her teeth chattering uncontrollably.
She glanced at Eren—
He still wore only light clothing, his expression calm as if he were in a temperate room.
"Aren't... you cold?" Selene moved closer to him, feeling the biting cold around her lessen slightly.
Eren let out a soft breath, retrieved a piece of jadeite from his Swordborne Gourd, and with a flicker of spiritual light at his fingertip, inscribed a simple Yang-attuned Warming Array onto it.
"Hold this. Consider it a trial version of a Cold-Warding Talisman," he said, placing the jade into her palm.
"Heavens... It really works!" A wave of warmth, like a hot spring, flowed from the jade into her limbs. She couldn't help but stare at Eren's profile—just where were this man's limits?
"Stop staring," Eren grabbed her wrist. "Let's go up the mountain."
The Frostveil Sect was located on the mountainside, its stone steps steep and slick. For Eren, it was a casual stroll, but Selene was panting heavily halfway up, her legs leaden, nearly slipping several times. Had Eren not been holding her, she would have tumbled down long ago.
"Eren... I can't go on..." She collapsed on the steps, drenched in a fragrant sweat, her legs feeling like poured lead.
She looked up at him, biting her lip. "Carry me. Otherwise, we'll never reach the Frostveil Sect."
Eren was silent for two seconds, then finally crouched down—he didn't want to waste any more time here.
Soon after, the two arrived at the mountain gate.
Two gatekeeping disciples immediately shouted, "Halt! This is the restricted domain of the Frostveil Sect!"
Both were Dark Realm martial artists, their auras sharp and frosty.
Selene stepped forward, her voice clear and ringing:
"I am Selene, daughter of Magnus Drax, President of the Sixfold Trade Guild. I seek an audience with Patriarch Darkfrost to discuss a significant business proposition. Report our arrival at once."
The name of the Sixfold Trade Guild was renowned across the lands. Hearing it, the two disciples' expressions changed instantly, and they promptly clasped their fists in salute.
"So it's Miss Selene! Please, follow us!"
They stole several glances at her veiled face, while Eren beside her was utterly ignored—to them, he was merely an attendant guarding the young lady.
---
— Tension in the Main Hall —
Upon entering the main hall of the Frostveil Sect, a chill seemed to creep from the very veins of the earth, tightening hearts unconsciously.
A group of disciples in watery blue robes escorted a dignified man forward.
He appeared to be in his fifties, with deep, somber eyes. This was the current Patriarch of the Frostveil Sect—Severin Darkfrost.
The young man beside him—
In his early twenties, handsome and proud, was the young master of the Frostveil Sect, Kaelen Darkfrost. Having already reached the Grandmaster-tier at a young age, his arrogance was palpable.
Kaelen stepped forward directly, his gaze sharp enough to slice through Selene's veil.
"Miss Selene, I am Kaelen. I heard you've come to discuss a 'significant business proposition.' What matter brings you here?"
His eyes lingered on Selene, but repeatedly flicked towards Eren with disdain and provocation.
Selene nodded faintly. "There is indeed a matter of business, however—"
Before she could finish, a scornful smirk tugged at Kaelen's lips. "Since it's a significant business deal, shouldn't you show some sincerity first? Hiding behind that veil is rather—mysterious. Why not remove it, let us also—"
His words trailed off, the lecherous intent in his eyes barely concealed.
Selene's face instantly turned cold. "Young Master Kaelen, that is highly inappropriate. If this is how the Frostveil Sect treats its guests, then this business—need not be discussed."
Eren inwardly praised her:
—Truly the daughter of the Sixfold Trade Guild. Using retreat to force advancement, putting the other party on the spot immediately.
Severin gave a light cough, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Kaelen, enough of your nonsense! My apologies, Miss Selene."
He raised a hand to calm the situation and gestured for everyone to sit. "Let us first hear about this business."
Selene cast a cold glance at Kaelen. "Eren, you explain."
Eren stood, his tone calm yet resolute:
"Patriarch Severin, my name is Eren. I have come to offer three treasures in exchange for your sect's—Frostjade Marrow."
As the words fell, the temperature in the hall seemed to drop several degrees again.
"What?!"
Kaelen slammed the table, rising to his feet, his anger flaring.
"The Frostjade Marrow is our sect's foundational treasure! A nobody like you dares make such an offer? That statement alone warrants your death ten times over!"
Eren merely furrowed his brow slightly, neither subservient nor arrogant.
"You misunderstand, Young Master. I am here for an honest exchange, with no disrespect intended."
Kaelen snorted coldly. "Not even a mountain of gold or a sea of silver would be enough! If not for the face of the Sixfold Trade Guild, I would—"
"Silence!"
Severin's stern voice cut through, a hint of his pressure manifesting.
"Kaelen, you are too rash! Miss Selene has come a long way; she is an honored guest of the Frostveil Sect. How can you speak of expelling guests?"
He turned to Selene, his brow filled with apology. "My son has been discourteous; I hope you can forgive him. Attendants, serve tea."
Moments later, disciples brought steaming cups of Snow Lotus Tea.
Severin smiled. "Please, enjoy the tea first. This is the unique Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus, grown only here in the Great Snowy Peaks. It calms the heart and focuses Qi, rarely found elsewhere."
The tea's aroma was cool yet refreshing.
But neither Eren nor Selene touched theirs.
Eren said flatly, "We appreciate your hospitality, Patriarch. But let us first attend to the main matter."
A faint, inscrutable curve lifted the corner of Severin's mouth:
"Oh? Are you worried the tea might be poisoned?"
Eren's gaze swept over the square censer in the center of the hall, where incense smoke coiled, seemingly concealing some hidden power.
He slowly picked up his teacup and drained it in one go.
"The Frostveil Sect is renowned throughout the land; surely you wouldn't resort to such methods?—Excellent tea."
Severin and Kaelen slightly changed expression, a flash of surprise deep in their pupils:
—Did this kid see through it?
Seeing Eren drink, Selene also took a small sip.
The cold fragrance entered her throat, but her heart —only grew tighter.
---