Chapter 657

Chapter 657: Parting Ways or Traveling Together

Ye Yun was overjoyed and hurried forward. Moments later, he stepped into the icy expanse. A primordial icy essence, as ancient as creation itself, washed over him, sharpening his mind. The fire poison within him showed faint signs of suppression.

"To think this cold aura could slightly suppress the fire poison, while the poison’s resistance makes the chill more bearable. Not bad." Noticing the internal changes, Ye Yun smiled. Activating a minor teleportation technique, he reached the frozen depths within breaths. Surveying the frost-covered terrain, he recalled from his inheritance memory: this level of coldness would overwhelm Golden Core stage cultivators. Even early Nascent Soul stage practitioners would struggle without significant effort.

Only such extreme cold could restrain the fire poison. Having escaped the Extreme Southern Fire Domain and entered these northern plains, Ye Yun felt the previously rampant poison recede. Though not fully cured, the improvement delighted him.

His current state far surpassed his earlier predicament. Just as he’d hoped, this Extreme Northern Frost Land might offer rebirth—an opportunity he vowed to seize.

"At least you can move properly now. How does regaining spiritual power feel?" The Ancestor of the Sword Path observed Ye Yun’s excitement with amusement.

"Perfect. Couldn’t be better." Ye Yun’s grin widened. People only valued what they’d lost—he now understood the preciousness of strength he’d once taken for granted.

With the fire poison partially subdued, the northern cold clashed against it within him. Paradoxically, the conflicting energies brought comfort.

"Ah, refreshing!" Jin An exhaled, adjusting his thick winter gear. Though protective artifacts existed, he preferred ordinary clothing. Mortal comforts felt grounding.

Noticing Golden Ling’er still wore her thin veil, he offered, "Ling’er, this fur coat’s warm."

"How dull! Why suffer when artifacts work better?" She declined, turning to Ye Yun. "Elder, where are you going? Could you stay with me awhile if there’s no hurry?"

"I need ice element heavenly materials and earthly treasures here. We must part now." Ye Yun ruffled her hair gently.

Jin An interjected, "Elder, the Xumi Treasure holds countless riches, but random searching wastes time. Master’s jade tablet charts reliable paths—following it gives better odds than wandering blindly."

"Not afraid I’ll steal your finds?" Ye Yun teased.

Jin An chuckled. "If you desired something, why steal? A word from you, and I’d deliver it gladly." Their time together had shown Ye Yun’s character—the vast, untainted sword intent he’d demonstrated proved him no common thief.

Moreover, Jin An had observed Ye Yun’s fluctuating cultivation—hovering between sixth and seventh-level Golden Core stage before stabilizing here. How could a Golden Core cultivator rival peak seventh-level Nascent Soul experts? The mystery intrigued him, but some secrets weren’t meant to be uncovered.

Escorting them this far already exceeded normal kindness—others might have slain them for convenience.

"Listen to him," urged the Ancestor of the Sword Path. "Blind searching helps none. That jade tablet’s authentic—its clues won’t disappoint. This is your quickest path to recovery."

"Very well. Should we find ice element treasures, I claim them first. In return, I’ll aid your search for suitable Immortal artifacts." Ye Yun nodded.

"Knew you’d agree! Who’d abandon this cutie with clumsy Senior Brother?" Golden Ling’er chirped victoriously.

"Always the victim," Jin An sighed. Ye Yun’s future achievements would tower beyond mortal reach—why would such genius settle for ordinary companionship? Even affection couldn’t bridge the lifespan gap between cultivators.

Golden Ling’er whispered in his ear, "Don’t sulk! I’ll learn to care for others too, since you’ve spoiled me so long."

"Save the sweet talk—what do you want?" Jin An recognized her childhood tactic of using flattery before requests.

"Ugh! Just help me train with Elder later!" She stomped his foot lightly before flouncing away.

Ye Yun gazed at the white expanse. "Never cared for snowscapes before. Now they seem… poignant."

"Look! A snow-hare!" Golden Ling’er reached for a furry creature.

Ye Yun’s foot crushed it instantly. Soul power pulverized the remains as he chided, "This isn’t your back mountain. Touch nothing here." Brushing snow from her hair, he added, "We won’t always protect you."

"Understood," she mumbled, chastened.

"Hold tight. Teleporting via spatial laws now." Ye Yun feigned sternness.

"Aye-aye!" Her clear voice echoed through the frozen valley.

The Ancestor snorted. "Does she want an avalanche?"

"Would burial here purge my poison?" Ye Yun mused.

"Try it," came the dry reply.

"Pass. I prefer living." White light enveloped Ye Yun as he grasped Jin An’s shoulder. Golden Ling’er clung tightly to his waist, her floral scent mingling with frost.

"Loosen the grip," Ye Yun coughed. She pretended deafness, squeezing harder.

As the light intensified, a faint blue glimmer flashed in his vision—gone before he could focus.