Chapter 82
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Chapter 82: The Menacing Presence of North Ridge
After Feng Rong unleashed his flames, miles of land turned to scorched earth. No trace of snow remained in sight, and the temperature felt noticeably warmer. The snow demon—originally formed from ice—shriveled into a melting snowball. Though vaguely human-shaped, water streamed from its body, either from fear or heat.
"Snow demon, did you create this illusion?" You You attempted reasoning.
The snow demon stumbled back fearfully. As a thousand-year ice spirit, fire shouldn’t affect it—yet those flames had nearly scorched both its body and spirit. It peeked at You You timidly. Sensing no malice, its tense expression softened into fascination. Such a beautiful noble lady! If only it could steal her away to make snow children…
The thought barely formed when Feng Rong’s sharp gaze snapped toward it. The snow demon shuddered, all mischief vanishing instantly. "I-I didn’t trap you in the illusion! You flew in yourselves! I’ve lived here peacefully—please spare me!"
"We won’t harm you if you behave," You You stated. Recalling the Formation Masters’ warnings, she pressed, "Several cultivators vanished near North Ridge. Was that your doing?"
"Cultivators?" The snow demon shook its head frantically. "A few trespassed and ruined my illusion! I buried them briefly—but didn’t kill anyone! They crawled out and left!"
"Then where are they now?"
"Gone! I moved here recently to build a snow home. They invaded uninvited—I just got…a little annoyed!" It held up a trembling pinky finger, eyeing Feng Rong nervously. Previous intruders had fled quickly, but encountering You You sparked greedy thoughts. Now its home was ash. Pure regret!
"Moved?" You You caught the word. "You weren’t here before?"
"Right!" It pointed north. "Many snow demons fled here half a month ago. I claimed this plain."
"Fled? From what?"
The demon trembled. "Ominous Presence engulfed North Ridge suddenly. Humans don’t sense it, but we demons do. Every capable demon evacuated."
Ominous Presence? At North Ridge? This had to connect to their ruins mission. You You exchanged glances with Feng Rong, who demanded, "Does it originate from North Ridge’s west?"
"Who knows? I fled immediately." The snow demon shrugged. Quick escape secured this territory—now lost.
Feng Rong’s face darkened.
"We must investigate now!" You You urged. When he hesitated, she tugged his sleeve. "Hurry! Others might claim the ruins first!"
Feng Rong gripped her hand tightly before summoning his Spirit Sword. They flew toward North Ridge, his hold uncommonly tense.
Without illusions hindering them, they reached North Ridge in half an hour. Bypassing the city, they headed straight for the snow-buried mountains—endless white swallowing former forests.
"Nothing’s here," Feng Rong said shiftily. "Let’s rest in town."
"Nothing? The whole mountain’s covered in Purple Mist!" You You gestured at the haze.
"You see it?!" He stared astonished.
"Obviously!" Lavender fog swirled through peaks, carrying restless energy—clearly the Ominous Presence.
Feng Rong studied her oddly. Ordinary humans shouldn’t perceive this.
"West side!" You You checked her map. "The Presence spreads from there—same as the ruins’ location."
Feng Rong’s grip tightened as they descended toward a cliffside stone wall. "Find the triangular mark Feng Yu mentioned—the entrance is here."
"It’s too dark," Feng Rong protested. "Let’s return tomorrow."
"Wait!" You You pointed at snow-filled indentations. "There’s the triangle! No delays!"
Reluctantly, Feng Rong approached. The hidden triangular notch stood revealed—snow highlighting its shape against the stone wall.
