Chapter 1012: Godlotus Cold Energy
As Lu Qing'er updated Li Luo on the situation of his friends at the Xia Kingdom, they finally arrived at the top of the icy platform. In front of them was a single snow-white lotus. Each and every petal was decorated with ancient runes that seemed to have been created by the heavens.
The petals were undulating slightly, as though the lotus was alive and breathing. Periodic waves of biting, cold air emitted with each pulse, and even the void around it seemed to have been frozen as well.
"What terrifying cold energy," Li Luo commented as he observed the mysterious Godlotus.
"This is the Glacier Godlotus, a rarely seen ice treasure. It has grown for tens of thousands of years and formed an ice spirit. It is an incredible boon to any ice resonance cultivator. The only reason I entered the Spiritual Resonance Cave was to obtain this." Lu Qing'er did not hide any information.
"This is indeed a peak treasure." Li Luo nodded in agreement. The mystical charm the Glacier Godlotus exuded told him that this was probably the most valuable treasure he had ever come in contact with. In terms of rarity and preciousness, it was probably similar to the Nine Marks Sacred Heart Lotus.
If it was ever auctioned by the Golden Dragon Bank, the price would be atrociously high and every single Heavenly Emperor power would be fighting tooth and nail to obtain it.
"It looks like the Golden Dragon Bank's ability to gather intelligence is unparalleled. The others outside are competing for some insignificant treasures, whilst you've discovered such a top-notch wonder by yourself," Li Luo praised.
Even the Aquamarine Bamboo Python Staff paled in comparison to this.
Based on his estimates, the price of this object could likely compare to that of a Destiny-grade Duke Art.
"You're quite generous. Despite knowing how precious this object is, you still chose to bring me along." Li Luo smiled. Lu Qing'er trusted him wholeheartedly. Normally speaking, one would quickly snatch the treasure after chasing everyone away. Who would actually choose to bring an opportunist along and even explain its value?
"If I can't trust you, who can I trust?" Lu Qing'er quietly replied.
Li Luo nodded and sighed. "Ah, Qing'er, you're still as amazing as ever. You can see through my inner character with just a glance."
She rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips teased upwards in a smile, revealing her true thoughts about his flattery.
Lu Qing'er pointed at the terrifying energy that was radiating from the Glacier Godlotus as she smiled. "The Glacier Godlotus is not just a marvelous treasure in and of itself, but the cold energy it emits is also something special. It's known as Godlotus Cold Energy, and it’s considered one of the highest grade ice treasures available. It can also protect one's mind against external and evil influences.
"Since the Glacier Godlotus belongs to me, I'll give you the Godlotus Cold Energy in return. How about that?"
Li Luo hurriedly waved his hand. "No, no. I don't have an ice resonance, so it's not useful to me. There's no need to be polite amongst us."
"Absolutely not!" Lu Qing'er shook her head vigorously.
At the same time, she took action and removed a small box that looked to be made of cold steel. There were countless sealing runes all over it as well. She tossed the box in the lotus' direction and activated it, causing the Godlotus Cold Energy in the air to rise up in wisps before being sucked into the box.
As more and more Godlotus Cold Energy condensed, a thumb-sized, lotus-shaped ice crystal could be seen forming in its place. It emitted a frightening chill that caused the air to freeze over.
Lu Qing'er then quickly shut the box and activated the sealing runes, causing the coldness to subside. After all was said and done, she passed the box to Li Luo.
"You have to accept this!" she stated firmly.
Li Luo felt a little helpless in the face of her determination. He glanced at the steel box, but a thought suddenly came to mind. It might not be useful now, but what if he were to open another resonant palace? At that point, he would need yet another acquired resonance, and this high-grade ice resonance treasure would be a good material for it. Having an ice resonance wasn't out of reach to him.
With that in mind, he slowly nodded and received the box. When his hand touched it, he could feel a bone-biting chill pierce his flesh, causing him to shiver.
He quickly stored it within his pocket sphere after that.
Lu Qing'er nodded in satisfaction upon seeing Li Luo's actions. After which, her lips opened slightly, and a snow-white bead flew out of her mouth.
The bead floated above the Glacier Godlotus and began to slowly expand as it descended, completely enveloping it.
Then the bead shrunk back to its original dimensions, which was around the size of a thumb.
At this point, the Glacier Godlotus had vanished off the platform. If one looked closely, they could see an extremely miniature version of it within the bead.
Such a miraculous way of storing a treasure caused Li Luo to sigh in amazement.
Seeing that she had succeeded, Lu Qing'er's face lit up elatedly. She then opened her mouth once again and swallowed the bead.n-)OvElbIn
When it entered her body, some icy runes appeared on her snow-white skin and her demeanor turned even colder than before. If she were to stand silently, she would remind one of an icy immortal fairy, with a pristine aura that none would dare to blaspheme.
"Qing'er, you seem to have gone through a significant transformation." Li Luo sighed as he observed her.
Ever since they reunited, he felt like Lu Qing'er had undergone some sort of inscrutable change. Additionally, the ice resonant power coming from her body was incomparably purer than it was a year ago.
Based on his memories, she had a lower eighth-grade ice resonance, but the ice resonant power she gave off now was far superior.
Additionally, he could feel that her body contained a terrifying sort of cold energy that even he was wary of.
Clearly, she had obtained some sort of humongous upgrade.
Lu Qing'er smiled slightly. "I can't compare with you. You've reached the three-pearl tier in just one year. You would still be in the Two Star Hall if we used the Astral Sage College's rankings. You're so strong that I’m afraid even the Four Star Hall students might be frightened dumb by you."
Li Luo shook his head. "Well, prodigies and talents are as common as clouds in the inner divine continent. It's not something the Astral Sage College can compare to. In addition, the enemies we have to face in the future will not be from our generation, so being a three-pearl isn't nearly enough."
"Yes, yes. Who doesn't know that you, Li Luo, are aiming for the skies," Lu Qing'er teased.
"Yes..." Her gaze suddenly turned towards him as she quietly asked, "How are Senior Jiang's injuries?"
Li Luo replied, "After she arrived at the Hallowed Coruscation Ancient College, her injuries stabilized and things have been okay. It's unfortunate that the distance between us is too vast, and I don't know her exact situation."
Lu Qing'er consoled, "With her talent, she will shine brightly wherever she is. She will definitely be prized by the Hallowed Coruscation Ancient College, and they will certainly take care of her."
This was met with a smile, and Li Luo nodded in agreement.
"What are your plans now that you've gotten what you needed? Are you planning to leave the Spiritual Resonance Cave?" Li Luo asked.
Lu Qing'er paused for a moment before replying, "Since you've done me such a huge favor, how can I just leave? I'll accompany you for the last stretch. If you encounter any danger, I can provide some help."
In actuality, she had planned to leave upon obtaining the Glacier Godlotus to return to Golden Dragon Mountain. This was to prevent any complications from arising. However, she happened to chance upon Li Luo, whom she had not seen for over a year, and wasn't willing to leave just like that.
Li Luo didn't reject her, only replying happily, "Well, that was exactly what I was hoping for. Your team is pretty strong, and with your help, we should be able to travel through the Spiritual Resonance Treasured Garden a little easier."
The Bloodlines of Heavenly Emperor Qing and Zhao were his enemies, and he even had internal strife amongst the people of the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li. Her support was timely and thus he agreed without hesitation.
As the two descended from the icy platform, the two groups were informed accordingly.
When Elder Sister Jin heard that Lu Qing'er wanted to follow Li Luo for a bit, she was left slightly helpless. The determined gaze in Qing'er's eyes forced her to swallow any words she wanted to say.
After which, the two groups regrouped and quickly left the cave before heading back towards the treasure trove.
Upon returning, they unsurprisingly found the team from the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li waiting there.
Unfortunately, the atmosphere seemed a little off.
The group had been split into two. On one side was Li Lingjing leading the Dragon's Fang Lineage, whereas on the other was Li Wuyuan and the Dragon's Blood, Horn, and Bone Lineages.
Things were at a boiling point, and it looked like both parties had swords drawn and bows bent.
Additionally, looking at the ruined scenery around them, it seemed that a battle had already broken out before this.
Li Luo's return broke the tension, and gazes from both parties shot over.