Chapter 2446: Rumor
Mu Zhi leaned back against the cave wall. "The Ancient Ice Phoenix is a legend, a whisper carried by the winds of this frozen wasteland. It is said that she was the first Ice Phoenix, the progenitor of our lineage, a being of unimaginable power and beauty."
She paused, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames of the fireplace. "Legend has it that she fell in battle against a powerful enemy, her essence scattering across this land, giving birth to the unique environment of the Ice Phoenix Kingdom. Some say that her spirit still lingers here, waiting for a worthy successor to inherit her mantle."
Mu Zhi sighed, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I've spent years searching for any trace of the Ancient Ice Phoenix, hoping to find some clue, some artifact, some remnant of her power. But I've found nothing. This land guards its secrets well."Nôv(el)B\\jnn
She looked at Yun Lintian, her eyes filled with a knowing glint. "Many have come here, drawn by the rumors, seeking the power of the Ancient Ice Phoenix. They dream of inheriting her legacy, of ascending to unimaginable heights of power. But most lose their lives in the process, swallowed by the blizzards, devoured by the God Beasts, or simply succumbing to the despair of this desolate land."
Mu Zhi's words painted a grim picture, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked within this frozen wasteland.
Yun Lintian listened to her in silence. He thought of Lan Bingxue and her desperate desire to find a suitable partner to continue their lineage. Was she hoping to somehow revive her progenitor, to restore the Ice Phoenix bloodline to its former glory?
"Is there any forbidden place here?" Yun Lintian asked.
Mu Zhi's eyes flickered slightly. "You catch on quickly," she said. "Indeed, there is a place that even I dare not approach. It's in the northernmost region of this prison, a place known as Phoenix Lake. Legend says it's where the Ancient Ice Phoenix breathed her last, her essence permeating the very air, the very water."
"It's a place of unimaginable beauty, they say, with ice sculptures that shimmer like diamonds and a lake that reflects the aurora borealis like a celestial mirror. But it's also a place of death. Any living being that ventures too close is instantly frozen solid, turned into an ice sculpture, their life force extinguished in an instant. Not even a True God can withstand its power."
Her eyes narrowed as she continued. "I've seen it with my own eyes. I've seen the frozen figures of those who dared to defy the warnings, their faces locked in eternal screams, their bodies forever trapped in a glacial embrace. It's a sight that haunts my dreams."
Yun Lintian raised his brow slightly. Without a doubt, it must be the place where the Ice Phoenix resided.
Yun Lintian was surprised inwardly but soon understood. It wouldn't be a surprise to have many entrances leading to this place.
"I came through the one on the back of the garden," he replied truthfully.
Mu Zhi's eyes flickered with surprise. "You are certainly not a disciple of the Ice Phoenix Sect. How did you manage to enter the garden, a private space for the Ice Phoenix Empress?"
"It was a coincidence. I met a disciple of the Endless Snow Kingdom on the way here, and her mission was to deliver a message to the Ice Phoenix Empress," Yun Lintian replied and offered no further comment on how he entered this place.
"I see," Mu Zhi didn't ask anything further.
Yun Lintian waved his hand, and many delicacies appeared on a table. "If you don't mind, let's eat together."
Mu Rong's eyes lit up, and she turned to look at her big sister. She hadn't had a good meal in ages.
Mu Zhi nodded and got up from the ground before sitting on a chair that Yun Lintian took out. Mu Rong quickly followed suit.
After the meal, Yun Lintian took out a pile of Divine Stones and gave them to Mu Zhi. "This might be useful for both of you," he said.
Mu Zhi was slightly surprised, and her curiosity about Yun Lintian grew stronger. The Divine Stone was exceptionally rare in the Realm of Chaos, as Spirit Beads were the norm.
"Many thanks," Mu Zhi calmly accepted his goodwill. Although the Divine Stone couldn't be compared to Spirit Beads, it was purer and risk-free for her and her younger sister.
Yun Lintian didn't say anything further and began to recuperate. His mind began to formulate his next plan...