Chapter 5842

“There’s no time to lose,”

Kai decided decisively. “Let’s set off immediately. Sect Master Ling, the sect is newly established and we still need your presence to oversee and manage things. We’ll take our leave now.”

Ling Yunzi rose to see them off, escorting them all the way to the mountain gate. He gave Ling Shuang a few more words of advice, and finally solemnly said to Kai, “Senior Chen, the strength of the Northern Underworld Clan is unfathomable, especially on their home turf, the Ice Plains, where they are even more formidable

.” “If things become unfavorable, please prioritize your own safety. There will be other

opportunities in the future. The Sword Sect will always welcome you.” Kai nodded, “Sect Master Ling, rest assured, I know what I’m doing.”

With that, the three transformed into a streak of light even faster and more dazzling than before, soaring into the sky and heading straight towards the far north of the Tenth Heaven Continent.

The further north they flew, the more rapidly the temperature dropped.

The landscape below gradually changed from green mountains and clear waters to barren frozen wastelands, and then to continuous snow-capped mountains and glaciers.

The howling wind began to carry ice crystals and snowflakes, striking the protective aura and producing a fine rustling sound.

Even ordinary cultivators, without venturing deeper, would need to circulate their magical power to resist the extreme cold.

Ling Shuang was indeed quite familiar with the route, frequently offering directions to avoid known, easily disorienting blizzard zones or hidden spatial rifts.

Her words were concise and clear, displaying the competence consistent with her appearance.

The Crimson Cloud Demon Lord remained silent throughout, spending most of his time meditating with his eyes closed, adjusting his state to its peak. Only occasionally, when he glanced at the vast white expanse to the north that seemed to connect with the sky, would a flash of urgency and determination appear in his eyes. Chen

Ping, meanwhile, flew while silently sensing the unique laws of nature in this far north.

Here, the laws of ice and water were exceptionally active and abundant, while other attributes were relatively dormant.

The chaotic immortal power within his body flowed, simulating and evolving the characteristics of ice and cold, quietly adapting to the environment.

Occasionally, their divine senses would pierce through the swirling snow and wind, gazing into the far distance, attempting to detect any trace of the so-called divine race or any unusual energy fluctuations.

The snowstorm in the far north grew increasingly violent, leaden clouds pressing low over the icy plains, and howling winds whipping up ice shards that crackled against the protective auras of the three. After

flying for two full days, Ling Shuang pointed to a natural cave surrounded by giant ice floes ahead: “Senior Chen, Fellow Daoist Chi Yun, that ice cave ahead can shelter us from the snowstorm. Let’s rest for the night and continue our journey tomorrow.”

Kai nodded, and with a flick of his sleeve, a gentle surge of chaotic immortal power broke through the swirling snow and wind, escorting the three to the entrance of the cave.

The cave was unexpectedly dry, the ground covered with a thin layer of ice crystals, and in the corners, ice pillars of various shapes condensed, emanating a faint chill.

The Crimson Cloud Demon Lord remained silent, finding a corner to sit cross-legged, closing his eyes to regulate his breathing, his body enveloped in a faint demonic aura, isolating him from external interference.

Ling Shuang took out several pieces of warm jade and spread them on the ground, then took out spiritual fruits and water from her storage bag, handing them to Kai: “Senior Chen, you must be tired from your

journey, please replenish your spiritual energy.” Her movements were gentle, her slender white fingers gleaming in the dim light, her eyes showing a hint of barely perceptible unease as she spoke, her cheeks still flushed from the journey, making her even more radiant.

Kai took the spiritual fruits, his fingertips inadvertently touching the back of her hand, feeling only a cool sensation.
“Thank you for your trouble, Miss Ling Shuang.” He spoke softly, his gaze falling on her slightly shy face.

Ling Shuang quickly withdrew her hand, twisting the hem of her clothes, and said softly, “Senior is too kind. You have done me a great service to the Xuan Tian Sword Sect, and this is what I should do.”

She paused, as if gathering her courage, and then asked, “Senior, are you confident in facing the Northern Netherworld Clan on your journey to the Eternal Ice Plains?”

“I will meet force with force, and water with earth.” Kai’s tone was calm, yet it exuded complete confidence. “They are just some arrogant branches of the divine race; they cannot stop me.”

A hint of admiration flashed in Ling Shuang’s eyes, and she said softly, “Senior is indeed incredibly powerful. Actually… I have heard of the Northern Netherworld Clan’s domineering nature when I traveled with the Heavenly Fire Sword Venerable. Almost no one dares to provoke them on the Ice Plains. Senior, you must be extremely careful on your journey.”

Her voice was filled with genuine worry, and her eyes were fixed on Kai, full of concern.

Kai understood.

Since their departure from the Xuan Tian Sword Sect, every time they rested, Ling Shuang would find various topics to chat about with him, from the sect’s past to her cultivation insights, and even the local customs and culture along the way. Her admiration and closeness were obvious in her words.

With his experience, he naturally understood the girl’s feelings.

Looking at Ling Shuang’s flushed cheeks and evasive eyes, he suddenly spoke, “Miss Ling Shuang, is there something you want to say to me?”

Ling Shuang stiffened, abruptly raising her head to meet Kai’s deep gaze. Her cheeks instantly turned bright red, like ripe apples.

She opened her mouth, but didn’t know how to respond for a moment. Her eyes darted away in a panic, and her voice was barely audible: “I… I just think that Senior’s cultivation is profound, and I would like to ask you more questions about cultivation.”

Kai chuckled, his tone playful but not frivolous: “Ask about cultivation? I think you want to cultivate with me, don’t you?”

“Ah!”

Ling Shuang exclaimed in surprise, as if her secret had been exposed. She was instantly at a loss, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Senior…I…I didn’t mean it…”

she hurriedly explained, “I just felt that you, Senior, are a genius. If I could cultivate with you, not only would my cultivation improve rapidly, but I could also better assist you in finding the Ice Soul Blood Lotus…I didn’t mean anything else. If you’re not willing, just pretend I didn’t say anything…”

Seeing her incoherent and on the verge of tears,

Kai’s joking expression faded, and his tone became serious: “Ling Shuang, you don’t need to be shy. On the path of cultivation, it’s common for cultivation partners to accompany each other. I can see that you’re interested in me; and I don’t dislike you either.”

He paused, then continued, “We are both cultivators, and strength is paramount. Cultivating together can both enhance our relationship and rapidly improve our cultivation—a win-win situation.”

“This journey to the Eternal Ice Plains is fraught with danger. The more strength we have, the more secure we are. If you truly have this intention, there’s no need to hide it; just come directly.”

Ling Shuang was stunned, staring blankly at Kai, seemingly not expecting him to be so direct.

She originally thought she would need to do more groundwork and was even prepared to be rejected, but she didn’t expect Kai to be so decisive.