Rear Courtyard of the Earth Dragon Sect
Nan Shui Shui led the group through the back of the sect, weaving past numerous buildings before arriving at a vast garden.
Because of Dragon City's unique geography, nearly all the flowers and trees here were cold-resistant. Even in the chill of the season, the garden remained lush and vibrant, with bright blossoms still in bloom.
The five of them walked through the neatly trimmed greenery toward the depths of the garden, finally stopping beside an old well.
As they approached, Shu Yan and the others almost simultaneously felt a subtle stirring within themselves. A faint sense of longing rose from deep inside, as if something within the well was calling to them.
The Ice Empress felt the tremor and could not hide her excitement. Though the Snow Empress's expression remained calm, a glimmer of delight flashed in her eyes—she had clearly sensed it as well.
Shu Yan looked at the still surface of the water and clicked his tongue softly. There was no doubt—this was a treasure land perfectly suited for ice-attribute soul masters.
Even without entering the well, the density of ice-attribute spiritual energy near its mouth was at least twice that of the outside world. The chilling aura that brushed against them brought an invigorating comfort.
"To be honest, honored guests," Nan Shui Shui said, forcing a polite smile, "this is our Cold Spring. It contains rich spiritual energy that nourishes soul masters. As for the cavern below, it was sealed off by mechanisms set by our ancestors. If the extreme cold within were released, this area would likely become a barren ice field."
"As for the wonders inside the cavern, I believe you already know of them, so I will not elaborate. But I must warn you—the temperature below is terrifying. I once tried to enter, but after only a few seconds I was nearly frozen stiff. Even our Titled Douluo ancestors could remain inside for less than a minute. I hope you will consider carefully…"
Shu Yan noticed her uneasy expression but did not dwell on it. He turned to the Snow Empress and the Ice Empress.
"Well?"
The Snow Empress raised her gaze, her deep eyes shimmering faintly before she nodded.
"There is no mistake. This is the place."
The Ice Empress clenched her fist excitedly and licked her slightly dry lips. "When do we go down?"
After whispering briefly to Xu Jiujiu and receiving her response, Shu Yan said, "Now. We go down immediately."
Nan Shui Shui hesitated, wanting to say more, but Shu Yan spoke first.
"Sect Master Nan, there is no need for further concern. What you described poses no problem for us. During this time, you may consider what compensation the Earth Dragon Sect desires. As long as it is within reason, we will satisfy you."
His words were not false. Though their attitude carried an unmistakable edge of coercion, the world operated on strength. When the gap in power was insurmountable, the stronger side dictated reason. Courtesy was secondary.
Shu Yan did not intend to seize the sect's thousand-year-guarded secret and leave them with nothing. In exchange, he could offer them protection from future turmoil—perhaps even elevate their standing.
In short, he was willing to be reasonable—just not overly so.
Of course, this assumed the other party was sensible. Otherwise, it would not be difficult for rumors to spread about evil soul masters attacking the Earth Dragon Sect to seize some treasured artifact…
Seeing their resolve, Nan Shui Shui could only sigh helplessly. "Then… please proceed as you wish."
The Snow Empress moved behind Xu Jiujiu and wrapped her in a layer of soul power before the two leapt into the well. The Ice Empress followed without hesitation.
Before jumping, Shu Yan looked at Nan Shui Shui once more.
"My earlier words were no joke. Dragon City's location is unique. In recent years, the continental situation has grown increasingly unstable. The Heaven Soul Empire is bordered by vast plains with little natural defense. I have said enough—consider it carefully."
With that, he leapt down into the darkness.
…
After all four figures disappeared, Nan Shui Shui leaned against the wall, her strength seemingly drained. Nan Qiuqiu, who had been hiding among the flowers, rushed over to support her.
"Mom, are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Nan Shui Shui replied after a pause. "What about you? Didn't I tell you to focus on your cultivation instead of following us?"
Nan Qiuqiu pouted. "I was worried about you…"
Nan Shui Shui tapped her daughter's forehead lightly. "Worried? I think you just wanted to slack off and watch the show. I don't usually see you this enthusiastic."
Nan Qiuqiu gave an awkward laugh before asking indignantly, "Mom, are we really just handing over the secret land we've guarded for a thousand years? You didn't even ask who they really are. What if they're lying?"
Nan Shui Shui's expression darkened, and she smacked her daughter lightly on the head again.
"It seems all the lessons I taught you about reading people went to waste. Have I spoiled you too much? How can you say something so foolish?"
"Except for the two youths, whose cultivation was deliberately concealed, the other two women made no attempt to hide theirs. Yet even so, I couldn't sense a trace of soul power from them. There are only two explanations: either they have no soul power at all—or their cultivation far surpasses mine."
"I am at Rank 86. I know very well which of those possibilities is true."
Nan Qiuqiu shrank back. After a moment, she asked quietly, "Then… what do we do now?"
"What can we do?" Nan Shui Shui gave a self-mocking smile. "Do you want to fight two Titled Douluo-level experts—or perhaps even stronger—head-on?"
"Besides, the young man's words are worth considering. Beyond Dragon City lie vast plains bordering the Sun Moon Empire. Their recent movements have been frequent. If war breaks out, the Star Luo Empire has the Mingdou Mountain Range as defense, and the Dou Ling Empire sits behind them. Our Heaven Soul Empire would bear the brunt of the impact."
"If giving up a secret land we can't even fully explore earns us the friendship of a powerful hidden clan, that may not be a bad trade."
"And if they go back on their word? As long as they don't make an example of us or harm the sect afterward, what choice do we have? Should I shout, 'Nan Qiuqiu, why don't you go challenge them yourself?'"
"Well? What do you think?"
Nan Qiuqiu shrank again under her mother's glare but still asked, "Then how do you know they're from a hidden clan?"
Another firm knock landed on her head.
"They look almost identical! If they're not siblings, then mother and daughter. Don't tell me you think they're lovers?"
"Nan Qiuqiu, I've been wise my whole life—how did I end up with such a foolish daughter? You're going to drive me to death one day…"
Soon, in the rear courtyard of the Earth Dragon Sect, Nan Shui Shui's exasperated scolding mixed with Nan Qiuqiu's yelps, leaving the sect's experts in the front courtyard staring at one another in confusion, unsure what had happened.
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