Outside the Silent Flame Cave, the world felt quieter.
Rayan leaned against a rock, blood dried on his clothes. His Primordial Body had healed the internal injuries, but the pain still lingered.
SilverEmpress - Asha - stood across from him, silent for a moment, then opened her inventory.
"Take this," she said.
She held out the Fire Lotus Core and five gold spirit coins - rare, powerful currency used for elite upgrades.
Rayan shook his head.
"The loot was yours. You earned it."
She frowned. "You took all the hits. I don't accept charity."
Rayan smiled slightly. "Neither do I."
A pause passed between them.
Then she stepped closer and held out a small glowing item - a silver pendant-shaped treasure.
"At least take this. I... don't want to owe anyone."
He hesitated. Then nodded. "Alright. I'll accept."
They stared at each other, masked identities, but something passed between their eyes.
Unspoken respect.
A strange warmth.
A silent bond.
"May fate let us meet again," she said.
He nodded.
"Maybe it already has."
Then they walked away in opposite directions.
Asha's Inventory: Ice Jade Token -
Ancient Sect Invitation
Back in a quiet zone, she took out a frosted jade piece marked with a snowflake and a moon — the Ice Moon
Sect.
An ancient item she had found in an old quest long ago. It promised one-time access to a hidden top-tier cultivation sect.
She had never used it. But tonight... she felt ready.
"Let's see what path I can walk."
She crushed the jade between her fingers.
A blizzard burst around her.
[You are being summoned by the Ice Moon Sect]
Inside the Ice Moon Sect
Mountains of crystal ice. Floating frost lotuses.
Women in white robes walked in graceful silence.
There was no fire, no noise - only calm, deadly power.
The sect was known throughout Heavenly Place as a female-only divine sect. No male had ever stepped foot inside.
And at the peak of the sect stood its Master - Yue Lian, known as The Eternal Ice Empress, a woman who hadn't descended from her throne in over 100 years of game time.
A voice echoed from the skies as Asha appeared.
"Show me your core."
Asha opened her palm and revealed her SSS-Rank Ice Body. Blue veins of energy pulsed under her skin.
Silence.
Then the skies cracked with soft light.
I "I accept you... as my direct disciple."
The other disciples knelt in shock.
Asha looked up.
| "Thank you... Master."