The entrance to the Source of the Cold Abyss seemed like a crack leading to another world—deep and mysterious. Under the guidance of the Ice Snow Queen, Lin Tian and Zi Dian entered the fissure, and the space around them instantly became unstable, as if all of time and space were warping. Their senses began to blur and fade.
A heavy coldness permeated the air, enough to prick at their very souls. Although both Lin Tian and Zi Dian could withstand extreme cold, the oppressive feeling that came from the depths of space-time still made them feel suffocated.
The Ice Snow Queen walked forward slowly, her steps light, as though the freezing cold did not affect her in the slightest. She did not look back at them but continued speaking to herself, "The Source of the Cold Abyss is not as simple as you think. Hidden here is not just ice and snow, but deeper darkness and distortions of time and space."
"Darkness?" Lin Tian furrowed his brow, sensing a rising unease in his heart. Zi Dian also became alert, noticing that the atmosphere around them was becoming increasingly strange.
The Ice Snow Queen stopped walking, turned around to face them, and her eyes shone with a profound light. "You think the Source of the Cold Abyss is merely an icy realm, but what lies here is an ancient dark power. That power was sealed thousands of years ago, and now, its seal is gradually loosening."
Lin Tian's heart skipped a beat. "You mean, the Source of the Cold Abyss is not only ice but also dark forces?"
"Correct." The Ice Snow Queen's voice remained calm, but it carried a chilling undertone. "The dark forces have long been lying in wait. They are looking for the right moment to break free. If they succeed, the very fabric of time and space will be torn apart, and the Three Realms and Four Domains will not escape unharmed."
Zi Dian squinted his eyes. "So, how do we stop them?"
The Ice Snow Queen's eyes flashed slightly, her voice becoming deep. "The only way to stop the darkness is to find the 'Eternal Night Pearl.' It is the only key that can seal the dark power. However, the 'Eternal Night Pearl' was taken by an ancient being, and no one knows its whereabouts."
Lin Tian thought for a moment and then asked, "Where should we start looking? Do you know where the 'Eternal Night Pearl' is?"
The Ice Snow Queen paused in thought for a while before speaking, "I have heard that the 'Eternal Night Pearl' is hidden in a place called the 'Black Dragon Mountain Range.' That is the source of the dark forces, and also the key to the seal. However, the Black Dragon Mountain Range is entirely controlled by the dark forces, and ordinary people cannot approach it."
Zi Dian raised his head suddenly, excitement flashing in his eyes. "Now that we know the direction, let's go! No matter what, I won't let these dark forces threaten our world!"
Lin Tian nodded, his expression solemn. "We need to find the Eternal Night Pearl, or the dark forces will sweep everything away."
The Ice Snow Queen looked at them again, her expression momentarily complex. She then said, "The dangers of the Black Dragon Mountain Range far exceed what you can imagine. If you wish to go there, you must be cautious. Even I cannot guarantee that you will return safely."
"We've already made up our minds," Lin Tian said firmly. "If we can't stop the darkness, everything we've done will be meaningless."
The Ice Snow Queen said nothing more, only nodding lightly before vanishing into the snow mist ahead.
Lin Tian and Zi Dian followed closely behind, delving deeper into the dark icy plains. The cold grew even more biting, and their steps quickened as if they were walking into an unknown abyss.
At that moment, a sudden flash of light appeared in the distance, followed by a faint tremor in the air, as if some powerful force was stirring.
Lin Tian quickly halted, his eyes locking onto the front. "Be careful, someone is approaching!"
Zi Dian's tail twitched, and the scales on its body began to flash with electric sparks. "Who is it? Who dares to appear at this time?"
Just as they became alert, a black shadow suddenly leapt from the snow, charging toward them with an overwhelming sense of pressure.
The shadow quickly closed in, and Lin Tian's heart jolted. He immediately activated his spiritual energy to protect his body, but a sense of unease washed over him. This shadow did not seem like an ordinary enemy.
"Could it be…?" Lin Tian's eyes flashed with surprise.
The shadow gradually took form, revealing a man dressed in a black cloak. His face was handsome, but his eyes carried a mysterious and powerful aura.
"Who are you?" Lin Tian asked warily.
The man smiled slightly, his voice deep with a hint of mockery. "I should be asking you, why have you appeared here?"
Zi Dian's eyes widened in alert, its tail snapping. "Who are you? Why are you stopping us?"
The man looked at it indifferently, his gaze cold. "I am the guardian of the Black Dragon Mountain Range. Anyone who dares to enter here will be punished."
Lin Tian's heart sank. He finally realized that this mysterious man's identity was far from ordinary. The cold light in his eyes seemed to have already seen through their secrets.
"You're the guardian of the Black Dragon Mountain Range?" Lin Tian stared at him and suddenly asked, "Do you know where the 'Eternal Night Pearl' is?"
The man flashed a faint smile. "The Eternal Night Pearl? You want to find it? Well, you better prepare yourselves, because it's not going to be easy to obtain."
His voice was like an icy wind blade, carrying an intense oppressive force.
Suddenly, his figure flashed, and he rushed toward Lin Tian, as swift as thunder!