C64 Mystic Ice Realm

Wang Yan secured the room by closing the door tightly and drawing the curtains shut. Only then did he cautiously retrieve the Dark Bible and attempt to open it. It was astounding to find something that bore the same name as an item from his past life in this world. That anime was off-limits to the pure-hearted, and this book... well, who knew?

"Hmm? What?" Disbelief washed over Wang Yan's face as he found himself unable to open the book, despite his considerable strength of 167 points. "Interesting, very interesting indeed!"

After several unsuccessful attempts, Wang Yan tossed the book onto the table, deciding to leave it be for now. It seemed that, just like in his previous life, the pure-hearted were forbidden from delving into the likes of the Dark Bible.

He then checked on the status of his spirit beasts. Green required the bloodlines of both the horned dinosaur and the Coiling Dragon, two formidable ferocious beasts, to ascend to the king grade. Wang Yan had an intuition that Green's overall power would soar dramatically, creating a vast chasm between it and other dragon species.

The gold discrepancy was significant; it needed the bloodlines of the Phoenix Bird, the Jade Phoenix, the Blue Luan, and the Swan. Moon's case was simpler; with enough moonlight, she could evolve endlessly.

Wang Yan resolved to prioritize Green's advancement before seeking out the elusive phoenix species. "Horned dinosaurs and Coiling Dragons are no easy feat to acquire," he sighed. Dragon species were already a rarity, let alone specific types. Given his standing in this world, he figured it could take years to find them on his own.

But then again, who said he had to do everything solo?

With that thought, Wang Yan called the principal. Ten minutes later, he ended the call with a new lead. The principal had suggested a potential haven for dragon species—the Mystic Ice Realm.

A stark contrast to the Molten Land, the Mystic Ice Realm was a sanctuary for creatures of water, ice, and snow attributes. The air there teemed with a chilling toxin that relentlessly attacked a beast tamer's body. Without timely removal, the accumulating cold poison could eventually turn one into an ice sculpture.

The Mystic Ice Realm is renowned for its abundance of a spiritual herb known as the Ice Fog Flower, which has the power to focus and soothe the mind, diminishing the mental impact of external surroundings. Due to its beneficial properties, the herb is in high demand among alchemists and artificers, resulting in a hefty price tag.

Several military districts and universities have long coveted the Mystic Ice Realm, but the persistent issue of cold poison has thwarted their efforts, forcing them to put their ambitions on hold.

Within the realm, a diverse array of ferocious beasts roam, including sightings of dragon species on more than one occasion. Whether these creatures are what Wang Yan is seeking remains uncertain.

"The Mystic Ice Realm is quite the challenge," Wang Yan mused, resolving to thoroughly prepare before venturing in.

This world is riddled with numerous spatial rifts, broadly categorized into three types. The Soul Nurturing Ground and Molten Land, which have been breached and fully mastered, are known as secret realms. Those partially explored and controlled are simply referred to as realms, such as the Vajra Realm and Mystic Ice Realm. And then there are those that have been sealed off after preliminary exploration, identified only by their serial numbers. For instance, serial number 00001 marks a fearsome zone that even a Level 10 beast tamer would hesitate to enter.

The inner workings of the Mystic Ice Realm are not overly complex; it's the challenge of effectively countering the cold poison that has led to its opening to the public. While a complete solution remains elusive, there are numerous short-term methods to combat the poison's effects.

Having ordered some items from the Beast Tamer Association's website, Wang Yan soon drifted off to sleep, embracing Moon, Green, and his gold treasures. Meanwhile, Rice Bucket found himself unceremoniously booted under the bed.

One can't help but appreciate the perks of this otherworldly existence. In his former life, if Wang Yan had dared to cuddle with a loli and a nationally protected animal, he would have faced dire consequences.

As the moon set in the west and the sun ascended in the east, a new day dawned. Wang Yan, astride Rice Bucket, made his way to the entrance of the Mystic Ice Realm. Surrounding this open spatial rift, a modest commercial district had taken shape.

They had everything they could want at their fingertips: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, all enjoyed with a carefree ease.

Upon exiting the Mystic Ice Realm, specialized merchants would be ready to purchase resources like Ice Fog Flowers.

Beast tamers, having earned their coin, tended to spend it locally.

They'd indulge in a hot bath, followed by a massage.

There was a playful camaraderie among them; the female beast tamers would rub down the men, and vice versa.

If a spark ignited, there was no need to seek out skilled companions. They'd simply check into a hotel and find solace in each other's company, easing the loneliness.

Such behavior was part of human nature, beyond reproach.

Wild beast tamers, lacking any support, had to gamble with their lives for their desires.

With the constant threat of danger, hoarding money seemed pointless.

"Warm babies, for hands and hearts alike!"

"Ginseng, brown sugar, ginger tea – a warm stomach guaranteed!"

"Thick down jackets, pure velvet, straight from the local factory."

A man hawked his wares, giving an affectionate pat to the "swan" at his side.

"Kakaka!"

“...”

The entrance to the Mystic Ice Realm was a veritable carnival of chaos.

Vendors of clothing, beverages, and equipment all touted their wares as essential for warmth and cold protection.

"Hey there, young man, how about a bowl of ginseng, brown sugar, and ginger tea? It'll heat you up like the sun. And hey, it's not just for the Mystic Ice Realm – it's perfect for a cozy night in a hotel, too!"

A vendor offered with a sly grin.

Wang Yan, uninterested, shouldered his food container and stepped into the Mystic Ice Realm.

The wind howled fiercely, snowflakes swirling in a frenzied dance.

The Mystic Ice Realm lived up to its chilling reputation.

Without proper cold-resistant gear, one could become an ice sculpture within hours.

Wang Yan retrieved his Molten Armor from his storage space. The clash of Fire Poison and the biting cold was instantly neutralized, bringing him considerable relief.

Wearing the Molten Armor in the Mystic Ice Realm was a stroke of genius.

The warmth it provided surpassed any other garment, though it would significantly shorten the armor's lifespan. Only someone as wealthy and well-connected as Wang Yan could afford such a luxury.

No sooner had Wang Yan released Gold and Green than the two little creatures started howling pitifully.

"Brrr, it's freezing, freezing, freezing!"

"Sss, sss, sss!"

Green darted into Wang Yan's clothes for warmth, while Goldie hopped onto his shoulder, drawing heat from the molten armor.

Wang Yan decided against summoning Moon. In such frigid conditions, with her combat strength sapped, there was no sense in making her endure the cold just for some points.

"System, keep converting to cold poison!"

Earned 1 point!

Earned 1 point!

Earned 1 point!

...

Thanks to the Lava Armor's protection, only a trace amount of cold poison infiltrated his body. But Wang Yan knew that if he were to engage in battle, that amount would surely spike.

He glanced at Rice Bucket, ready to let the creature out if it couldn't bear the cold.

After the mission in the Mystic Ice Realm concluded, he'd take Rice Bucket home. And if it got lost? Well, then it would be lost.

What Wang Yan hadn't anticipated was that Rice Bucket wasn't shivering at all; in fact, it had undergone a transformation.

The "wisdom" that once gleamed in its eyes had vanished, replaced by a fierce resolve.

Wind elements swirled around its form, whisking up snowflakes.

Majestic, striking.

Gone was any trace of foolishness; before him stood a king, a ruler of a thousand wolves!