C721 The Silence Before the Farewell

Dominant, incredibly dominant!

Everyone knew Woo Zhengyang had a reputation for being a maverick, but no one expected him to be so audacious and assertive when he first arrived at the Ice Heart Sect, challenging the authority of the sect's elder.

The most striking part was that Woo Zhengyang left the elder with no way out, leaving Bing Qing furious yet helpless. Fighting wasn't an option anymore. If even Huo Dongsheng and his two companions were reduced to mere gatekeepers by Woo Zhengyang, what chance did Bing Qing have to make a stand?

Yet, admitting defeat and recognizing Woo Zhengyang's position as a guest elder was a hard pill to swallow. She had been so assertive just moments ago; how could she suddenly back down and still maintain her dignity in front of the sect's disciples?

But Woo Zhengyang didn't care about her approval. After dealing with Huo Dongsheng and his companions, he simply walked into the Ice Heart Sect with Bing Yue by his side...

Woo Zhengyang was truly audacious this time.

Of course, what Woo Zhengyang considered audacious was something others had long recognized in him. But this time, Woo Zhengyang was fully aware of his actions and deliberately chose to be bold.

He simply didn't have the time to get entangled in the Ice Heart Sect's disputes. With more pressing matters at hand, he didn't want to waste time on verbal sparring and deceit. From the moment he arrived at the Ice Heart Sect, he was determined to confront everything head-on.

By a stroke of luck, Woo Zhengyang dealt with Huo Dongsheng's challenge at just the right moment, resolving the issue swiftly. Now, Woo Zhengyang only needed to stay at the Ice Heart Sect for a few days, just enough to leave his mark. With his assertive approach, many potential problems were avoided.

After that day, Bing Qing never dared to trouble Woo Zhengyang again. Although she didn't officially acknowledge his status as a guest elder, she effectively handed over all sect matters to the sect leader and went into seclusion.

With Bing Qing out of the picture, the Ice Heart Sect became Bing Yue's domain. Relieved of the tension, she was overjoyed and spent her days exploring the mountains and waters with Woo Zhengyang.

The mountains, naturally, were ice mountains, showcasing a variety of breathtaking icy landscapes that amazed Woo Zhengyang. The waters were even more fascinating. Despite the frigid environment of the Ice Heart Sect, where water typically freezes instantly, Woo Zhengyang discovered something unexpected. There was water here, flowing beneath the ice in ways he never imagined.

In most places, it's normal for water surfaces to freeze in winter since the cold seeps from above. However, in the Ice Heart Sect, the external temperatures weren't particularly low. Even when walking among the glaciers, instead of feeling cold, there was a refreshing and invigorating sense of comfort.

According to Bing Yue, the reason this area is filled with endless icebergs is due to a peculiar chill emanating from underground. Given this, having water between the ice layers is quite unusual. Even stranger, while everything around is frozen, the water is warm!

"What... what's going on here? Where is this water coming from?" Woo Zhengyang asked incredulously as he touched the water.

"Who knows where this water comes from? Probably underground!" Bing Yue, dressed in white, was sitting on the ice, playfully splashing her feet in the water.

"Underground? Isn't the cold here supposed to come from underground? How can there be warm water then?"

"That's the mystery. Many people, just like you, have tried to figure out where this water comes from. But the ice here is incredibly thick, and the deeper you go, the harder it gets. Even those who came before us couldn't uncover the secret of this water."

"The secret of the water?"

"Exactly. Focus on it, and you'll see."

Following Bing Yue's advice, Woo Zhengyang concentrated on the water beneath the ice. He soon discovered something extraordinary. The warm water carried a unique energy that could be easily absorbed, transforming into vital energy or true essence.

"The source of this water might hold some extraordinary treasures," Woo Zhengyang speculated.

"Many people think so, which is why everyone wants to find the source. Unfortunately, no one has succeeded."

Woo Zhengyang was merely curious about the water. Even if there were treasures at its source, he had no interest in seeking them. Besides, if so many people hadn't found it, why would he be the one to succeed? He figured his time would be better spent exploring the world, searching for Loong Zhiwu and Lee Yuanye. Perhaps he'd stumble upon his own opportunity along the way.

Woo Zhengyang was ready to leave. In recent days, Bing Yue had taken him to various places, showing him around. He was grateful, but he couldn't stay forever. Yet, he didn't know how to bring it up.

He could face enemies without hesitation, even if it meant fighting thousands, but dealing with women, especially someone like Bing Yue, was another matter entirely.

"When are you leaving?" Bing Yue suddenly asked, catching Woo Zhengyang off guard.

"I..."

"I know you have to go. You have many things to do, and I've resolved everything here."

"Yeah, I'll leave tomorrow!" Since Bing Yue brought it up, Woo Zhengyang decided not to beat around the bush and set his departure for the next day.

"Oh," Bing Yue nodded gently.

Although she was the one who suggested it, hearing Woo Zhengyang confirm it still left her feeling a bit down. The two fell into silence, with Bing Yue gently stirring the water with her feet, while Woo Zhengyang stood awkwardly by her side.

After a long pause, Bing Yue finally broke the silence, asking, "So, do you have any plans?"

"I'm planning to leave the Golden Scale Domain and explore a bit," Woo Zhengyang replied.

"Explore..." Bing Yue frowned slightly. "We've been searching for Zhiwu, my sister, along with your Profound Heaven Sect and others, but we've found nothing. That doesn't necessarily mean she's left the Golden Scale Domain. Plus, the world outside is vast and full of dangers. It's really risky for you to venture out alone!"

"No worries. I've been to many dangerous places before. It's not like the outside world is filled with monsters. If you can go, so can I. Besides, Hongnu will be with me, so there shouldn't be any problems."

Though the world beyond was mysterious, Woo Zhengyang had already traversed the land of seals, so he wasn't afraid of what lay outside. Moreover, as a martial artist, he was meant to forge ahead. He had a mission to find Zhiwu and Lee Yuanye, and even without that, Woo Zhengyang was determined to venture out and experience the world.

Only through experience can one truly grow!