C98 Ice Fire Mystic Realm(1)

Beyond the Light Door of the Ice Fire Mystic Realm, Woo Zhengyang had just entered when a figure appeared at its entrance. It was Lyi Huamei, the second-ranked outer disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect.

At this moment, Lyi Huamei's cheeks were flushed, and her clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging to her graceful figure.

"He's truly the Outer Sect Number One Madman, daring to go in there. I hope he manages to find the Ice Crystal Fire Grass and make it out!" Lyi Huamei murmured to herself as she looked at the Light Door. She then sat cross-legged, focusing all her energy on enduring the trial of the Ice Fire Mystic Realm.

"In ancient times, it was indeed an era of dual cultivation of body and spirit!" Woo Zhengyang exclaimed sincerely as he endured the trials within the Ice Fire Mystic Realm.

This place was clearly not meant for just anyone. To withstand the onslaught of ice and fire, one's physical and spiritual cultivation likely needed to reach the level of an Eight-star or even Nine-star Martial Disciple.

Woo Zhengyang's spiritual cultivation was only at the level of a Three-star Martial Disciple, far from the required standard. Fortunately, his Sword-shaped Genuine Qi was strong enough—though not abundant, its quality was high—gradually freeing his right side from the icy grip.

After fifteen minutes, Woo Zhengyang's body was still half frozen and half burning, but he could move. He took a step forward and continued on his path.

As Woo Zhengyang approached the peak of the Ice Fire Mystic Mountain, the opposing forces grew stronger, forcing him to pause every few steps to adjust. Despite the mountain not being particularly tall, it took him nearly four hours to reach the summit.

Once there, Woo Zhengyang finally got a clear view of the true form of the Ice Crystal Fire Grass. Its roots and stems resembled ice sculptures, much like they appeared from a distance. However, the leaves, which seemed fiery red from afar, revealed themselves up close to be actual flames dancing on the ice.

Harvesting the Ice Crystal Fire Grass was surprisingly straightforward; enduring the biting cold was all it took to pluck it from the mountain and place it into a jade box.

Woo Zhengyang then continued onward to the next Ice Fire Mystic Mountain. After a full day and night, he had gathered nine of these unique plants. The largest had five flames, while the smallest had only two.

By this time, Woo Zhengyang had crossed the range of Ice Fire Mystic Mountains and arrived at a floating bridge. The bridge was entirely made of glistening ice, with roaring flames perpetually burning below. As he stepped onto it, he could clearly see the tongues of fire flickering beneath, creating a fascinating experience. To his relief, the bridge posed no challenge, offering neither the chill of ice nor the heat of fire.

At the end of the floating bridge stood a palace, continuing the tradition of the Ice Fire Mystic Realm—half ice, half fire. Even the two grand doors mirrored this duality.

Woo Zhengyang tried both the left and right doors, but neither would budge, nor did they pull him in like other places had. After a moment's thought, he placed a hand on each door and pushed with all his might.

“Creak…”

Though the doors were forged of ice and fire, they emitted the sound of wooden doors as they swung open.

“Hiss…”

Upon seeing the scene inside, even Woo Zhengyang couldn't help but gasp.

The palace was enormous, almost beyond comprehension. Inside, like the exterior, one side was ice and the other fire, starkly divided. What shocked Woo Zhengyang was that the vast hall was not empty but rather crowded with young women lined up on either side.

These young women wore nothing, their figures fully visible, expressions varied. Yet, they all shared one trait: their bodies were either engulfed in flames or covered in frost. Though they stood motionless like statues, Woo Zhengyang was certain they were real people.

After standing still for a while, Woo Zhengyang finally stepped inside. Walking among the group of nude young women, though they seemed sealed for countless years, their lifelike expressions suggested they had souls, making Woo Zhengyang quite uncomfortable.

"Hehe... I can't even remember how many years it's been since my Ice Crystal Fire Palace was finally opened."

A clear, melodious female voice suddenly echoed, startling Woo Zhengyang. This was supposed to be an ancient secret realm—could there really be someone else here? Judging by the voice, it seemed to belong to someone from ancient times, which would make them incredibly old by now.

Scanning the surroundings, Woo Zhengyang couldn't locate the source of the voice. He called out loudly, "May I ask which esteemed elder is present? Please show yourself!"

"Hmm... You, young man, have come to my Ice Crystal Fire Palace, yet you don't know who I am?" The voice reappeared, seeming to come from all directions, making it impossible for Woo Zhengyang to pinpoint its origin.

"I truly don't know!" Woo Zhengyang replied helplessly.

"Which sect do you belong to?"

"The Profound Heaven Sect..." Woo Zhengyang started, then quickly corrected himself, remembering that the sect wasn't called that in ancient times. "I mean, the Profound Heaven School!"