Chapter 32: The Snowy Domain Cave

Lin Fan and Gu Ningyun’s party trekked through the vast, snow-covered wilderness. Surrounded by undulating snow-capped mountains, the peaks resembled sharp sword blades piercing the clouds, crowned with eternal ice. The sky displayed a deep, frigid blue, occasionally broken by the shrill, piercing cries of snow eagles circling high above.

The snow underfoot was thick and powdery, each step accompanied by a muffled crunch, as if one could feel the endless chill lurking beneath the layers. With every breath, the air was filled with biting frost, each inhalation stinging the lungs like the swallowing of invisible ice needles.

"Brother Lin Fan, your strength truly cannot be measured by your cultivation level. Even these Tier 6 Snow Wolves can't withstand a single round against you. A sword cultivator, indeed, deserves the reputation of having the strongest offensive power among martial artists."

A group of snow wolf carcasses lay scattered across the snow, each one killed instantly by a single strike that had pierced their chests. The group looked at the young man as he slowly sheathed his flaming longsword, expressing their heartfelt admiration. Days of traveling had given them a firsthand understanding of Lin Fan's prowess. They finally understood how, when facing the four peak Spirit Pellet stage warriors—including the gloomy young man—Lin Fan had not only managed to protect Gu Ningxiang but also captured the gloomy youth alive.

His ordinary sword strikes seemed to resonate with the very truths of the Sword Dao, often proving more formidable than standard spiritual techniques. To this day, none of the Tier 6 demonic beasts they had encountered had forced Lin Fan to resort to actual spirit techniques. Among their party, Lin Fan’s cultivation level was the lowest, yet his combat effectiveness was such that perhaps only Gu Ningyun, who had stepped into the Yuanfu Realm, could hold the upper hand against him. Even those at the very limit of the Spirit Pellet stage dared not claim absolute certainty of victory over him.

In this world where strength is supreme, status is earned through raw ability. Initially, those in Gu Ningyun’s circle had been quite dissatisfied with Lin Fan’s inclusion, but as time passed, they not only accepted him but had begun to view him as their second-in-command. Throughout their journey, the bracelets on their wrists had all shifted to orange. No one had kept count of how many demonic beasts they had slaughtered, but the majority had fallen by Lin Fan’s hand. Gu Ningyun, the strongest of them, had ironically become the one providing support, while Lin Fan served as the primary striker.

There was no helping it. His offensive power was simply too overwhelming; as a sword cultivator, he was not only proficient in single combat but also exceptionally skilled in group engagements. Hearing the compliments from those around him, Lin Fan smiled. He knew that his current proficiency in the Sword Dao was entirely due to the Sword Command integrated into his body.

Since the integration of the Sword Command, he had practiced three thousand swings of his sword nearly every day, and each swing seemed to bring a new revelation. The Enchantress had once said that the Sword Dao truths contained within the Sword Command were comparable to the power of a spirit technique below the Earth-rank; if he could fully comprehend them, a casual strike would possess the power of a high-grade Profound-rank spirit technique.

Currently, he had grasped twenty percent of the truths within the Sword Command. A single strike now rivaled the power of a mid-grade Mortal-rank spirit technique, and when combined with the sharpness of the Fire Kirin Sword, it was difficult for any ordinary Tier 6 beast—unless it possessed particularly thick hide—to withstand his blade.

"That should be the location on the map, right?" Gu Ningyun held a map covered in circles and marks, her slender finger pointing toward a cave on a cliffside halfway up a snow mountain.

"Can you sense the aura of a demonic beast?" Lin Fan looked up at the cave, his brow arching slightly as he asked.

"The surrounding aura is chaotic, and this icy environment significantly dampens a martial artist's perception. To detect the beast's presence, we will likely have to get closer to the cliff."

Lin Fan nodded at her words, scanned the surroundings with vigilance, and whispered, "Have you noticed..."

Before he could finish, Gu Ningyun immediately made a silencing gesture and blinked, clearly unwilling to discuss such matters in public. Lin Fan smiled in understanding; as expected, if he could perceive it, then Gu Ningyun, with her Yuanfu Realm cultivation, could certainly discern it too. These fellows were persistent!

"Let’s go, let's head up and take a look. Regardless, we’re already here; we must obtain the Void Pellet Transformation Grass."

As soon as Lin Fan finished speaking, he and Gu Ningyun walked side by side toward the cave on the cliffside. Their steps were steady and powerful, leaving deep footprints in the thick snow. As they drew nearer, the aura at the cave entrance became increasingly distinct, as if a powerful creature were moving inside, emitting a potent vitality. This sensation was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Lin Fan’s eyes sharpened; he knew this aura surely belonged to the target of their journey—the Tier 7 demonic beast guarding the Void Pellet Transformation Grass. A Tier 7 beast was a terrifying entity comparable to the Yuanfu Realm. Aside from Gu Ningyun, no one present had any experience fighting someone of the Yuanfu Realm, let alone a Tier 7 beast. Everyone knew this battle would be arduous. Gu Ningyun’s expression was grave; she knew she would be the primary combatant, yet a flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes when she glanced at Gu Ningxiang nearby.

If she were alone, she would not hesitate for a moment. But her younger sister was the most precious person in her life. Once she committed herself fully to the battle, she would inevitably be unable to spare any attention to look after Gu Ningxiang.

"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on her," Lin Fan said, sensing Gu Ningyun’s thoughts, and offered a soft, reassuring smile.

Just as they were about to enter the cave, the earth suddenly shook and the mountains seemed to collapse. The accumulated snow above the cave, as if provoked by a wild beast, slid down violently, triggering a sudden avalanche. A deafening roar echoed through the valley, like a thunderous cry from the heavens.

Lin Fan reacted with lightning speed, instantly grabbing Gu Ningyun and leaping to the side, avoiding the danger of being buried by the snow. The others also utilized their movement techniques to scatter and dodge the sudden disaster. However, Gu Ningxiang, though strong, had never witnessed such a scene; her reaction was slightly delayed, and she was clipped by the snowflow, her body sliding backward uncontrollably. A flash of terror crossed her eyes, but she fought to remain calm, doing her best to stabilize herself.

"Ningxiang!" Seeing her sister in danger, Gu Ningyun’s heart tightened, and she was about to rush to the rescue when Lin Fan firmly held her back.

"Trust me, I will save her!" Lin Fan’s voice was firm and powerful, his eyes burning with an unquestionable light. Before his words had even faded, he had transformed into a blur, charging toward Gu Ningxiang. His speed was immense, nearly matching the flow of the snow; he grabbed her arm and pulled her steadily back to safety.

Gu Ningxiang was still shaken, but under Lin Fan’s comforting presence, her emotions gradually stabilized. Lin Fan turned to look at Gu Ningyun and nodded, signaling her to be at ease. Gu Ningyun gave Lin Fan a long, deep look, her eyes filled with gratitude. She knew that with Lin Fan there, her sister’s safety was indeed guaranteed.

After the avalanche subsided, the cave entrance was exposed once more, but it was clear that the accident had agitated the creature within. From the depths of the cave came an angry, threatening roar—the growl of a Tier 7 beast.

Lin Fan and Gu Ningyun exchanged a glance, knowing the battle ahead would be even more difficult. Yet, they had no intention of retreating, for their goal—the Void Pellet Transformation Grass—lay within that cave.