At the entrance of Frost Cloud Pavilion, a grand ice gate stood tall, carved with delicate petal patterns. It shimmered like a divine sculpture under the sunlight — a beautiful blend of art and chill.
But beneath its exquisite design lay deadly power. Anyone attempting to trespass or break through by force would be frozen solid, their life force devoured by the ancient formation hidden within.
The Holy Son of the Azure Dragon Sect stood before it, his arm wrapped around the waist of his elegant female companion. Behind them, a calm, stern elder observed the gate with sharp eyes.
"Holy Son," the elder warned, "this gate holds a powerful formation, supported by ancient runes. It's not to be taken lightly."
The Holy Son raised a brow. "Hmm. Seems this pavilion has more depth than I expected. I thought they were just another local force like the rest of Sects in any other region."
He chuckled lightly, his tone dismissive as his eyes swept the gate once more. Still, he didn't release his companion, holding her close as they entered through the now-parted gate.
Inside, rows of inner disciples—ranging from Spirit Sea to Golden Core Realm—stood in perfect formation, their heads lowered respectfully.
At the front, two women waited.
One wore a translucent robe that did little to hide her soft, pale skin or her full, alluring figure. The other, dressed more modestly, clearly acted as her maid. They were Chu Yao, holy daughter of Frost Cloud Pavilion, and her loyal servant.
As her gaze fell on the Holy Son, Chu Yao's heart skipped. Her eyes shimmered with longing. She subtly scanned his face again, this time letting her gaze travel downward—taking in his entire figure, memorizing every detail.
In her heart, fantasies bloomed: she, becoming his wife… their passionate nights… bearing his child… their son standing as the Holy Child of both sects… a union of power and prestige.
"Miss! Miss!" her maid whispered, tugging at her sleeve.
"Huh? What?" Chu Yao blinked.
"Leader! The sect leader!" the maid reminded her in a hushed tone.
Snapped back to reality by those words, Chu Yao quickly composed herself. Her eyes darted toward the Holy Son's companion—and when she noticed the woman's closeness to him, a subtle jealousy flickered within her. Her fists clenched slightly beneath her sleeves, but she masked it behind a calm expression.
She stepped forward gracefully.
"Frost Cloud Pavilion's Holy Daughter greets the Holy Son of Azure Dragon Sect."
She gave a slight bow, her voice sweet yet measured.
The Holy Son dismounted with ease and studied her face for a moment.
"Where are the elders? And the Sect Master? Why was no one present to receive me upon my arrival? "
"My mother and the elders are discussing confidential matters," Chu Yao answered smoothly. "On their behalf, I'll be attending to all of the Holy Son's needs. Please, feel free to make any requests."
He nodded casually. "Very well."
With a faint smile, he helped his companion down from the horse, then turned toward the elder behind him.
"Holy Son, you go ahead with them. I'll go pay a visit to some old friends nearby," the elder said.
"Go ahead," the Holy Son replied with a lazy wave.
And with that, the guests from the Azure Dragon Sect entered Frost Cloud Pavilion — unaware of the undercurrents already beginning to stir beneath the polite smiles and ceremonial bows.
The group stepped into a large courtyard where a shimmering frozen lake lay nestled amidst stone paths. Around its edges, dozens of small holes were carved into the ice, each with delicate bluish-white buds. These fragile blossoms radiated a soft, cold glow, like stars trapped beneath crystal.
The sight drew an attention from Mu Meilin, the woman beside the Holy Son.
Her eyes sparkled. "Are these... Ice Thorn Flowers?"
Before anyone could answer, a sharp voice cut through the air.
Chu Yao stepped forward, her lips curved in a polite smile, though her eyes felt irritation while seeing this woman. "Holy Son, she is...?"
Wu Ming responded with an indifferent tone, one arm still resting around Meilin's slender waist. "She is Mu Meilin, daughter of my master—one of our sect's elders. In the future, she will be among my concubines."
The words struck Chu Yao like a thunderbolt.
Her gaze dimmed, and the fantasy she had just imagined—of marriage, union between sects, and a child born of divine heritage—shattered in an instant, like frost-glass beneath a sword.
Still, she masked her disappointment behind a courteous smile. "Miss Mu, you have a sharp eye. These are indeed Ice Thorn Flowers. Only the frozen lands of the northern region can nurture them. They take five full years submerged in a spiritual ice lake before blooming."
"Oh?" Meilin's gaze never left the blossoms. "Are they ready to bloom soon?"
Chu Yao's tone stiffened. "Not yet. They need a few more years. But… if the Azure Dragon Sect desires, we can arrange for some to be sent when they mature."
Wu Ming chuckled faintly. "She was hoping to see them in bloom. A pity."
Chu Yao merely nodded, her expression unreadable, and led them into a private chamber.
---
Inside, warm incense burned faintly, and a quiet stillness settled.
After some brief formalities, Wu Ming leaned back in his chair, his voice calm and direct. "Miss Chu, as you know, our visit concerns a matter of alliance. The Tournament of Ascension is approaching. Azure Dragon Sect wishes to collaborate with Frost Cloud Pavilion."
Chu Yao kept her posture composed. "I understand, Holy Son. But such decisions require the approval of my mother and the elders. I will discuss this with them."
Wu Ming gave a faint smile. "Of course."
"And since you've traveled far, it's only right that you rest. My personal maid will be stationed nearby to attend to your needs. Should anything arise, don't hesitate to ask her."
"Understood, Miss Chu."
With a polite bow, Chu Yao and her maid turned to leave the chamber. Once outside, her expression hardened, and her steps quickened.
---
After she left the courtyard, she talked to herself,
"I must speak to Mother... How could I tie myself to a man who already walks with several women at his side? There's not even a promise that I would be the main wife. Even his so-called 'partner' is only a concubine."
She clenched her fists.
"What is the true identity of this Holy Son? Does his name alone warrant so many sacrifices? I won't be just another flower at his feet. I need answers."