Even if the Wei Group eventually ended up claiming victory over the Red-Eyed Skeletal Ghouls, it would have to be through a difficult battle that pushed the party members to their limits.


    Considering that, it was unlikely that they would give up even if he did not reveal the method to melt the black ice. He could see them wasting their time and effort, trying all sorts of means while fully exposing themselves to the assault of other enemies that passed by the area.


    And should he reveal the method to melt the black ice, nothing else he said would matter. Regardless of the amount of caution that he tried to throw out, all of it would surely fall on deaf ears.


    Of course, he would still have to caution them regardless, even if it was just to safeguard his own interests.


    Only by doing so would nobody be able to put the blame on him should things go awry, for the onus would then be on Nuo Qianling’s party. If they chose such an option despite having received an explicit warning in advance, then they only had themselves to blame.


    The last thing Zhao Yunxiao wanted was for a participant under his watch to end up dying in the Four Symbols Mystic Realm, for the sake of both camaraderie as well as his rewards as an observer!


    This might not be a popular location among participants, but it was still a region that had existed for centuries within the Four Symbols Mystic Realm. Therefore, the encounters recorded over the years were numerous enough to form a long list.


    Not just that, but there would also be different reports from participants regarding each type of opponent, some complementary and others contradictory. All these had to be reconciled in order to eliminate any noise data.


    Not only would he have to think of the strengths and weaknesses of each possible opponent, but he also had to match them against the strengths and weaknesses of each member of the Wei Group, as well as consider the various means at their disposal.


    He understood that each successful case under his belt meant potentially greater rewards. Even if these rewards were not immediately apparent, his accomplishments would still add up over time and leave an impression on Fei Weng, and that could already be considered a reward in and of itself.


    Thankfully, even though this was a difficult task that could not be accomplished in a short amount of time, Zhao Yunxiao had one thing going for him at least.


    And without a doubt, this battle was not going to end anytime soon.


    Originally holding her flute to her lips, Zhuang Chan’s hands fell limply to her sides, revealing a complexion that had turned as pale as a ghost’s.


    Not wanting to let her comrades down, she had truly overexerted herself this time, forcing herself to push on even after she had long reached her physical limits.


    “


    Even through the heavy snowstorm, she could see that the sky above had lit up once more. Without realising it, they had fought through the entire night!


    It’s finally over now, right?” another member asked nervously while looking around them, unable to shake off the feeling that the skeletons could rise once more.


    “


    She could still see the numerous bones scattered all over the black snow, proof of the long and difficult battle that they had just undergone.


    None of the skeletons were moving anymore.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Even though they had to lose Shu Yifei in the process, they had finally managed to tide over the crisis!


    They might have gotten rid of the skeletons, but they still had to figure out a way to extract the wooden sword.


    As though having read her mind, a message came through from the sect administrators at this very moment.


    [To melt the black ice, you can use the red flames in the eye sockets of the Red-Eyed Skeletal Ghouls. However, it is best not to do that. The moment the ice starts melting, it will release a storm of energy that will draw in enemies from all over Blacksnow Tundra. It will be almost impossible for your party to last long enough to get what you want.]


    Truthfully, she had been rather exasperated by her party member for having lured these skeletons over, but now it would appear that this was just the river of fate leading them towards their inevitable destination!


    Nuo Qianling slowly stood up before walking over to pick up one of the skulls scattered across the snow. Peering within, she could indeed see a small flame burning in each of the eye sockets.


    It was best not to melt the ice and get the treasure that they had found after going through such difficulties?


    If it was something that they could handle, they would sweep it away without hesitation.


    And how would they ever dream of catching up to the core disciples, who were like stars shining high up in the sky?


    If she could be contented with living a life of mediocrity, then she would not have chosen to step upon the arduous path of cultivation in the first place!


    “


    “


    “


    “


    “


    I thought so,” Nuo Qianling let out a similar grin. “Quickly rest up and recover your energy then. Let’s find out which one is stronger – the power of the Blacksnow Tundra, or the power of our determination!”


    Energy expenditure and movements tending towards zero, but their vitals are recovering. Nuo Qianling’s party is likely to have escaped danger,” Zhao Yunxiao reported matter-of-factly.


    He kept an eye on the Wei Group’s jade tablets, which indicated that they were completely stationary at the moment.


    Yes, it was only natural that they would want to rest and recover after a hard battle. However, as long as they did not leave the area, there was still a good chance that they had yet to give up on the black ice.


    However, he was still hoping for that slim possibility of them choosing rationality over emotions, deciding to give up on the black ice to seek safer rewards in the Four Symbols Mystic Realm.


    Then again, no matter how nerve-racking the wait was, it was still a brief respite where he could finally afford to let his mind rest a little.


    “


    “


    After escaping from Trident Lake, the Mo Group had continued to run for half a day before they finally came across this river that cut through the woods.


    Even before the first light of dawn shone down upon them, all six members had already gotten up, and were now gathered around a large campfire that they had set up along the banks of the river.


    No words were exchanged among the party members as they sat around the fire, silently chewing on the grilled fishes that they had gotten from the river last night.


    The sound of the river flowing and the fire crackling came together to form a melody of serenity, a huge contrast to how yesterday had gone for them.


    There was a gloomy atmosphere in the air, though that was probably only natural as well. After all, not only had they lost a battle, but they had also ended up being chased around for such a long time.


    “


    Of course not,” San Wanfan answered without hesitation. “We definitely need to find a way to make them pay. We need to let them know that we, disciples of the Black Tortoise Sect, are not mere pushovers!”


    Not only losing a battle but also being chased like a dog for half a day – he could already imagine all the mocking comments that awaited them after leaving the mystic realm, and just thinking about the upcoming humiliation made his blood boil.


    He had spent years building up a reputation for his party, and there was absolutely no way that he would allow all his efforts to be destroyed by a single crazy bitch’s desire to show off.


    Even if it meant resorting to cheap tricks, they had to think of a way to turn the tables on Quan Hui’s party!