Abyss Walker

Chapter 57 The Eve of the Competition

With each step they took away, Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling gradually relaxed from the tense state of battle and began to enjoy this rare moment of peace.

They chose a winding path lined with lush trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows. Yun Muhan took a deep breath, feeling the breath of nature, and his mood relaxed accordingly.

"Sword Spirit, look at this scenery, how peaceful and beautiful it is," Yun Muhan exclaimed.

Dugu Jianling nodded, his gaze softening considerably, no longer the sharp, sword-like look he had on the battlefield. "Yes, this tranquility makes one almost forget the smoke of battle just now."

They walked and talked, reminiscing about Yun Muhan's past and sharing his aspirations for the future. They also talked about his adventures in his youth, while Dugu Jianling listened silently.

"You know, Sword Spirit, I've always dreamed of finding a piece of land of my own someday, where I can plant my favorite flowers and plants, raise a few small animals, and live a peaceful life away from the world," Yun Muhan said, his eyes sparkling with longing.

Dugu Jianling smiled; he could understand Yun Muhan's feelings. "I've also thought that perhaps one day I can put down the sword in my heart, find a quiet place, and quietly watch the sunrise and sunset."

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling walked on, enjoying this rare tranquility. They stopped by a clear stream and decided to rest for a while.

Yun Muhan took out some dry food and water from the ring, and the two sat by the stream, eating and listening to the babbling of the stream.

"Sword Spirit, what do you think our future will be like?" Yun Muhan suddenly asked.

Dugu Jianling pondered for a moment, then replied, "I don't know, but I believe that as long as we stick to our beliefs, we can face whatever the future holds with equanimity."

Yun Muhan nodded; he believed Dugu Jianling's words. After they finished their rations and packed their belongings, they continued their journey.

————The Land of Ice————

Before they knew it, the time for the Ice Kingdom's competition had quietly arrived.

A figure walked through the ice city; it was none other than Yun Muhan, who had been 'tortured' by the Heart-Cleansing Mantra. He held the Ice Palace token in his hand and kept searching for the Ice Palace.

"Fellow Daoist, may I ask where the Ice Palace stands?" Yun Muhan stopped a passing youth.

"The Ice Palace? You didn't go there to seek a spot in the Ice Kingdom's grand competition, did you?" the boy mocked.

"Well, to be honest, that's exactly right!"

"Get lost, another one trying to make me laugh." The boy said, turning and leaving.

Dugu Jianling: Oh my, so arrogant. If I give you a sword strike, you'll behave.

"Hey, why are you like this! I was just asking for directions!" Yun Muhan asked, full of questions.

"Haha, young man, you don't know this! Everyone who wants to participate in the Ice Kingdom Grand Competition has gone to the Ice Palace, but there are only two spots available there," explained an elderly man with white hair by the roadside.

"...Are there no powerful disciples in this Ice Palace? Even if we disregard them, it wouldn't be their turn."

The old man smiled and said, "Because the Ice Palace announced that the Ice Palace's chief disciple, Bing Qing, will be participating in the Ice Kingdom Grand Competition this time, and the other spot will be distributed to others."

"I see, thank you for clearing up my doubts, senior."

"I dare not accept the title of 'senior.' If you truly have a spot, you can go directly to the interior of Ice City; just show your token."

"Understood, thank you!" Yun Muhan's figure instantly stopped in place.

"This kid is only at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm. What is the reason for this, Senior Chu? Never mind." The old man's figure vanished instantly.

————Ice City————

Yun Muhan's steps were steady and composed. His gaze pierced through the snow-covered walls of Ice City, as if he could see the secrets hidden within. His figure appeared exceptionally lonely at the city gate, a stark contrast to the surrounding clamor. As he approached the frozen city, he was stopped by the soldiers guarding the gate.

"Show your token!" The soldier's voice carried an unquestionable command, his eyes scanning Yun Muhan up and down, seemingly assessing his identity and worth.

"Look at him, does he look like someone with a token? Kid, go play somewhere else." Another soldier's tone was contemptuous and disdainful. Their attitude was arrogant and haughty, clearly not believing that Yun Muhan could enter the city.

However, Yun Muhan remained unmoved by their attitude, his face calm and confident. He slowly took out an exquisite token from his robes—a token of the Ice Palace, symbolizing his status and power. The token shimmered with a faint blue light under the sunlight, as pure and noble as ice crystals.

Upon seeing the token, the soldiers' previous arrogance vanished instantly. Their expressions shifted from mockery to shock, and then to awe. Those who had just been laughing at Yun Muhan were now calm, even tinged with fear. They realized that this seemingly unremarkable traveler actually possessed a status and power far beyond their reach.

Yun Muhan didn't say much; he simply stood there quietly, waiting for the soldiers' reaction. His eyes revealed an undeniable authority, deterring the soldiers from any further disrespect. They quickly made way, even bowing to show their respect and obedience to Yun Muhan.

Yun Muhan put away the token, his gaze once again turning to the depths of Ice City, his heart filled with anticipation for the adventure that was about to begin.