Chapter 188 Winter Ice Valley

Chapter 188: The Frosty Ice Valley

The conflict dissipated like that, and the people around were all discussing the elder Aota had mentioned—the living fossil of the Ice Spirit Kingdom, the nearly two-hundred-year-old patriarch Oscar. He was the highest-ranking member of both the Ice Spirit and Frosty tribes and the guardian deity of the Ice Spirit Kingdom. On the Nine Heavens Continent, humans generally lived to about seventy years old, with heroes extending their lifespan by about fifty years. However, approaching two hundred made Oscar a rare centenarian across the entire continent. In recent years, Patriarch Oscar had been engrossed in rune research and stayed out of worldly affairs. The only ones who could get close to him were his grandchildren, like Aota, Xue Zhiyu, and Xuecai. It was obvious that Aota must have taken advantage of Oscar's emergence to stir up trouble.

The Ice Spirit and Frosty tribes were interdependent, with a strong bond between them. They complemented each other, one being more scholarly and the other more martial. Royal intermarriage was a common practice, especially between Aota and Xue Zhiyu, who grew up together. Aota harbored deep feelings for Xue Zhiyu, while she was temporarily blinded. Aota didn't want her to be at a disadvantage. One could ignore the words of their father, but no one dared to disregard Elder Oscar's commands.

In the hearts of the Ice Spirit and Frosty people, he was their living guardian deity.

On the way, Xuecai chattered away, introducing everything. "Grandpa once participated in the Holy War and has always been very kind to us. And let me tell you, don't embarrass yourself with your runes in front of Grandpa; he's the real expert!"

Wang Feng rolled his eyes. "What am I going to embarrass? In our hometown, we respect the elderly and care for the young. If not, I wouldn't go at all."

Xue Zhiyu shook her head. "No, if Aota mentioned you, it means Grandpa wants to meet you. Just be low-key when you're there; don't upset Grandpa."

"Sister, looks like Aota is pulling out all the stops. How could I forget this? What should we do?" Xuecai said, a bit worried.

Xue Zhiyu patted Xuecai's head. "It's fine. I also have many things I want to ask Grandpa. I need to figure out what to do, what is right."

...

Though the Frosty people had integrated into the League of Blades for many years, and some had moved into the city, many still retained their ancient lifestyle and traditions, gathering on the eastern Kata Ice Mountain, the birthplace of the Frosty tribe.

The patriarch lived there. It wasn't far from Ice Spirit City, but it wasn't exactly close either.

Just outside the city, they saw five snow wolves and one snow boar prepared by Aota for the long journey. These snow wolves stood about two meters tall, entirely white, with tails curled up and heads held high, exuding a proud and noble aura. The single snow boar, however, was visibly trembling.

With these preparations, it was clear that the patriarch's invitation was genuine. Xuecai felt much more at ease and nimbly jumped onto a snow wolf with a saddle, excitedly saying, "I haven't ridden one of these in a long time. Sister, let's have a race and see who gets there first!"

Xue Zhiyu also mounted a snow wolf, as did Dongbuluo and Badeluo. Only the most majestic snow wolf and the trembling snow boar remained.

Aota smiled proudly. "This is Snow Wolf King Taluo, my good brother. Since you're Zhiyu's guest, you're my guest too. Take him, don't think I'm stingy!"

Dongbuluo and Badeluo were already on their snow wolves, waiting for the fun to begin. This was the alpha of the Frosty snow wolves, personally named Taluo by the patriarch, who had grown up with Aota and recognized him as the only master. For anyone else to ride him... it was impossible. Badeluo couldn't wait to see Wang Feng scared out of his wits.

Of course, choosing the snow boar would be just as amusing. A pig simply didn't match a wolf.

Xue Zhiyu and Xuecai knew the three brothers were deliberately trying to embarrass Wang Feng. "Wang Feng, can you handle it? Don't force yourself. The snow boar is more stable and suitable for beginners. The journey is quite long."

"Wang Feng, a real man should ride a wolf. Go ahead, I support you!" Xuecai added, stirring up trouble.

Wang Feng smiled. "Zhiyu, don't ask. Asking means I can. There's no 'can't' in a man's dictionary!"

Old Wang glanced at the three brothers. Aota and Dongbuluo managed to keep their composure, but Badeluo couldn't hide his gleeful expression, staring intently at Wang Feng.

"Besides, I've ridden horses in Aurora and am even an expert at motorcycles. Drifting is no problem!" Old Wang, looking innocent and enthusiastic, walked over to the snow wolf king and reached out to pat his head. "Taller than this, no big deal."

He actually dared to pat the snow wolf king's head...

Not just Badeluo, even Aota and Dongbuluo were struggling to hold back their laughter. Riding a horse and riding a snow wolf were two different things, especially the alpha, Taluo! Badeluo almost shouted, "Taluo, bite him!"

Aota couldn't help but laugh heartily. "That's a real man! Wang Feng, we—"

But his laughter abruptly stopped.

To everyone's surprise, Taluo, instead of getting angry, lowered his head in enjoyment.

The three brothers were stunned. Taluo knelt down, and Old Wang easily mounted the wolf. When Taluo stood up, Wang Feng felt perfectly stable and said contentedly, "You've trained him well. He looks fierce but is quite gentle. Thanks."

Gentle... Aota's mouth hung open, unable to close. He tried to give Taluo a look, but Taluo was enjoying Wang Feng's petting, his eyes almost closed in bliss, completely ignoring his master's expression.

Xuecai's mouth dropped open. "What's going on? Taluo, bite him! Why aren't you biting him? You don't even let me touch you, why him? It doesn't make sense."

Wang Feng knew these guys were trying to tease him. He shook his hair. "Xiaocai, don't be jealous. My charm works on everyone."

"Brother Aota, you sincerely gave me the best mount. Wow, you're so hospitable. Then you'll have to ride the snow boar. It's chubby and suits you!"

As the prince of the Frosty tribe, when had Aota ever ridden a snow boar? He looked pleadingly at Dongbuluo, who quickly shook his head. "Boss, I can't ride that thing."

Aota then looked at Badeluo, who waved his hands. "Boss, my weight will crush it."

Indeed, everyone was amazed. Wang Feng was clearly riding a snow wolf for the first time, yet the snow wolf king was very obedient. Wang Feng hardly needed to control him and rode steadily. As they left the city, the snowy landscape stretched out, beautiful and serene.

"Brothers, shall we race and see who gets there first?" Wang Feng laughed.

"Sure, sure, I agree!"

Xue Zhiyu also nodded with a smile.

"Great, three votes in favor, three abstentions. Let's start!"

Then Wang Feng led the charge, with Taluo letting out a mighty howl, followed closely by the four other snow wolves. The snow boar, terrified, collapsed on the ground, refusing to move.

Aota was furious. Damn it, seeing the other five about to leave, he suddenly picked up the snow boar and ran after them, shouting, "Wait for me!"

The snow wolves moved quickly, especially on the snow, taking about an hour. But... Aota actually carried the snow boar for over an hour. Was he even human???

Once they arrived, Aota hastily threw the snow boar aside. Damn, he was embarrassed and didn't say another word.

At first, Old Wang thought the Frosty people lived in primitive caves, but upon arrival, he found that these 'caves' were quite sophisticated.

They were crystal-like ice caves carved into the icy cliffs. Some were very transparent, allowing a clear view inside, like glass houses, while others were adorned with various colors. Some were underground palaces, dug dozens of feet into the ground, with thick ice layers overhead that let in light but not the view. Everywhere, ice sculptures adorned the landscape, all related to ice. Old Wang felt as if he had entered a true kingdom of ice and snow.

Xuecai mentioned that the mystic ice here never melted, making excavation extremely difficult. Many ice houses and caves had existed for centuries and still retained their original appearance. After all, the clean ice didn't gather dust, making everything look as new as ever.

Upon entering the Frosty Ice Valley, they saw dozens of Frosty warriors standing bare-chested along the path, their weapons clashing in unison. Each face was filled with irregular but enthusiastic cheers, the sound of clashing weapons being the highest form of welcome.