"Senior?" The white-haired and white-bearded old man tentatively asked when he saw Xiao Ming lost in thought.
Returning to his senses, Xiao Ming glanced at the man and then smiled faintly, "You may leave. This Saint will ensure this girl's safety."
Hearing these words, a delighted expression appeared on Hu Yu's face. Finally, she wouldn't be captured by the Glass Serpent Clan.
In contrast, the faces of the members of the Glass Serpent Clan turned sour. They had worked hard to seize the opportunity of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Saintess being alone and even mobilized a Half-Saint for their plan.
Giving up now was truly hard to swallow, but they didn't have the courage to face a Dou Saint.
After struggling in their hearts for a moment, the Half-Saint could only let out a sigh. "Forget it, we can only let our Ancestor decide when we return."
"Senior, then we'll take our leave." The old man bowed and clasped his hands.
"Hm." Satisfied with their response, Xiao Ming waved his hand, and the oppressive aura weighing on the Glass Serpent Clan members dissipated instantly.
As he watched the trembling figures of the Glass Serpent Clan members rise, the old man made another respectful gesture before leading his group to tear open the space and leave.
At this moment, Xiao Ming turned his gaze back to Hu Yu, who was lying on the ground in a very seductive manner. He asked in a soft voice, "Can you get up?"
"No problem." With the danger averted, Hu Yu stood up happily. At the same time, she took out a white lotus from her storage ring and swallowed it. Her injuries visibly healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Xiao Ming glanced at her storage ring, pondering to himself, 'An Eight-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus. It seems that the news of the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple possessing an Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus wasn't false.'
"Thank you very much for your help, Senior!" As she felt her injuries gradually healing, Hu Yu's beautiful cheeks revealed a smile as she thanked Xiao Ming with a charming expression.
"Thanks are unnecessary; I didn't save you for free," Xiao Ming replied with a faint smile.
Hu Yu wasn't surprised by his response. After all, it was only natural that someone wouldn't help without a reason.
"If there's anything I can do to repay the favor, Senior, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to assist you," Hu Yu offered earnestly.
Xiao Ming was satisfied with her attitude and promptly stated his purpose. "During the battle just now, I heard the term 'Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus.' Can you provide me with more specific information about it?"
Inwardly, Hu Yu reasoned that, as expected, the only thing that could pique the interest of a Dou Saint was the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus.
However, the Snow Leaf White Lotus was a treasured possession of their Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, and its confidentiality was of utmost importance. Revealing it without proper consideration could be…
Hu Yu's face showed a conflicted expression, but Xiao Ming didn't rush her. He believed that she would explain properly, as he was only asking for information, not demanding her to hand over the White Lotus.
However, Xiao Ming's nonchalant demeanor placed significant mental pressure on Hu Yu. After a moment of silence, she finally made a decision.
"Senior, it's true that our Wind and Snow Sacred Temple possesses an Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus, but it's the most treasured possession of our temple, and only our Grand Elders have access to it."
"Only the Grand Elders? Then how do these people know that your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple possess it?" Xiao Ming asked.
"... That's because, during the Wind and Snow Ceremony held by our temple, we will present the seeds of the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus as rewards," Hu Yu explained.
"An Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seed as a reward! How extravagant is your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple?" Xiao Ming was somewhat surprised.
The Snow Leaf White Lotus seed contained the essence of the herb and was a rare treasure even for Dou Saints. To bring it out during the Wind and Snow Ceremony seemed so lavish.
"Cough cough, it's not like that. In previous Wind and Snow Ceremonies, we only presented Nine-Grade lotus flowers or Ten-Grade seeds. However, this Wind and Snow Ceremony is special, so we brought out the Eleven-Grade one," Hu Yu explained, her cheeks slightly flushed.
She wouldn't admit that the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus was most likely prepared for her.
Unfortunately, Xiao Ming saw the clues and asked with a peculiar expression, "Could it be that it was prepared for you?"
In the world, there were always people who used connections to their advantage, and Hu Yu, as the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan's Saintess and descendant of a Dou Saint, had the qualifications for that.
"How could that be! It's prepared for the person with the purest bloodline among the various clans of the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple," Hu Yu retorted anxiously, her face turning even redder.
Seeing her anxious appearance, Xiao Ming merely smiled and didn't say anything. It seemed she knew the answer deep down.
Observing Xiao Ming's indifferent demeanor, Hu Yu felt discouraged and lowered her head, no longer explaining herself.
"Alright, whether it was prepared for you or not, this seat doesn't care. Your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple should possess a large quantity of Snow Leaf White Lotuses, right? Let me ask you, do you have Twelve-Grade lotus seeds among your clan?"
Xiao Ming's real objective had always been the Twelve-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seeds. While the Eleven-Grade one was enticing, it wasn't a must-have item. He wouldn't offend a powerful force with a Dou Saint just for it.
"Twelve-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seeds?" Hu Yu looked bewildered. This was something she didn't know.
She was only the Saintess of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, not of the entire Wind and Snow Sacred Temple. Although the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan had a dominant position due to their Nine-Tailed Fox Saint, there were still many things she, as a mere Saintess, wouldn't be privy to.
Perhaps, after this Wind and Snow Ceremony, when she became the Saintess of the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, she would learn more secrets. But not now.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Xiao Ming knew he asked in vain and shook his head.
"This seat wants to make a deal with you. Where is your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple located?"
Originally, Xiao Ming didn't plan to deal with the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, but for the Twelve-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seeds, he could make an exception and pay them a visit.
Realizing Xiao Ming wanted to go to the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, Hu Yu's excitement surged again, and she quickly pointed to the north.
"It's in the north!"
...
In the vast expanse of white snow, the wind and snow howled, occasionally accompanied by bone-chilling snowstorms that lifted the accumulated snow into towering spirals.
On the frozen snowfield that spanned thousands of miles, a palace stretching for hundreds of miles stood. Figures of people and beasts flickered above the palace from time to time.
Deep within the palace, warm lights illuminated the surroundings. The temperature was comfortable, unlike the harsh coldness of the outside world.
Within the main hall, a pleasant fragrance filled the air.
A young man with a charming appearance and peach-blossom eyes sat on the throne, smiling warmly at Xiao Ming, who was not far away.
"Thank you, Mr. Xiao Ming; without you, this unruly junior of mine might never have returned!"
"It was just a small effort," Xiao Ming replied softly after taking a sip of tea.
Guided by Hu Yu, they quickly arrived at the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple and entered their sect's protective barrier.
The person he was now conversing with was the Ancestor of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint.
According to Xiao Ming's judgment, the Saint's strength should be at the advanced three-star Dou Saint stage.
"Your words are an understatement. Yu'er here is a member of my Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, a rare Nine-Tailed Fox born in a thousand years. She is of utmost importance to our clan. You should know that even I, as the Ancestor, am only an Eight-Tailed Fox."
Xiao Ming was surprised and cast a glance at Hu Yu standing by the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint's side. He hadn't expected her to have such a distinguished identity.
The purer the bloodline of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, the more tails they had. Because magical beasts were blessed by their bloodlines, a Nine-Tailed Fox entering the Dou Saint realm was simply an unavoidable occurrence.
"Senior?" The white-haired and white-bearded old man tentatively asked when he saw Xiao Ming lost in thought.
Returning to his senses, Xiao Ming glanced at the man and then smiled faintly, "You may leave. This Saint will ensure this girl's safety."
Hearing these words, a delighted expression appeared on Hu Yu's face. Finally, she wouldn't be captured by the Glass Serpent Clan.
In contrast, the faces of the members of the Glass Serpent Clan turned sour. They had worked hard to seize the opportunity of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Saintess being alone and even mobilized a Half-Saint for their plan.
Giving up now was truly hard to swallow, but they didn't have the courage to face a Dou Saint.
After struggling in their hearts for a moment, the Half-Saint could only let out a sigh. "Forget it, we can only let our Ancestor decide when we return."
"Senior, then we'll take our leave." The old man bowed and clasped his hands.
"Hm." Satisfied with their response, Xiao Ming waved his hand, and the oppressive aura weighing on the Glass Serpent Clan members dissipated instantly.
As he watched the trembling figures of the Glass Serpent Clan members rise, the old man made another respectful gesture before leading his group to tear open the space and leave.
At this moment, Xiao Ming turned his gaze back to Hu Yu, who was lying on the ground in a very seductive manner. He asked in a soft voice, "Can you get up?"
"No problem." With the danger averted, Hu Yu stood up happily. At the same time, she took out a white lotus from her storage ring and swallowed it. Her injuries visibly healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Xiao Ming glanced at her storage ring, pondering to himself, 'An Eight-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus. It seems that the news of the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple possessing an Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus wasn't false.'
"Thank you very much for your help, Senior!" As she felt her injuries gradually healing, Hu Yu's beautiful cheeks revealed a smile as she thanked Xiao Ming with a charming expression.
"Thanks are unnecessary; I didn't save you for free," Xiao Ming replied with a faint smile.
Hu Yu wasn't surprised by his response. After all, it was only natural that someone wouldn't help without a reason.
"If there's anything I can do to repay the favor, Senior, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to assist you," Hu Yu offered earnestly.
Xiao Ming was satisfied with her attitude and promptly stated his purpose. "During the battle just now, I heard the term 'Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus.' Can you provide me with more specific information about it?"
Inwardly, Hu Yu reasoned that, as expected, the only thing that could pique the interest of a Dou Saint was the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus.
However, the Snow Leaf White Lotus was a treasured possession of their Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, and its confidentiality was of utmost importance. Revealing it without proper consideration could be…
Hu Yu's face showed a conflicted expression, but Xiao Ming didn't rush her. He believed that she would explain properly, as he was only asking for information, not demanding her to hand over the White Lotus.
However, Xiao Ming's nonchalant demeanor placed significant mental pressure on Hu Yu. After a moment of silence, she finally made a decision.
"Senior, it's true that our Wind and Snow Sacred Temple possesses an Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus, but it's the most treasured possession of our temple, and only our Grand Elders have access to it."
"Only the Grand Elders? Then how do these people know that your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple possess it?" Xiao Ming asked.
"... That's because, during the Wind and Snow Ceremony held by our temple, we will present the seeds of the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus as rewards," Hu Yu explained.
"An Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seed as a reward! How extravagant is your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple?" Xiao Ming was somewhat surprised.
The Snow Leaf White Lotus seed contained the essence of the herb and was a rare treasure even for Dou Saints. To bring it out during the Wind and Snow Ceremony seemed so lavish.
"Cough cough, it's not like that. In previous Wind and Snow Ceremonies, we only presented Nine-Grade lotus flowers or Ten-Grade seeds. However, this Wind and Snow Ceremony is special, so we brought out the Eleven-Grade one," Hu Yu explained, her cheeks slightly flushed.
She wouldn't admit that the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus was most likely prepared for her.
Unfortunately, Xiao Ming saw the clues and asked with a peculiar expression, "Could it be that it was prepared for you?"
In the world, there were always people who used connections to their advantage, and Hu Yu, as the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan's Saintess and descendant of a Dou Saint, had the qualifications for that.
"How could that be! It's prepared for the person with the purest bloodline among the various clans of the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple," Hu Yu retorted anxiously, her face turning even redder.
Seeing her anxious appearance, Xiao Ming merely smiled and didn't say anything. It seemed she knew the answer deep down.
Observing Xiao Ming's indifferent demeanor, Hu Yu felt discouraged and lowered her head, no longer explaining herself.
"Alright, whether it was prepared for you or not, this seat doesn't care. Your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple should possess a large quantity of Snow Leaf White Lotuses, right? Let me ask you, do you have Twelve-Grade lotus seeds among your clan?"
Xiao Ming's real objective had always been the Twelve-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seeds. While the Eleven-Grade one was enticing, it wasn't a must-have item. He wouldn't offend a powerful force with a Dou Saint just for it.
"Twelve-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seeds?" Hu Yu looked bewildered. This was something she didn't know.
She was only the Saintess of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, not of the entire Wind and Snow Sacred Temple. Although the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan had a dominant position due to their Nine-Tailed Fox Saint, there were still many things she, as a mere Saintess, wouldn't be privy to.
Perhaps, after this Wind and Snow Ceremony, when she became the Saintess of the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, she would learn more secrets. But not now.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Xiao Ming knew he asked in vain and shook his head.
"This seat wants to make a deal with you. Where is your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple located?"
Originally, Xiao Ming didn't plan to deal with the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, but for the Twelve-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus seeds, he could make an exception and pay them a visit.
Realizing Xiao Ming wanted to go to the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, Hu Yu's excitement surged again, and she quickly pointed to the north.
"It's in the north!"
...
In the vast expanse of white snow, the wind and snow howled, occasionally accompanied by bone-chilling snowstorms that lifted the accumulated snow into towering spirals.
On the frozen snowfield that spanned thousands of miles, a palace stretching for hundreds of miles stood. Figures of people and beasts flickered above the palace from time to time.
Deep within the palace, warm lights illuminated the surroundings. The temperature was comfortable, unlike the harsh coldness of the outside world.
Within the main hall, a pleasant fragrance filled the air.
A young man with a charming appearance and peach-blossom eyes sat on the throne, smiling warmly at Xiao Ming, who was not far away.
"Thank you, Mr. Xiao Ming; without you, this unruly junior of mine might never have returned!"
"It was just a small effort," Xiao Ming replied softly after taking a sip of tea.
Guided by Hu Yu, they quickly arrived at the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple and entered their sect's protective barrier.
The person he was now conversing with was the Ancestor of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint.
According to Xiao Ming's judgment, the Saint's strength should be at the advanced three-star Dou Saint stage.
"Your words are an understatement. Yu'er here is a member of my Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, a rare Nine-Tailed Fox born in a thousand years. She is of utmost importance to our clan. You should know that even I, as the Ancestor, am only an Eight-Tailed Fox."
Xiao Ming was surprised and cast a glance at Hu Yu standing by the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint's side. He hadn't expected her to have such a distinguished identity.
The purer the bloodline of the Nine-Tailed Ice Fox Clan, the more tails they had. Because magical beasts were blessed by their bloodlines, a Nine-Tailed Fox entering the Dou Saint realm was simply an unavoidable occurrence.
