However, buried within the depths of the old man’s memories, Liang discovered that the portal truly existed, albeit elusive and nearly impossible to access. Shaking his head, he banished these distracting thoughts to the recesses of his mind. With purposeful steps, he vanished from his current location, reemerging beneath the glacial surface of Frostfell.
As he descended into this subglacial world, the familiar hues of daylight gave way to an ethereal, otherworldly blue. Liang found himself traversing a realm that seemed suspended between realities. This hidden domain unveiled its secrets to him, revealing a mesmerizing labyrinth of icy corridors and subterranean wonders.
Silence settled in the frozen tunnels, broken only by the faint whispers of shifting ice. Liang trod carefully, his gaze drawn to the delicate dance of bioluminescence that illuminated the darkness. These ethereal organisms, the denizens of the subglacial caverns, lent their soft light to the surroundings, casting an otherworldly glow upon the icy walls.
Suddenly, the air was rent with the deafening roars of Arctic Drakes. Liang instinctively glanced upward, witnessing a trio of these majestic beasts locked in a fierce battle. Choosing to ignore the spectacle, he turned his attention inward, contemplating his next move in this enigmatic realm.
Though the five races dwelled in isolation, separated from one another, certain locations existed where all races converged. Throughout the ages, only three cities were renowned for this purpose, and the grandest among them was the illustrious Galactic Dragon City.
The origins of these cities remained shrouded in mystery, but one thing remained certain—within their boundaries, order and law were sacrosanct. Those who dared disrupt the tranquility would face dire consequences.
The subglacial world held vast expanses teeming with secret realms and ancient battlefields, each harboring untold treasures and fortuitous encounters. Yet, it also served as a breeding ground for brutality and thievery, with lawlessness prevailing outside the protective walls of the three cities.
"Stop there!" A voice, resonant and thick, shattered the stillness.
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Liang narrowed his eyes and unleashed his void sense, surveying his surroundings before even glancing over his shoulder.
Within his senses, four distinct presences emerged, their aura fluctuating in a disconcerting manner. Yet, he discerned that all four individuals manifested powers befitting the Runeforged Embodiment Realm.
A playful smile tugged at the corners of Liang’s lips as he slowly pivoted to face them. It became apparent to him, by their frost-adorned countenances, that they were Frost Dwarves. In his mind, a wealth of information streamed forth—the Frost Dwarves, known for their intelligence and talent, ironically inclined towards the life of highwaymen. In a place where experts from far and wide convened, it seemed only natural for them to seize opportunities to rob unsuspecting travelers.
The first dwarf, towering over the others, possessed a broad and muscular build. His rugged face was adorned with a thick, braided white beard, while his eyes gleamed with a hardened glint. Clad in fur-lined battle attire, with a massive warhammer slung over his shoulder, he exuded an aura of authority and strength.
Beside him stood a dwarf of more lithe and agile stature. Her silver-white hair cascaded down her back in intricate braids, framing a face adorned with intricate tattoos. Her piercing blue eyes shimmered with a cunning intelligence. Clad in sleek leather armor, she carried a pair of daggers at her side, their icy glint matching the frosty surroundings.
To their left, another dwarf, younger in appearance, leaned casually against the ice wall. His unkempt hair spilled over his shoulders, a wild mop of raven-black locks. His eyes, a vivid emerald green, sparkled with a mischievous light. He sported a mismatched ensemble of stolen treasures and trinkets, a testament to his love for ill-gotten gains. In one hand, he casually twirled a wickedly sharp ice shard, a formidable weapon in his trained hands.
Finally, the fourth dwarf, shorter and stockier than the others, emanated a sense of quiet intensity. His bushy brown beard flowed down to his chest, and his weathered face bore the marks of numerous battles. Dressed in heavy plate armor meticulously engraved with ancient runes, he clutched a mighty war axe, its polished surface reflecting the glimmers of bioluminescence.
The leader, his voice dripping with contempt, sneered at Liang. "Well, well, what do we have here? A lost little traveler stumbling into our territory," he jeered, his tone filled with malice. "You’re lucky we found you before something worse did."
Liang feigned ignorance, playing the role of the unsuspecting wanderer. "Greetings," he said calmly, though his heart pounded with anticipation. "I seem to have stumbled upon your domain quite by accident. I mean no harm."
The leader, his voice dripping with sarcasm, eyed Liang suspiciously. "Accident, you say? And what brings you to these desolate tunnels, hmm? Surely you’re not foolish enough to believe we’d buy such a tale."
Liang maintained his composure, his expression a mask of innocence. "I was merely exploring," he replied evenly, his words carefully chosen. "I had no idea these tunnels were inhabited. I assure you, I seek no trouble."
Even the stoic dwarf, though typically silent, couldn’t resist a derisive chuckle at Liang’s expense. "You’re a bold one, I’ll give you that," he remarked, his icy gaze fixed on Liang with disdain. "But you’d do well to remember where you stand in these tunnels. We are not to be trifled with."
But the younger dwarf, his smirk widening, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent. " Brat you have stepped into our home without being invited, you need to compensate us ," he taunted, his voice dripping with cruelty. "That space ring of yours looks mighty interesting. Hand it over, and maybe we’ll let you live."
Liang’s face twisted with a concealed grin as he channeled a surge of confidence. He expertly portrayed anxiety, his fists tightly clenched to emphasize his act. "You think you’ll find anything worthwhile from me?" he sneered, his words dripping with a bitter tone. "Save yourself the trouble and walk away while you still can."
The female dwarf, her gaze lingering on Liang with a predatory gleam, chimed in with a sickeningly sweet tone. "You know," she purred, her voice sending shivers down Liang’s spine, "you’re quite handsome. If you play nice and give us what we want, maybe I’ll let you have a little fun before we’re through with you."
Her companions paused, exchanging puzzled glances as she took a step closer to Liang, her demeanor shifting from menace to allure. "
The younger dwarf let out an incredulous snort, while the leader’s brow furrowed in disbelief. "What are you playing at, Rysa?" he growled, his voice betraying a hint of annoyance. "We’re here for one thing and one thing only—his valuables."
Ignoring her companions’ reactions, Rysa persisted, her gaze locked onto Liang’s. "Think about it," she murmured, her lips curling into a playful smile.