The young man let out a chuckle. "It’s known as the Dragon Blessing Rune, every expert born in this city possesses it as their first true rune."
Liang raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his voice. "Even Frost Dwarfs?"
It’s important to take into account that, Frost Dwarfs and Frost Drakes are limited to awakening just one true rune.
The young man nodded enthusiastically. "No exceptions. But who wouldn’t want it? To be connected to a deity, it’s a great honor," he said with pride, his eyes shining with devotion.
Liang raised an eyebrow, feeling a hint of unease. Why wouldn’t he?
In the realm of cultivation, the concept of divine or benevolent transcendental entities is absent. This world is instead a domain dominated by formidable experts, each driven by their own ambitions and desires.
He wondered silently, noticing how many people were looking at the sky and praying. He had a bad feeling about this so-called deity, but he decided to keep his thoughts to himself.
Deciding to change the subject, Liang asked, "Tell me, where is the place that announces the appearance of new secret realms and ancient battlefields?"
The young man’s eyes briefly flashed with confusion before realization dawned upon him.
"Ah, you’re referring to the Exploration Hall!" Excitement laced his words, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
One of the secret realms unveiled recently are the Misty Isles. This ethereal realm exists in a perpetual mist, cloaking its verdant landscapes and hidden treasures.
Concealed within the lush groves are sacred lotus ponds, each petal exuding a soothing essence capable of revitalizing weary experts. Rumors speak of the Celestial Orchid, a flower said to bloom once every five thousand years, possessing the power to grant eternal youth to those who consume its essence.
In contrast to the tranquility of the Misty Isles, the Battle Nexus is an ancient battlefield that invokes a sense of awe and reverence.
Among the remnants of fallen experts lie relics of the past, such as the Heaven-Frost Piercing Lance, a weapon capable of tearing through the mightiest of defenses.
So, it is no wonder that experts from every corner of the realm are drawn to this land of boundless possibilities. Frostfell embodies the spirit of exploration and presents an unending challenge that calls upon the most daring and tenacious individuals.
Intrigued, Liang followed the young man as he led the way towards the northern side of the city. Their steps were relaxed, allowing them to admire the enchanting scenery that unfolded before them. It didn’t take long before they arrived at their destination – the Exploration Hall.
As Liang prepared to step forward, the young man abruptly blocked his path, extending his hand expectantly.
"Senior, I sincerely hope my assistance has been of great use to you," the young man eagerly expressed, rubbing his hands together with an air of anticipation.
Liang regarded him with a calm gaze, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, your guidance has been valuable."
The young man’s initial eagerness faltered, replaced by a tinge of disappointment mixed with surprise. He had expected some form of reward or appreciation for his knowledge and efforts.
"So?" the young man prodded impatiently, his outstretched hand waiting for its coveted bounty.
Raising an amused eyebrow, Liang couldn’t help but release a soft chuckle. "So what?"
A look of disbelief washed over the young man’s face, his eyes widening in utter astonishment. He had never encountered such shamelessness before, someone who acknowledged the debt but refused to fulfill it.
"Senior, my fee for guiding you is one elemental crystal!" The young man’s voice acquired a sharper tone, a hint of frustration seeping through.
Liang’s amusement intensified, his laughter filling the air like musical notes dancing on a breeze.
"One elemental crystal?" he echoed, his voice carrying an undertone of amusement. His gaze turned icy, resembling two piercing shards of glass.
Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.
Fear flickered in the young man’s eyes, a sudden realization sweeping over him. He had unwittingly provoked a powerful expert, someone far beyond his league. The regret for his greedy actions settled deeply within his heart.
"Boy, it would be wise for you to walk away now," Liang warned, his voice turned cold and commanding, a frosty breeze in the midst of summer.
Trembling, the young man valiantly attempted to salvage the situation. "Senior, please, you must pay me! It’s only fair! It’s the rule!" His voice cracked, a desperate plea to save what little dignity remained.
Liang sneered, and in an instant, the surrounding space seemed to shiver and freeze. The young man found himself trapped within a cage of invisible ice, the cold grip of entrapment tightening around him.
Panic and terror filled his widened eyes. He couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. The weight on his chest grew suffocating, a crushing pressure that felt like a mountain resting upon him.
"Do you truly believe I am incapable of ending your life?" Liang’s words cut through the frozen air, his voice carrying a deadly chill that echoed in the young man’s ears.
Blue lips formed silent pleas for mercy, his breath stolen away as the freezing energy penetrated his very being. A sharp pain seared through his head, as if his brain was on the verge of exploding. His attempts to cry out for help were futile, his voice choked by the icy grip around him.
In an instant, the world around him returned to normal. The young man fell to the ground, landing on his backside as terror and horror flooded his face. His eyes darted downwards, realizing with shame that he had wetted himself. Humiliation and fear washed over him, and he wished he could disappear from the world.
Liang regarded him with disdain, then walked past him, entering the Exploration Hall without sparing the fallen young man another glance.
He had more important matters to attend to, leaving the young man trembling and shaken in his wake, wishing desperately to erase the memory of his own greed and arrogance.