Everyone looked in the direction he pointed, and saw on the ice cliff ahead a massive cave entrance. The opening was covered with a thick layer of ice, yet faint light could be seen flickering from within.
“We’ve finally arrived!” A gleam of joy flashed in Li Guanglong’s eyes as he quickened his pace toward the entrance.
The group followed Li Guanglong to the cave. The mouth was about thirty feet high and twenty feet wide, dark inside except for the dim glow ahead.
Murong Xue pulled a fire striker from his robes, lit it, and handed it to Li Guanglong.
Li Guanglong took the flame and stepped into the passage first.
The tunnel was spacious, its floor smooth. Crystals embedded in the walls glowed faintly, illuminating the way.
The group advanced slowly, their footsteps and breathing the only sounds.
After about half an hour, the glow ahead grew stronger, and faint birdsong could be heard.
“We’re close!” Murong Xue cried out in excitement.
Soon, they emerged from the passage.
The moment they stepped out, everyone froze in astonishment.
Gone was the world of ice and snow. Before them stretched a land of blossoming spring.
Fields of flowers bloomed across the meadows, vibrant and fragrant.
In the distance, mountains rolled one after another, their slopes covered in verdant trees, mist curling around them like a fairyland.
The sky was azure, the sun bright, its warmth driving away the chill and fatigue of their long trek.
Birds sang joyfully on branches, butterflies danced among flowers, streams gurgled clear as crystal, with fish darting playfully beneath the surface.
“This… this is the ‘Otherworld’? It’s so beautiful!” one soldier gasped in awe, eyes wide with wonder.
Li Guanglong gazed at the scenery, deeply moved.
After countless hardships, they had finally escaped the frozen wasteland and reached this hidden paradise.
He took a deep breath. The air was filled with floral fragrance and the scent of grass, refreshing his spirit.
“We’ve finally made it.” Murong Xue smiled for the first time in days. “From here, we may find clues about the elixir.”
Li Guanglong nodded, his eyes flashing with expectation.
He knew that although they had escaped the snows, the road to the Immortal Elixir was still long, and greater trials likely awaited.
After resting for an hour, Li Guanglong’s group set out again.
Compared to the frozen lands, the spring warmth of the Otherworld lifted their spirits.
They walked surrounded by beauty: soft grass underfoot, brilliant flowers at their sides, birdsong and running water filling the air—a stark contrast to the harsh cold they had endured.
After half a day’s journey, a sound came suddenly from ahead.
Li Guanglong stiffened and signaled the group to halt, eyes sharp with caution.
Murong Xue and Wan Chong also readied themselves, hands on their weapons.
Soon, a group of people came into view.
At the front was a man in a fitted warrior’s outfit, handsome, with a proud air between his brows—Third Prince Li Juntang!
“Third Brother?!”
Seeing the leader, Li Guanglong’s face showed astonishment.
He had never expected to meet someone familiar here.
Li Juntang was equally surprised.
He had been on Penglai Island for days, experiencing many strange encounters, though failing to find the elixir.
Now, meeting his Second Brother here was indeed startling.
“Second Brother! I never thought I’d see you here!”
After a brief daze, Li Juntang strode forward with a warm smile.
Li Guanglong put away his wariness, smiled gently, and stepped up to face him. “Third Brother, it’s been some time. You’ve been well, I hope.”
“Second Brother, since we both came to seek the elixir for Father’s life, the hardships of the journey go without saying. Since fate has brought us together, why don’t we join forces? We can look out for each other.” Li Juntang suggested with a smile.
“That was my thought exactly.”
Li Guanglong chuckled, nodding as his gaze swept the men behind Li Juntang.
Though he still had more than a dozen guards, they looked weary, several injured. Clearly they had weathered many dangers.
Though rivals, until the elixir was found, cooperation would serve them all better.
As for after the elixir was found—that would depend on whose methods proved stronger.
After all, this was a deserted place. Whatever happened here would never reach outside ears.
Even if a few men died, no one would ever know.
“Second Brother, how long have you been on the island? Have you gained anything?” Li Juntang asked, testing.
“Three to five days,” Li Guanglong replied with a shake of his head. “Aside from the harsh environment, nothing at all.” Then he countered: “And you, Third Brother? Any sign of the elixir?” - Marinien
Comments
meant to say Admin Marinien