While Dustin and the others explored the ruins within the mountain, the area at Buzhou Mountain's base shrouded by the golden barrier had completely devolved into hell.
Tens of thousands of people had been randomly teleported to various platforms at the mountain's base. No organization, no order—only naked survival of the fittest. The strong plundered the weak at will; the weak became servants, or even... food.
On the largest platform at the mountain's base, Qin Hao stood with hands clasped behind his back, coldly watching the chaotic slaughter below. Beside him, Qin Xue toyed idly with a wildflower she had picked from somewhere.
"Brother, these ants are so noisy." Qin Xue frowned.
Qin Hao said flatly: "They won't be noisy for long. Survival of the fittest is simply heaven's law. They'll be eliminated soon enough."
"But we're trapped here too." Qin Xue was somewhat displeased. "I wanted to sit back and reap the benefits, but now look—we've been dragged into this broken game."
A meaningful smile curved Qin Hao's lips: "Game? Perhaps. But changing rules isn't necessarily bad. There are more opportunities on this mountain. And..." His gaze swept toward Mark Montgomary, who was gathering survivors not far away. "Some people should start proving their usefulness."
Mark Montgomary was currently leading a squad of Montgomary Palace elites, collecting survivors at the platform's edge. A gentle smile hung on his face as he told the terrified civilians and independent cultivators: "Join our Montgomary Palace team. Sticking together gives everyone a better chance of survival."
In just half a day, he had gathered nearly a hundred people, greatly increasing his strength. But deep in his eyes lurked a coldness completely at odds with his smile. He occasionally glanced toward where Qin Hao stood, his eyes flashing with complex emotions—wariness, awe, and a trace of... unwillingness.
"Foster father ordered me to follow the Qin family's commands, but I, Mark Montgomary, am not one to remain beneath others forever!" He thought darkly. "Once I obtain enough opportunities on Buzhou Mountain, I may not be unable to... hmph!"
Meanwhile, deep in the Frost Ice Ravine.
The Bai siblings led their surviving clansmen in a difficult march. The Frost Ice Ravine path they had chosen was already treacherous, and after the forced teleportation, many clan members had become separated. Now fewer than ten remained at their side.
"Sister, your wounds haven't healed. Rest a while." Bai Wuhen looked at Bai Qingxue with concern.
Bai Qingxue shook her head: "It's fine. There's an ice-sealed cave dwelling ahead. I can sense the cold energy inside is extremely pure—there may be something suitable for our cultivation."
Bai Wuhen nodded and continued forward, protecting his sister. Reaching the cave dwelling, they found the entrance sealed by thick black ice. Bai Wuhen pointed two fingers like a sword, and a condensed frost sword energy slashed out. The ice shattered on command.
Inside the dwelling, the cold was piercing. At the center sat an ice platform, upon which rested a crystalline longsword, its blade faintly flowing with light. The moment Bai Wuhen approached, the sword emitted a joyful hum and flew into his hand of its own accord.
"It... recognized you as its master?" Bai Qingxue exclaimed with delight.
Bai Wuhen gripped the sword, feeling the affinity emanating from within, excitement flashing in his eyes. This sword was stronger than his previous one! Moreover, a complete sword technique seemed to be sealed within it!
Just as he prepared to comprehend the technique, a commotion suddenly came from outside the dwelling. Several people rushed in, led by none other than Yu family elder Yu Zhenting!
"Hahaha! The little Bai family whelps—you've kept me searching!" Yu Zhenting sneered viciously. "Hand over the treasures you've found here, and perhaps I'll leave your corpses intact!"
Bai Wuhen stood with sword in hand, coldly saying: "Yu family old dog, haven't you had enough of the lesson from last time?"
Yu Zhenting's face darkened, remembering the humiliation of being heavily wounded by Bai Wuhen's single sword strike at Wind Thunder Cliff. He snarled: "Little beast, last time I was careless! This time, I've brought enough men. Let's see how arrogant you can be now!"
Behind him, over a dozen Yu family experts swarmed forward. Bai Wuhen snorted coldly. His newly acquired sword unsheathed, and a bone-chilling sword light swept out horizontally!
Where the sword light passed, the air itself crystallized into ice. Three Yu family experts couldn't dodge in time—swept by the light, they instantly froze into ice sculptures!
Yu Zhenting's expression changed dramatically. He hadn't expected Bai Wuhen's strength to have increased again! But he was committed now and could only charge forward.
Fierce battle erupted once more. Bai Wuhen fought alone against many, sword light crisscrossing, pushing his frost sword intent to the extreme. Bai Qingxue and their clansmen assisted from the side, barely holding back the Yu family's assault.
But the Yu family had superior numbers, and though Yu Zhenting's injuries hadn't fully healed, he still had the foundation of a Golden Core cultivator. The Bai family gradually fell into disadvantage.
"Sister, you go first! I'll cover the retreat!" Bai Wuhen shouted.
"No!" Bai Qingxue said firmly. "If we die, we die together!"
At this critical moment, dense footsteps suddenly sounded from outside the dwelling. Another group had arrived!
Everyone was alarmed, thinking more enemies had come.
"Montgomary Palace people?" Yu Zhenting was taken aback.
Mark Montgomary appeared at the entrance with dozens of men. Observing the melee, a thoughtful smile appeared on his face.
"Young Master Mark, help my Yu family capture the Bai family, and you'll be handsomely rewarded!" Yu Zhenting called out urgently.
But Mark didn't move. Instead, he looked at Bai Qingxue, his gaze lingering on her exquisite face for a moment. He spoke slowly: "Miss Bai, if I help you repel the Yu family, how would you thank me?"
Bai Qingxue was momentarily stunned, then said coldly: "What do you want?"
Mark smiled: "I haven't decided yet. How about owing me one for now?"
Yu Zhenting's expression changed drastically: "Mark Montgomary! You wouldn't dare!"
Mark's smile didn't waver: "Elder Yu, my apologies." He waved his hand, and the Montgomary Palace elites behind him immediately attacked—not the Bai family, but the Yu family!
The sudden turn threw the Yu family into chaos. Bai Wuhen seized the opportunity to severely wound Yu Zhenting with a single strike. Yu Zhenting screamed and fled with his battered remnants.
The battle ended. Bai Qingxue looked warily at Mark: "Why did you help us?"
Mark said gently: "Miss Bai needn't be suspicious. I simply couldn't stand watching the Yu family bully the outnumbered. Besides..." He glanced at the sword in Bai Wuhen's hand. "This young brother has astonishing talent in sword dao and will surely achieve great things. Making friends is always better than making enemies."
Bai Qingxue studied him deeply but said nothing more, only cupping her fists: "Thank you. I'll remember this favor."
Mark nodded with a smile and led his people away. But the instant he turned, a profound gleam flashed in his eyes.
He hadn't helped the Bai family out of goodwill. The Yu family was powerful—if they gained too many opportunities here, it wouldn't be good for Montgomary Palace.
As for the Bai family, if he could win them over, they might prove useful in the future. And regarding Bai Qingxue... he had other calculations in mind.
– Marinien
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