Chapter 051: The Ice-Cold Beauty

An uninvited guest arrived at the Scarlet Refinement Palace.

Within the inner hall, Lady Ning Wanqing, the master of the palace, sat serenely atop the high seat, her jade-like fair face betraying not the slightest ripple of emotion.

Standing before her was a middle-aged man who had just entered. He appeared refined and graceful, adorned in a purple crown and magnificent robes. With the composure of a seasoned cultivator and the authority of a ruler, his expression was a complex blend—anger laced with a forced restraint, and perhaps an odd glimmer of something else.

“Ahem, so it is the esteemed Peak Master who graces us today. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner,” Ning Wanqing finally rose at an unhurried pace, descending the dais step by step. “May I ask what brings you here today, Peak Master?”

It was none other than Han Yuntian, master of the Blazing Flame Peak, known far and wide as the Jade-faced Ice King for his mastery of ice techniques.

Han Yuntian’s expression softened slightly as he forced a smile. “After all these years, you’re still so formal with me… You probably know, I do have a matter to discuss. Is he here with you?”

With a wave of her long sleeve, Ning Wanqing slowly walked to a chair at the side and seated herself. She gestured casually for Han Yuntian to sit as well. “Since you already know, why ask?”

Han Yuntian managed an awkward yet charming smile, but Ning Wanqing did not spare him so much as a glance.

She was well aware that Han Yuntian had harbored a secret affection for her for over a decade, but she chose to ignore it. “Speak to the point. Don’t waste either of our time.”

“Not even a cup of tea…” Han Yuntian mocked himself inwardly. He truly could not understand why Ning Wanqing kept him at such a distance. Over the years, she had come to Blazing Flame Peak, and to be honest, he had granted her countless privileges. Even when she acted out of line, he turned a blind eye, and he entrusted her with the most bountiful Spirit Herb Valley—a coveted prize eyed by many.

Not to mention her eccentric disciple, a peculiar girl who could be described with every unfavorable adjective imaginable.

Yet despite all this, Ning Wanqing and her disciple lived carefree and unfettered lives, utterly untouched by the hierarchical system of Blazing Flame Peak.

As the head of Blazing Flame Peak, Han Yuntian had once benefited from the Demonic Sect, so he owed Ning Wanqing, now a member of that sect, a debt of gratitude.

Moreover, Ning Wanqing was a woman of unparalleled beauty and purity, and his long-held feelings for her could not be easily set aside.

Just yesterday, Ding Zhennan had arrived with a large group, besieging the gates of the Scarlet Refinement Palace, demanding to see Ning Wanqing.

Han Yuntian knew better than anyone that the masked man was none other than Yun Mobei, head of the Daisy Hall, and that it was Ning Wanqing who had saved him. Nevertheless, he stood firm atop the Scarlet Refinement Palace and, with a few sharp words, dispersed the crowd.

Afterward, he had made a show of expelling the Daisy Hall, offering Ding’s family and their allies a token concession.

In truth, none of the factions wished to truly disgrace themselves in public; everyone maintained appearances, unless matters came to deadly blows.

Today, Han Yuntian had come in person, hoping to understand the enmity between Yun Mobei and Ding Zhennan in greater detail, and to see if there was any hope for reconciliation.

He could not help but wonder if, after all these years, there might be some deeper bond between Ning Wanqing and Yun Mobei, beyond that of brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Yet what could he do?

In Han Yuntian’s eyes, Ning Wanqing was an unyielding glacier—like the walls of Blue Ice City, unmoved for a thousand years.

“Wanqing, is Brother Yun’s injury still bearable?” Han Yuntian asked cautiously.

“No need for your concern, Peak Master Han. He is in no danger of dying. Rest assured, in the coming years, my brother-in-law will not cause any more trouble for Blazing Flame Peak.” There was a trace of helplessness in Ning Wanqing’s eyes. Yun Mobei’s injuries would not heal completely in less than three to five years.

She truly hadn’t expected Yun Mobei to act with such resolve—challenging the entire Ding family alone. Had she not arrived in time that day, her brother-in-law would have joined her sister in death. And what then of Yun Yin? The child had been raised by her father alone since birth; if he too were to die, the child would surely be shattered.

Seeing Ning Wanqing lost in thought, Han Yuntian fell silent, feeling an urge to make a hasty exit.

At last, he could not help but ask, “Is there truly no hope for reconciliation in this feud?”

“A blood feud,” Ning Wanqing replied softly. But then, her temper flared. She suddenly leapt up, pointing at Han Yuntian’s nose and shouting, “Han, are you here to watch a spectacle or to laugh at us? If you have nothing else, get out! Talking to you is exhausting… And stop calling me Wanqing!”

“…Palace Master Ning, I… I’ll be on my way, then. I only wished to tell you this: if the Scarlet Refinement Palace ever comes to blows with the Ding family, the whole of Blazing Flame Peak will stand firmly behind you. Farewell—take care of yourself…”

With these words, Han Yuntian dared not linger a moment longer to witness Ning Wanqing’s expression. He dashed out in haste, fleeing in utter disarray.

He did not stop until halfway down the mountain, where he wiped the cold sweat from his brow, parched and bewildered. “How strange… Why do I always get so nervous in her presence? I come with the best intentions, and yet I leave feeling as if I’ve done something terribly wrong! Oh, heavens, how did I, Han Yuntian, end up like this?”

“Peak Master! Ah, Peak Master, you’re looking better and better these days—working up a sweat even in the icy wind. Truly, you are the pillar of our Blazing Flame Peak!” A passing hall master hurried up, eager to flatter him.

“Out of my sight!” Han Yuntian struck out with his palm, sending a gleaming wave of ice and snow roaring through the air, as if the very atmosphere froze solid.

The unfortunate hall master was instantly transformed into a round, rolling ice ball by the force of the blow, soaring high into the sky before shattering in midair—battered and barely clothed.

Yet, even in such a state, he shivered as he called out toward Han Yuntian’s departing figure, “Peak Master’s prowess is truly extraordinary! Your subordinate is filled with the deepest admiration!” Clearly, this man’s talent for flattery was unparalleled—he was practically risking his life for it.

Upon returning to the Flame Palace atop Blazing Flame Peak, Han Yuntian immediately dispatched several urgent messages:

First, strengthen vigilance throughout Blazing Flame Peak; incidents like the Ding family’s unauthorized intrusion must not be repeated.

Second, all hall disciples are to enter a state of combat readiness and intensify their training.

Third, the grand competition for inner and outer sect disciples, usually held every three years, will be advanced to three months from now. At that time, all disciples, inner and outer alike, will have the opportunity to participate, with rich rewards on offer…

Once these notices were issued, Blazing Flame Peak was thrown into an uproar—especially the last proclamation. The Peak’s grand disciple tournament was the chance for all disciples to distinguish themselves, including even the outer and menial disciples. It would be a competition for the entire sect.

Of course, most of the menial disciples could only watch from the sidelines, as many had not even begun their journey on the path of cultivation.