Chapter 222: The Snow Maiden (Please subscribe, please vote)

“All right…”

A thunderous cheer erupted around them like a mountain avalanche, the disciples of the Mo family utterly captivated by Shao Yu’s feat.

“According to Yan Kingdom’s calculations, this cauldron weighs two thousand five hundred jin. I couldn’t lift it until I was eighteen, but you’re only fourteen, and you managed it—you’ve won!” Da Tiechui exclaimed upon witnessing the scene.

“Well done…”

As Da Tiechui’s words fell, the crowd erupted once more in applause. Shao Yu smiled warmly, bowing in thanks to everyone.

By his side, Xiang Liang approached and clasped his fists toward Da Tiechui. “Brother Tie, you are too kind. Shao Yu is ignorant of his own limits; I’m grateful for your generosity.”

“With such descendants among the Xiang clan, that bastard Ying Zheng won’t have an easy time ahead. Ha ha…” Da Tiechui laughed heartily, his voice echoing skyward.

Amidst the crowd, Tian Ming’s face twisted into a mischievous grin. He picked up a small stone and hurled it toward Shao Yu.

“Ouch!” Shao Yu cried out, clutching the back of his head where the stone struck. He scanned his surroundings, seeking the one who had ambushed him.

“Hey!” Da Tiechui snatched the second stone mid-air, his expression stern. “Who dares resort to underhanded tricks?”

“Let go of me! Let go!” The vast cavern fell silent before Tian Ming’s shouts rang out. Two Mo family disciples stood behind him, having witnessed his actions. They now gripped his hands and shoulders, immobilizing him.

“Bring him here,” Da Tiechui commanded from a distance, voice sharp.

“You two bastards, what the hell are you doing? Let me go!” Tian Ming struggled as the two disciples dragged him before Da Tiechui.

“You’re that little brat from the division, daring to cause trouble before me. Do you know the consequences?” Da Tiechui raised his right hand and clenched it tightly. The stone in his palm instantly crumbled to dust, sifting through his fingers.

Tian Ming’s face turned pale as he saw this.

“Push him right in front of me,” Da Tiechui ordered.

The two disciples exchanged glances and pushed Tian Ming forward with force. He stumbled and fell face-first before Shao Yu.

“Hey, bowing to big brother the moment we meet—you really know how to mind your manners,” Shao Yu teased as he crouched before Tian Ming.

“Mm, it’s been a long time since I saw big brother. I truly missed you,” Tian Ming replied slyly, his eyes darting cunningly.

“Ah?” Shao Yu was surprised. Tian Ming was not one to yield so easily.

“Yah!” Taking advantage of Shao Yu’s momentary surprise, Tian Ming suddenly revealed his true nature, shouting loudly as he lunged at Shao Yu.

Yet, just as Tian Ming sprang forward, a large hand shot out from behind, seizing him midair.

“Hmm? Ahh…” Tian Ming struggled desperately but could not move forward. Turning, he met Da Tiechui’s stern face.

Shao Yu rose, a look of schadenfreude lighting his features. He clapped his hands, laughing. “So that’s how you see me!”

“You really don’t learn until you see the coffin. Looks like I’ll have to teach you a lesson,” Da Tiechui said gravely.

“Hey!” Just as Da Tiechui prepared to teach Tian Ming a hard lesson, Tian Ming bit down on his hand. Da Tiechui recoiled in pain, loosening his grip. Seizing the moment, Tian Ming kicked off and landed on the ground.

After a moment, Da Tiechui shook his hand and stepped forward, moving behind Tian Ming, his face flushed with anger, teeth clenched in fury.

Tian Ming ceased fleeing and suddenly spun around, eyes blazing at Da Tiechui.

“Should Sister Rong stop Da Tiechui? Tian Ming is…” Yue’er asked anxiously.

“The Mo family values fairness and honor. Since he tried to ambush Shao Yu with stones, Da Tiechui has every right to punish him. It’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Duanmu Rong said thoughtfully.

Just then, Dao Zhi appeared from somewhere, smiling as he said to Duanmu Rong, “Miss Rong, you speak very reasonably. I completely agree.”

Duanmu Rong rolled her eyes. “We sisters are talking here, what’s a grown man doing interrupting?”

“Heh heh, I really think you’re right!” Dao Zhi laughed sheepishly.

“Young master, should we help that kid?” Murong Huang asked Xiao Xie. After these few days, Murong Huang had grown fond of Tian Ming’s playful spirit.

Xiao Xie shook his head, smiling. “No need. Didn’t you see even Gai Nie didn’t intervene? Why rush?”

Tian Ming darted about like a nimble rabbit, evading Da Tiechui’s large hands. After a while, Da Tiechui, unable to catch him, felt embarrassed. With a fist crackling with electric light, he struck toward Tian Ming.

“What’s that?” Gai Nie asked, surprised.

“Looks like Da Tiechui is truly angry; he even used the Thunder God Fist!” Dao Zhi was equally astonished. Using such a move on Tian Ming was excessive, but Da Tiechui was known for his hot temper, so his actions were not wholly unexpected.

“Brother Tie, let the kid go!”

Just as Da Tiechui’s Thunder God Fist was about to strike Tian Ming, a melodious, ethereal voice rang out, instantly dispersing the charged tension in the air.

The beautiful voice captured everyone’s attention.

A figure appeared, her silver hair cascading to her waist like moonlight. Her skin was as pure as snow, radiating an otherworldly grace, as if an ice goddess had descended to the mortal realm. On her forehead rested a silver headpiece set with a blue crystal. Beneath delicately arched brows, her water-blue eyes shimmered like autumn lakes. Light blue eyeshadow enhanced her captivating, pristine oval face, both alluring and innocent.

Crystal earrings adorned her rounded earlobes. Her tall, elegant nose complemented thin rosebud lips, radiant and inviting. A silver necklace set with blue gems graced her slender neck, while silver bracelets encircled her flawless wrists.

She wore a deep blue silk dress that opened gracefully at the front, accentuating her alluring curves. Her slender waist was so delicate it seemed almost fragile.

Beneath the slit of the long skirt, her long, snow-white legs peeked tantalizingly. Silver leg ornaments and anklets added an exotic charm. On her jade-like feet were a pair of blue crystal dance slippers.

“What a stunning woman!” Murong Feng and Murong Huang exclaimed in awe. Both were rare beauties themselves, yet upon seeing this Snow Maiden, they felt humbled.

“Beautiful, truly beautiful!” Xiao Xie could not help but admire her. Among all the beauties he had met, only Queen Medusa could rival her. As for Xun’er, though fair, she still seemed somewhat youthful—perhaps when she matured, she might compete with them.

Xiao Xie burst into song:

“In the North dwells a fair lady, peerless and alone. One glance topples cities, another kingdoms. Do you not know what it means to topple cities and kingdoms? Such a beauty is rare indeed!”

When he finished, the entire plaza fell silent. The poem was the highest form of praise.

“Your words are exquisite, young sir. May I know your name?” The Snow Maiden’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she humbly addressed Xiao Xie.

“I am Xiao Xie, master of the Ascension Tower! As for the poem, it is called ‘Snow Maiden’s Verse,’ born from the inspiration of beholding your unparalleled beauty,” Xiao Xie said, holding a white jade fan and bowing respectfully.

“Master of the Ascension Tower?” The Snow Maiden’s tone held surprise.

A secret joy stirred within her. If anyone else had simply said, “Beauty, you are stunning,” she might have thought them a cad. But Xiao Xie had sung a timeless, celebrated verse—instantly, she considered him a refined scholar, a true gentleman even if a bit flirtatious.

“To think the wealthiest master of Ascension Tower is so young and a great talent as well. Snow Maiden is honored to meet you, Master Xiao,” she said with a smile, already guessing Xiao Xie to be a guest of the Mo family and feeling warmly toward him.

Behind her, Gao Jianli watched Xiao Xie warily. The Snow Maiden had sworn never to marry, so though lovers, they had never even kissed. For him, merely staying by her side was enough.

Xiao Xie’s unabashed praise and affection in the poem troubled Gao Jianli. The Mo family members, like Da Tiechui and Dao Zhi, were rough men; Dao Zhi’s interests lay with Duanmu Rong, so Gao Jianli felt no threat from them. But Xiao Xie, this young talent, brought a strong sense of danger, as young scholars were famously adept at courting beauties.