Chapter 100: Wrong Path

Everyone crowded out of the carriage. Xu Han stepped out into the howling gale. The piercing cold wind slammed against them, instantly freezing the skin and making the limbs stiffen. Qin Xinyi beside them shivered violently, her face deathly pale. Snowflakes drifted onto her hair and clothes, quickly blanketing her in a layer of white.

Hua Piaowu spoke up. “Quickly take out the Red Flame Pearl!” Xu Han pulled the glowing orb from his spatial ring. A surge of warmth flooded his body at once, erasing the chill and stiffness. The snow on his shoulders melted away. He breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank the heavens for the Red Flame Pearl. Otherwise we’d be in real trouble just trying to move in these northern snowy plains.”

He scanned the horizon. Before them lay a small village of about a dozen modest wooden houses. Chimneys belched thick curls of smoke. A steady stream of professionals moved in and out, the place alive with noise and chatter. At the far end of the village rose a weathered wooden signboard. Three bold characters had been carved upon it: Snow Origin Village.

Hua Piaowu introduced it proudly. “This is Snow Origin Village, the final supply station before the Snow Origin or the Extreme Cold Snow Mountains. Anyone heading that way or deeper will stock up here. Prices are steep—ten times what you’d pay in the capital. If you can avoid buying anything, do so.”

Xu Han nodded. The settlement had a similar feel to Maple Leaf Town, though the harsher climate meant fewer shops and even fewer adventurers willing to open stalls. “Where exactly is the Blizzard Giant Bear?” he asked.

Hua Piaowu pointed toward the heart of Snow Origin. “There’s an underground cave deep in the plains. On foot it should be about three hours.”

They followed her deeper into the village. At the entrance, several professionals stood holding signs, calling out for teammates. Xu Han and his group were about to push forward when a man in a swordsman’s outfit sauntered over, flashing a sly grin. “You three look like first-timers to Snow Origin. Want to team up with us? The terrain gets tricky if you’re not familiar. No need to worry—we charge just one hundred thousand per person. Or, for VIP treatment, fifty thousand each and we’ll guarantee your safety. Sounds like a bargain, doesn’t it?”

Hua Piaowu’s brow furrowed. “We don’t need help. We know the way.”

The man blinked, then laughed coldly. “Know the way? You flatter yourself, beautiful lady. It’s no game in there. A blizzard can disorient even seasoned fighters like me—let alone the two of you. How about a special discount? Forty-five thousand per person, full safety guarantee. How’s that for a deal?”

Hua Piaowu’s patience snapped. “I already said no. Are you still bothering us?” She turned and strode into the snowy expanse without another word. The man’s eyes narrowed, the corners of his mouth curling into a lewd smile. “Not bad. This girl has spirit. She’ll be a delight in bed.” He chuckled to himself. “Wait till I’m done with you. You’ll learn what happens when you cross me.”

Hours later, three figures trudged across the endless white. The snow lay thirty centimeters deep, swallowing their legs to the calves. Xu Han glanced at the others. “Where’s the underground cave?”

“Weren’t you told it would take three hours?” Qin Xinyi asked. “We’ve been walking for five already and still see nothing but snow.”

The light faded, leaving the plain pitch black. Xu Han raised a hand. “Camp here tonight.” The other two nodded. Hua Piaowu and Qin Xanyi quickly erected a cold-resistant tent of exotic beast fur. Xu Han gathered dry branches and summoned a burst of flame to light them, then kindled a small fire. He roasted a thick slab of exotic beast meat, and the savory aroma soon filled the air. Hua Piaowu’s eyes gleamed as she watched. “It smells incredible.” Xu Han sliced off a piece and handed it to her. She tore into it without ceremony, devouring it in large bites. He gave Qin Xinyi her share and bit into his own portion.

“How far are we from the cave?” he asked casually.

Hua Piaowu’s chewing slowed. “Um… another two kilometers? Or maybe four?” Xu Han’s expression darkened. “You don’t know?”

“Didn’t you claim to know Snow Origin like the back of your hand?”

She lowered her head. “I… heard about it from my teacher…” Xu Han stared at her, speechless. He had been led here by a guide who had never set foot in the place. Hua Piaowu quickly added, “Don’t worry. I can find the way.” Xu Han shook his head. “Just don’t lose us in this wilderness.” He reached into his spatial ring and produced a map. “Bought it before we left in case we scattered. Saved our lives.”

He spread it open. Every exotic beast territory was clearly marked. “We’re in the Snow Wolf domain right now. Ahead lies the Wind Snow Ape Monkey territory. The cave lies five kilometers due west.”

Xu Han read the line twice, utterly speechless. Hua Piaowu’s cheeks flushed—whether from the fire or embarrassment he could not tell. “Rest here tonight. We’ll head to the cave at first light tomorrow.” The other two agreed. Hua Piaowu volunteered, “I’ll take the first watch.” Xu Han raised an eyebrow. “You alone? Even with heightened spiritual power, you’ll still get drowsy.” She smiled confidently. “Of course.” She summoned her profession. “Spirit Puppet Master. I can fashion various puppets from exotic beast corpses. I currently command five.” She waved her hand. A glowing magical array flared. A winged, bird-like figure materialized beside her. Xu Han studied the elegant construct with open curiosity.