EBE Chapter 85 Tianshan Snow Lotus
Chapter 85 Tianshan Snow Lotus
This winter, even those masters who have cultivated to the highest level found it difficult to endure the bitter cold; the biting wind seemed to penetrate everything.
This forced even martial artists at the Innate Realm to obediently hide indoors for warmth, only daring to go out when the cold wind subsided.
The people of Sujia Village have been staying home almost constantly during this period, mostly huddled in their own courtyards. Apart from occasionally clearing the thick snow off their roofs, they have hardly gone anywhere else.
Every household kept their doors and windows tightly shut, afraid that even a wisp of cold wind might slip into their homes.
This scene is playing out almost everywhere in the Spirit Kingdom. The heavy snow has been falling for almost a month, and there is still no sign of it stopping.
The entire Spirit Kingdom was covered in thick white snow, resembling a world draped in silver.
Further north, the situation was even worse, with countless people suffering.
"Big Sister Ya, is what Sister Yang said true?" Shi Zi's eyes glistened with tears, her voice full of grievance and confusion.
This sudden heavy snowfall, like a disaster sent from heaven, has taken away so many precious lives; it's truly heartbreaking.
Daya watched the snowflakes dancing in the sky, swirling lightly in the air before slowly drifting down, making the earth even whiter and more pristine.
However, the beautiful scenery could not soothe the helplessness and sorrow in her heart.
She sighed softly and said, "Well, I think it's probably true. Since Sister Yang said it so confidently, it's probably true."
Fortunately, we are currently residing in Phantom City, which is relatively safe.
Daya continued, "If we had stayed in that remote Sujia Village, we might have encountered the same misfortune."
The children of Sujia Village have been nurtured from a young age, and their hearts are so kind that they are almost innocent.
From a young age, they are taught to care for others and to be unable to bear the suffering and injustice in the world.
Especially after Yundan came to the village, she deeply instilled this concept of kindness in the hearts of every child.
Whether it's training, spiritual practice, or ideology, Yun Dan guides them in a positive and virtuous direction.
As a result, the children of Sujia Village have almost all developed kind-hearted and helpful personalities. They rarely doubt the malice of others and are always willing to believe in the goodness of the world.
However, just as they were immersed in reminiscing and reflecting on the past, several elders happened to pass by and overheard their conversation.
One of the elders stopped and said in a serious yet caring tone, "Alright, those things are too far removed from us, it's not our place to worry about them."
We ourselves have many unresolved problems, so how can we concern ourselves with facts that cannot be changed?
The other elders nodded in agreement, their eyes revealing a hint of weariness and helplessness.
They know that life is always full of hardships and difficulties, but even so, they must strive forward and work hard for their own and their family's happiness.
However, Shi Zi and the others did not seem to have completely let go of the matter.
They stood silently in place, their gaze passing through the swirling snowflakes, as if they could see the people who had once lived there waving goodbye to them.
They still cherish the memories of those who once gave them warmth and care...
"Let's go with Uncle to prepare dinner. We're having mutton hot pot tonight."
An elder broke the silence, his words carrying a touch of warmth and care.
When it was time to eat, every table was laden with a sumptuous whole roasted lamb feast.
Shanzi personally cooked some tender mutton and put it in Grandma Su's bowl.
Grandma Su wasn't actually old, but after the massacre in Sujia Village, she was the only one left in her family.
Overnight, almost every household in Sujia Village was reduced to only one or two people.
On this cold winter night, everyone sat together, enjoying a steaming hot pot of mutton, their hearts filled with warmth and gratitude.
Although the pain of the past is hard to erase, they have found new hope and strength in this warm family.
And so, amidst everyone's laughter and joy, the cold winter night gradually passed.
Recently, a shocking piece of news spread through the martial arts world, quickly spreading like wildfire to every corner.
The legendary Tian Shan snow lotus, a miraculous flower said to be able to transform a person and grant them immortality.
It unexpectedly appeared quietly at a certain auction house, and this snow lotus has endured a thousand years of wind and frost, making it no less precious than a priceless treasure.
The news caused a stir in the martial arts world, with heroes, masters, and reclusive experts all eager to go to the auction house to find out what was going on.
They would go to any lengths to possess this snow lotus.
After all, a single ordinary Tian Shan snow lotus is enough to make people flock to it, let alone a rare and precious one that is only seen once in a thousand years, whose effects have been described as miraculous.
It is said to greatly enhance one's power, turn white hair black, and even rejuvenate or bring the dead back to life.
The appearance of this snow lotus not only caused a huge uproar in the martial arts world, but also became an undercurrent of competition between the imperial court and the martial arts world.
Various forces are stirring with ambition, secretly plotting how to emerge victorious in this competition and seize this legendary rare flower.
Inside the Illusionary Spirit City of the Spirit Kingdom, the atmosphere was extremely tense. A sudden heavy snowfall had left the people of the Spirit Kingdom homeless and destitute.
At this moment, news of the appearance of the Tianshan Snow Lotus has spread, undoubtedly bringing an even greater shock to the entire Ling Kingdom.
In the main hall, the Empress (the title "Empress" is still used here to reflect her majesty and nobility) sat on the dragon throne, her face exquisitely beautiful, her eyes revealing an undeniable firmness and majesty.
She gently raised her hand, signaling the maid to present the message sent by Bai Lingxing via carrier pigeon.
The maidservant respectfully handed over the letter, which the Empress took, slowly unfolded, and began to read carefully.
A moment later, an expression of disbelief and shock appeared on her face: "A thousand-year-old Tianshan snow lotus! There really is a thousand-year-old Tianshan snow lotus."
Her voice, though soft, resounded like thunder in everyone's ears, making everyone present feel shocked and tense.
The Empress raised her head, her gaze sharp as she swept over everyone present, her tone firm and resolute: "Immediately notify everyone to come and discuss this matter. We must obtain this snow lotus at all costs."
Several maids obeyed and left. Before long, everyone rushed to the main hall and gathered together.
The Empress informed everyone of the message from Bai Lingxing and asked for their opinions.
One of the ministers spoke first: "King Ling, such a divine object will surely attract fierce competition from all sides. We should send our best to the auction to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
Another person chimed in, "Furthermore, this matter will likely exacerbate the conflicts in the martial arts world, and we need to prepare countermeasures."
The Empress nodded slightly in agreement. She looked out the window and secretly vowed that, no matter what, this thousand-year-old Tianshan snow lotus must not fall into the hands of others.
Just then, an old man dressed in black brocade stepped out from the crowd, cupped his hands and said, "Spirit King, the journey is long and there are many variables involved."
Sending a large army to escort them would likely arouse the suspicion and covetousness of other forces, which would be counterproductive.
In my opinion, it would be better to send an elite squad to the front lines as quickly as possible to steal the thousand-year-old Tianshan snow lotus without making a sound.
This way, unnecessary trouble can be avoided, and the chances of success can be increased.
Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in the Empress's eyes. She looked at the crowd and asked, "What do you all think, my dear ministers?"
Everyone agreed, thinking the old man's plan was quite feasible.
At this moment, a burly man knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "King Ling, your subordinate is willing to go to the auction house of the Si Dynasty and vow to seize the Heavenly Snow Lotus!"
Immediately afterwards, an elderly man dressed in a blue robe stepped forward. He was a pharmacist from the Ling Kingdom and knew the effects of the Tianshan Snow Lotus like the back of his hand.
He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister is also willing to go. If this snow lotus can be obtained by this old minister, I will surely be able to develop more effective medicines to save lives."
Upon hearing that the pharmacist was also going, everyone tried to dissuade him. They knew the journey was extremely dangerous, and the pharmacist was too old to take the risk.
However, the Empress nodded to herself as she watched everyone vying to volunteer for the battle.
She knew that this struggle for the Tianshan Snow Lotus was not only about the honor and interests of the Ling Kingdom, but also an excellent opportunity to test everyone's strength and loyalty.
"Alright, my beloved ministers," the Empress said in a strong and clear voice.
"I have decided that I will personally lead the four spirit stars of Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua to the Si Chao Auction House this time."
The affairs of the Kingdom of Ling are entrusted to you. I trust you to handle all matters appropriately.
Upon hearing the Empress's decision, the ministers all tried to dissuade her. They knew that the Empress was the ruler of the Ling Kingdom, and if she went in person and something went wrong, it would cause immeasurable damage to the Ling Kingdom.
However, the Empress had made up her mind. She stood up and looked at everyone with piercing eyes.
"My mind is made up, you need not try to persuade me any further. This journey is extremely dangerous, but I believe we will definitely succeed in obtaining the Tianshan Snow Lotus."
The affairs of the Spirit Kingdom are entrusted to you; ensure its smooth operation.
With the Empress's command, a battle for the Tian Shan Snow Lotus quietly began.
The contest between the martial arts world and the imperial court, the clash of wisdom and courage, and the intertwining of intrigue and open schemes will all be showcased in this struggle.
Ultimately, who will win this once-in-a-millennium Tianshan Snow Lotus and become a legendary figure in the martial arts world and the imperial court remains to be seen…