Chapter 74

As autumn gave way to winter and heavy snow sealed the mountains, the birds and beasts vanished from the hills. Wei Shizheng hunted monsters all the way, unaware that he had reached the northernmost end of Jietian Ridge. A towering peak stood before him, its summit piercing the clouds. Looking up, the peak resembled a giant supporting the sky, covered in snow and ice, with sparse vegetation, exuding an unusual solemnity and dignity.

Time was running out, and it was about time to turn back! Wei Shizheng squinted at the peak and suddenly heard a low, muffled thud, drowned out by the wind and snow, vanishing in an instant. He focused and listened intently. After a moment, the same sound came again, this time more clearly. It was the sound of a pickaxe striking rock, coming from deep within the mountain.

Could someone be mining in the mountain? Curiosity piqued, Wei Shizheng followed the sound and began to climb the mountain.

There was no path on the desolate mountain, and the rocks were covered with ice, making them slippery and hard to grip. Even with his strong physique, Wei Shizheng found it difficult to find a foothold. He had to use an iron rod to dig into the ice for support, grabbing onto sparse shrubs, and slowly climbed the mountain like an ant.

After rounding a cliff face that looked as if it had been cleaved by an axe, he arrived at the north side of the peak. The wind and snow suddenly intensified, the world seemed to be upside down, and the sounds of ghosts and wolves howling filled the air. The faint thuds he had heard earlier were drowned out by the raging wind. He lost his sense of direction, unable to open his eyes, and could only feel his way forward.

After climbing for a while, Wei Shizheng began to have second thoughts. The weather was so harsh that continuing like this was not a good idea. He found a gentle slope, gathered his Earth Qi to protect his body, and slid down the icy slope. Every few yards, he would use the iron rod to steady himself, catch his breath, and continue sliding.

"Clang" Another low thud came from nearby. Wei Shizheng's spirits lifted, and he braved the wind and snow to climb over. He found a dark cave in the cliff, emitting a faint heat. He listened carefully and heard several more thuds, confirming that they were coming from deep within the cave.

Wei Shizheng picked up a piece of ice and gently tossed it into the cave. The ice block seemed to fall into a smooth tunnel, sliding down and disappearing into the darkness. As he held his breath and listened, a dazzling sword light shot out of the darkness, swift as a shooting star, aiming straight for his chest.

Wei Shizheng quickly raised his iron rod and struck it with all his might. The flying sword and the iron rod collided, sparks flying. The iron rod, unable to withstand the force, developed a web of fine cracks. Wei Shizheng felt a chill and summoned his Earth Qi, exerting all his strength to knock the flying sword aside.

In terms of strength, he was not inferior to his opponent, but the iron rod could not withstand the sharpness of the flying sword.

Wei Shizheng seemed to hear someone say "Huh?" and knew it was not good. Just as he was about to roll down the mountain, a pale golden rope, like a flying dragon, shot out of the darkness, tightly wrapping around his right leg and pulling him inward. Wei Shizheng grunted, using his abdominal muscles to brace himself and holding the cave entrance with his right hand, while his left hand hurriedly reached for his bone-removing dagger.

The flying sword leaped up, aiming for his throat, coming with great momentum but not much killing intent. Wei Shizheng sighed, resigned, and swung his iron rod to block the flying sword. As he relaxed his strength, the rope dragged him into the cave.

The cave sloped downward, and the walls were unexpectedly smooth. Wei Shizheng felt like he was on a slide, headfirst, rushing into the darkness. The flying sword pursued him relentlessly, forcing him not to slow down.

After a few turns, the scene suddenly brightened, and he involuntarily fell into a large hollow. There was nothing to grab onto, and looking up, the dark cave entrance was rapidly receding. Looking down, the light was blinding, and the shadows of a man and a woman were cast on the stone wall, flickering.

A hard rock hit him in the face, and despite his efforts to protect himself with Earth Qi, Wei Shizheng fell dazed, his internal organs shaken, and spat out a mouthful of blood. He gritted his teeth, struggled to his feet, and squinted, recognizing the man and woman as Qian Jüan from Pingyuan Sect and Cao Yu from Xuantong Sect.

The rope released his leg and coiled back into Cao Yu's sleeve like a snake. The flying sword circled and returned to Qian Jüan's hand. Wei Shizheng wobbled and bowed, his voice hoarse, "Greetings, Uncle Qian, Uncle Cao." As he spoke, he spat out another mouthful of blood.

Cao Yu blinked and finally recognized him, smiling, "I wondered who it was. You must be a disciple of Xiandu Sect participating in the winter hunt. No wonder you could block Qian Brother's flying sword! How did you find this place?"

Wei Shizheng smiled bitterly, "I was chasing a monster up the mountain and got trapped by the wind and snow. I slid down and accidentally found the cave entrance, and then I was dragged in by Uncle."

"Hehe, indeed, no coincidence without a story," Cao Yu said with a smile. A talisman floated beside her, emitting a dazzling light. Qian Jüan, with a stern face, sheathed his sword, bent down to pick up the iron pickaxe, and his clothes were covered in dust. Wei Shizheng looked in the direction they were standing and saw black rocks embedded in the pitted rock, faintly glowing with a purple light.

Qian and Cao were clearly mining the rocks. What precious ore could it be that required them to do it personally? Wei Shizheng felt a bit awkward and offered, "I see the two uncles are mining here. My cultivation is low, but I have a lot of strength. Let me do the rough work."

Qian Jüan hesitated for a moment and handed him the iron pickaxe, saying, "Alright, give it a try."

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