Chapter 1161: Eerie Bottom of the Icy River

“These women aren’t simple,” Ye Mo observed the frozen figures, frowning. The intense cold would’ve shattered ordinary people; how could they remain so intact?

He consulted his map. It didn't depict the women, but the surrounding landscape clearly matched the location. Following the mountain range should lead to an ice river.

Carefully maneuvering Blue Moon, he discovered a long, frozen river—solid ice, devoid of water. Oddly shaped ice stones lined the banks, along with long shards. Other ice-encased figures littered the area, not all female; some were in combat stances, others were headless or limbless.

Shan Bingfeng had claimed to have been here. What was her cultivation level? Even if she were a Hollow Spirit state cultivator, Ye Mo doubted she could've reached this place alone without a magical artifact like Blue Moon. Unless the bone-chilling frost wasn't present during her visit—an impossibility, as its presence defines the Ice God Forbidden Grounds.

Rechecking the map, he confirmed his location. Continuing along the riverbed with Blue Moon, two hours passed before something felt amiss. The number of frozen bodies had dwindled; the river narrowed, the banks barren. The map, however, indicated the opposite—the river should widen. He’d misjudged the route.

He was about to change course when the ice river abruptly cracked.

“Go in quickly!” Ye Mo shoved Tang Beiwei inside and produced the octagonal cauldron.

Rumble rumble

A deafening sound preceded a powerful suction force emanating from the fissure, reminiscent of a swamp. Ye Mo immediately accelerated Blue Moon. Winter’s Arrival countered the frost, enabling a swift escape from the suction. The crack vanished as quickly as it appeared.

Before he could react, a dense spiritual energy washed over him, like the Spirit Marrow Pond in the Herb Valley. The feeling was intensely pleasant; even a small intake noticeably boosted his power.

“Such dense spiritual energy!” Lin Yiban exclaimed, astonished.

Ye Mo paused, studying the river. He understood the barren landscape—the crack and its terrifying suction would’ve drawn everything away. Even a small fraction of the escaping spiritual energy felt profoundly beneficial. The thought of cultivation within filled him with awe, but also apprehension. He wasn't alone; unseen dangers could lurk.

Lin Yiban addressed him, “City lord, I…”

Ye Mo anticipated his request. “Do you wish to enter the riverbed?”

Lin Yiban nodded resolutely. “Yes, City lord. The spiritual energy is extraordinary, ideal for cultivation. Without such a place, I’d likely remain at my current level forever. Here, I might even reach Truth Realization state.”

Ye Mo glanced at Luo Ying and the others, and declared, “Then let’s go in together.”

He burned with fury over Ji Ling’s murder by the Infinity Sect. Ji Ling had consistently aided and protected him in South Peace State. A good man, who served only to help the South Peace State cultivation realm, was ruthlessly killed—his defense formations protecting countless sects. Ye Mo wouldn't rest until avenged. Revenge required power, and power demanded a superior cultivation environment—this riverbed was it.

He didn’t need to consult Luo Ying; they’d follow him regardless. The crack failed to reappear, so they waited until midday of the third day before giving up and preparing to continue searching. Just then, the crack appeared again.

The suction force returned, but this time, Ye Mo didn’t flee. He slowed Blue Moon, deploying formation flags. Thankfully, the temperature was less extreme than above, preventing the flags from freezing. They didn’t halt Blue Moon, but they slowed its descent.

Rumble

Blue Moon impacted the riverbed, yet everyone remained unharmed. Lin Yiban, a Body Condensation state cultivator, disembarked first, along with Xu Tong. He expressed his astonishment and delight, “No cold here! The spiritual energy is incredibly dense—better than any spirit pill!”

The rest followed suit. Ye Mo stowed Blue Moon and examined their surroundings. Only dense spiritual energy and fine sand stretched into an unseen distance; even spirit sense couldn’t pierce the sand’s strange opacity.

“This isn’t the Ice God Forbidden Grounds,” Lin Yiban declared confidently. “My father said that even Hollow Spirit state cultivators need assistance to reach the outskirts; the interior is far more hazardous. But here, only the abundant spiritual energy—no danger.”

Ye Mo agreed. Without Winter’s Arrival to counteract the frost, entry would’ve taken a month or two, assuming Blue Moon survived; otherwise, escape would've been impossible. The frozen bodies outside likely lacked proper protection, leading to their demise.

“If this place opens every three days, why are we the only ones here?” Tang Beiwei questioned.

It was true; others would venture into the Forbidden Grounds—why were they alone? The fear of danger couldn't account for a complete absence.

Gan Liang added, “Wait, with such a powerful suction force, whatever was drawn in should still be here. But it’s all just sand?”