"Grace's father, Boris, was of the same clan as mine. Grace's father and I, we were as close as brothers even without the blood relations that has long faded after numerous years," Ricky hummed in acknowledgement, realization dawning upon him and soothing his puzzled expression the more Zenith explained the circumstances.
"So that's why Grace is so 'rude' to me."
"I understand it now," Ricky lightly nodded in affirmation.
"Hurry and get out, explain this to Grace at once! I worry that she'll end up destroying my yard at this rate!" Zenith glared playfully while Ricky stood still.
"Got it, Chief!"
......
The Blizzard Cliff was situated at the west of the Snow Sect. Much like its name, it was the home to freezing cold temperatures of breezes emitted by the countless icebergs residing in its region; a frozen terrain that went on for thousands of miles.
It would have been the same monotonous picture of a barren landscape, if it weren't for the curious difference of a certain solitary cliff that was visible only to eyes observing from a higher summit. Its mass was huge; highlighted by the seemingly fathomless abyss that set it apart from the others.
Icy winds burst through the gaping hole every now and then. It enclosed the precipice in tendrils of wind that pranced around its sphere, triggering the constant shifting of its shape after every passing moment.
Blocks of ice slid off its smooth surface while some materialized in varying areas to carve its new form;
a majestic and magical scene only to be expected from the Blizzard Cliff.
Despite the enchanting image, the infamous place was known for its ruthless nature. The harsh environment was infested with poisonous insects and wild beasts that chased away even warriors who aimed to hone their cultivation base.
No one was safe when placed around the perimeters of the zone. The chasms prevented anyone from escaping its frightening grip. Only demi-immortals were able to flee, given their overwhelming strength and power.
And so, the Blizzard Cliff became a dreaded prison for disciples who had committed the gravest and most unforgivable sins. Their numbers were few; making up only more than ten criminals in all the history of Snow Sect, with no tales of any exiled individual surviving past a little over half a month at most.
It was no wonder that the people who had heard of Zenith's tasked excursion for Ricky deemed it as a mere ploy to kill off the disciple. His expected date of return had been set two months from now; a nightmare only the bravest fools would wholeheartedly accept.
Ricky had not backed down from the challenge. His mind was already set, even as he took in the intimidating sight of the cursed plot with watchful eyes. Finally he arrived at the destination with Zenith.
"Ricky, please do remember what I've told you beforehand. If you don't, you'll be reduced to food for the carnivorous creatures within ten days,"
Zenith's tone spoke of seriousness, his hands clasping Ricky's shoulders in a firm grip.
"Don't worry, Chief. I've already memorized it all in my head,"
Ricky nodded.
"Okay, be prepared. I'll let you go down in a second, I hope I'll see you again in two months' time." With one last lingering look, Zenith threw Ricky down the steep slope.
He landed with a thud, the biting chill instantly permeating his flesh and seeping inside his bones. The shivering gusts easily lacerated through the thick material of his clothes, sending tremors to his unguarded body.
Ricky gritted his teeth at the sudden aggression of the wind and gathered his spiritual energy to block the cold in haste.
He took further precautions and released his infernal power to ward off the extremities. It was a successful counter plan. However, it did nothing to alleviate the rising danger he felt in being stuck in the abysmal ice house.
"Don't forget to go to the Land of Opportunity as soon as possible, Ricky. You cannot stay where you are currently for a long time. Heed these as my last reminders for you,"
Zenith's solid voice whispered in his subconscious until it eventually vanished with his final farewell.
A grim look passed over Ricky's face, shaking his head slightly in recognition to the words of the man. He assessed the turf and calculated what he needed to prioritize in his journey.
'I guess the Land of Opportunity will be easy to find. I should stay here for at least three or four days; at least pretending to go through the motions for Boris and all, '
he thought.
He crunched shards of ice underneath his feet as he made his way to the massive icicles sporting from the ground.
He remained alert and cautious, his steps light and nimble in preparation for any incoming threat that may jump on him when he felt the signs of life from a submerged being wriggling beneath the frozen floor. Pure instinct drove him to pull out his Iron Destroyer and reflexively manifest his three blades of flame.
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