Crack! Crack!
The ice-sealed gates slowly opened. Although Xu Zhifei had sealed away most of the chill, a bone-piercing cold still leaked out.
Fortunately, this degree of cold no longer had much effect on little Li Yu.
Stepping through the gates, he found himself before a world of ice and snow.
The ground was covered in thick, solid ice, while enormous icicles rose all around, making the entire space resemble a vast ice cave.
Following the frost-covered passage deeper inside, Li Yu soon reached the depths of the ice cave.
Ahead stood an enormous block of ice, the source of all the cold air within this space.
This was Chaos Ice.
Within the Chaos Ice was a cultivator wearing an azure daoist robe, frozen in place.
"Zhifei pays his respects to Patriarch."
A divine thought came from Xu Zhifei, who was frozen within the ice. "Zhifei is trapped in tribulation and cannot properly pay respects to Patriarch. I hope Patriarch will forgive me."
"No need for such formalities."
Li Yu smiled and waved his hand. Then he looked up at Xu Zhifei within the ice. "The First Heavenly Tribulation of Decline was originally meant to refine the body and soul, merging them with one's cultivation to lay the foundation for joining with the Dao in the future. Yet you ended up like this!"
"This disciple came here through body snatching. My spirit and flesh were incompatible, and I became trapped in the Heavenly Being Tribulation, unable to escape. I have made a fool of myself before Patriarch."
Xu Zhifei's voice carried a trace of helplessness, while inwardly he grumbled bitterly.
*You Patriarchs all ran away, slipped off, or reincarnated. You did not even leave behind complete inheritances, much less any guidance. This old daoist had to fumble his way this