Far north.
One of Earth's two poles.
Here lay a region designated by governments around the world as a forbidden zone for humanity.
The reason was its extreme cold. No one could survive there; those who entered never returned.
And beneath the hundred-meter-thick ice sheet here.
Within an artificially excavated cave.
Stood a barefoot man dressed in white hemp clothing.
His name was Liu Shang—the Shang of entropy.
Behind him stood four figures in gray cloaks, their faces hidden from view.
Three were powerfully built, while one was petite.
Deep within the ice cave before them stood a resplendent golden halberd, incomparably majestic.
One of the cloaked figures seemed somewhat nervous and quietly asked, "Leader?"
Without moving, Liu Shang replied expressionlessly, "Wait."
The cloaked figure fell silent.
The air was freezing, heavy, and oppressive.
More than ten minutes passed.
Only then did three figures slowly emerge from the depths of the cave. They wore white robes trailing to the ground, their hair and beards equally snow-white. A golden halberd was embroidered on each of their chests, and not a speck of dust marred their garments.
Yet judging by their appearances, all three were at least a hundred years old.
The four cloaked figures behind Liu Shang trembled faintly.
Even Liu Shang himself furrowed his brow deeply.
The three elders carried themselves with great authority. They merely swept their gazes across Liu Shang and the others before turning around and bowing deeply in unison toward the golden halberd.
The three people behind Liu Shang immediately prostrated themselves and kowtowed.
Liu Shang also dropped to one knee and silently lowered his head.
Everyone was paying tribute to the golden halberd.
The lead elder in white maintained his bowing posture, staring wide-eyed at the ground as he slowly said, "Our Time Group originated