Breaking the Ice at the Cold Pond, Longevity Dao Rhyme Warms All Living Things

In the Northern Territory of the Hongmeng Great Land lay a Cold Pond known as the Mysterious Ice Pond. Its waters remained frozen year-round, their chill biting to the bone. No fish or shrimp lived within, and even the surrounding grass and trees were mostly withered and yellowed. Only deep at the pond's heart grew an Ice Soul Lotus. This lotus could purify cold energy and nourish spiritual veins, but because the pond had been sealed in ice for too long, its spiritual energy had gradually waned, and it was now on the verge of withering. After studying the restored Hongmeng Dao Canon, Shen Hao comprehended the true meaning of "nourishing all things, life flourishing without end." He thus resolved to journey to the Mysterious Ice Pond, break its ice, warm its waters, and save the dying Ice Soul Lotus.

It was deep winter, and the Northern Territory's wind cut across people's faces like knives. Shen Hao set out for the Mysterious Ice Pond with Zi Xuan and ten disciples proficient in water-element techniques. He wore a thick brocade robe beneath a Magic Robe imbued with Dao Rhyme, sealing the cold outside. Zi Xuan was wrapped in a fiery-red cloak, holding a hand warmer in her arms. A trace of worry showed on her lovely face. "Brother Hao, the Northern Territory is so cold, and the Mysterious Ice Pond's chill is even fiercer. You must be careful."

Shen Hao took Zi Xuan's hand, warmth passing through his fingertips. He smiled faintly. "Don't worry. The Longevity Dao Rhyme protects me; the cold cannot harm me. Besides, we are here to save the Ice Soul Lotus, to let the living creatures around the Mysterious Ice Pond burst back into life. This little cold is nothing."

The group traveled north, and the closer