In the central region of Frost Continent, between Secret Province and Solitary Province, the terrain sank low, naturally gathering into a lake. Yet a hundred-odd li beneath the lake lay interconnected caverns and passageways, where scorching crimson magma flowed freely and countless bubbles churned within it.
In the enormous central cavern stood a dark-blue crystal jade some three zhang tall, wrapped in a layer of blue mist. A tall human silhouette could vaguely be seen within.
Chunks of shattered, crack-covered slabs floated atop the magma, barely pieced together into a path. At this moment, an old man in ancient robes and a high crown was stepping across them toward the crystal.
More cracks spread across the floating slabs whenever they were stepped upon, and they drifted several inches to one side under the force of each footfall, making one wonder whether they might shatter completely the next moment.
The high-crowned old man walked across them with utmost care. His nose bridge was high, his skin dry and pale, and his pupils bore a faint golden sheen. Ordinary male Frostlanders had no hair anywhere on their bodies, yet he possessed neatly groomed white hair and a silver beard.
After a long while, he finally crossed the stretch of magma and arrived before the dark-blue crystal. Taking out a jade tablet, he bowed toward it.
A moment later, the tall silhouette within the crystal jade seemed to awaken, faint blue radiance glimmering from its eyes.
The high-crowned old man hurriedly bowed again. "Greetings, Orthodox State."
The figure inside appeared not to move, yet its voice echoed through the surroundings. "So it is the Chief Minister. You crossed past that substitute to seek me out. Has something grave happened?"
With a solemn expression, the high-crowned old man said, "Reporting to Orthodox State, Secret