Nan Shuishui brought the two of them to the rear courtyard of Earth Dragon Gate.
The rear courtyard was a large garden. Instead of ordinary flowers, it grew cold-resistant ice grass and frost flowers. A thin layer of ice crystals clung to the edges of the leaves and petals, scattering fine ice chips whenever the wind blew. The winding bluestone path was covered in a light frost, with white jade railings carved with dragon patterns standing on either side. Icicles formed in the gaps of the railings, gleaming with a faint rouge-colored sheen that echoed the sect's Rouge Dragon Martial Soul. Several cold plum trees were planted at scattered intervals, their white petals tinged with pink as they bloomed luxuriantly in the perpetual chill. Their crisp fragrance mingled with the icy mist drifting over from the well.
As he approached the well, Yan Jingzhe sensed that something was off. His Ice Sky Snow Water Martial Soul stirred slightly. He turned to Snow Empress, silently asking whether she felt it too.
Snow Empress had sensed it as well. She nodded at Yan Jingzhe, feeling that this should be the place.
"This is it, Dean Yan. This is a cold spring, and beneath it lies a cave dwelling. The Ice Extreme Divine Crystal you mentioned is inside. However, the temperature in that cave is far too low. Even a Titled Douluo-level powerhouse cannot remain inside for long. If you wish to enter, you can only go down yourselves," Nan Shuishui said, looking at them.
"Alright. Thank you for your trouble, Sect Master Nan. We can handle the rest ourselves," Yan Jingzhe said politely.
Nan Shuishui nodded. "Then I'll wait outside, Dean Yan."
"Mm."
Yan Jingzhe glanced at Snow Empress. "Let's go." His body floated upward before he descended toward the well. Snow