Snow Empress led Dugu Chen through the Ice God Temple to familiarize him with the surroundings. Along the way, the interior was no different from the outer halls—equally plain and unadorned.
They were even reluctant to add ordinary furnishings. Ice tables, ice chairs, ice beds—completely natural and pollution-free.
"This is where you'll rest. Pick any room you like."
Snow Empress pointed at the rooms as she spoke to Dugu Chen.
The corner of Dugu Chen's mouth twitched. There were only a few items in the room, and it was astonishingly empty.
He sighed softly and could only nod with a wry smile.
The sky gradually darkened, snow reflecting a cold light across the vast, desolate land.
Inside the room, Dugu Chen finished meditating and rose to the window. Gazing at the bleak snowy night outside, he could not help but feel a little more at peace.
Ice and snow were already frigid, while the dark-clouded sky added another layer of loneliness and coldness to this world.
Dugu Chen left his room and wandered through the Ice God Temple. Everywhere he looked was empty scenery.
After a long while, his steps suddenly halted.
Somehow, an enormous frost-covered door had appeared ahead of him. It felt solid and heavy, yet faintly mysterious.
"What is this place?"
Dugu Chen stared blankly. When Snow Empress had shown him around the Ice God Temple earlier, he did not recall seeing this door.
After hesitating for a moment, Dugu Chen stepped forward, pressed both hands against the door, and gently pushed.
"Creak—"
The heavy ice door slowly opened, letting out a series of faint creaks.
As the door opened, thick icy mist rushed toward him, blurring Dugu Chen's vision.
He raised a hand and dispersed the mist before him, looking ahead with slight confusion.
This