Daily study

Within the ice-crystal palace, the cold was oppressive, its bone-piercing chill enough to make anyone shiver. Rich star power filled the air, so dense it seemed almost ready to freeze into ice, radiating a crystal-clear glow.

Ye Lingyun stood quietly in the center of the palace, his gaze fixed on Dean Bing Xin before him. Her figure was graceful, and her long white dress fluttered in the breeze like that of a dancing immortal maiden. Her bearing was cold as frost, her beauty as captivating as an immortal maiden sealed in ice for a thousand years.

"Ye Lingyun, starting today, I will teach you the Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art." Bing Xin's voice was clear and melodious, like music from the heavens, yet it carried a trace of unquestionable authority. Her gaze was steady and intent, as though she meant to look through his eyes and see the resolve and courage deep within his heart.

Ye Lingyun's heart jolted. He knew this was a rare opportunity, as well as a test. Drawing a deep breath, he straightened his chest and nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Dean Bing Xin. I will give it my all and live up to your trust!"

Dean Bing Xin inclined her head slightly, a glimmer of approval flashing in her eyes. With a gentle wave of her hand, an ice-blue manual appeared in her grasp. Across its cover, the title "Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art" was inscribed in large, ancient characters.

"This is the crowning treasure of Icewave Academy, the Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art," Bing Xin said slowly. "It contains the supreme mysteries of ice cultivation. If you can grasp them, your strength will advance by leaps and bounds."

Ye Lingyun accepted the manual. He could feel the mighty power contained within it, and it instantly drew his mind in.

"Now, try cultivating the first level," Bing Xin said, interrupting his reverie.

Ye Lingyun nodded, sat cross-legged, and opened the manual, beginning to cultivate according to its instructions. The star power within him circulated slowly, gradually resonating with the surrounding ice element.

Bing Xin stood beside Ye Lingyun, a hint of approval in her gaze. She could sense his talent; his cultivation speed far surpassed that of ordinary people.

As the seconds and minutes passed, a thin layer of frost began forming on Ye Lingyun's body, and his breathing grew slow and deep. Bing Xin knew he had entered a state of cultivation.

Suddenly, a system notification sounded in Ye Lingyun's mind.

Mission: Blink. Reward: Upgrade and evolution of the Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art.

A faint smile curved Ye Lingyun's lips, and he blinked gently. With that movement, the star power within him suddenly circulated faster, and his cultivation of the Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art instantly accelerated. He could feel his strength rising steadily.

"Very good, Ye Lingyun." A trace of delighted surprise entered Bing Xin's voice. "Your comprehension has exceeded my expectations."

Ye Lingyun opened his eyes, a light like ice and snow shimmering within them. "Thank you, Dean. I felt the Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art change."

Bing Xin nodded. Taking a crystal-clear stone from her sleeve, she handed it to Ye Lingyun. "This is ice-aspected star marrow. It will greatly benefit your cultivation."

Ye Lingyun accepted the star marrow, sensing the powerful energy it contained. Gratitude filled his heart. "Thank you, Dean."

Bing Xin smiled faintly, her figure gradually disappearing into the depths of the palace. "Ye Lingyun, cultivate diligently. I look forward to seeing your growth."

Ye Lingyun tightened his grip on the star marrow, his eyes shining with resolve.

Icewave Academy's Combat Skills Pavilion was an ancient, mysterious building that stood at the heart of the academy, surrounded by forests of translucent ice crystals. Ye Lingyun stood before its entrance, his gaze passing through the thick ice doors toward the boundless knowledge and power within.

Ever since the Ice and Snow Profound Heart Art had evolved, Ye Lingyun had felt his cultivation speed increase dramatically. Even when he paid it no attention, the star power within him would circulate automatically according to the art. This gave him more time to explore and learn new combat skills.

"Ye Lingyun, you're here." A gentle voice sounded behind him, like a warm spring breeze brushing past his ears. His heart stirred, and he slowly turned, his gaze settling on the figure standing behind him.

Dean Bing Xin stood there quietly, tall and slender, her long white robe fluttering in the breeze like that of an immortal maiden descending to the mortal world. Her face was cool and beautiful, like a snow lotus blooming on an icy mountain, radiating a breathtaking charm. Her eyes were clear as water, revealing profound wisdom and unwavering will.

Ye Lingyun's heart involuntarily skipped a beat. As he looked at Dean Bing Xin, an indescribable feeling welled up within him.

"Dean, I'd like to learn a new combat skill," Ye Lingyun said, a note of resolve in his voice.

Bing Xin nodded, a hint of approval in her eyes. "The Combat Skills Pavilion holds countless powerful combat skills. You may choose one according to your needs."

As Bing Xin finished speaking, the doors of the Combat Skills Pavilion slowly opened, and an ancient, mysterious aura washed over him. Ye Lingyun took a deep breath and stepped slowly inside.

Within the Combat Skills Pavilion, rows of ice-crystal bookshelves stood neatly arranged, lined with ancient combat skill manuals. Ye Lingyun's gaze swept slowly over them, and he could sense the power contained within each one.

System, scan all the combat skill manuals, Ye Lingyun instructed silently.

Mission: Blink. Reward: Combat skill selection assistance.

Ye Lingyun blinked gently. A transparent screen of light suddenly appeared before his eyes, displaying detailed information on every combat skill, including its power, cultivation difficulty, requirements for use, and more.

Ye Lingyun carefully examined the screen. At last, his gaze settled on a combat skill called "Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Miles." It was tremendously powerful, moderately difficult to cultivate, and ideally suited to his current cultivation circumstances.

"I'll choose this one," Ye Lingyun said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

He reached out and gently took down the Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Miles manual. The skill's name was inscribed across its cover in ice-blue characters, and Ye Lingyun could sense the powerful ice energy contained within.

Ye Lingyun opened the manual and began reading carefully. As he read, the star power within him began circulating slowly, gradually resonating with the combat skill described in its pages.

"Ye Lingyun, did you choose Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Miles?" Bing Xin's voice sounded beside his ear, carrying a hint of curiosity.

Ye Lingyun nodded, anticipation gleaming in his eyes. "Yes, Dean. I feel this combat skill suits me very well."

Bing Xin smiled faintly, encouragement in her gaze. "Ice Seal for Ten Thousand Miles is a powerful ice combat skill. If you can cultivate it to its utmost potential, your strength will increase greatly."

Ye Lingyun's heart filled with confidence. He knew this would be a new beginning for him.