Ye Lingyun walked through the streets of Ice Seal City, wrapped in a thick cloak that concealed his face. Today, he had brought no attendants; he wanted to experience the city's charms on his own.
The Ice Merchant Guild's headquarters was an enormous palace of ice crystals, its exterior carved into countless exquisite ice sculptures. Every detail proclaimed the guild's wealth and prestige. Ye Lingyun walked slowly inside, his gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of goods.
"Honored guest, what may I help you find?" A guild employee approached, a trace of respect in his eyes.
Ye Lingyun smiled faintly. "I'm just browsing."
He wandered through the guild's hall, pausing to look at one exquisite item after another. There were all kinds of ice-attribute treasures here, from ice-crystal weapons to ice-attribute cultivation materials, each worth a small fortune.
Suddenly, a commotion arose in one corner of the guild. Ye Lingyun turned and saw a crowd surrounding a young girl. She wore tattered clothes, and her eyes were filled with fear and helplessness.
"Let go of me! I haven't done anything!" The girl's voice trembled with tears.
"Haven't done anything? Then why were you skulking around here?" a guild guard barked.
Ye Lingyun's gaze sharpened. He could sense an icy aura emanating from the girl. Her origin spirit seemed to possess the ice attribute, and it was exceptionally pure.
"Stop." Ye Lingyun's voice echoed through the guild, carrying an unmistakable authority.
The guild guards and the surrounding crowd all turned toward him, surprise appearing in their eyes.
"Lord Ye Lingyun!" The guild employee recognized him at once and offered a respectful smile. "What are your instructions?"
Ye Lingyun approached the girl, his gaze gentle and warm. "What has she done wrong?"
The guild employee hurried to explain. "She seemed to be