Cold wind battered the windows with howling cries. The Blood Flame Sect's massive airship glided silently over the endless snowfields.
"We'll arrive soon!"
Blood Wolf's voice echoed from the cockpit.
Jin-ho stood by the window, gazing down at the vast ice-covered landscape spread below. He was on his way to see the legendary palace built by the Ice Soul Emperor 3,000 years ago - the Ice Soul Palace.
『Finally, we get to see traces of our old comrade』
The Thunder Demon King spoke with a voice full of nostalgia.
『Ice Soul Emperor... I wonder what secrets that bastard left behind』
The Blood Heaven Great Emperor added with anticipation.
Jin-ho's heart raced. Perhaps he could find the first clue to unlocking the secrets of the Four-Way Split Divine Art.
❄️ First Glimpse of the Ice Soul Palace
"Over there... can you see it?"
Blood Flower called out with excitement.
Jin-ho looked in the direction she pointed. His breath caught.
Massive ice walls soared high into the sky. Reflecting the sunlight in rainbow colors, they sparkled like something that had leaped out of mythology.
"It's really... incredible..."
Jin-ho gasped in amazement.
"The Ice Soul Palace was built directly by the Ice Soul Emperor 3,000 years ago."
Blood Flower explained proudly.
"It was created with the finest ice magic of that time, so it never melts."
"Never melts?"
"That's right. It's said that even dragon's breath cannot melt it."
Blood Wolf added.
『Interesting. So the Ice Soul Emperor's techniques were at this level』
The Thunder Demon King admired.
『We could make things like that in the old days too』
The Blood Heaven Great Emperor said wistfully.
"I can see the landing site!"
The pilot shouted.
The airship slowly descended onto the flatlands one kilometer away from the Ice Soul Palace.
🛡️ The Blood Flame Sect Support Team's Expertise
As they disembarked, cold air pierced their lungs. But strangely, the cold wasn't too severe.
"From now on, this is a full-scale operation."
Blood Wolf approached Jin-ho. Her calm and professional demeanor carried the scent of a veteran who had experienced countless missions.
"Blood Flower will handle information analysis as our ancient document specialist..."
"Blood Guard will be in charge of intelligence gathering and security."
Blood Guard bowed his head. The sharp gleam in his eyes revealed the temperament of a reconnaissance expert.
"Blood Path handles medical and supply support."
"And I'm here in case combat breaks out."
Blood Wolf checked her sword. Red blood energy flickered briefly along the blade.
Jin-ho was amazed by their expertise. He could see how systematically the Blood Flame Sect had prepared for this operation.
"Thank you, everyone."
"Please don't mention it. This has been our long-cherished wish."
Blood Flower answered sincerely.
🌨️ Detecting Strange Energy
As they approached the Ice Soul Palace, strange phenomena began to manifest.
"The air feels... strange."
Jin-ho muttered.
"How so?"
Blood Wolf asked, showing alertness.
"It feels like time is flowing slowly."
Jin-ho raised his hand. He definitely felt his movements had become duller than usual.
『It's the residual influence of the Ice Soul Emperor』
The Blood Heaven Great Emperor explained.
『Traces of time manipulation magic still remain』
"Time manipulation?"
Jin-ho was surprised.
『One of the Ice Soul Emperor's specialties. Freezing emotions and time』
The Thunder Demon King added.
『Be careful. Our senses might become dulled here too』
"Everyone be careful."
Jin-ho warned his companions.
"This place might be more dangerous than we think."
Blood Flower and Blood Guard nodded, heightening their vigilance even more.
🏰 Before the Ice Soul Palace Gates
The main gate of the Ice Soul Palace was formed by a massive ice arch. Ancient characters were carved above it.
"Can you read those characters?"
Jin-ho asked Blood Flower.
"It's ancient Ice Soul script. It says 'Only those who do not lose their warmth may enter this place.'"
"Those who don't lose their warmth?"
"It probably means those who haven't lost their emotions."
Blood Flower interpreted.
『An interesting warning』
The Thunder Demon King murmured.
Just then.
"Oh my! Jin-ho~!"
A familiar voice came from beyond the gate.
Jin-ho's heart skipped. This voice was...
"You really came!"
The gate opened and a young woman appeared. She wore a white dress with a silver tiara, surrounded by about ten attendants.
It was Seol Hwa-rin.
『That woman's scent has changed』
The Thunder Demon King immediately warned.
『Much colder and more calculating than before』
『She's acting』
The Blood Heaven Great Emperor agreed.
But seeing Seol Hwa-rin approaching with the same bright smile as before, Jin-ho felt complicated emotions.
Was this reunion real, or another deception?
"Seol Hwa-rin..."
Jin-ho carefully called her name.
"Why are you treating me so coldly? Could it be... you're still upset about that incident?"
Seol Hwa-rin's voice trembled as if hurt.
But Jin-ho stepped back. He couldn't ignore the two Demon Kings' warnings.
『Be careful. This time she'll put on a more elaborate act』
The Blood Heaven Great Emperor whispered.
A new adventure beginning at the gates of the Ice Soul Palace. And a reunion with Seol Hwa-rin.
Could Jin-ho find the secrets of the Four-Way Split Divine Art here?
And what was Seol Hwa-rin's true nature?