Two days later,
Snowleaf Region,
Situated some kilometers away from the Extreme snow region, and one of the coldest regions of the world.
Only a scarce amount of people live here because of the extreme weather but it doesn't stop the adventures, sightseers, and martial practitioners from coming here.
Since it's located near the Extreme snow region, it became a resting stop for many.
Gin reached the Snowleaf city around nine in the morning and hired a private transport to reach the outskirts of the Extreme snow forest.
As soon as he exited the private transport, frigid air blew past, causing him to shiver a little. The cold weather is new to Gin, but it's something bearable; except for the stiff and cold hands.
Tapping the map icon on his communication bracelet, he calculated the distance between him and the mark Reyna provided him. The marked area is where the Silver-heart flower is spotted.
As for his mission—hunting and acquiring the Ice scorpion Elemental core— it has to wait. His top priority is to secure the herb.
Gin entered the snow-covered forest without any hesitation and sprinted towards the inner region.
Unknown to him, a figure cloaked in full white that perfectly concealed his presence in the snow-covered region, quietly followed Gin. He maintained a distance of 50 meters so as not to alert the enemy.
Tapping the device set in his ear, he quietly reported: "Boss, that kid has just entered the snow forest and was heading towards the north-west direction."
"Good. Follow him, don't let him catch your whiff. Team A is waiting at the planned spot, notify if there's any change in the target's direction." A carefree voice sounded in the cloaked figure's ear.
"Yes, boss."
Gin who was sprinting forward narrowed his eyes a little but didn't stop his steps. His soul energy couldn't sense anything within a 20-meter radius, but he was sure he heard some sound behind him.
He trusts his sharp perception. He knew the enemy is lurking somewhere around him but he couldn't detect the exact location.
'He's good, having excellent skills in the art of stealth.' Gin thought but it didn't stop him from moving forward.
He came out of the academy to temper himself and at the same time, to get the herb he seeks. So he naturally won't back down.
He was prepared for this, he knew his enemies will make a move. Even if a peak Seal Opening stage practitioner comes here, he has the confidence to kill him.
The 'Purple spirit orb' he brought from the Balck market will make sure of that. It has the power to obliterate everything within a 5-meter radius.
Aside from Seal Destruction masters, no one can survive the destructive energy present in it.
Buying it cost a fortune to Gin – 100,000 Elemental stones. Not just one, he brought three such orbs.
The reason for such a sky-high price is due to the demand it has in the market and the Human Union also forbade others from creating and selling such things to the public.
So buying it isn't an easy task. Only peoples with a connection can get such things and he was only able to buy it with Reyna's help.
Apart from this, he also brought three protective treasures that can block a few strikes from the Peak Seal opening stage practitioners.
The protective treasures are considered precious since humans aren't capable of producing one. Only in the Ruins, it can be found.
Even though Alchemy Association can make basic ones they aren't up to standards, as they can't withstand some heavy blows.
Gin spent more than Million Elemental stones to buy these expensive yet worthy items that would keep his life secure even if he meets a Seal Destruction master.
Though it pained him to lose all the hard-earned money, it's indispensable. After all, his life is more precious.
After an hour,
Gin took a break at the summit of the small mountain that he just climbed. Milky white clouds blocked the blue sky from the sight, making it snow white.
Snow scattered all over the place, mountain, trees, rocks, and even the unnoticeable rivers surfaces. Since it's his first time visiting the snow region, he relished the breathtaking view.
A cold breeze gently struck his back from time to time, as he inhaled the fresh and cold air. The wind is blowing at the direction he's traveling.
'Even nature favors me.' Gin chuckled and once again started his journey.
The white-cloaked figure following Gin reported: "Boss, the kid coming is moving towards where Team A is stationed and will reach the location within a few minutes."
"Good."
Gin crossed the small mountain and once again entered the forest-like area. What greeted him is the silence and stillness, as if something dangerous is lurking behind its tranquilness.
He stopped in his tracks as if he thought of something. It was said the Extreme snow region is full of magical beasts but he encountered nothing, not even snow rabbits.
It's like someone wiped the entire surrounding.
Gin thought his enemy is following behind him but it looks like they are in the front, lying in the wait. Looking at the snow-covered trees, he could sense several pairs of eyes staring at him.
It's a perfect place for an ambush as it's away from the outskirts of the Extreme snow region and it's devoid of human shadows.
Gin's lips curled up, he isn't stupid nor arrogant enough to think that he can barge into the enemy trap and defeat them in one fell swoop.
Facing a combat-ready enemy in their own territory is not a wise move. They are the ones who are hunting him, not the other way around.
If they want his life, they have to come after him. Gin took a step back and made a detour around the mountain forest.
--
"Boss, he didn't enter the forest. He took the other route." The white-cloaked figured reported Gin's movements.
"I know it, how could such a high paying mission's target be a good-for-nothing. He's not your ordinary opponent as he was able to sense the danger ahead.
Meet with Team A and follow him. Maintain some distance. Once we initiate the assault, ambush him from the back."
"Don't worry, boss."
--
After 15 minutes, Gin reached the Ice valley that has pointy mountains on either side and frozen river beneath his feet.
From what he observed on the map, it's the only other way to reach his desired location apart from the forest filled mountain range on his left.
But the silence still followed him like a shadow.
Gin narrowed his eyes a little, he gazed at the quiet mountain range on either side of the frozen river. Soon, a bitter smile emerged on his face.
'I am surrounded!' He thought he outsmarted the enemy but instead, he was outsmarted by the enemy.
If he's not wrong, the forest-region he saw before is just an enemy's trick. He fell into the enemy's ploy when he chose to take a detour.
'When did I start to overestimate myself and begin to underestimate the enemies? It's time to wise up.' Gin seriously thought.
He has to admit, the enemy's plan is a flawless one. He made good use of his thought process or to be precise, he has a good grasp of the young geniuses' frame of mind.
The enemy's perfect plan cornered him, but strangely enough, it only made his blood boil in excitement as if he met a suitable enemy.
As soon as his blood boiled in the excitement, the magical symbol on his chest shook a little, sending forth a clear stream of energy. 'What is this euphoria I am experiencing?'
Unafraid about the hidden enemies, Gin took a step forward and leisurely walked atop the frozen river. His entire body is relaxed, his state of mind is perfect – calm and focused.
His entire being exuded a strange yet commanding presence as if every living thing in the world is beneath him.
The twelve white dressed figures on either side of the mountain range, perfectly hidden in the snow prepared themselves to strike at the moment's notice.
Without their knowledge, beads of sweat formed on their forehead but it was soon frozen by the cold temperature. Their hearts palpated for no reason.
'What's happening, why am I suddenly feeling nervous and restless? All the twenty-four figures thought at the same time.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in everyone's ear. "What are you idiots doing? Attack!"