The air in the Forgotten Celestial Valley was thick with the scent of blooming lotus flowers and ancient trees that had stood for millennia. The quiet serenity of the valley was a sharp contrast to the distant clamor approaching from the outskirts.
A small group of young cultivators, no older than twenty, made their way through the dense forest, unaware of the danger that awaited them. Their robes marked them as disciples of the Celestial Dao Alliance, one of the most powerful factions in the cultivation world. They were arrogant, full of youthful bravado, and convinced that they were the "chosen ones," destined to discover the forgotten treasures of the Celestial Valley.
Their leader, Mo Tianyu, was the self-proclaimed "number one genius" of the alliance. With his flowing black robes and proud expression, he radiated an air of arrogance that made the others follow him without question.
"Stay sharp," he commanded, his voice filled with authority. "The Forgotten Celestial Valley is said to hold unimaginable power. We must be the ones to claim its secrets. There's no telling what treasures we could uncover here."
Behind him, his companions nodded in agreement. Xiao Ling'er, a spoiled young lady from a prestigious sect, sneered as she adjusted the delicate golden hairpins in her hair. "This place is too quiet," she muttered. "It's almost as if there's nothing here at all."
Her words hung in the air as they continued to advance, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of moss that covered the forest floor. The trees around them were ancient, their trunks wide and twisted, and the air carried a strange, almost oppressive energy.
"Are you sure we're in the right place?" One of the other disciples, a nervous young man named Jin Wuji, asked. "The legends say that only the strongest can enter. Perhaps we should turn back."
Mo Tianyu scoffed. "Don't be foolish. The only reason the so-called strongest can enter is because of their unrivaled power. And I—Mo Tianyu—am undoubtedly the most powerful cultivator to walk these lands. There's no need for hesitation."
As if to prove his point, he took a confident step forward, his eyes locked on the heart of the valley. "Follow me," he ordered, "and witness the glory that is about to unfold."
The group followed, their eyes glinting with greed and excitement. They believed themselves to be destined for greatness, unaware that their arrogance was about to lead them straight into the hands of legends.
Meanwhile, not far from them, Bai Qingyu and Li Yuexin were observing their every move from behind the cover of a large rock formation. The two of them had already sensed the intruders long before they even entered the valley.
Yuexin leaned against the rock, her phoenix-like eyes sparkling with amusement. "Such confidence. They think they're so special, don't they?"
Bai Qingyu, her expression cool as always, nodded slightly. "They are young and naive. They have no idea what they're walking into."
A wry smile crossed Yuexin's face. "How long should we let them wander before showing them who's in charge?"
Bai Qingyu's lips curled into a subtle smile. "Let them make fools of themselves. I'll step in once they've earned it."
The two women watched as the group grew closer, their voices growing louder with each passing moment. Mo Tianyu was still speaking proudly, his hands raised in excitement.
"We're almost there; I can feel it! The treasures of the valley will be ours!"
But the moment his words left his mouth, a strange chill suddenly filled the air. The temperature dropped so rapidly that the group found themselves shivering despite their thick robes. The once warm breeze became sharp and biting, as if it carried with it the cold touch of the eternal winter.
"W-what's happening?" Jin Wuji stammered, his eyes wide with fear.
Xiao Ling'er's confident smirk faltered. "What is this... energy?"
Suddenly, a voice, as cold as the winter itself, echoed across the valley.
"You've wandered too far, little children," Bai Qingyu's voice rang out, cutting through the air like a blade. "And now, you must face the consequences of your arrogance."
Mo Tianyu froze, his confident demeanor shattering in an instant. He spun around, his hand reaching for the sword at his side, only to be met with an icy gust that whipped the weapon from his grasp.
"You... who are you?" He demanded, his voice trembling despite his attempts at bravado.
Bai Qingyu stepped into view, her silver hair shimmering like moonlight, her eyes cold and unfeeling. Beside her, Li Yuexin's fiery presence blazed, her golden-red hair flickering with the intensity of a flame.
"You dare challenge the Forgotten Celestial Valley?" Yuexin asked, her voice teasing but filled with undeniable power. "You must be either very brave or very foolish."
The young cultivators, now realizing the gravity of their situation, took a collective step back. Xiao Ling'er's arrogance faded, and Jin Wuji's face paled. Only Mo Tianyu remained defiant, though his hands were shaking.
"You... you're the ones..." Mo Tianyu began, but the words died on his lips as his eyes widened in shock. "No, it can't be! The legends said you were gone!"
Bai Qingyu's lips curled into a knowing smile. "It seems the legends were wrong."
With a flick of her wrist, a wave of frost erupted from her body, swirling through the air like a blizzard. In an instant, the ground beneath the group froze, their feet trapped in thick ice.
Mo Tianyu tried to struggle, but the ice seemed to solidify with every movement; his body was completely immobilized. Xiao Ling'er attempted to break free, but the more she fought, the colder the air became.
"W-what is this power?" she gasped.
Bai Qingyu approached them slowly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "You think you're the strongest, but you're nothing more than children playing at power. You've disrespected this place, and now you'll pay the price."
Li Yuexin chuckled, her eyes glowing with fiery light. "Should we let them go, or should we teach them a little more respect?"
Bai Qingyu's smile grew colder. "Let them go? No. I think they've learned their lesson."
With a single motion, the ice shattered, and the young cultivators collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. The cold air dissipated, but the fear they felt lingered in their hearts.
Mo Tianyu, humiliated and broken, finally dropped to his knees. "We... we didn't mean to..."
Bai Qingyu turned away, her icy voice soft but unyielding. "Next time, think before you wander into a place that is beyond your reach."
Li Yuexin gave them a playful wink. "Maybe next time, you'll choose a battle that's a little more your speed."
With that, the two of them turned and walked away, their figures disappearing into the mist, leaving the defeated group behind to reflect on their folly.