The "Intertribal Martial Magic Tournament" is a time-honored tradition on the Sacred and Magic Continent, spanning thousands of years. It takes place every twenty years in different countries. Representatives from all nations and races send forth their most formidable warriors and magicians to compete. The champion's prize is provided by the host country, and in this instance, the coveted "Crystal Heart" is a renowned treasure from the Ice and Snow Kingdom.
The tournament comprises two main categories: "Martial Combat" and "Magic." King Wot of Babunica, having witnessed the astonishing martial prowess of Xia Nong, persistently urged me. Eventually, I succumbed, agreeing to let Xia Nong represent Babunica.
This cunning old fox, in his afterlife, will surely forge a kindred spirit alliance with Lucifer in the depths of hell.
Situated in the northern regions of the Sacred and Magic Continent, the Ice and Snow Kingdom experiences severe cold, with two-thirds of the year covered in perpetual snowfall. It holds the lowest population among the four major human kingdoms. Nevertheless, the denizens of the Ice and Snow Kingdom possess exceptional innate water magic abilities. The sole female among the seven archmages on the continent, the "Snow Maiden" Ice Clear Shadow, serves as the kingdom's chief mage. At merely twenty years of age, she stands as the most outstanding magical prodigy in the history of the Sacred and Magic Continent, a distinction I, regretfully, do not share. Additionally, she is among the ten most beautiful women of the continent, alongside individuals like Liviya.
Venturing into the territory of the Ice and Snow Kingdom, the temperature plummets progressively. However, the breathtaking scenes of ice-bound landscapes and snow-covered expanses captivate our attention, temporarily overshadowing the biting cold.
As night descends, we clear a space in the snow, erecting tents for our encampment. Yaye, nestled in my embrace as if there were no one else around, remarks, "This is my first time witnessing such a snowy landscape. It's beautiful. There's no snow in the Demon World. By the way, Father mentioned that aside from humans, the Ice and Snow Kingdom is home to many elves. I wonder if we'll encounter them on this journey."
Having never encountered elves myself, I refrain from making any assertions. Liviya, smiling as she approaches, shares, "Elves are often hailed as 'ambassadors of beauty.' Both males and females possess exceptional beauty. Moreover, powerful elves can transform into human-sized forms. Elves hold a high status in the Ice and Snow Kingdom, and we are sure to encounter them during this journey, possibly even in the tournament."
Intrigued by this information, I inquire, "Are elves formidable?"
Since becoming my woman, Liviya has undergone a profound transformation in character, shedding her previous quirks. Before me, she is alluring and gentle, exceptionally amiable in her interactions with Yaye and the others. It's no wonder that the old man Yulis once warned me about Liviya's temperament, describing her as challenging to sway and unwaveringly faithful once in love. Her current wholehearted demeanor towards me indeed leaves me feeling somewhat ashamed.
Upon hearing my question, both Liviya and Yaye snuggle into my embrace. Liviya tenderly responds, "Elves are undoubtedly formidable. They are inherently endowed with elemental magical abilities, and in the Ice and Snow Kingdom, the majority are water elves, specializing in water magic. Thanks to their assistance, the Ice and Snow Kingdom enjoys its current prestige."
Parker, joining the conversation, adds, "Indeed, the Ice and Snow Kingdom's knight brigade is relatively weak in combat, but the forces composed of magicians and elves are the strongest among the four nations. Moreover, they exclusively wield water magic, making them a nightmare for knights in battle."
At that moment, a sudden outcry from the defending dragon riders and the knights of the Lein Principality (under Parker's command, tasked with safeguarding Princess Fiora) resounds, "Who goes there? Show yourselves!"
Caught off guard, we are startled. Xia Nong, who had been silently standing behind me, swiftly moves, shooting towards the source like a bolt of lightning.
The Lein Principality's knights and dragon riders surround several white-robed figures, brandishing their weapons with a fierce aura, especially the dragon riders, whose chilling intent surpasses even the frigid winds.
Xia Nong, seemingly materializing out of thin air, arrives. A dragon rider reports, "General, these unidentified individuals suddenly appeared. We were preparing to apprehend them."
In an instant, a chilling aura emanates from Xia Nong, substantial as a mountain. Her ice-cold and beautiful countenance transforms into an invisible force. She responds with a sweet voice, "Yes." The armor on her left arm, previously emitting a pitch-black radiance, transforms into an ornament, returning to the bracer. Addressing the white-robed figures, she declares, "Gentlemen, my lord requests your presence. Please, follow me."
The drastic change in Xia Nong's demeanor astonishes the white-robed beauty. She realizes that the stunning and formidable martial artist before her is the first she has encountered in her life. Observing the wholehearted obedience of this remarkable woman towards her "lord," she wonders about the identity of the person who has won such devotion.
A white-robed figure discreetly tugs at the white-robed beauty's garment, and the latter smiles, gesturing to go along. The four follow Xia Nong towards the camp.
As Xia Nong leads them into the camp, the white-robed beauty's expression changes upon seeing the blazing hellfire. Recognizing it as the inferno from the deepest recesses of the demon realm, a terrifying flame even unattainable by advanced dark magic users, she is taken aback by its unconventional use as a campfire.
Curious, I observe this ethereal beauty, reminiscent of both Yaye and Xia Nong. She exudes an amalgamation of Yaye's purity and Xia Nong's icy demeanor. I sense potent magical energy from her, although not on par with Yulis and Linka, two seasoned grandmasters. Her frigid yet gentle aura identifies her as a mage proficient in water magic.
Princess Fiora, seated beside me, exclaims in surprise, "Sister Qingying, is that you?"
In an instant, a person comes to mind—Qingying, the "Snow Maiden," one of the seven archmages and ten most beautiful women on the Sacred and Magic Continent. The chief mage of the Ice and Snow Kingdom, her formidable magical prowess is matched only by her exquisite beauty.