The graceful figure flashed, and Ice-Clear Shadow appeared in the courtyard. Witnessing the graceful and unparalleled Chirp Chirp bird soaring and circling in the sky, her heart was secretly astonished, and her beautiful eyes instinctively turned toward me.
Her gaze was profoundly intricate, woven with love and hatred, laden with deep resentment. Upon meeting my eyes, her frozen-petal-like face blushed instantly, and she hurriedly turned her head away.
Her reaction was within the confines of my anticipation. This was the response befitting a young lady experiencing the initial stirrings of affection. It seems that my actions from the previous day have penetrated the heart of the youngest Grand Magician on the Holy Demon Continent. Reflecting on the splendor of last night, a quiet joy blossomed within me, suggesting that the day of bringing the beauty home may not be far off.
I raised my voice, "Chirp Chirp bird, return."
A crimson brilliance flashed in the air, and the Chirp Chirp bird transformed back into the form of a small bird, landing on my shoulder.
Ice and Snow, both astonished and delighted, exclaimed, "Phoenix, so this is the legendary Fire Phoenix, truly splendid. Wu Lai, I never knew you were a summoner. Possessing a Fire Phoenix indicates an exceptionally high rank. How is it that I've never heard of you before?"
Olena chuckled, "No, you must have heard of him. Just over twenty days ago, he made a name for himself in our country's city of Ailixianke."
Upon hearing this, Ice and Snow immediately blurted out, "Ah, the 'Destruction God of Ailixianke,' so it's you."
This was the notorious recent moniker circulating throughout the Holy Demon Continent. Seeing the expressions of astonishment on the faces of the maids and the surrounding guards, I couldn't help but wryly smile. When I turned around, I encountered the sparkling gaze of Ice-Clear Shadow.
Ice and Snow continued, "According to legend, the 'Destruction God of Ailixianke' cast the ultimate Thunder spell, 'Thunderous Explosion,' destroying half of Ailixianke City. However, you don't seem to have such formidable magical power, and aren't you a summoner?"
I chuckled, "Who says a summoner can't also be an elemental mage? However, Ailixianke City is indeed a place of sorrow for me. If I hadn't gone there, I wouldn't have earned that detestable nickname, nor would I have been threatened and tempted by Olena's old man to participate in this so-called tournament."
Olena interjected, "Don't forget, you also destroyed a third of the palace."
Ice and Snow, evidently intrigued by the title 'Destruction God of Ailixianke,' had long discarded her previous resentment towards me. After all, she was still a young girl at heart, pure and innocent.
With only four days left until the "Inter-Tribal Combat Magic Tournament," we left the villa and arrived at the capital of the Ice and Snow Kingdom, "Cold City." Representatives from the Reinhardt Kingdom and many other races had already arrived ahead of us. Ice and Snow personally arranged accommodations for us, and the hospitality was warm.
After having dinner together with everyone, we returned to our rooms. Upon entering, I sensed magical fluctuations. Upon entering the inner chamber, I saw ripples in a crystal bowl on the table, and then water droplets floated in the air, forming some written characters.
I knew this was the script of the Holy Demon Continent, but unfortunately, I could see it but couldn't understand it because no one had ever taught me.
The voice of Yuyi, who shares a mental connection with me, resonated in my mind, "Master, Yuyi is familiar with this script. Let me read it to you."
A white brilliance flashed, and Yuyi transformed from the "Annihilation Ring," naturally leaning into my embrace. She then raised her exquisitely beautiful face and closed her eyes, waiting for the expected favor.
I lightly kissed her on the cherry lips and twirled her sunny golden hair with my fingers, saying, "Little darling, quickly read to me what's written."
Yuyi nestled her head on my shoulder and said, "This is a water-based communication magic. It requests you to go to the highest ice peak on the outskirts of 'Cold City' at midnight tonight, signed by 'Ice-Clear Shadow.'"
"Ice-Clear Shadow?" I furrowed my brow. Why would she summon me in the middle of the night? Although I am confident that she has developed affection for me, a woman of her exceptional intelligence and unwavering will would not easily yield to me. So, what could be the reason for her invitation?
The water-formed characters dispersed, and after a brief contemplation, I said, "Yuyi, accompany me."
Yuyi raised her head, offering a kiss, and then returned to the "Annihilation Ring."
Several dozen miles northwest of "Cold City," a pure white and steep ice peak pierced the night sky like a long sword. At its summit stood a mesmerizing woman in white, resembling a celestial being. Her jet-black hair, extending to her calves, fluttered in the wind, and her white robe and black hair contrasted strikingly.
Suddenly, the delicate figure of Ice-Clear Shadow turned, gazing into the night sky. A tall man with black and white mismatched wings gracefully descended, and she instinctively tightened her clenched fist.
I landed in front of Ice-Clear Shadow, retracting my divine and demonic wings into my body, and said with a smile, "Ice Beauty, inviting me here in the middle of the night. Is it for an intimate rendezvous?"
Ice-Clear Shadow's heart flared with anger, but she quickly suppressed it. She sighed softly, "Mr. Wu Lai, must you use such words to provoke me? I know this isn't your intention. What... what kind of sentiment are you harboring towards me?"
Oh, she's come to confront me. It seems I've indeed overestimated her resistance. She couldn't endure the torment of love and hatred so quickly.
I unabashedly feasted my eyes on her spiritually captivating face and said, "For a rare beauty like you, I naturally want to make you mine and keep you by my side every moment."
Ice-Clear Shadow's eyes, full of spirituality, unexpectedly showed a hint of tears. She choked, "How long do you intend to play with me? I don't have the ability to engage in such a game of love with you. Please spare me."
A woman of such high status, endowed with both talent and beauty, actually shed tears and admitted defeat in front of me. I knew that the confusion and sorrow in her heart had reached their limits. Witnessing her pitiful appearance, a feeling of compassion surged within me.
I reached out and grabbed a strand of her long hair, holding it tightly. With solemnity, I said, "I am not playing with you. I genuinely like you. Ice-Clear Shadow, a jade-pure and ice-cold shadow, like such a beautiful woman should be cherished. What do you think? Follow me from now on, and I will treat you well."
Clear Shadow's beautiful eyes flashed with a swelling brilliance, but soon dimmed. She spoke, "You already have so many incomparably beautiful companions. How could you sincerely treat me well? Moreover, you seem to be just in your early twenties, while I am already twenty-seven. It seems you are still playing a joke on me."
I continued to play with her dark tresses, saying, "I am fond of novelty but never weary of the old. Once I commit to a woman, I will use my life to protect her. As for age, haha, there is even an 'ancient' angelic beauty of several tens of thousands of years by my side. Yuyi."
With a transcendent and graceful demeanor, Yuyi, immaculate and obedient, transformed and appeared with six pristine wings radiating a soft white brilliance in the night. The beauty was elegant to the utmost.
Upon seeing Yuyi's form, Clear Shadow was instantly horrified and exclaimed, "Are you a celestial being?"