As dawn broke over the Frost Moon Sect, the crisp air carried the faint scent of pine and the promise of another cold day. The sun barely peeked over the snow-capped mountains, casting pale light on the sect's sprawling grounds. Disciples were already gathering in the main courtyard, preparing for the next stage of the sect's affairs—the Mystic Realm expedition that lay ahead. Whispers of excitement and anxiety filled the air.
But Lin Xue's thoughts were far removed from the chatter of her fellow disciples. She stood alone on a high balcony, her icy blue eyes gazing out over the vast mountain range that encircled the sect. The peaks stretched far beyond the horizon, like a never-ending wall of ice and stone. It was a beautiful, yet desolate view, one that resonated deeply within her.
The competition had ended, and her victory was undisputed. Her power had grown, and the recognition she now received from the sect's elders was a mere consequence of her abilities. She had gained access to more resources, higher-quality cultivation techniques, and a rare opportunity to enter the Mystic Realm. But these rewards, while useful, were not what drove her.
In her heart, hidden beneath layers of cold determination, a secret ambition burned. She wanted more than just to reach the pinnacle of cultivation. She wanted more than to be the strongest disciple or even the most powerful cultivator in the sect. She wanted to rule. Not just the sect, not just a region, but the entire world.
It was a thought she never voiced, not even to her loyal handmaiden Han Mei. To speak of such ambitions too early would be foolish. The cultivation world was ruthless, and those who sought too much power too quickly were often cut down before they could realize their dreams. For now, her goals would remain her secret.
She turned her gaze from the mountains to the sect below, where dozens of disciples were sparring or meditating in the courtyards. To them, she was merely Lin Xue, the cold beauty, the grandmaster's disciple, and a rising star in the outer sect. They had no idea of the depths of her ambition. They couldn't fathom the plans that simmered quietly in her mind, plans that would one day see her at the top of the world.
But Lin Xue was patient. She understood that power was not something to be seized recklessly. It had to be cultivated, nurtured, and slowly amassed until the moment was right to strike. Ruling the world was not just about strength—it was about strategy, timing, and understanding the nature of power itself.
Her mind returned to her current goal—the Mystic Realm. It was a dangerous place, filled with ancient treasures and deadly creatures. Only the strongest and most cunning would emerge unscathed, and Lin Xue intended to be one of them. The realm offered more than just the opportunity to further her cultivation; it was a stepping stone on the path to true power. There, she might find the resources or ancient techniques that could accelerate her rise.
As she mused on her plans, Han Mei appeared at the entrance to the balcony, her presence quiet and respectful. "Mistress, the elders have summoned the disciples who will enter the Mystic Realm. They wish to speak with you before the journey begins."
Lin Xue nodded but remained silent for a moment longer, her gaze still fixed on the distant mountains. The world was vast, and it belonged to the strong. One day, it would belong to her.
She turned away from the view, her expression as calm and cold as ever. "Let us go," she said, her voice carrying the same chill as the air around them.
They walked together through the winding corridors of the sect, passing by disciples who bowed their heads respectfully as they passed. Lin Xue paid them no mind. They were irrelevant to her, mere insects scurrying about their small lives, unaware of the storm that would one day sweep them all away.
As they approached the grand hall where the elders waited, Lin Xue's thoughts drifted to Xu Tian. She had not seen him since their match, though she knew he would be among the disciples selected for the Mystic Realm expedition. His defeat had stung his pride, that much was clear, but Lin Xue knew that Xu Tian would not give up so easily. He was persistent, like a flame that refused to die even in the face of overwhelming cold. His ambition was admirable, but it was misguided. He sought power for the sake of dominance and desire, blinded by the superficial rewards of strength.
Lin Xue was different. Her ambition was not about domination or desire. It was about control—complete and total control over her fate, and eventually, the fate of the entire world. Ruling wasn't about possessing others; it was about creating a world where her will was absolute, where no one could stand in her way. The idea filled her with a cold fire, a hunger that she kept tightly locked away, hidden from all eyes but her own.
The grand hall loomed before them, its towering doors opening to reveal the waiting elders. They sat in their high seats, their faces calm and composed, but Lin Xue could feel the weight of their gazes on her as she entered. They had seen her power, and they knew she was no ordinary disciple. But even they could not guess at the true scope of her ambition.
The head elder, a man with a long white beard and eyes like steel, gestured for her to step forward. "Lin Xue," he said, his voice deep and authoritative, "you have proven yourself beyond doubt. Your strength and composure are unparalleled among the outer sect disciples. You, along with a select few, will enter the Mystic Realm. This is a great honor, but also a great risk. Are you prepared?"
Lin Xue bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "I am prepared," she said, her voice steady.
The elder's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, as if searching for something in her eyes, but he found nothing. Lin Xue's true thoughts were hidden deep beneath her cold exterior.
The Mystic Realm would be the beginning, but it was not the end. One day, the world would kneel before her—whether it knew it yet or not.