Before the temple, countless high-ranking magical beasts lay prostrate among the ruins, silently observing the colossal beam of light as it surged skyward, gradually fading, narrowing, and ultimately dissipating into the vast firmament.
"Tap... tap... tap..." The indifferent sound of footsteps echoed softly within the temple. At the sound, the magical beasts silently raised their heads, their timid gazes filled with a blend of trepidation and hope as they regarded the decrepit temple doors.
A man with a frigid expression slowly emerged from within the temple, cradling a silver-haired girl in his arms. The girl, with her eyes gently closed, appeared serene and beautiful, a delicate veil of moisture enveloping her exquisite form, seemingly both protecting and imprisoning her.
Words failed; both man and beast remained mute.
Xiao Mu Yu's cold gaze swept over the diverse array of high-ranking magical beasts, the frostiness in his eyes more piercing than ever before. Those beasts who met his gaze promptly bowed their heads in silence.
"You may depart." With a tone devoid of warmth, Xiao Mu Yu turned and ventured deeper into the temple's ruins. The small fox, too, had lost its usual vitality, timidly trailing behind him, wary of making even the slightest sound.
As the figure of the man faded from view, the magical beasts collectively exhaled in relief, yet their gazes involuntarily followed the girl cradled in Xiao Mu Yu's arms, filled with profound sorrow and a tinge of remorse.
Navigating through the shattered ruins, Xiao Mu Yu strode forward with an icy demeanor, the girl's light form in his embrace akin to a feather, so delicate it seemed a mere breeze could carry her away.
Passing through the debris and traversing the forest, he arrived at the foot of a snow-capped mountain just as the moonlight began to ascend, the silver orb hanging high above. He paid no heed to the towering mountain but proceeded directly toward a massive thicket of thorns. From a nearby cave, he entered, where the temperature plummeted, and countless blocks of ice, both large and small, filled the cavernous space.
"Clang!" The long sword was drawn, and Xiao Mu Yu laid a piece of beast hide upon the snow, gently placing the girl upon it. He then carved a rectangular block of ice from the massive ice formation within the cave, quietly sculpting an ice coffin.
He carved with meticulous care, pouring his focus into the task until the cycles of day and night passed, and the gentle rays of the morning sun converged at the cave's entrance, signaling the completion of the ice coffin.
Xiao Mu Yu gently rose, tenderly placing his wife inside the ice coffin, standing silently before it as he gazed at the girl's face within. Suddenly, he turned abruptly and exited the cave.
"From this moment forth, you shall guard this cave. No creature is permitted to step within." Speaking to an unseen presence, Xiao Mu Yu withdrew his sword and planted it before the cave entrance, kneeling on one knee.
"Crack... crack..."
As the ground began to freeze, the chilling ice radiated from the sword's blade, encasing the entire cave in a solid sheath of frost.
Withdrawing his sword and sheathing it, Xiao Mu Yu turned and strode away, not looking back. The small fox perched on his shoulder gently licked his cheek, as if offering him solace.
As the figures of man and fox gradually faded from sight, a soft rustling sound emerged, the immense thicket of thorns surrounding the cave beginning to writhe and gradually envelop the ice-encased cave completely.
The warm sunlight bathed the area gently, seemingly embracing all with its tender gaze.
…
In a flurry of snow, Xiao Mu Yu walked quietly along the deserted path, shrouded in the storm. The pristine white fox nestled on his shoulder blended seamlessly with the swirling snow, a battered sword slung across his back, while a pale blue diamond gem hung concealed beneath his clothing.
(Ah, human lad, as you step into human society for the first time, where do you intend to go?)
Within the man's consciousness, a voice prattled on.
"…"
(Hey, hey... what does your silence mean?) The voice called out in dissatisfaction.
"…"
(You scoundrel, if you fail to lift the seal this time, it's not my fault! Why are you ignoring me?)
"…"
(Come on, you jerk, don't you want to know where you can find the artifact to save your little wife?)
"Speak." Xiao Mu Yu uttered the word indifferently.
(You want me to just spill the beans? Heh heh... I suddenly don't feel like telling you anymore. What now, human lad? Beg me, and I'll let you know.)
"…"
(Hey, really, if you just beg me, I'll tell you right away. You know, that adorable little wife of yours isn't completely gone; her spirit lingers on, just trapped by a magic seal within her body. There are few ways to save her, but I happen to know a couple.)
"…"
(Damn it, will you die if you say a few more words? Come on!)
"…"
(To be honest, sometimes I really want to kick you, emotionless guy!)
"…"
(Are you going to talk or not? I'll tell you, if you refuse to speak, don't expect me to share how to save your little wife. This time, I mean what I say! Really mean it!!!)
"…"
(You brat, I'm going to take you on! Let's see who speaks first!)
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
(Alright, alright, human lad, you win! I'll tell you how to save your little wife.)
"…"
(You're just a scoundrel! Just a lowlife! How did I end up meeting a guy like you, for crying out loud!) The voice continued to complain.
"…"
(I can't even begin to express my exasperation with you! Just listen closely, I'll say it only once, so pay attention.)
On the continent, there exists a miraculous substance known as the Celestial Soul Locking Jade. The conditions for its formation remain an enigma, yet it is well-known for its profound efficacy in stabilizing the soul and awakening dormant consciousness. Of course, this is merely a fraction of its capabilities, but the rest is of no concern to you—I surmise you are disinclined to listen. All you need to know is that your little wife requires the Celestial Soul Locking Jade.
"Where can I find the Celestial Soul Locking Jade?" Xiao Mu Yu inquired coldly.
(Oh ho, the brat finally decides to speak!)
"…"
"…"
(Ah, I can't tolerate your stubbornness any longer! Hurry and seek out the Celestial Soul Locking Jade, revive your little wife, and break the spiritual chain binding us, after which you may leave and never appear before me again!!)
"…"
(Listen carefully, the Celestial Soul Locking Jade is a mysterious treasure formed under unknown circumstances. Very few know its true origins. It may emerge beside a refuse heap in a bustling city or beneath an abyss of unfathomable depth. In short, there is no fixed pattern. However, you might check the vaults of those powerful factions; with a stroke of luck, you could discover a piece of the Celestial Soul Locking Jade among their collections.)
"…"
(I... I am truly at my wit's end. You must go find it quickly, then set me free. I simply cannot endure this any longer... You insufferable bastard... I detest emotionless people the most!!!)
The man remained silent, trudging through the swirling snow, his solitary figure gradually fading into the storm.