In the distant northernmost lands of the Xue Rong Kingdom, amidst towering mountains blanketed in thick snow and an unrelenting blizzard, there lies a mysterious cave shrouded in legend—the Eternal Spirit Cave. Hidden deep within the Bai Ling Mountains, this cave is said to be cursed. The frigid winds that howl through its entrance seem intent on devouring any soul daring enough to enter.
The elders speak of it as a gateway to the realm of snow spirits. Those who trespass are doomed to perish under the fury of the blizzard or become eternally lost in the cave's endless darkness. Some even believe sinister beings dwell within, luring souls to their doom. These tales have long kept people away; even shepherds avoid paths near the Bai Ling Mountains.
Yet, within this desolate place—where it seems human life cannot endure—there exists a life intertwined with the cave itself.
Deep within the darkness, shards of light glimmer off the icy ceiling like distant stars. A figure stirred slowly on a bed of animal furs. Silky black hair cascaded over pale skin. Bai Xianluo slowly opened her eyes, revealing soft gray irises that gazed up at the shimmering ice above as if searching for something unseen.
She remained still for a moment before rising gracefully. Her pure white cloak trailed behind her slender form as she moved toward a corner of the cave. There, a crystal-clear pool of ice reflected her image. She knelt down and gently touched the surface. The piercing cold ran through her fingertips, yet instead of flinching, she smiled faintly.
The reflection staring back was one she had seen countless times—a calm and composed face. She stared for a long moment before lowering her hand and softly spoke to herself, "Bai Xianluo..."
This name was engraved on the white jade plum blossom pendant she always wore. It was the only clue to her identity. The jade was pristine, intricately carved with plum blossoms, and elegantly inscribed with the characters for "Bai Xianluo." She didn't know where the name came from, nor did she know who she truly was. But for as long as she could remember, this was the name she called herself.
A faint scratching sound echoed behind her. Bai Xianluo turned to see a small creature emerge from the shadows—a white lizard with brilliant blue eyes that shimmered like gemstones. Its translucent body faintly glowed, as though crafted from ice itself.
She lifted a hand slightly in a silent gesture. The little lizard leaped gracefully onto her shoulder, letting out a soft rumble as if grumbling. Bai Xianluo gently stroked its head and spoke tenderly, "Hungry already, are you?"
The lizard flicked its tail in response. Bai Xianluo rose to her full height and walked deeper into the cave.
At the heart of the cave stood a towering ice pedestal. Suspended mid-air above it was a glowing blue orb. She stopped before it, gazing calmly at the sphere before reaching out to touch it. A biting chill shot through her fingertips, yet the orb's energy seamlessly intertwined with hers. Closing her eyes briefly, she sensed the balance of the power she was bound to protect.
"Still stable," Bai Xianluo murmured softly.
The little lizard hopped off her shoulder, climbing onto the ice pedestal, peering curiously at the orb. Bai Xianluo shot it a warning glance. "Don't be mischievous, Xue," she scolded gently.
The lizard twitched its tail before retreating to her side. Lowering her hand, Bai Xianluo returned to the main hall of the cave. The lizard curled up comfortably on a nearby ice table.
Satisfied with the orb's stability, Bai Xianluo raised her hand. A silver light shimmered at her fingertips, and the floating ice crystals in the air began to mold into shapes—forming a soft, white steamed bun and a pear-like fruit.
"This should resemble human food," she whispered, placing them on the icy table.
The lizard leapt forward, licking the frosty pear she had conjured.
"Do you like it?" Bai Xianluo smiled softly, stroking its head. Yet deep down, she still wondered what real human food tasted like. She lifted the steamed bun, observing its icy, flavorless form. Taking a small bite, she sighed in quiet boredom.