Frozen Clouds and Fateful Bonds

In the boundless northern expanse of the Blue Wind Empire lay a desolate wasteland—the Snow Region of Extreme Ice. The temperature rarely climbed above freezing, and the air itself seemed frozen in place. The sky, often shrouded in steely gray, released endless cascades of snowflakes that blanketed the ground in an unbroken sheet of white. The landscape was dominated by towering glaciers and jagged ice formations, their surfaces glistening with an ethereal glow under the pale light of the sun. The howling winds sang a haunting melody, a symphony of desolation and cold beauty that resonated through the frozen canyons. Here, amid the ceaseless winter and biting cold, stood the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace—a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and profound mystery.

Carved into the side of a colossal glacier, the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace was a marvel of both nature and craftsmanship. Its grand halls and serene courtyards, hewn from the very ice that surrounded them, shimmered like a jewel in the heart of the frozen wilderness. The palace walls, made of translucent ice, were adorned with intricate patterns and runes etched by ancient masters, each telling the storied history of the sect and its noble founder, Mu Bingyun.

Mu Bingyun's vision for the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace was rooted in compassion and resilience. She established the sect to offer a new path for girls who had been cast aside by society, providing them with the opportunity to cultivate the Frozen Cloud Arts. This unique cultivation method required its practitioners to maintain purity of body and spirit, allowing them to harness the extreme cold of the region. As a result, the disciples of the sect became renowned not only for their formidable power but also for their breathtaking beauty, with the Blue Wind Empire's number one beauty always hailing from the Frozen Cloud Immortal Sect.

Among the disciples, one figure stood out—Fairy Xu, a revered Great Sovereign Profound Realm elder. Her skin was as flawless as freshly fallen snow, her demeanor as kind and gentle as the softest snowfall. Fairy Xu, tender and fair in both appearance and personality, was known for her compassion and goodness. Yet, her path to this exalted status had not been easy. In her childhood and adolescence, Fairy Xu was a troublesome girl, her spirit restless and fiery due to the traumatic past of her mother, who had suffered at the hands of slavers. These painful memories had shaped her into a fierce protector of the weak and oppressed. Throughout her cultivation, Fairy Xu had stood up for justice, defending peasants across the Blue Wind Empire and the six other empires whenever she encountered injustice. Her acts of valor and kindness earned her the adoration of the common people, who affectionately called her the "Fortune Fairy."

However, not all saw her in a positive light. Those who were hostile or saw her as a threat nicknamed her the "Walking Calamity," a title born from her relentless pursuit of justice, which often brought upheaval to those who opposed her. Despite the mixed perceptions, Fairy Xu remained unwavering in her mission, her heart pure and her resolve unbreakable.

Today, Fairy Xu soared through the skies on a delicate ice lotus, her serene figure cutting through the icy winds as she made her way toward Floating Cloud City. Below her, the vast expanse of the Blue Wind Empire unfolded, a patchwork of landscapes blending together in harmonious beauty. As she neared her destination, the bustling heart of the empire gave way to more remote and tranquil surroundings.

Floating Cloud City, situated in the southeastern corner of the Blue Wind Empire, was a modest settlement compared to the grandiose cities Xu had visited in her travels. Its streets were narrow and winding, lined with humble dwellings and small shops that catered to the everyday needs of its inhabitants. Unlike the capital's towering palaces and bustling marketplaces, Floating Cloud City exuded a quiet, almost sleepy charm.

The city's most prominent power entity was the Xiao Clan, a respected but relatively small family known for their dedication to martial arts. Though not as influential as the sects and clans in the empire's major cities, the Xiao Clan held significant sway over Floating Cloud City and its surrounding regions. The clan's ancestral home, a sprawling estate with traditional architecture and lush gardens, was a focal point of local pride and reverence.

As Fairy Xu descended toward the city, she couldn't help but find it mundane and remote compared to the glittering splendor of the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace. Yet, as she took in the simplicity of the city, she found herself appreciating its quietness. The absence of constant political maneuvering and power struggles that plagued larger cities was a welcome change. Here, life moved at a slower pace, unhurried and unburdened by the weight of grand ambitions.

The air in Floating Cloud City was crisp and clear, free from the dense fogs of more populated areas. The people went about their daily routines with a sense of contentment, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Xu observed children playing in the streets, their laughter echoing through the air, and vendors calling out their wares in the marketplace—a lively hum of everyday commerce.

As Fairy Xu gracefully touched down in the courtyard of the Xiao Clan's estate, a wave of unease rippled through the assembled disciples and servants. Her presence alone seemed to render those with lower cultivation levels powerless, their senses overwhelmed by the profound aura emanating from her. Only the top elders of the Xiao Clan managed to maintain their composure enough to greet her, though even they were visibly affected. Approaching Fairy Xu with deference and respect, they bowed deeply in the traditional manner, their voices trembling as they inquired about her purpose in approaching the Xiao Clan.

Xu's demeanor softened as she sensed the discomfort she inadvertently caused. With a gentle wave of her hand, she retracted her overwhelming power and aura. The chaotic atmosphere and profound qi returned to normal, bringing a collective sigh of relief among the gathered crowd.

In a calm and measured voice, Fairy Xu addressed the elders, expressing her purpose. "The founder of the Xiao Clan once saved my life hundreds of years ago when I was gravely injured by my opponent," she began, her tone carrying deep sincerity and gratitude. "I have come here today to repay that debt of gratitude. I seek to recruit female disciples from the Xiao Clan and the people of Floating Cloud City into the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace, offering them the opportunity to cultivate the Frozen Cloud Arts and find a new path within our sect."

Her words hung in the air, carrying the weight of ancient promises and honor. The elders of the Xiao Clan exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief at Fairy Xu's humble request. To them, Fairy Xu's offer was not just an honor but a testament to the enduring bonds forged through acts of valor and kindness.

With a solemn nod, the eldest among the Xiao Clan's elders stepped forward, his voice steady despite the lingering awe. "It would be our greatest honor to contribute to your noble cause, Fairy Xu," he replied, his words resonating with deep respect. "We shall prepare our best talents to accompany you to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace."

Fairy Xu acknowledged their response with a gracious smile, her eyes reflecting a blend of determination and compassion. She knew that this journey would mark a new chapter for the disciples she would recruit.

In the days that followed, the Xiao Clan gathered hundreds of talented young girls in the Clan Plaza, eagerly presenting them to Fairy Xu. Amid the gathering, Xu's discerning gaze carefully observed each potential disciple. Her selection criteria were not based solely on looks or talents but on the character and inner strength of each girl.

Among the gathered girls, Fairy Xu chose twenty of the best candidates. Her choices included Xiao Lingxi, the beloved daughter of the strongest Xiao Clan elder, Xiao Li, known for her kindness and innate potential. Another selected was Xia Qingyue, daughter of the merchant Xia Clan, whose determination and unwavering spirit had caught Xu's attention.

As Fairy Xu finalized her selections, she imparted words of encouragement to the chosen girls, outlining the path that lay ahead of them within the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace. Each girl listened with a mixture of excitement and reverence, understanding the rare opportunity presented to them under Fairy Xu's guidance.

With the preparations complete, Fairy Xu and her new recruits departed Floating Cloud City in a small floating ship, leaving behind a sense of anticipation and hope among its inhabitants. The journey back to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace would not only shape the future of these young disciples but also strengthen the bond between Floating Cloud City and the sect that honored their founder's legacy.