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In the reed marsh, the night gradually faded, and the eastern sky was pale. The faint morning light shone through the dense reeds and shimmered on the river, sparkling like broken gold falling on the water. Several water birds played in the reeds, making crisp chirps, breaking the tranquility of the early morning.

Mark stretched and moved his stiff body. A night of tension and fatigue made him feel exhausted physically and mentally. He turned his head to look at Albert beside him and found that he was still sleeping, breathing evenly and steadily. Mark got up lightly, walked to the bow, pushed aside the reeds, and looked out. The river was calm, the water flow was slow, and the trees on both sides were lush and green, looking particularly green in the morning light. In the distance, the mountains were undulating and shrouded in clouds and mist, like an ink painting.

"It seems that we are safe for the time being." Mark whispered to himself, feeling a little relieved.

Albert rubbed his eyes and woke up slowly. Seeing Mark sitting at the bow, he asked, "Where are we?"

Mark stood up and took a kettle to Albert and said, "We should be not far from the Far North."

Albert nodded, took the kettle handed by Mark, drank a few sips of water, and felt much better.

"We have to hurry as soon as possible," he said.

"Let's leave this reed marsh first and return to the river." Mark paddled the boat, and the boat slowly sailed out of the reed marsh and returned to the river.

They continued to go north along the river, and the sky gradually brightened. The scenery on both sides of the river gradually became clear, with green mountains and green waters, birds singing and flowers blooming, which formed a sharp contrast with the desolate scene of the Gobi Desert before.

Albert pointed to a towering mountain in front and said, "Over that mountain, we will enter the Far North."

Mark nodded and speeded up the rowing.

The boat moved quickly on the calm river, stirring up layers of ripples. The scenery on both sides of the river kept changing, sometimes the mountains were steep, sometimes the plains were open, sometimes the trees were dense, and sometimes the villages were dotted.

At noon, the sun was strong and the river was sparkling. The two took a short rest on a relatively flat grassland by the river and replenished some food and water.

Albert muttered to himself. "The climate in the Far North is cold and the terrain is complex. We'd better find a guide first."

Mark nodded in agreement while chewing on dry food.

"I found that the world is no longer the world I am familiar with after I traveled through the past. I was very familiar with the Arctic before, but now I have never heard of this Snow Temple. Having a guide can save a lot of trouble." He swallowed the food in his mouth and added.

They got back on the boat and continued to move along the river. The sun was setting in the west, and the sky was gradually stained with a layer of golden light, reflecting on the river, and the waves were shimmering.

In the evening, the river gradually narrowed, and there were more houses on both sides. They came to a small town where most of the houses were built of wood, looking quaint and quiet. They inquired about an experienced hunter in a tavern in the town. It was said that he was very familiar with the terrain of the Far North and often led people to the Ice and Snow Temple. The two found the hunter, a burly, dark-skinned middle-aged man named Batu. They explained their intentions to Batu and paid a certain amount of money.

Batu looked at the two carefully, and after a moment of silence, he nodded and agreed to lead the way. "The road to the Ice and Snow Temple is full of dangers, and you need to be fully prepared." Batu's tone was steady, with a hint of warning.

Mark and Albert looked at each other and both understood that this trip was not easy. They bought some cold clothes and supplies in the town and made adequate preparations. The next morning, just after dawn, the three left the town and headed towards the Ice and Snow Temple. Batu walked in front, holding a hunting knife in his hand, leading the way. Mark and Albert followed closely behind, vigilantly observing the surrounding environment.

"Let's go." Batu took the lead and disappeared in the morning mist. Mark and Albert followed Batu's footsteps and set off for the Ice and Snow Temple.

Mark took a deep breath and exhaled white mist. The morning air was a little chilly. "I hope it will go well this time." He whispered and followed Batu.

Albert moved his shoulders and adjusted the package on his back to a more comfortable position. The space ring is a treasure. They don't want others to find out that they have such a treasure, so they put part of the purchased materials in the package.

"Mr. Batu, how long does it usually take to get to the Ice and Snow Temple?" Batu looked back at Albert,

"If everything goes well, it will take seven or eight days. But the climate in the Far North is changeable, and no one can predict it." He paused and used a hunting knife to push away the branches blocking the road. "If there is a blizzard, it is common to be delayed for ten days or half a month." Albert frowned slightly and rubbed his hands, "I hope we have better luck."

Batu did not speak and continued to lead the way. They climbed up along a rugged mountain road. The trees around them became sparser and the snow on the ground became thicker. The biting cold wind whistled past, rolling up the snow on the ground, charming the eyes.

Mark tightened his fur coat and felt the cold wind scraping on his face like a knife. "This wind is really strong." Albert exhaled a breath of white air and nodded in agreement. He reached out and pulled the scarf that had slipped down a little to cover his mouth and nose. The mountain road became steeper and steeper, and they had to use their hands and feet to keep their balance.

Batu stopped and looked back at the two of them. "There is a cave ahead. We can rest there." Mark and Albert both breathed a sigh of relief. They followed Batu to the cave. The cave was not big, but it was big enough for the three of them. Batu took out a piece of dried meat from his backpack and handed it to Mark and Albert. "Eat something to replenish your energy." Mark took the dried meat, tore off a piece and put it in his mouth, chewing slowly. Albert also took the dried meat and ate it silently. The wind and snow were howling outside the cave, but the cave seemed particularly quiet.