Chapter 23: Chasing Frost Dew

Lin Fan closed the "Introduction to Pill Concoction" manual, the faint scent of ink and old paper lingering. The prospect of alchemy was intriguing, a potential avenue for future growth and perhaps even another way to leverage his unique advantages. But it was a path requiring dedicated time, tools, and materials he currently lacked. His immediate priority remained clear: accumulating Contribution Points. His goal of 1000 CP felt distant with only 180 CP currently to his name.

Putting the manual securely into his storage ring, he decided there was no time like the present. The day was still young, and his energy reserves were full after his brief rest and recovery period. He needed another task, preferably one with a high CP yield to make significant progress towards his goal.

He exited his hut for the third time that day, drawing the now-customary mixture of averted gazes and hushed whispers. The news of his successful investigation into the Old Willow Creek disappearances, especially the part about defeating a Wraith, must be spreading like wildfire, adding another layer to his burgeoning, fearsome reputation. He ignored it and made a beeline back to the Contribution Hall.

The hall remained a hub of activity. Lin Fan efficiently navigated to the fifth and sixth layer task boards, his eyes scanning for high CP values. He mentally filtered out group tasks and simple hunts unless the reward was exceptional. He needed something challenging but manageable solo, offering a substantial point return.

His gaze settled on a task slip describing a gathering mission, but one clearly fraught with peril:

Task: Collect Frost Dew Grass Stems Location: Frozen Serpent Ridge (High Altitude Zone Beta - Map Coordinates Provided) Description: Collect up to three stems of mature Frost Dew Grass. This herb grows only on ice-sheltered ledges within the specified zone, thriving in extreme cold. The Ridge is known for treacherous icy terrain, sudden blizzards, and territorial fifth-layer Ice Crystal Vipers guarding the herb's growth areas. Harvest requires care to avoid damaging the root system. Recommended Cultivation: Minimum sixth layer Qi Refinement (Solo) OR experienced fifth layer team (3+) with cold resistance preparations. 'Excellent' combat rating strongly advised for solo fifth layer attempts. Reward: 120 Contribution Points per stem successfully returned (Maximum 3 stems accepted per task instance). Disciple may optionally keep one collected stem if three are submitted for CP. Time Limit: 7 Days.

Lin Fan calculated quickly. If he could collect all three stems, that was 360 Contribution Points – a huge chunk towards his goal. The risks were obvious: extreme cold, dangerous terrain, and venomous fifth-layer beasts known for camouflage. But the reward was proportionally high. His 'Excellent' rating qualified him, and his skills gave him confidence.

He took the task slip and approached the nearest acceptance counter. The clerk, a different one this time, processed the request after confirming Lin Fan's identity and implicitly acknowledging his known capability (likely via the sect's internal record system flagged after his previous successes).

"Frozen Serpent Ridge," the clerk stated, stamping the token. "Standard warnings apply, Disciple Lin. The cold is lethal without adequate protection or cultivation. Ice Crystal Vipers possess a paralyzing neurotoxin venom delivered through their fangs or icy spit projectiles. Their crystalline scales offer excellent camouflage against the snow and ice. Proceed with extreme caution."

"Understood," Lin Fan replied, accepting the validated token.

He briefly considered preparation. Did he need specialized cold-weather gear? His Reinforced Leather Vest offered physical protection but little insulation. His Iron Skin Art toughened his body and resisted energy invasion to a degree, and his fifth layer Qi, circulated via the efficient Nine Cycles Refining Art, could be used to generate internal heat and resist the cold's effects. Could he rely on those alone? Buying specialized gear from an external market felt like an unnecessary detour and perhaps an admission of weakness he didn't want to project. He decided to trust his cultivation and skills first, keeping the option of retreat or finding/buying gear open if the conditions proved overwhelming. He ensured his storage ring held ample rations and his remaining Spirit Recovery Pills.

Leaving the Contribution Hall, Lin Fan headed towards the towering mountain ranges visible in the distance north of the sect – the direction indicated by the task token's coordinates for the Frozen Serpent Ridge.

The journey took several hours, even with enhanced Wind Step. The terrain gradually sloped upwards, forests thinning out and giving way to rocky foothills. The temperature began to drop noticeably, the air growing crisp and thin. By late afternoon, he was ascending steep mountain paths, leaving the greener lower altitudes far behind. Patches of old snow appeared in shaded crevices, then became more widespread.

Finally, as the sun began to dip towards the western horizon, casting long, blue shadows, he arrived at the coordinates marking the entrance to Zone Beta of the Frozen Serpent Ridge.

The change in environment was dramatic and immediate. He stood on a narrow, windswept path overlooking a vast expanse of jagged peaks and ice-choked valleys. The rock underfoot was dark, sharp, and slick with patches of sheer ice. A biting wind howled incessantly, carrying ice crystals that stung any exposed skin. The temperature here was well below freezing, a harsh, penetrating cold that immediately challenged the ambient warmth generated by his Qi circulation.

He could feel his body instinctively fighting the cold, his Qi cycling faster to maintain core temperature. His Iron Skin Art provided a buffer, but the chill was pervasive. Ahead, the path wound upwards along treacherous ledges, disappearing into curtains of wind-driven snow. Visibility varied wildly with the gusts. He could see peculiar, glittering patches on distant cliffs – possibly the ice crystals that gave the vipers their name. The air tasted clean but bitingly cold.

This was a vastly different challenge from the foggy creek or the shadowy woods. Here, the environment itself was a constant, potentially lethal adversary, even before considering the venomous inhabitants.

Lin Fan pulled his simple outer robe tighter, took a deep breath that steamed in the frigid air, and activated his Iron Skin Art fully. He scanned the icy slopes above, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Somewhere up there, nestled on frozen ledges, grew the Frost Dew Grass. And somewhere, likely nearby, lurked the Ice Crystal Vipers guarding them.

He placed a foot carefully onto the icy path leading upwards, testing his grip. The ascent, the hunt for the herb, and the inevitable confrontation with the ridge's guardians had begun.