Chapter 9: Iceborn Rivalry

The frozen canyon beyond the bridge stretched endlessly, jagged cliffs rising like fangs into the lavender sky. Mist and frost hung thick in the air, hiding what lay ahead.

Lin Tian walked in silence, the snow crunching beneath his boots. His heartbeat was calm, but in his mind, the memory of the snowflake-shaped energy still pulsed faintly.

> So this is Ice Intent... a whisper of power that doesn't just enhance a technique, but reshapes it at its root.

As he walked deeper into the Ice Phoenix Realm, he began to sense movement ahead—shadows of other disciples who had also passed the bridge.

And then, without warning—

Crack!

A glacial wall beside him exploded outward. A slim figure flew backward and landed heavily in the snow. Blood stained her pale robes.

Lin Tian stopped. His eyes narrowed.

She was about his age. Raven-black hair streaked with silver. A thin veil covered half her face, but her eyes were unmistakable: cold, proud, and burning with frustration.

From the shattered ice emerged a tall disciple wielding a curved blade covered in fire runes. "I told you, little frost doll—ice can't stand against flame!"

The girl pushed herself up, gritting her teeth. "It's not over."

She formed a hand seal, and a blizzard whipped up around her body. The temperature dropped instantly. Even Lin Tian felt the cold lick at his skin.

> She's already half a step into Minor Ice Will...

He stepped forward as the fire-wielding disciple raised his blade again.

"That's enough," Lin Tian said.

The disciple turned, frowning. "Who—?"

Crack.

Before he could finish, Lin Tian flicked a pebble toward the blade. The ice-charged stone struck with pinpoint force, freezing the runes instantly.

The blade cracked in half.

The boy cursed and backed away.

"You—what the hell—!"

Lin Tian's voice was calm. "Leave. This trial tests comprehension, not bullying."

The disciple hesitated, then spat on the ground and stormed off.

The girl slowly stood up, snow swirling around her shoulders.

"Was that necessary?" she asked flatly.

Lin Tian tilted his head. "Would you rather he kept hitting you?"

"I had it under control," she said, turning away, brushing snow from her robes with exaggerated pride.

> Cold on the outside… colder inside. Lin Tian almost smiled.

She walked a few steps, then paused.

"You're Lin Tian, aren't you?"

He blinked. "You've heard of me?"

"I've heard you were expelled. I've also heard you beat two outer disciples like chopping firewood."

Her gaze lingered on the Frostbite Sword. "Let me guess. Heaven-grade, but you don't know how to use it properly yet?"

"Do you?" he asked with a smirk.

She raised an eyebrow. "I will. One day."

A pause. The tension melted slightly.

Then she added, "Since you're here… don't slow me down."

And without waiting, she stepped into the next formation ring of the trial—vanishing into thin mist.

Lin Tian stood there for a moment, lips twitching.

> She didn't even thank me. But at least she's not boring.

---

A few minutes later...

He passed through the veil of mist and entered a vast crystalline cave filled with floating orbs of ice essence. The atmosphere buzzed with spiritual tension—this was the next trial.

The Ice Vein Labyrinth.

Only those who could absorb the orbs and attune their energy to their meridians would pass.

Each orb contained ancient ice energy—chaotic and volatile. A single misstep could freeze one's veins and shatter internal organs.

But Lin Tian sat down without hesitation. The Eternal Frost Scripture began circulating gently.

As he absorbed the first orb, a jolt of sharp cold spread through his limbs. It was like swallowing thunder wrapped in snow.

He didn't resist. He guided it calmly, letting the frost thread through his meridians.

> Refine it. Shape it. Make it mine.

Hours passed. One orb became two… then four… then seven.

When he opened his eyes, his body radiated soft blue light.

Somewhere deep inside him, he could sense it again:

A second snowflake forming.

Another step deeper into the Ice Dao.

---

Elsewhere in the Trial Realm...

The veiled girl stood beneath a frozen waterfall, watching Lin Tian's figure from a distance through a reflective ice shard.

> "He's not simple," she murmured.

"And I don't think I've seen anyone comprehend Ice Intent that fast since..."

She paused.

> "No—never mind."