Far northwest of the Celestial Springs Resort, a deep valley surrounded by two large mountain peaks called Crescent Ridge Basin existed. While that wasn't all that special on its own, what made this place unique was that the environment on both sides was different.

A river called Soul Sand River flowed through the middle, taking on properties of neither side of the valley. Throughout thousands of years of wars and battles, each grain of sand in the river is said to represent a soul that died on these slopes, and the water is the blood of the fallen.

Countless have died on these lands, and for good reason. The resources and minerals on these mountains are items that every Sect and power on the Continent desires. There were just a few slight problems to obtain them.

The core area of the valley was normally blocked off by dark clouds, winds strong enough to rip apart most cultivators, and a natural formation that prevented one from using Qi. Not that it completely sealed one's Qi, but that it was like trying to throw a stone underwater. Most Qi attacks were greatly reduced and fizzled out after a few feet.

Nobody knows the true reason behind this phenomenon, but many believe it to be the work of a high-level cultivator who didn't want his eternal resting place disturbed by those seeking power and longevity. Others speculate that it's an Ascension Realm beast lair, but that theory was often discarded.

Why would an Ascension Realm beast live in the middle of nowhere on the Northern Continent?

There are many other theories, like the location being a natural sacred land or that it's home to an ancient clan that wants to live isolated from the outside world.

However, every ten years, things change. With a continental-wide blizzard covering the Earth, the wind barrier surrounding the Crescent Ridge Basin dims and intertwines with the massive storm, weakening.

Floating in the sky with his hands behind his back, Master Shen Xian, the Temple Master of the Frozen Sangfroid Temple, stared at the swirling mass of ice and wind protecting the valley. He had a relaxed, neutral expression on his face as he subtly glanced around.

He wasn't the only one here.

Master Shen Xian, with the composure befitting his status, surveyed the scene with a discerning eye. He had a serene atmosphere, just like how he was a few months ago.

Among the assembled were Sect Masters and representatives from the most formidable powers across the Northern Continent. Each bore the distinct aura and insignia of their affiliations: the Abyssal Night Sect, Blazing Sun Sect, Thunderstrike Pavilion, and more, a testament to the valley's allure and the promise of its hidden treasures.

"Master Shen Xian," greeted a figure stepping forward, cloaked in robes that seemed to absorb the light around them, a mark of the Abyssal Night Sect. "It seems we are not alone in our quest."

"Indeed, Master Zhuo," Shen Xian replied, his voice calm. "The Crescent Ridge Basin calls to many, it seems."From the Blazing Sun Sect, a woman with hair like flowing lava and eyes alight with an inner fire made her presence known. "This is the first time in decades the winds have allowed us such an opportunity. We cannot afford to let it pass."

Master Lei of the Thunderstrike Pavilion nodded and added, "The artifacts and minerals within these mountains could change the fate of our Sects. Even if I have a good relationship with you, Yanira, I won't hesitate for the sake of my future."

"Then watch your back." Yanira, the Sect Master of the Blazing Sun Sect, snorted. "Or else you might find yourself as a speck of sand."

"...Try it. See what happens." Master Lei said coldly before closing his eyes and crossing his arms, waiting for the barrier to dim.

The valley below, with its dark clouds swirling less intensely than in years past, seemed almost inviting compared to the silent standoff above.

However, at the edge of this congregation, a few Sect Masters from lesser-known, smaller Sects exchanged uneasy glances. The display of power before them was intimidating, the air thick with the unyielded might of the Continent's strongest.

Master Yi, a relatively young Sect Master of the Falling Leaf Sect, whispered to his counterparts, "This... may be more than we bargained for. Our Sects do not possess the strength to contend with such giants."

Another, an elder from the Whispering Wind Sect, nodded in agreement. "Wisdom lies in knowing when to fight and when to withdraw. Perhaps this is not our battle to win."

With a collective, albeit reluctant, consensus, a small group of these Sect Masters began to recede, their figures fading into the blizzard as they sought other paths, other opportunities that lay hidden beneath the snow.

Meanwhile, the remaining powers focused their attention on the valley, each Sect Master contemplating their strategy. Master Shen Xian, ever the peacemaker, sought to mitigate the brewing conflict.

"Let us not forget the dangers that lie within the Basin itself," he cautioned. "The natural defenses, the unknown entity that shields this place, and the very real possibility that we are stepping into a trap set by whatever or whoever created this anomaly."lightsnovel

His warning hung in the air, a reminder that their greatest adversary might not be each other but the valley itself.

Master Zhuo of the Abyssal Night Sect smirked beneath his shadowy hood. "Fear not, Master Shen Xian. The Abyssal Night Sect has prepared for all eventualities. Our scouts have already mapped several paths through the defenses. We are willing to share this information—for a price."

This proposition sparked a murmur among the assembly, calculations, and negotiations silently taking place as alliances formed and dissolved in the blink of an eye.

The woman from the Blazing Sun Sect, her voice as commanding as the flames she wielded, declared, "Let it be known, the Blazing Sun Sect will forge its path! The treasures within will belong to those with the strength to claim them: us!"

lightsΝοvel Master Lei of the Thunderstrike Pavilion laughed, sounding like distant thunder. "Bold words, Master Yanira. The Thunderstrike Pavilion accepts your challenge. May the best Sect win."

Suddenly, the blizzard around them started to pick up, carrying a chill in the air that could freeze even the hottest of flames.

Ice crystals formed around each Sect Master, as they all felt a chill run down their spines at the magnitude of the blizzard. Within moments, their vision was reduced to almost nothing–all they could see was a moving white canvas.

They tried spreading their Divine Sense out, but even that was severely limited. The dark clouds overhead disappeared into the storm, freezing into nothingness and joining the rest of the ice crystals.

The wind barrier protecting the valley wavered, struggling to stay active. For minutes, it fought off the growing chill, but after some time, even its winds succumbed to the storm, joining its cataclysmic force.

Like the sound of glass breaking, the barrier to the valley was open. It's just they couldn't see more than a few feet in front of them.

Master Shen Xian looked around, more curious than anything. 'I felt that this decade's storm would be bad, but not this bad.' He thought. Still, this only served to increase his interest.

As someone who has dedicated his life to understanding ice and its profundities, this blizzard was an opportunity in and of itself!

'Part of me wants to back out of this so-called competition and just meditate. Maybe if I was alone, I would, but with a Sect that I have to take care of… I can't. Not yet, at least.'

Waving his hand, the densely packed ice crystals blocking his vision started to part, clearing a passage. Out of all the people here, he was one of the most well-suited for this kind of weather, studying the Dao of ice. The other being Yanira, someone even he didn't want to mess with.magic

'She's probably already charged in there.' He chuckled to himself as he casually approached the valley. 'Not that it matters. This place is infamous for a reason.' With a step that leaped him dozens of meters forward, he appeared at the precipice of the Basin.

***

Hundreds of kilometers away, Mira's ears twitched. She felt like she heard something in the distance, but with the roar of the winds constantly around her, it was hard to tell.

'We're approaching the Crescent Ridge Basin!' Hana said through their mental connection. 'It's known to be a dangerous place that houses countless rare resources.'

"What makes it so dangerous?" Mira asked, casually splitting apart a portion of the blizzard with her scythe.

'...I'm not sure. People just say it's cursed or something. Apparently, lots of people have died there. It's known as a forbidden zone.'

"Cursed, huh?" Mira chuckled wryly to herself. What was she, then? A curse-bringer? "Sounds like a good time."

'Of course! I figured we might as well loot the most dangerous, known place first!' Hana chuckled.

"Then, what are we waiting for?" Mira stopped for a second as she loaded her scythe with Qi. Then, with one atomic swing, she destroyed an entire section of the blizzard, from earth to sky. With a step, she dashed hundreds of meters at a time, using her [Glacial Mirage Steps] to the fullest.