Lee Xian, Cultivator of Guyon

Departure to the Ice Mountain

The morning sky stretches with orange and purple gradations, marking the beginning of a cold day. Morning dew glittered on the grass and leaves, giving a magical impression to the small village where Xian lived. The birds chirped merrily, welcoming the sun that had just emerged from the horizon.

In a simple wooden house, Xian was sitting meditating, trying to calm his mind. Suddenly the door of his house opened, entering a gust of fresh air. An old man in a dark blue robe entered. This is his teacher, Master Li.

"Xian," said Master Li in his hoarse voice. "You ready for your trip to the Iceberg?"

Xian opened his eyes slowly, showing a burning spirit. "Yes, Master. I'm ready to go find those rare materials."

Master Li smiled, patting Xian on the shoulder with affection. "Remember, the Iceberg is not an easy place. The wind is able to cut through the skin and the snow can shock your bones."

Xian nodded. "I know the risks, but I have to."

After a warm breakfast and a prayer from Master Li, Xian stepped out of the house. The village is starting to get crowded. The village market was opened, sellers began to organize their wares and the smell of fresh food spread.

In preparation, Xian decided to stop by the market. He wanted to buy some supplies for the trip. Suddenly, a unique pair of snowshoes caught his attention. The shoes looked sturdy with thick fur around them.

"What's that?" xian asked the merchant, pointing at the shoes.

"Ah, that's a special snowshoe," replied the merchant with a cheerful face, both of his cheeks flushed red from the cold air. "It's very useful to walk on snow without sinking."

Without hesitation, Xian bought it. He tried it on the spot, tying the shoelaces deftly. Laughing, Xian started running around a little, trying to feel his comfort. Some of the villagers who saw him started laughing at Xian's funny behavior.

"Xians! Do you want to dance in the market?" a mother screamed while laughing.

"It looks like those shoes are too big for you!" joking a young man.

Xian's face turned red, but he kept smiling. "At least my legs will stay warm" she replied with a laugh.

After being satisfied with his new shoes, Xian continued the preparation of his journey. He bought some dry food and herbal medicines.

Before departing, Xian stood on the edge of the village, gazing far towards the majestic Ice Mountain. The mountain peak was covered in thick fog, giving off a mysterious aura. Xian took a deep breath, feeling the fresh morning air filling his lungs.

"Goodbye, Xian," said Master Li who approached him from behind. "Trust in yourself, and don't forget your way home."

Xian nodded, his face full of determination. "Thank you, Master. I'll come back with that rare material."

With definite steps, Xian began his journey, leaving the village and heading towards the Ice Mountain, carrying a strong hope and determination in his heart.

Xian's steps grew heavier along with the height he took. White snow covered most of the mountain, creating a dazzling yet deadly scene. Every gust of wind dashed his face with ferocity, causing his cheeks to redden and eyes to drip with water.

Suddenly, a voice roared. Wolf noise. Xian stopped and tried to find the source of the sound. Before long, black shadows began to appear from behind the cliff, a group of mountain wolves showed themselves.

Xian quickly drew out his sword, preparing for a confrontation. The wolves looked hungry, their eyes burning red staring at the prey standing before them.

"I don't want to fight, but if you guys get close, I'll protect myself" Xian said in a stern voice, his sword ready to slide.

However, before the battle broke out, a loud voice broke the silence. A woman with long black hair and dressed in white as a snow angel appeared from behind the cliff, standing between Xian and the wolves.

"Stop!" his orders to the wolves. The beasts seemed to recognize his voice, and slowly retreated.

Xian gasped. "Who are you?"

His name is Lian, the guardian of the Ice Mountain. "What are you looking for here?" ask with a sharp look.

"I am looking for rare materials to increase my cultivation," Xian replied, putting his sword back.

Xian nodded, appreciating the warning. The two continue on, with Lian showing the way. Along the way, Xian sees some mountain rabbits playing in the snow, inspired, he tries to lie down and make a snow angel with his body. However, the result is far from perfect.

Lian laughed softly looking at him. "You're really weird" she said with a sweet smile showing her dimples.

Xian got up with a flushed face, "Eh, I just tried for the first time. Not as easy as it looks."

Lian extended her hand, helping Xian stand up. "Maybe you'd better focus on your mission than play around in the snow."

However, as the altitude increases, the weather becomes more extreme. Snow fell heavily, reducing Xian's visibility. The strong wind caused his body to feel frozen, and every step he took became increasingly difficult.

Lian, with her closeness to nature, guided Xian through the blizzard, ensuring they remained on the right track. Whenever Xian fell or slipped, Lian was always there to help him.

"Why are you helping me?" xian asked as they rested in a small cave.

Lian looked at him with eyes full of mystery, "Maybe it's because I see potential in you, or maybe it's because you were the first to try to make a snow angel in front of me."

Xian smiled weakly, "Thank you, Lian."

With Lian by his side, Xian felt more confident to take on the challenge of the Ice Mountain. However, he is aware that his journey is still long, and many obstacles must be faced before he reaches his goal.

Xian felt his legs and hands freeze. Snow trees towered high, covering the sky and creating an endless white labyrinth. The cold air cut through his breath, and the sound of his footsteps in the snow became the only one heard.

"I have to find a way out" Xian murmured, yet every direction he tried looked the same. Lian was not beside him at the moment, letting Xian feel even more anxious.

As despair began to creep in, the sound of children's laughter broke the silence. Xian followed the voice and found a group of village children playing snowball. They looked so carefree, as if not concerned with the dangers lurking in the snow forest.

"Hey, you!" exclaim Xian. "Do you know the way out of here?"

A boy with red cheeks and shining eyes looked at him, "We are also lost, Sir. But we try to enjoy the moment before finding a way out."

Xian looked at them in surprise. "How can you be so calm?"

A girl with braided hair replied, "We know this forest like our palms. And so far, snowballing is our way of staying warm and happy."

Xian smiled, "Can you teach me?"

The children laughed and began to teach Xian a lesson in making the perfect snowball. Their technique turns out to be simple, but requires the right touch. After several experiments, Xian managed to make a perfectly round snowball.

A boy said, "Master, maybe you can join us in a snowball war!"

With renewed vigor, Xian played with the children, threw snowballs, took cover behind trees, and laughed cheerfully. For a moment, he forgot his anxiety.

However, the sun begins to set, giving a signal that they must soon find a way out. Xian gathered with the children, "We must unite and find a way out together."

With team spirit, they begin to wander through the forest, relying on the children's knowledge of the signs of nature. Xian, with his expertise in cultivation, tried to sense the energy of the surroundings to find a way out.

After several grueling hours, Xian felt that there was a familiar flow of energy. "Here we go! The exit!" yells. Following his instincts, they managed to find the edge of the forest and the path they recognized.

The children cheered happily, "Thank you, Master Xian! You've helped us."

Xian smiled, "I should be the one to thank you. You have taught me the meaning of happiness in the midst of adversity."

With a grateful heart, Xian went on a journey in search of rare materials, with valuable lessons he learned from the village children in the snow forest.