The masked figure draped in a black cloak calmly observed the corpse of Lin Canglang. There was neither joy nor sorrow in his eyes.
However, with a gentle movement of his finger, the frost that had formed on Lin Canglang's body began to fall off, gradually restoring a hint of vitality in him.
"Your mission is not yet complete; how can you die here?"
In the next moment, the masked figure formed a mysterious hand seal and inscribed an inscription into Lin Canglang's body.
Suddenly, the halted heartbeat of Lin Canglang resumed its rhythm.
Having done all this, the mysterious masked figure gradually faded away.
After a long time, Lin Canglang, who had resurrected, coughed out some water from his lungs and started shivering uncontrollably. "Hiss... so cold... so cold..."
I can still feel the cold?
In the next moment, Lin Canglang opened his eyes wide, astonished to find himself still alive!
"I'm alive? I'm actually alive?"
He started to incredulously stare at his own hands. Despite his body being extremely weak, he was undeniably alive!
On the icy plain, with the chilling wind blowing, Lin Canglang couldn't help but shiver as he struggled to get up.
Staying here any longer, even if he hadn't died just now, would surely lead to him freezing to death.
"The second time! I've survived a second time! Hahaha...
"If I can't die , it must be fate! Fate! Ling Feng, wait! When my demonic art reaches the advanced stage, I will definitely crush you into pieces!"
Lin Canglang howled into the sky, taking slow and trembling steps to gradually leave the icy plain.
On the other side, Ling Feng returned to Xuanwu Village and found that the villagers had already returned to their homes.
Despite the many deaths, as long as there were survivors, there was hope for rebuilding their homes.
Jiang Xiaofan, on the other hand, was still refining the Xuanwu blood inside Xuanwu Cave. It seemed that it would take some time before he could completely refine the precious blood.
Seeing Ling Feng return alone, Gu Tengfeng immediately approached and asked, "How is it? Has the Demon-Masked Lord already died?"
"Although we couldn't find the body, given his condition at that time and him falling into such a deep icy river, there's no way he could have survived."
Ling Feng sighed softly. He couldn't believe that the former sect leader of the Wenxian Sect had transformed into the Demon-Masked Lord.
What was more surprising was that Lin Xian'er turned out to be his master's daughter!
However, since she had regarded Lin Canglang as her father since childhood, this blow must have been incredibly devastating for her, and Ling Feng wasn't sure when she would recover.
"Is that so...?" Gu Tengfeng frowned. "Without being able to retrieve the Demon-Masked Lord's head or any proof of identity, it may be difficult to report back to the academy."
"It can’t be helped." Ling Feng shook his head with a bitter smile. "The icy river was too deep and the temperature too low. The currents were swift. After so long, who knows where his body might have been swept to. Besides, there might have been demonic beasts in the icy river that could have devoured his body. Even if we were to dive and search, it would probably be in vain."
"It seems this mission was doomed from the start." Gu Tengfeng sighed inwardly. But when he thought about those unlucky fellows from Zhenlong Academy who had lost their lives, he felt a bit better.
"By the way, what about Miss Xian'er? Has she awakened?" Ling Feng asked in a deep voice.
Gu Tengfeng shook his head. "Not yet. Junior Sister Yun is taking care of her."
"Sigh..." Ling Feng sighed softly. "Take me to see her."
Shortly after, Ling Feng arrived at a very simple farmhouse where Lin Xian'er was lying on a bed, with Yun Yiyi carefully attending at her bedside.
Seeing Ling Feng return, Yun Yiyi quickly made space for him to approach and check on Lin Xian'er.
Sitting by the bedside, Ling Feng examined Lin Xian'er's complexion and was secretly surprised. "This isn't right. With her cultivation and physique, she shouldn't have been unconscious for so long."
Furrowing his brows, he gently lifted the corner of the blanket and checked Lin Xian'er's pulse again. After a moment, Ling Feng's expression became increasingly grave.
Seeing Ling Feng's changing expression, Yun Yiyi couldn't help but ask anxiously, "Junior Brother Ling, what's wrong? Is something wrong with Xian'er?"
Ling Feng placed Lin Xian'er's right hand back and said in a low voice, "I've been careless! I've been too careless!"
"What exactly is going on? Please tell me!" Yun Yiyi was almost frantic with worry.
"I was too focused on Lin Canglang at that time, and I didn't notice that his palm force carried demonic qi. Initially, such a trace amount of demonic qi wouldn't pose a threat to a Pulse Formation Realm martial artist. However, Xian'er was in a state of great sorrow and despair at that time with all her bodily resistances at their weakest, so the demonic qi attacked her heart."
Ling Feng paused, and then continued, "Moreover, that demonic qi seems capable of stirring Xian'er's feelings of sadness and despair. If the demonic qi is not removed, not only will Xian'er remain unconscious , but her life may also be in danger."
"W-What should we do?" Yun Yiyi looked at the unconscious Lin Xian'er, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I can temporarily use a soul-sealing needle to seal Xian'er's soul and spirit, which can extend her life for three days. However, during this time period, we must find a three-legged fire toad to neutralize the demonic qi. But..."
Ling Feng sighed softly. "Where can I find a three-legged fire toad at such short notice?"
Just as Ling Feng felt at a loss, Gu Tengfeng suddenly slapped his thigh excitedly. "Ling Feng, I remember now! It seems that the Xilu Mountains to the south of Beiliang County have sightings of a three-legged fire toad! Moreover, although Beiliang is not a large city, it has a branch of the Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce. We can inquire there; perhaps they have a three-legged fire toad ready!"
Upon hearing this, Ling Feng's brow relaxed slightly. He nodded and said, "Alright, let's split up. I'll go find a three-legged fire toad, and you and Senior Sister Yun head to Beiliang County. Let's meet again in Xuanwu Village in three days!"
"Okay, let's do that." Gu Tengfeng nodded and added, "But shouldn't Junior Sister Yun stay here to take care of Senior Sister Lin?"
"No need. I'll take Xian'er with me. I'll need to administer acupuncture daily, so I can't leave her here. Besides, if we find the three-legged fire toad, I can use it for her immediately."
Ling Feng spoke calmly.
Both Yun Yiyi and Gu Tengfeng nodded. Without further delay, they hurried off towards Beiliang County.
Meanwhile, Ling Feng swiftly used the Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion to seal Lin Xian'er's soul and spirit with a soul-sealing needle. He then brought her into the Five Elements Heavenly Palace and immediately set off for the Xilu Mountains.