Reon's gaze fixed on the five boys, their yellow and blue robes clearly distinguishing them from the usual outer sect attire. The moment their figures appeared on the horizon, a sudden sense of foreboding washed over him.
These weren't ordinary disciples—these individuals were undoubtedly here on a mission of some significance, and that only meant one thing: trouble was looming.
As they neared, Reon rose from the table, motioning for Xu Yang to follow. Without a word, he subtly activated his "Identify" skill on a nearby disciple, ready for any unexpected turn of events.
"Identify"
A soft chime resonated in the air.
[Ding! The "Identify" skill was unable to ascertain the status of the target, resulting in an unfortunate malfunction.]
Reon's brow furrowed.
He glanced at the others, focusing harder, but the result was the same.
He was certain these individuals were far stronger than both Xu Yang and himself, making it clear they were not to be trifled with.
To Reon's surprise, they made no move to attack or even speak immediately.
Instead, they cupped their fists, their expressions formal and distant.
The leader of the group, a tall figure with sharp features and a cold demeanor, stepped forward and spoke in a voice that carried authority.
"Greetings," the boy said, his tone unwavering.
"I am Long Ming, a disciple of the Disciplinary Hall. We are here for someone named Xue Taiyang.
It has been ordered that he remain in the Frost Mountain Cave for three days. Please comply and come with us."
Reon's mind raced.
The Disciplinary Hall.
This was not something to take lightly.
The Disciplinary Hall served as the sect's Ultimate Enforcer, upholding its laws with unwavering authority—delivering judgment even upon the most esteemed disciples who dared to break the rules.
It didn't matter if you were a True Disciple, a Core disciple, a Elder or even a Great Elder's Direct disciple—if you broke the law, you would be subjected to their judgment.
And it seemed that judgment had finally come for Xue Taiyang.
Reon nodded slowly, his mind working swiftly.
They had come for him—not for the person he once was, but for the body he now inhabited.
This was the price he had to pay for living as Xue Taiyang.
Turning to Xu Yang, Reon gave him a reassuring look.
"Xu Yang, train hard. I'll be back in three days."
Xu Yang, though a little hesitant, nodded with a resolute expression.
"Yes, Big Brother."
With that, Long Ming gave a slight gesture, leading the way.
"Please, this way."
.
.
As the group moved toward the Frost Mountain Cave, Reon couldn't help but think of the cave's brutal reputation.
The Frost Mountain Cave was infamous within the sect—a Punishment Site located deep within the icy peaks of the Frost Mountain range.
The cave was shrouded in perpetual frost, the air thick with an icy chill that numbed the body and made even the simplest actions a challenge.
Survival within its walls required more than just strength—it demanded sheer willpower.
The deeper one ventured, the colder and more unforgiving the environment became. Some say that the cave's extreme conditions break even the strongest of cultivators, pushing them to the brink of despair.
Yet those who emerged were invariably stronger, their minds and bodies forged in the unrelenting cold.
Reon's mind wandered to the various sections of the cave, each reserved for disciples based on their rank.
Outer Disciples were sent to the Outer Section, where the cold was harsh but survivable. The bitter temperatures would sap one's energy, forcing them to focus solely on maintaining warmth and clarity. For most, the experience was humbling, but not deadly.
.
In the Inner Section, things took a darker turn. The cold intensified, threatening to drain one's spiritual energy.
Here, even combat skills and mental clarity were tested. Spectral beasts and frost-bound entities stalked the shadows, ever ready to challenge one's abilities.
.
Then came the Core Disciples, who were tested in the most brutal depths of the cave.
The Core Section.
The temperatures in that region were so frigid that they could freeze even the soul. The frost beasts there were far stronger than those in the Inner Region, and only those with true mastery over their cultivation techniques could hope to survive.
.
Finally, at the Heart of the Frost Mountain Cave lay its most feared domain—often called Frozen Hell—a place reserved only for the elites: True Disciples and Elders.
The cold here was beyond anything known to mortals, capable of freezing even the Spiritual Cores of a cultivator if they were not careful.
This place was the stuff of legend—almost no one who was sent here ever returned.
Whispers spoke of Time itself warping within its depth.
Only disciples or elders who betrayed the sect were condemned to this frozen hell, a punishment few could hope to survive.
Yet, there were those who chose to walk this path willingly—Prodigies who sought to temper themselves, to push beyond their limits, and to ascend to even Greater Heights.
For only those with Absolute Mastery over their cultivation could endure this harrowing trial.
But for those who triumphed, the rewards were beyond comprehension.
They did not merely grow stronger—they emerged transformed, wielding a newfound understanding of the Dao and the boundless depths of their own potential.
.
Long Ming's voice pulled Reon back to reality.
"Since you are now an Outer Disciple, we will take you to the Outer Section of the Frost Mountain Cave, as ordered," he said, his tone devoid of emotion.
As they approached the entrance, Reon felt an unsettling chill creep down his spine.
This was just the beginning.
Just then, a notification rang through his mind.