Chapter Fifty-One: Thousand Veil Mountain

Once every ten years? Yet the Twin-Tailed Scorpion has only given me ten days. Is this some kind of joke? Unless this is precisely the time when the Snow Spirit Flower appears. I turned to Lin Wei Yan and asked, “Is this the period when the Snow Spirit Flower emerges?” She shook her head. “I don’t know, honestly—I’ve only been there once.” “Was the place you went called Thousand Veil Mountain?” I pressed. Lin Wei Yan thought for a moment, then answered, “I can’t recall the name exactly, but I know roughly where it is.” Since she knew the location, things became easier. I decided to have Lin Wei Yan lead the way, preparing to set out for Thousand Veil Mountain. It was deep in the night, so I summoned the Black Flood Dragon to carry us there.

Initially, I considered leaving Xiao Xiao and Little Bell at the hotel, but worried they might not be safe. Feng Zi Mo reassured me, “Don’t worry, even if the Twin-Tailed Scorpion borrowed ten times his courage, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble now.” After thinking it over, I realized he was right. In the end, I left Xiao Xiao and Little Bell at the hotel, and set off with Feng Zi Mo and Lin Wei Yan for Thousand Veil Mountain.

Lin Wei Yan had only been to Thousand Veil Mountain once before, and we nearly lost our way several times. Dawn broke as the three of us stood atop a snowy peak. I shivered all over, my lips turning purple, regretting I hadn’t dressed more warmly. The snow spread in a white blanket before us, with fluttering flakes still drifting in the air. Lin Wei Yan took out a pill and handed it to me.

“Swallow this—it will help ward off the cold.” I didn’t ask questions, simply took the pill and gulped it down. It was surprisingly potent; the chill faded, replaced by a subtle warmth.

Now it was time to search for the Snow Spirit Flower. But where in this vast snowy mountain could it be found? And was the flower even present during this season? We wandered the mountain for a long while before discovering an ice cave. Entering, we found it stretched long and deep, with stones glittering in every hue, growing wider with each step. As we went further, signs appeared that someone had once lived here. Perhaps so much time had passed that only a careful eye could notice.

When we finally emerged from the cave, the snow outside had grown heavier, but our search continued undeterred. I summoned the Black Flood Dragon to help us look. Hours passed as we trekked far across the snowy expanse, but not a single blade of grass—let alone the Snow Spirit Flower—was in sight. We were nearly snowmen ourselves, coated in thick layers of snow. Then, after another stretch, a series of footprints appeared before us in the snow.

They resembled those left by snow leopards, and more than one had passed through. Just as we prepared to follow them, the Black Flood Dragon let out a roaring cry. Suddenly, the sounds of battle echoed ahead. We rushed toward the commotion.

Upon arriving, we found the Black Flood Dragon engaged in fierce combat with a massive black eagle, its body over thirty feet long, talons slashing through the air. The two were evenly matched, with the eagle even gaining the upper hand. If this continued, the Black Flood Dragon would surely be wounded. I called Feng Zi Mo and Lin Wei Yan to help, but realized we couldn’t get close to the fight. The Black Flood Dragon was using its full strength, and despite our attempts to ambush the eagle, its power remained undiminished.

Sparks flew as the eagle locked its claws around the dragon’s body. Then, the eagle spewed a jet of flames directly at the dragon’s head. I couldn’t wait any longer. Remembering that the reverse side of the Universe Mirror commanded wind, I unleashed a fierce gust, diverting the eagle’s flames away from the dragon.

The eagle, seeing its attack fail, turned its gaze toward me, letting out a furious roar. Releasing the Black Flood Dragon, it soared straight at me. Alarmed, I spun and fled.

Just then, Lin Wei Yan and Feng Zi Mo launched themselves into the fray. Lin Wei Yan wielded the Scarlet Dawn Sword, summoning countless sword energies from the heavens. Feng Zi Mo, with his Skyward Halberd, shot toward the eagle like a piercing arrow. Despite their ferocity, the eagle remained unharmed.

As I ran, I released bolts of lightning, but our attacks did little. Soon, the eagle caught up with me, swatting me aside with a powerful wing. As I struggled to rise, the eagle transformed into human form, pointing at me.

“Who are you, trespassing on Thousand Veil Mountain?” Before me stood a man with two wings, reminiscent of the Thunder God.

“And who are you?” I replied. “I am the guardian spirit of Thousand Veil Mountain,” he declared.

I stared at him in confusion. “I am here to find the Snow Spirit Flower,” I said.

Hearing this, the man suddenly laughed. “Why do you laugh?” I asked.

“Leave at once—there is no Snow Spirit Flower here,” he replied.

“No? How is that possible?” I protested.

Clearly annoyed, he cast me a disdainful look. “I said there isn’t one. If you don’t leave now, don’t blame me for what comes next.”

“I won’t leave without the Snow Spirit Flower,” I insisted.

He snorted coldly. “You must have a death wish.”

With that, he prepared to strike.

“Wait…” I said.

“Have you changed your mind?” he asked, a faint smile on his lips.

I shook my head. “Are you sure you wish to make me your enemy?” As I spoke, my eyes flashed crimson.

The man froze, uncertain of what to say, then after a long pause, whispered, “It’s you?”

I did not respond, watching his expression closely.

He sighed. “Since it’s you, I’ll grant you this favor. The Snow Spirit Flower grows not far from here by the broken cliff. Go and take it if you wish.”

With that, he turned and left without looking back.

My body suddenly went weak, nearly collapsing. It must have been the Scarlet Demon Eyes controlling me, which spared us from further trouble.

Lin Wei Yan supported me. “Are you alright, Brother Chu Yun?”

“I’m fine. Let’s hurry and fetch the Snow Spirit Flower,” I said.

So we headed toward the spot the guardian had mentioned. After about ten minutes, we stood before a stone stele. Beyond it stretched an endless precipice, and the Snow Spirit Flower grew upon the sheer cliff face.

Gazing at the ethereal blue blossom, I wondered how it could thrive in such a perilous place. One misstep and we’d be dashed to pieces.

But for Feng Zi Mo and the others, this posed little difficulty.

“Brother Feng, do you think you can pick it?” I asked.

Feng Zi Mo grinned. “No problem—leave it to me, and all will be well.” He stepped forward to act, but just then—

The cliff beneath our feet suddenly began to break apart.