Chapter 068: The Snowland Fairy

Jianrong collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted, her appearance in disarray: clothes tattered, hair in dishevelment, terror clouding her eyes as she trembled in fear.

“Senior Sister, are you alright?” Bai Yu rushed to lift Jianrong into his arms, channeling his inner energy to steady her breath and soothe her meridians.

Jiu Cang approached, offering Jianrong a pill. After taking it and regulating her breathing, she quickly regained her strength. “Thank you, Honored Master!”

“You should thank Lord Qiangui—it was his idea that saved you!” Jiu Cang replied.

Jianrong turned to Qiangui, bowing deeply, her voice gentle and humble. “Thank you, Honored Master, for saving my life!”

“Rise,” Qiangui replied with a serene smile. “This Ice Needle is an ancient divine artifact, and naturally has quite a temper, but it would not take your life. In the future, remember to treat such artifacts with proper reverence—do not speak recklessly in their presence!”

Jianrong nodded, aggrieved. “My words may have been impassioned, but there was no disrespect in my heart. I never insulted the artifact, so why did it target me?”

Qiangui only smiled in silence. Jiu Cang glanced at Xue Ze, who stood frozen nearby, and remarked with a sigh, “Perhaps you offended its master instead.”

At this, Jianrong’s expression, like those of the others, was one of utter astonishment and private speculation.

“This artifact was newly revealed—how could it already have a master? I was only instructing my junior sister—how could that be the reason...”

Qiangui smiled and thought to himself: In the end, you simply do not wish to believe that Xue Ze is its master!

“Artifacts choose their masters by fate and merit. Since it appeared here, only its true master can claim it. If you have doubts, you may witness it for yourself,” Jiu Cang said, scrutinizing Xue Ze with open approval.

Jianrong hesitated, but Bai Yu urged, “Senior Sister, your clothes are torn, your hair undone—come back with me.”

“No, I must see for myself who this artifact will choose. Perhaps—” Jianrong gazed at the Ice Needle with longing. In her heart she thought: You are so wondrous, so noble, and connected to the Celestial Maiden’s staff. Surely only I am worthy of you! Of all those present, I alone match your grandeur.

Jiu Cang looked to Qiangui, pondering, and asked, “Do you believe the master of this artifact is the one who opened the Hall of Artifacts?”

Xue Ze started, terror overwhelming her so she could barely stand. Lan Shui caught her, offering support.

“Don’t be afraid.”

“Senior Brother...” Xue Ze glanced at Lan Shui and lowered her head in remorse.

“It’s alright. I’m here,” Lan Shui said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and gripping his sword with the other, casting her reassuring looks.

“Junior Sister,” Ji Lin sidled up to Xue Ze and whispered, “I suspect it might be you, too!”

“Senior Brother, don’t say that—I could never be so fortunate!”

Ji Lin wanted to say more, but Lan Shui’s glance silenced him and he could only stand aside.

“Qiangui, why are you silent?” someone asked.

“I know you suspect my disciple. She could open the Hall of Artifacts at will, so it’s highly probable. But every matter is unpredictable; there are many possibilities—only practice will reveal the truth.”

“So you mean, let everyone try, and whoever can control it is its master?”

Qiangui nodded with a cool smile. “That is the only way to convince everyone.”

“Very well. You all heard him—who will go first?” Jiu Cang asked. The disciples grew restless, each hoping to become the artifact’s master, yet none dared act rashly after witnessing Jianrong’s ordeal.

Ji Lin chuckled and whispered to Lan Shui, “Senior Brother, isn’t Master doing this on purpose? He knows how it will end, yet puts on this show—is he doing it to vent Junior Sister’s anger?”

“Not just that—it’s also to make someone lose face.”

“Lose face?” Ji Lin was startled, then stifled a laugh. “Ha! I want to see what happens to Jianrong now!”

The disciples below varied in expression, but none dared step forward. Some felt no desire for the artifact, some knew they lacked the right constitution, and some simply lacked courage.

After all, Jianrong was the senior-most among them, her power and spiritual roots exceeding all others—yet even she had been bested by the artifact. The others could only yearn, but none dared act.

Ji Lin stepped forward, grinning mischievously. “Since everyone is so modest, allow me to try first! I’ve long heard of this artifact’s might. If it favors my humble self, that would be a blessing! After all, being first might leave a good impression—purity above all, and then—”

“Wait!” Before Ji Lin could finish, Jianrong pushed Bai Yu aside and stood up.

“Senior Sister, do you disagree with me?” Ji Lin shot her a sideways glance, a smirk playing at his lips.

“No, I believe you are right. The artifact now stands still, like a newborn. The first to approach it may indeed be favored—perhaps even more so. However—”

“However what?”

“However...” Jianrong smiled at Ji Lin, then strode forward and boldly took her place before the artifact. “You all saw how closely the Ice Needle followed me just now. Surely it has chosen me alone, and was simply mischievous in testing me. The first to try should, of course, be me!”

“Senior Sister, are you sure? If you fail again, won’t it be even more embarrassing?” Ji Lin feigned a step forward.

Jianrong shot him a sharp look. “Do you not know to respect your elders? If I succeed, there’s no need for your envy; if not, then as senior sister I’m simply testing the waters for you. You needn’t compete with me!”

Ji Lin wanted to retort but was stopped by Qiangui.

“Ji Lin, let your senior sister have her turn.”

Jianrong smiled with satisfaction, cast a spell toward the Ice Needle, but nothing happened. So she resolutely reached out and grasped it.

A faint light shone—she had truly taken hold of the Ice Needle, cradling it in her hands. All around were astonished, except Bai Yu, who felt genuine joy for her.

“I have it!” Jianrong exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement. Over and over in her heart she thought: I am truly the chosen one! Such a divine artifact has recognized me—am I to be the next Celestial Maiden?

Jiu Cang looked at her, both astonished and doubtful.

Qiangui stroked his beard and smiled. “Perhaps so. It’s been thousands of years since the Ice Needle appeared—perhaps its tastes have changed.”

As the crowd discussed, the Ice Needle suddenly erupted in blinding light, cold and dazzling. Jianrong shielded her eyes with one hand, gripping the artifact tightly with the other, unwilling to let go. But the Ice Needle’s power surged, irresistibly flinging her from the Hall of Lords. The biting chill dissipated instantly; Jianrong crashed to the ground outside and lost consciousness.

The light around the Ice Needle grew ever brighter, its glow enveloping the entire Heavenly Mountain, whipping up eddies of icy wind that set everyone’s hair streaming.

Suddenly, the Ice Needle drew in all its light and the wind ceased—the surroundings grew tranquil once more. Jianrong awoke, lying in Bai Yu’s arms, watching as the Ice Needle drifted gently.

That slender, exquisite silver needle, delicate as an ice flake, floated with the magic array, settling like a feather upon Xue Ze’s shoulder.

Witnessing this, Jianrong’s expression twisted with shock, jealousy, and rage, until she coughed up blood and collapsed, weak, in Bai Yu’s embrace.

Jiu Cang laughed. “Ha! So it is Xue Ze who is the chosen one!”

“Speak not in jest,” Qiangui replied, approaching Xue Ze. “It is only that the artifact suits her. The chosen one is the Celestial Maiden—I hope that is not your fate.”

These last words, Qiangui spoke so softly that only Xue Ze and those beside her could hear.

Xue Ze stared blankly at Qiangui, then at her two senior brothers, before finally letting her gaze fall upon the Ice Needle resting quietly on her shoulder.

The needle lay there in silence, as if awaiting its master’s command. Beautiful and docile, it nonetheless left Xue Ze at a loss.

The entire needle was silver-white and lustrous, with only a few simple carvings and patterns—upon closer inspection, it was adorned with the image of a snow lotus. At rest, it was but three inches long and as thin as a flower’s stem, yet its power and aura were formidable.

“Master!”

Qiangui smiled warmly, his usual flippancy gone. “Xue Ze, you chose to move forward, and the Ice Needle chose you. You are well-matched—accept it.”

Xue Ze hesitated, slowly stretching out her hand, her movements unsure and tinged with fear.

Qiangui placed his hand beneath hers, channeling a gentle spell that awakened the Ice Needle. Instantly, the needle leapt into Xue Ze’s palm like a child, spun around, and then vanished without a trace.

“What—?”

“Don’t worry—it’s in your hand,” Qiangui said gently. “I will teach you how to control it. You may summon and dismiss it at will; there are no restrictions. For now, you lack familiarity, so calling it may take time. With practice, your speed and power will only improve.”

Xue Ze nodded, feeling her palm—opening and closing her hand. All was as usual, except for a new coolness and the surge of powerful magic.

Jiu Cang approached with a broad smile. “Ha! Xue Ze, this artifact is truly destined for you!”

Xue Ze looked to Jiu Cang with embarrassment. “Forgive me, Master—I acted impulsively.”

“No matter. The artifact’s choosing is momentous—a cause for celebration. What happened just now is forgotten. You opened the Hall of Artifacts and now command its chief treasure—this can only be a blessing for Heavenly Mountain. We have waited so long for a fated one!”

“Jiu Cang, Xue Ze is only suited to the Ice Needle. Don’t get any strange ideas—she is not the one you’ve been waiting for!” Qiangui said pointedly.

Jiu Cang laughed, clapping Qiangui on the shoulder. “Old friend, don’t be angry—I’m not here to steal your disciple. As you said, she and the Ice Needle are fated. The Ice Needle comes from the Ice Staff—there is a greater destiny at work, beyond our say.”

“Indeed, it is not for us to decide. But my disciple is mine to guide! Now that all is settled, let us return.”

“Wait!” Jiu Cang seized Qiangui’s arm with a grin. “You forget I am still the presiding official here—I have yet to close the matter!”

Qiangui huffed. “And what do you intend?”

Jiu Cang turned to the assembled disciples and spoke solemnly. “Today, Xue Ze has become the master of the divine artifact. We must offer her our congratulations.”

The disciples all bowed, voices united. “Congratulations to Xue Ze for obtaining this supreme treasure!”

“Xue Ze, hear my words: in light of your wisdom, virtue, and now the favor of the artifact, I hereby bestow upon you the title of Celestial Lady of the Snow Domain. You shall oversee the Snow Domain and command the Four Palaces. The artifact’s choice is ours as well; may you fulfill your duty and live up to our expectations—shouldering the task of guarding Heavenly Mountain!”

Startled, Xue Ze immediately knelt and bowed. “I accept your command with gratitude. Thank you, Master!”