Days passed, then weeks, then months.
Inside the Alchemy Hall of Zhen Wu Continent, everything was quiet except for the low sound of fire furnaces and footsteps of healers moving carefully around.
Mike lay on a silver bed surrounded by healing light. His breathing was weak but steady. Around him, the best alchemists of the continent worked nonstop mixing potions, burning herbs, and adjusting spiritual flames to keep him alive.
Near his bed, Jing Xu, Mo Liang, and Han Rui stood talking in low voices.
It's already been three months, Jing Xu said softly. He's still asleep.
Mo Liang looked at the chief alchemist. Yao Sheng, tell me, how is he doing?
Yao Sheng bowed. He's stable, but very weak. His body was destroyed in that fight, and even though his soul survived, it's exhausted. It might take a year or more before he wakes up.
Mo Liang's eyes turned serious. Take as long as you need but I want good news when the time comes.
Jing Xu nodded quietly. I'll go get some air, she said, leaving the room.
Outside, the hallway opened to a balcony overlooking green mountains and a calm, windy sky. Jing Xu leaned on the railing and took a deep breath.
This view never changes, she said softly. Right, Jian Dao?
A quiet laugh came from behind her. Jian Dao stepped out from the shadows.
You still notice beauty even in times like this, he said. You haven't changed either.
Jing Xu smiled. And you still appear out of nowhere.
They both laughed lightly, and then Jing Xu asked,
So, is he your disciple?
Jian Dao looked thoughtful.
He's special. Strong, but not just in power. His spirit doesn't break easily.
Jing Xu nodded. I've seen that.
Jian dao says another old friend is also here, can't you see him.
At this moment, a soft voice spoke behind them.
It's been a long time, Jing Xu.
They turned and saw Huo Chuntian, glowing faintly in soul form, his hands behind his back.
Jing Xu was surprised. You're in soul form?
Huo Chuntian smiled. For now. I'm looking for a body that suits me. Do you have one, Jing Xu?
Jing Xu frowned slightly. Maybe one… but the materials needed for it are still missing.
Jian Dao raised a hand. Let's talk about that later.
Months passed again.
Finally, after a full year, something changed.
A small light began glowing in Mike's body. The healing formation around him flickered. Then his eyes opened, faintly glowing before settling back to normal.
The alchemists gasped.
He's awake! one shouted.
Jing Xu and Jian Dao rushed into the room.
Finally… jing Xu whispered. He's still alive after everything.
The elders gathered around. One of them, han Rui, said quietly,
His soul survived what no man should. This boy… will shake the heavens one day.
That night, under the cold moonlight, far from the Hall, a dark fog drifted across the mountains and into an old black palace. Inside, three corpses lay cold and still.
From the red mist stepped a man with a long braided beard and armor marked with demonic symbols. His face was scarred; his eyes burned like fire.
He looked at the bodies and growled,
So… they killed my men?
A young soldier near him trembled. Y-Yes, my lord. We failed to stop them.
The man's fists clenched, and the air cracked around him.
Mike Yeagor… he hissed. That boy thinks he can escape me? Let's see.
He turned toward the horizon.
Gather every strong fighter we have. We'll strike together.
Back in the Alchemy Hall, the air shimmered softly with the scent of herbs and healing flames.
Mo Liang stood near Mike's bed, his face calm but serious.
Mike, he said quietly, can we talk?
Mike looked surprised. What happened, Mr. Mo?
Mo Liang gave a faint smile. Nothing serious. But someone has called for you.
Mike glanced toward Jian Dao. His master nodded slightly, giving silent permission to go.
Inside the Soundproof Chamber
The scene shifted to another hall sealed with a soundproof barrier, where Jing Xu, Jian Dao, and Huo Chuntian sat together.
Jing Xu folded her hands. Jian Dao… can you tell me about Mike's background?
Jian Dao took a deep breath. If you really wish to know, then listen carefully.
His full name is Mike Yeagor, son of Eldon Yeagor. Our old friend Eldon isn't dead, but captured by an unknown group. I suspect the Red Mist Cloud Nation is behind it. During our journey here, three men attacked us likely their agents but they said we are those three who captured Eldon.
Jing Xu's eyes widened. What? I thought Eldon was killed years ago!
Huo Chuntian's voice grew deep. I believed the same, but the truth is different. Eldon lived quietly with his son in the Qing Yuan Continent. Then, one day, three strange weaklings appeared and captured him
Jing Xu frowned. You called them weaklings. Why?
Jian Dao sighed. Because when we kill them their energy and power was not higher than me. I have once told Mike that he'd learn the truth about his father one day… but even I don't know what truly happened.
Huo Chuntian added, Maybe it started after his wife died. He and his son went into hiding. Perhaps he used his power for something else… something forbidden.
Enough theories, Jing Xu interrupted sharply. What matters is protecting Mike. I won't let anyone harm that boy again.
Huo Chuntian suddenly turned his gaze toward the door. He's coming.
Jian Dao whispered, By the way, who exactly called him?
Jing Xu said, I believe it's the High Officials. His fight destroyed arena world that's why they want to question him personally.
Mike walking slowly and deep in thoughts.
Jian dao says Mike are you ok, what happened, why they summonned you.
Mike says because of my technique and explained:
Mike entered the vast icy chamber beside Mo Liang. Frost shimmered along the walls, and his breath turned white in the air.
Mr. Mo, Mike said, rubbing his arms, this place is freezing. Why did you bring me here?
Before he could get an answer, three men stood ahead each radiating terrifying power. The air around them was heavy enough to make the floor crack.
One of them stepped forward, his tone calm but cutting.
Feeling cold, boy? I thought someone who used the Frostgrave Doomsway would be used to it.
Mike's eyes narrowed. So that's why they called me.
He remembered his master's warning never reveal that technique publicly.
He straightened up and said firmly, Senior, you must be from Ice Valley. Do you think I stole that technique?
The man chuckled softly. Smart boy. But intelligence doesn't give you power. This technique is forbidden in Ice Valley. Only our core disciples can learn it. Others can only steal it. So tell me who gave it to you?
Mike paused for a few seconds, then said calmly, I earned it.
They shocked to hear this. Even the frost on the pillars seemed to freeze mid-air.
I fought a half-human, half-beast creature, Mike continued, inside an old cave. I found this technique there and learned it myself.
Mo Liang frowned. Where was that beast?
Mike replied, that place is nothing now. Just a wasteland.
The leading man studied him carefully, then said, very well. If you're willing to become one of us, I won't seal this power. But if not… I will seal it myself.
Mike crossed his arms. Then do it.
The man's eyebrows lifted slightly. Brave, aren't you?
He nodded to his companions. Begin.
He formed several hand signs, muttering an ancient chant. A glowing mark appeared and pressed onto Mike's forehead. A heavy force wrapped around his soul like invisible chains. Mike felt trapped, breathless, until the energy slowly faded away.
The man spoke coldly, from now on, you cannot use this technique or any ice form of your flame. If you break this seal forcefully, Ice Valley will hunt you to the ends of the world.
Back to the Present
When Mike finished recounting everything, Jian Dao's fist tightening. His eyes blazed with fury.
You Ice Valley bastards… I'll kill every last one of you!
Mike placed a hand on his master's arm. Master, it's fine. Maybe it's good to have one less danger hanging over me.
Jian Dao exhaled heavily. But Mike, without your ice flame and technique, you've lost a great advantage. Before, you could fight a nine-Star Dou Wang. Now… even an initial Wang Zhe or strong Zong Shi will be a challenge.
Mike smiled faintly. That's okay. I'll find another way.
Huo Chuntian spoke calmly, Don't worry, Jian Dao. He'll grow stronger than any of us ever imagined.
Jing Xu nodded. Alright, everyone. Let's end this for today. Now it's time to go back now.