The legendary warrior

"Grace's father, Boris, was of the same clan as mine. Grace's father and I, we were as close as brothers even without the blood relations that has long faded after numerous years," Ricky hummed in acknowledgement, realization dawning upon him and soothing his puzzled expression the more Zenith explained the circumstances.

"So that's why Grace is so 'rude' to me."

"I understand it now," Ricky lightly nodded in affirmation.

"Hurry and get out, explain this to Grace at once! I worry that she'll end up destroying my yard at this rate!" Zenith glared playfully while Ricky stood still.

"Got it, Chief!"

......

The Blizzard Cliff was situated at the west of the Snow Sect. Much like its name, it was the home to freezing cold temperatures of breezes emitted by the countless icebergs residing in its region; a frozen terrain that went on for thousands of miles.

It would have been the same monotonous picture of a barren landscape, if it weren't for the curious difference of a certain solitary cliff that was visible only to eyes observing from a higher summit. Its mass was huge; highlighted by the seemingly fathomless abyss that set it apart from the others.

Icy winds burst through the gaping hole every now and then. It enclosed the precipice in tendrils of wind that pranced around its sphere, triggering the constant shifting of its shape after every passing moment.

Blocks of ice slid off its smooth surface while some materialized in varying areas to carve its new form;

a majestic and magical scene only to be expected from the Blizzard Cliff.

Despite the enchanting image, the infamous place was known for its ruthless nature. The harsh environment was infested with poisonous insects and wild beasts that chased away even warriors who aimed to hone their cultivation base.

No one was safe when placed around the perimeters of the zone. The chasms prevented anyone from escaping its frightening grip. Only demi-immortals were able to flee, given their overwhelming strength and power.

And so, the Blizzard Cliff became a dreaded prison for disciples who had committed the gravest and most unforgivable sins. Their numbers were few; making up only more than ten criminals in all the history of Snow Sect, with no tales of any exiled individual surviving past a little over half a month at most.

It was no wonder that the people who had heard of Zenith's tasked excursion for Ricky deemed it as a mere ploy to kill off the disciple. His expected date of return had been set two months from now; a nightmare only the bravest fools would wholeheartedly accept.

Ricky had not backed down from the challenge. His mind was already set, even as he took in the intimidating sight of the cursed plot with watchful eyes. Finally he arrived at the destination with Zenith.

If you don't, you'll be reduced to food for the carnivorous creatures within ten days,"

tone spoke of seriousness, his hands

it all in

Ricky nodded.

you go down in a second, I hope I'll see you again in two months' time."

inside his bones. The

the wind and gathered his spiritual energy to

ward off the extremities. It was a successful counter plan. However, it did nothing to alleviate the rising danger he

You cannot stay where you are currently for a long time. Heed these

whispered in his subconscious until it eventually vanished with

his head slightly in recognition to the words of the man. He assessed the turf and calculated what he needed to prioritize in his journey.

least three or four days;

he thought.

shards of ice underneath his feet as he made his way to the massive

and nimble in preparation for any incoming threat that may jump on him when he felt the signs of life from a submerged being wriggling beneath the frozen floor. Pure instinct drove him to pull out his

Fizz! Fizz!

on the land in heaps. Lifeless, with their blood gushing out in hefty amounts that dyed

figures

of the Blizzard Cliff, the

muttered

intermediate stage of Skin Refinement, but their poison was to be avoided at all costs.

double-checking to see that they had passed away. The lack of retaliation prompted him to relax his posture in preparation to leave, but the

white raptor rushed to ambush him. Its glare pronounced the thirst of sinking its claws to Ricky's shoulders, hoping that the ambush

a pushover, don't

With emotionless eyes, he activated the Second Degree of Nine-degree Body Refining Formula and leaped high to dodge the foreseen attack.

Flame Strike -

called out.

flames collided with the enormous claws of the white raptor in a resounding boom.

hovering in the sky as it sought out the help of its kin. It had realized that Ricky was more than it could