"Da Bing is in danger if he returns?
Why would that be?"
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but feel concerned upon hearing Bai Shuang’s words.
"He just will be in danger if he goes back. Back then, Mother barely managed to send the two of us siblings out. Her wish was for us to stay in the outside world and live some peaceful days. I never thought he would now choose to return."
Bai Shuang sighed as she replied.
"What is the exact reason for that?
Can I know?"
Ye Yunfei had originally thought that Da Bing's return to the world of the Ice Demons should be very beneficial for his development.
Because the world inhabited by the Ice Demons must contain energy and laws particularly suitable for their race, along with many inherited cultivation techniques exclusive to the Ice Demons.
Thus, Ye Yunfei had been quite pleased for Da Bing's eventual return to his ancestral world. But now, listening to Bai Shuang, it seemed things were not as he had assumed.
"What exactly is your relationship with him?"
Bai Shuang’s gaze suddenly turned toward Ye Yunfei as she asked with a grave expression, appearing somewhat guarded against Ye Yunfei's identity.
"Judging by her expression, she is likely afraid you harbor ill intentions toward Da Bing."
Hun Lao transmitted his voice to Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei thought for a moment, then retrieved a communication jade slip and handed it to Bai Shuang. Puzzled briefly, Bai Shuang accepted the slip.
"This is a jade slip he refined himself."
Upon taking the slip, Bai Shuang focused her senses on it, and a look of pleasant surprise appeared on her face.
"There’s also a trace of Da Bing's soul imprint within the jade slip."
Ye Yunfei stated.
"Yes, I can sense it."
Bai Shuang nodded. Generally, communication artifacts refined by a being carried their own soul imprint and were not given away casually; they would only be presented to those with whom one shared a close relationship and wished to maintain long-term contact.
"It seems you really are friends with him."
Bai Shuang returned the jade slip to Ye Yunfei, her gaze softening considerably.
"Da Bing and I are indeed friends. You need not doubt that.
The primary reason I intervened to rescue you few thousand Snow Maidens from the Ice-Snow World Cluster was because I discovered the bloodline aura within your body is extremely similar to Da Bing's. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten involved in the affairs of the Ice-Snow World Cluster. I acted entirely for Da Bing's sake."
Ye Yunfei added.
"So that's how it is."
Only then did Bai Shuang understand why Ye Yunfei had risked himself to rescue their few thousand Snow Maidens from the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
"It seems your friendship with my brother must be quite solid."
Bai Shuang said softly.
"Brother? You're saying Da Bing is your brother?"
Hearing Bai Shuang's words, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but be taken aback.
"Yes, he is my blood-related older brother."
Bai Shuang pointed at the figure of Da Bing that Ye Yunfei had simulated moments ago.
"However, my brother's name isn't Da Bing. His name is Bai Li."
Bai Shuang continued.
"Bai Li... so Da Bing's real name is Bai Li."
Ye Yunfei only learned Da Bing's true name now.
"Then, as you just said, Da Bing would be in danger if he returns. What exactly is the reason?"
Ye Yunfei asked again.
"Thank you for your concern for my brother."
Bai Shuang said gratefully.
She could tell that Ye Yunfei genuinely cared about her brother.
"Once my brother returns to the Ice Demon Realm, he will be drawn into a terrifying vortex of power struggle, with no choice of his own, because my brother is one of the Ice Demon Race's Ice Princes.
Our Ice Demon Race has a total of fifteen Ice Princes. The Ice Princes are candidates for the next Ice Emperor.
However, out of the fifteen Ice Princes, only one can become the next Ice Emperor. Therefore, they must endure an extremely cruel succession war.
Back then, Mother sent my brother out of the Ice Demon Realm and placed him in the outside world, hoping precisely that my brother could stay far away from this power struggle.
Because the struggle for the throne is too cruel and merciless. The slightest misstep leads to utter destruction, reduced to ashes.
Mother worried that my brother would fail in that throne competition and end up with a tragic fate.
That is why my brother spent all these years outside. But now he has gone back. Once he returns to the Ice Demon Realm, he will be forced into it, drawn once more into the succession war.
Even among the fifteen Ice Princes back then, my brother already had the weakest backing. Having been in the outside world all these years, he never had the chance to develop his influence within the race. So, for him to return now and participate in the succession struggle would place him in an even more disadvantageous position."
Bai Shuang sighed as she spoke these words, her brow tightly furrowed, appearing deeply worried.
"But back then, I personally watched several powerful members of your Ice Demon Race come to take Da Bing back. Couldn't those powerful beings be supporters of Da Bing?"
Recalling the scene of Da Bing's departure, Ye Yunfei spoke.
"Those were most likely Guardian Envoys of our Ice Demon Realm. Guardian Envoys protect all Ice Princes. But once back in the Ice Demon Realm, my brother has to face all troubles on his own.
No, I need to hurry back. I cannot let my brother face the cruel succession struggle alone!"
It seemed Bai Shuang had made a decision, her tone resolute.
"However, before returning, I would still like to go back to the Ice-Snow World Cluster to take a look. I don't know what state the Snow Human Race is in now, or if the Ice Ancestor is still alive."
Bai Shuang added.
"The Ice-Snow World Cluster has now been occupied by the Demon Race. With your strength, returning there is very dangerous.
Even if the Snow Human Race hasn't been completely wiped out, their situation is surely hopeless now. Your going back would be of little use."
Ye Yunfei shook his head.
"I want to go into closed-door cultivation for one day's time."
After thinking, Bai Shuang said.
"Alright."
Ye Yunfei found it a bit strange. He didn't understand why Bai Shuang would choose to cultivate in seclusion at such a time, especially for just one day—such a short period wouldn't allow any meaningful improvement.
Nevertheless, he nodded. He then brought Bai Shuang to a relatively secluded spot within the Phantom Tower, laid down some formations to create a small enclosed space, and let her enter for her seclusion.
The space inside the Phantom Tower was vast. Even if it couldn't compare to a Small World, it was at least equivalent to hundreds of cities clustered together, capable of holding many people.
Roughly a day later...
*Boom!*...
Ye Yunfei suddenly sensed a powerful surge of ice-snow energy erupting from where Bai Shuang was in seclusion.
"How is this possible?
How did her strength improve so much in just one day?"
Ye Yunfei was puzzled.
Ye Yunfei discovered that Bai Shuang now possessed the power of a Peak Heavenly Immortal!
Not long ago, she had merely been a Golden Immortal!
"According to my speculation, it's very likely a considerable amount of powerful energy was latent within her body, simply concealed before. It's only being released now."
Hun Lao theorized.
"That's possible."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
At this moment, Bai Shuang emerged from the small formation space of her seclusion.
"I previously sealed a portion of the energy within my body, hiding my presence among the Snow Human Race.
Now that I've decided to go back and help my brother, there's no need to continue concealing my true strength."
Seeing Ye Yunfei's confused expression, Bai Shuang took the initiative to explain.
"I see."
Ye Yunfei nodded. It indeed matched Hun Lao's guess.
"My current plan is to first return to the Ice-Snow World Cluster for a look, then head back to the Ice Demon Realm."
Bai Shuang said to Ye Yunfei.
"What about them?
Carrying these few thousand Snow Maidens with me is very inconvenient."
Ye Yunfei pointed in the direction where the Snow Maidens were gathered as he asked.
"I will settle them. Don't worry."
Bai Shuang replied.
"Actually, back in the Ice-Snow World Cluster, even if I hadn't intervened to rescue you few thousand Snow Maidens, you probably would have sought an opportunity to try and escape with them yourself.
Am I right?"
Ye Yunfei suddenly asked with a smile.
"Yes, Young Master. If you hadn't rescued us before, I definitely would have found a suitable opportunity to restore my true strength, then attempted to lead them out of the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
However, there were two Demigod experts of the Demon Race and a large number of Heavenly Immortals in the Ice-Snow World Cluster. So, I wasn't very confident.
Fortunately, I met you, Young Master, who intervened and rescued all of us."
Bai Shuang nodded.
"How about this, I'll accompany you back to the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
Even with your current strength, going back there is still a bit insufficient.
The slightest lapse could easily lead to discovery."
Ye Yunfei said.
"Young Master, you already took a great risk rescuing us. How could I let you accompany me back?"
Bai Shuang said.
"Rest easy. Even if we encounter those two Demon Race Demigods again, I am confident I can bring you out safely and sound.
Moreover, as long as we keep a low profile, those two Demon Race Demigods may not be able to detect us."
Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
As for the Demon Race's Heavenly Immortals, they weren't even worth considering for Ye Yunfei.
"Young Master, this is too troublesome for you.
I should just go back myself."
Bai Shuang insisted.
"What if something happens to you while going back alone? How would I explain that to Da Bing?
Alright, let's go. We'll return to the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
I believe the Demon Race forces are currently hunting me everywhere. They wouldn't expect me to dare return to the Ice-Snow World Cluster at this time.
So, going back now might actually be comparatively safer."
Ye Yunfei argued.
"Alright then. Sorry to trouble you, Young Master."
Bai Shuang had no choice but to nod, her tone full of gratitude.
Ye Yunfei exited the Phantom Tower, employed secret arts to once again alter his appearance and Soul Body's aura, transforming into another ordinary-looking young man. He then activated a Spatial Teleportation Token and transmitted toward the direction of the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
Shortly after, Ye Yunfei once again stood before the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
"The defenses are indeed extremely tight."
With a glance, Ye Yunfei discovered that the surroundings of the Ice-Snow World Cluster were filled with patrols of the Demon Race. Occasionally, powerful threads of Soul Power energy would also sweep out from within, conducting detailed perceptions of the surrounding void.
Moreover, the necessary access points leading in and out of the Ice-Snow World Cluster all had high-level Demon Race experts personally inspecting every being.
"Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, please lead us in."
Ye Yunfei thought for a moment before speaking to the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm.
"A simple task.
Defenses of this level are practically non-existent to me."
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm appeared on Ye Yunfei's shoulder, stating confidently.
Ye Yunfei then entered the Phantom Tower. The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm took the tower and transformed into a streak of golden light that vanished into the void.
A moment later, at a certain location within the Ice-Snow World Cluster, light flashed as the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm appeared.
Ye Yunfei then emerged from the Phantom Tower, while Bai Shuang remained inside.
This was because she cultivated ice-snow energy and laws, making her easy for the Demon Race to recognize. However, from within the Phantom Tower, she could still sense the space outside.
Ye Yunfei wandered around the Ice-Snow World Cluster, inquiring about news everywhere.
Although the Ice-Snow World Cluster was heavily guarded by the Demon Race, entry and exit weren't restricted; beings from outside were allowed in. Due to Ye Yunfei employing high-level secret arts to alter his appearance and Soul Body aura, none of the demons recognized him.
Not long after, Ye Yunfei gathered some news. The Ice Ancestor of the Ice-Snow World Cluster had already been killed by the two Demigod experts of the Demon Race, working together.
The ancestral stronghold of the Snow Human Race had been breached. Roughly half of the Snow Human Race had been taken prisoner by the Demon Race, while most of the other half had perished during the Demon Race's invasion.
A small portion of the Snow Human Race had managed to escape, and the Demon Race was currently hunting those escapees everywhere.
Ye Yunfei also learned that during this period, apart from the Ice-Snow World Cluster, several other world clusters had also been invaded by the Demon Race. Their outcomes were almost equally tragic.
"So the Ice Ancestor has fallen... One day, I will seek revenge against the Demon Race!"
Upon hearing this news, Bai Shuang was both deeply saddened and furious, her words clenched in bitterness.
"Recently, the major powers of the Chaotic Void Sea have suddenly launched invasions everywhere, occupying many world clusters and slaughtering countless innocent beings. What exactly is going on?
Are these major powers merely expanding their territories?"
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but frown.
"It’s none of your concern.
This is a matter involving the entire Chaotic Void Sea. Given your current strength, it's not something you should manage."
Hun Lao transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
"Yes, there's no need for me to get involved. I'm just a bit curious."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Miss Bai Shuang, we've learned about the Snow Human Race's situation. Your Ancestor has fallen. There's nothing more for you here. Let us leave this place for now."
Ye Yunfei said to Bai Shuang.
"Alright."
Though Bai Shuang dearly wished to rescue those Snow Human Race members who had already fallen into the Demon Race's hands, she also understood it was impossible with her current strength. She could only nod helplessly.
"Good, let's get out now."
Ye Yunfei said.
At this moment, Ye Yunfei was within one of the worlds comprising the Ice-Snow World Cluster.
"What are they doing?"
Just then, Ye Yunfei suddenly saw countless beings, like a tidal wave, converging from all directions toward a temple, entering it to gather and perform acts of worship.
Moreover, due to the sheer number of worshiping beings, within moments, the area surrounding the temple for a radius of ten miles was packed with reverent beings.
All were kneeling on the ground, placing sumptuous offerings before them, holding incense sticks in their hands, appearing extremely devout.
"Whom are they worshiping?"
Driven by curiosity, Ye Yunfei extended a thread of his Soul Power perception into the temple. He discovered that the figure enshrined inside was actually a fierce, menacing statue of a member of the Demon Race, emanating thick, rolling demonic aura.
"Why are they worshiping the Demon Race?"
Ye Yunfei was somewhat perplexed, because all the worshiping beings weren't from the Demon Race, but belonged to other races, and were likely all native beings of this world.