Chapter 84: Departure to the Frozen Wasteland


    A fourth-tier expert!


    The group was stunned. Seeing such a powerful figure blocking their path, no one dared to make a sound. They had no idea what this expert wanted.


    The five strongest members of the team stepped forward, shielding the rest of the group.


    Chuck, the leader, steadied himself and forced a smile. "Esteemed elder, is there something we can assist you with?"


    The black-robed old man remained silent but slowly moved to the side of the road, clearing the path.


    The five experts relaxed their clenched fists, visibly relieved.


    If the old man had decided to cause trouble, the five of them might have stood a chance against him, but it would have undoubtedly led to a deadly battle. Although they didn''t know why the old man had stopped them, it was better to avoid unnecessary conflict.


    Chuck exhaled in relief and clasped his hands in gratitude. "Thank you for letting us pass."


    With that, he led the group forward, though he remained on high alert.


    As the group passed the old man one by one, everyone''s nerves gradually eased. However, the old man''s sharp eyes scanned each person intently.


    Han Ming, positioned at the rear of the group, felt the old man''s gaze fall on him as he approached. His nerves tightened, and cold sweat dripped down his back. He silently prayed that the old man wouldn''t recognize him. At that moment, the ring on his finger—the Ring of Dwelling—emitted a soft, imperceptible light that seeped into his body, completely altering his aura.


    Han Ming''s heart skipped a beat as a warm sensation flowed through him. *Katarina... she''s been watching over me all along.* He realized that Katarina had intervened at this critical moment to help him.


    The old man watched Han Ming pass by without saying a word, though his eyes lingered with a hint of suspicion.


    Once the group had moved a safe distance away, the old man''s eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light. He then vanished into the forest.


    Han Ming knew that the old man had likely noticed him earlier, but the sudden change in his aura had caused hesitation. However, Han Ming was certain that the old man wouldn''t let the matter rest. He might strike at any moment. Han Ming cursed himself for forgetting about the old man. He should have changed his appearance immediately after leaving the auction house.


    Rubbing his temples, Han Ming realized that the journey ahead would be anything but easy. Having a super expert constantly watching him was not a comforting thought.


    "Han Er, that old man stared at you for quite a while," one of the group members remarked curiously.


    Han Ming forced a casual smile. "Maybe it''s because I''m a mage." He then quickened his pace, moving to the middle of the group to avoid further conversation.


    The man watched Han Ming''s retreating figure with envy. "Mages really have it good. They''re always treated with respect."


    Chuck glanced back at Han Ming but said nothing.


    As the group ventured deeper into the wilderness forest, they drew closer to the core region. Along the way, the number of magical beasts they encountered increased steadily.


    The task of slaying these beasts fell entirely to the five experts, who distributed the obtained cores among the group.


    Chuck played the role of the benevolent leader to perfection, frequently checking on the weaker members and boosting their morale. He assured everyone that as long as they stuck together, they would all reap the rewards.


    His words had a significant impact. The dreamers in the group were inspired, vowing their loyalty. Chuck simply smiled, emphasizing equality and promising that no one would die in vain.


    Han Ming observed all of this coldly, completely detached from the charade.


    He felt a pang of pity for these deluded individuals. In a world where the strong preyed on the weak, lacking strength wasn''t a crime, but failing to maintain a clear mind was. People like them were destined to be exploited, and there were surely many more like them.


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    A month later, the group finally reached the edge of the Frozen Wasteland after a grueling journey.


    As they approached the core, the number of magical beasts had increased dramatically. Just two days prior, they had been ambushed by seven or eight third-tier beasts, throwing the group into chaos. Two of the weaker members had died in the skirmish, reducing their numbers from twenty-five to twenty-three.


    Now, as they gazed at the endless expanse of white before them, the group could no longer contain their excitement. They cheered loudly, while Han Ming felt the tracking mark on the Xuantian Ice Silkworm grow stronger. It seemed the creature was indeed within the Frozen Wasteland.


    Chuck quickly motioned for everyone to quiet down, fearing they might attract more beasts. He cursed their stupidity internally while maintaining a calm exterior.


    "Brothers, the Frozen Wasteland lies ahead. Countless treasures await us, but we must remain cautious. Avoid making noise that could draw the attention of magical beasts."


    The group nodded in agreement.


    Han Ming smirked but said nothing.


    "It''s getting late. We''ll rest here tonight and enter the Frozen Wasteland tomorrow. Don''t worry; this is the edge of the Wasteland. The beasts from the ice won''t come here, and the forest beasts won''t dare approach. It''s safe."


    At Chuck''s command, the group settled down, pulling out their provisions for dinner.


    As night deepened, few could sleep.


    The proximity of the Frozen Wasteland filled everyone with restless excitement. They whispered among themselves in small groups.


    Han Ming sat alone under a massive tree, meditating to enhance his magical abilities. His magic level remained at the second tier, first rank, but he was on the verge of breaking through to the second rank. His warrior level was stable at the third tier, first rank.


    The insect egg in the pouch at his waist remained dormant, much to Han Ming''s frustration. He had no idea when it would finally hatch.


    In the quiet of the night, a faint sound of footsteps reached Han Ming''s ears. He was the first to notice, followed by the five experts. The rest of the group remained oblivious, still engrossed in their whispered dreams.


    Han Ming opened his eyes, joining the five experts in cautiously watching the direction of the sound.


    Though the source was still far away, the footsteps indicated that the person wasn''t trying to hide. Either they were confident in their strength or careless. But who would be careless enough to wander alone in such a dangerous place?


    As the footsteps grew closer, even the chatterboxes in the group fell silent, turning their attention to the approaching figure.


    "Stay alert!" Chuck whispered. The group stood up, weapons at the ready.


    A soft, melodic laugh echoed through the night, both enchanting and eerie.


    "A woman!?" the group murmured in astonishment. How could a woman venture alone to the edge of the Frozen Wasteland?


    A figure clad in black gauze, with a purple sash around her waist and a thin veil covering her face, emerged from the shadows.


    "So... beautiful!"


    Though her face was hidden, her figure was enough to suggest unparalleled beauty. Some in the group couldn''t help but drool.


    "Pardon my intrusion at this late hour. I have a question for you all."


    Han Ming''s heart skipped a beat. *Kulo!?*


    Having spent considerable time with her, Han Ming was intimately familiar with her aura. However, the Kulo before him now exuded a power far beyond what he remembered. The once frail and unattractive woman had transformed into a stunning beauty with unfathomable strength.


    What was she doing here? Han Ming''s mind raced with questions.


    Chuck, no fool, recognized the woman''s immense power. Though she didn''t radiate the same锋芒 as the fourth-tier expert, her presence was deep and unshakable. Even Chuck couldn''t gauge her true strength, leaving him both awed and terrified.


    "What would you like to ask, friend?" Chuck inquired cautiously.


    The woman''s enchanting eyes swept over the group, lingering slightly on Han Ming. With her keen perception, she could tell he was disguised, but his altered aura gave her pause. Unlike the fourth-tier expert, she hadn''t been tracking Han Ming, so she quickly dismissed her curiosity.


    "Have any of you seen a slender, handsome young man passing by? His surname is Han."


    *Looking for me?* Han Ming was taken aback.


    Chuck glanced at Han Ming, considering the coincidence. After all, the surname "Han" wasn''t common, and Han Ming had introduced himself as "Han Er." However, Chuck couldn''t reconcile the description of a handsome youth with Han Ming''s current appearance.


    The woman followed Chuck''s gaze, her eyes settling on Han Ming. "What is your name, friend?"


    Han Ming remained seated under the tree, his voice calm. "Han Er."


    "Is he the one you''re looking for?" Chuck asked.


    The woman studied Han Ming for a moment before sighing softly. "No. The surname matches, but the name is different." She then asked Han Ming directly, "Do you know someone named Han Ming?"


    "Han Ming? The one who spent five magical beast cores at the mercenary auction?" Chuck''s eyes widened in recognition. He had attended the auction and later learned Han Ming''s name, as Han Ming hadn''t bothered to conceal it.


    Han Ming shook his head. "I don''t know him."


    "Thank you," the woman said, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment.


    "Since that''s the case, I won''t disturb your rest any longer." With that, she turned and walked toward the Frozen Wasteland.


    "Miss, may I ask what your relationship is with Han Ming? If we happen to encounter him, how should we inform you?" Chuck, clearly intrigued by the mysterious and powerful woman, sought to establish a connection.


    The woman didn''t stop or turn around. Her laughter, like silver bells, drifted back. "That won''t be necessary. Thank you for your kindness."


    Her figure began to blur, each step carrying her dozens of meters forward. In moments, she vanished into the night.


    Chuck sighed in regret.


    The group marveled at the woman''s extraordinary abilities.


    Han Ming, however, was lost in thought.


    *Kulo''s strength has reached such heights that even I can''t fathom it. Why is she looking for me? To repay a debt?*


    Given Kulo''s typically cold demeanor, Han Ming doubted she was the type to seek him out for gratitude.


    Unable to make sense of it, Han Ming decided to put the matter aside. For now, his priority was surviving the dangers ahead.