Celestial Peak

Chapter 102: Dragon Hunt I

Wang Ling and Bai Xue entered the Spring of Beasts Forest with caution. His alertness was in an all-time high as he entered an unknown land without unknown dangers.

The two of them tried looking for any trail that might lead them to the location where the Frost Dragon was located. But to their dismay, there was nothing they could use to locate the Frost Dragon.

Without any lead, the only thing they can do was look around and try to find the dragon in a primitive way. They spread out their spirit senses and began sensing their surroundings.

Wang Ling even used Ocean's Lull that had its radius of effectivity from a 5-meter radius to a 50-meter one. They were quickly going through every hiding place the Frost Dragon could hide in.

But even after hours of searching and defending themselves from the local spirit beasts as they go about their tasks. The two of them didn't even find the shadow of the Frost Dragon.

Wang Ling was even more anxious than Bai Xue. His a full month of loot was on the line. The idea of losing the said future loot was unbearable. Considering it will take the two of them months to reach the main house of the Wang family, the loots they will obtain will be much greater than before. That is if all goes well.

However, even with his anxiety growing by the second. Wang Ling was calm on the inside as he did not let any factor cloud his mind.

Bai Xue was also getting anxious as the factor of the Frost Dragon regaining its strength was something she did not want to see. She had estimated the rate of strength she could take.

Considering her elemental advantage in her Phoenix form, as the ice of a measly Frost Dragon was no match to her Phoenix Flame that came from Hell Realm. Bai Xue could kill a weakened Frost Dragon that was at maximum early-level-7 nascent soul stage spirit beasts.

If she had the help of Wang Ling's impeccable archery and spear that could strike and distract the Frost Dragon from afar. The two of them would have no problem slaying the Frost Dragon.

Her confidence in Wang Ling's ability was the same as how she treated herself. She was full of confidence that she could kill those beings that were higher than her. The trust she had with Wang Ling was something she had never given to anyone before. Mainly because she did not have anyone to rely on other than herself.

"Where is that lizard? We already know that it's already here but where? Do you think it ventured in the depths of the Forest?" Bai Xue asked.

Wang Ling shook his head as he answered, "It won't go deeper than the outer parts of the forest. The bloodline of the Frost Dragon is also nutritious for other spirit beasts. Do you think the Frost Dragon will venture deep into the inner areas of this place when it's injured?"

Bai Xue said nothing as she knew Wang Ling's point. But where could that lizard be? Was it possible that it had already been killed by other spirit beasts?

"Considering we have not encountered any signs of battle previously held anywhere means that the Frost Dragon had yet to fight. Also even if what I am saying about it not entering the inner areas is true, no other beasts will try to hunt it down if they value their lives."

Bai Xue was confused. If the Frost Dragon was in a weakened state. Why wouldn't the spirit beasts not try and kill the Frost Dragon for its bloodline and enriching properties?

Seeing her confused countenance, Wang Ling knew that this white fox had never hunted a Dragon before, this made him shake his head in disbelief.

"You're trying to hut a Dragon and you don't even know what the consequences are for killing a Dragon? Dear Lord, how have you been living in the Heaven Realm in the past?"

Bai Xue was offended by his words as she lightly covered his face with her tail as if to say not to look at her without those condescending eyes of his.

"Just say what you need to say already!" Bai Xue exclaimed loudly.

Smiling Wang Ling proceeded to his explanation, "A Dragon is considered as one of the strongest beasts in the entire world, next to Phoenix, Tiger, and the Black Turtle. All four have their special characteristics and quirks.

"Phoenix can revive themselves from their ashes, Tigers possess peerless ferocity that grants them immense strength that surpasses any of the other three beasts, and the Black Turtle had the uncanny ability to rule the seas and the Dragons have what you call [Soul Mark] which was a real headache-inducing trouble that no one wants to experience.

"If you don't know what's a soul mark is, it's tracker that lets every member of the Dragon Race know that you have killed one of their kin once you stand at a certain distance. The bad thing about this is the fact that the more you kill, the more Soul Mark you get. Get enough Soul Marks branded on your soul and you will have every dragon you face want to kill you."

Bai Xue shuddered at the thought of having thousands of Dragons come for her after killing a single dragon. But because it was essential for her to do, it seems like getting on the bad sides of Dragon would be impossible to avoid. Well, that is still up to debate as she too would become a Dragon after absorbing the bloodline of the Frost Dragon.

Wang Ling's prowess and abilities was something that transcends common sense. It was an ability that doesn't make sense but at the same time easily understandable.

"So what you mean is that because other races tend to fear for their future lives, they don't want to get on the bad side of Dragons right? If they do, they will just gain enough enemy to drown them. How do you even know this?" Bai Xue asked who was curious as to how Wang Ling figured these out.

Laughing wryly Wang Ling answered, "I killed a lot in the past and one of my victims was Dragons. Multiple dragonkin had already fallen in my hands, so much so that one particular race of Dragons in the realm was eradicated by me. Thinking about it now I don't think it's safe for me to go around looking around for a Dragon with you, shit, why didn't I think about that?"

Wang Ling realized that something truly important. What if the Soul Mark he received all those years ago remain branded on his soul? How would that Frost Dragon react when it sees Wang Ling?

Immediately going into meditation to see if he should ditch Bai Xue here and now or stay. He confirmed if the Soul Mark of the Dragons was still branded deeply in his soul.

The idea of losing out in the loots was far more enticing than the idea of dying. Although he was already risking his life in this mission of theirs. Wang Ling was not entirely in a dangerous spot as he was on the backline and Bai Xue would be taking most of the hits.

Wang Ling was going to be the target of the Dragon's anger if the thick Soul Mark from the previous era remains. Meditating, Wang Ling went to check the reflection of his soul and delved deep into his self.

With this meditation, Wang Ling started observing himself. Looking for any sign of dragonic qi or the infamous Soul Brand that came from the death of the entire Vile Devil Dragons.

Wang Ling checked every nook and cranny he could before sighing in relief that no Soul Mark remained. Thinking back to it, his soul entered the Void where no sign of life must exist in his soul form.

The Soul Mark being a somewhat living organism as it was part of a Dragon's Soul was destroyed in the process of his stay in the Void. Opening his eyes, Wang Ling sighed in relief once again to show how agitated he was.

Bai Xue had the general idea of what she was doing and seeing his reaction being the way it was. She smiled as she urged him to stand up.

The night was coming and they need to move along. If they can't find the Frost Dragon today, they will need to find temporary lodging where it was safe to hide from spirit beasts.

The two continued looking for any signs of the Frost Dragon but in the end, failed. So, as night fell, they went to find a place to stay in and as they went to move. They stumbled upon a waterfall.

They went over to the waterfall in search of a place to camp in, but as they reached the area. A chilling cold made the two shudder.

The waterfall that was strongly flowing down from above became ice for a moment before turning back into the water. A loud and heavy grumble coming from behind the waterfalls.

Finding this odd and suspicious. The two began to observe the waterfall. They went and hopped into the waterfall and reached the space it had behind it. An enormous cave presented itself.

A cold wind was coming from the cave and it was already explainable how the waterfall became ice.

"I guess this is the best place to find that Frost Dragon!" exclaimed Bai Xue in delight.

The beasts had already been found, and Wang Ling and Bai Xue both looked at each other before showing a wry smile. They were unable to locate the beasts because it was already in hiding.

What's more, is that the place it was hiding on was some kind of cave hidden behind a waterfall. The waterfall created a sheet of water that impeded the coming out of the cold air.

As to how the waterfall became solid ice. Wang Ling and Bai Xue had no idea. They did not know how it turned out like that and the only way they can know of it is through the exploration of the cave.

The two didn't hesitate and entered the cave cautiously. They were not making any noise, they weren't even talking to one another. The two of them was communicating through gestures.

As the moved deeper into the cave, the air's temperature began to drop at an alarming rate. Soon, it became impossible to traverse the cave without coating themselves with spirt qi.

Venturing deep into the cave, Wang Ling experienced the biting cold that was coming from the depths of the cave. However, that was not all, because the cave was not so simple and linear.

Although large, it was going downwards, heading towards the grumbles and pained moans were coming from. Being overly cautious, Wang Ling and Bai Xue took over four hours just to reach the end of the cave.

They descended for an unknown amount of meters and the deeper they went into the cave, the icier the path became.

As soon as they reached the end, they were presented with a passage that leads to an even larger room. They approached the exit and then felt the ground tremble.

Gruuu!

A loud rumble shook the entire cave and Wang Ling together with Bai Xue dropped down to hide. Slowly approaching the edge of the exit. Wang Ling and Bai Xue peered over and saw the large room lit up by glowing azure crystals.

However, even the beauty of the crystal did not attract Wang Ling and Bai Xue's eyes away from over 20 meters beasts that lay in the middle of the hollowed-out area.

A Blue Dragon with shimmering blue scales that was damaged from its previous confrontation was sleeping. It was subconsciously releasing cold air that had made the entire area covered in a thick sheet of ice.

Observing this scene, Wang Ling deduced that the cold air must have come from its broken Saint Soul that had already dissipated.

The Frost Dragon in front of them had limbs and a large folded wing, as it slept in peace, the cold air grew thicker. But even if Wang Ling wanted to kill the beast, he could do nothing as his strength was not for the task.

The Frost Dragon, although had been reduced to a late-level-7 nascent soul stage beasts was still something that made Wang Ling think twice about trying to take the beast on.

However, the same could not be said for Bai Xue who was already gunning to head over and start a fight with the Frost Dragon. But because of Wang Ling's intervention, her mind was not clouded by greed.

Wang Ling gave Bai Xue a stern look and asked, "This beast might have been weakened but its strength is nothing to scoff at. I think you need to revise your strategy a little"

Wang Ling showed a devious smile and as he spoke of his plan to Bai Xue. The little fox cheered as she smiled in delight.

Taking out his bow, Wang Ling went into position as he silently circulated his qi, therefore, setting the plan in motion.

Bai Xue jumped off the edge and instantly transform into a large Phoenix. Although her body was only half of the Frost Dragon's body, the pressure she exudes was comparable to the beast below her.

The Frozen Dragon immediately became alerted and woke up from its slumber, it raised its head as it attempted to shout out, "Impertinent Fool!' but was left to swallow its own words as it saw Bai Xue ignite her bloodline and used the technique she was given by Wang Ling.

She looked down upon the Frozen Dragon as her body was ignited, she shouted out as she activated two martial techniques, "Guardian Beast Manifestation Form: Vermillion Bird of the South, Hell Phoenix innate technique: Hell Blaze!!"

Bai Xue was going all-out right from the start! And the Frost Dragon was feeling the immense heat of Bai Xue's flames.

"Who are you, PHOENIX!?"