Volume One: The Cloudy Immortal Palace Chapter Thirty-Two: The Mission

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Mission

Time passed swiftly; another three years had slipped by in the blink of an eye. Everyone in Cloud Veil Immortal Palace was diligently training, preparing for the upcoming grand tournament.

One day, the Palace Master summoned all the elders to a meeting in the main hall. Within the majestic chamber, the Palace Master and two Vice Masters sat high above, while more than a dozen elders were seated below, listening attentively.

“I have gathered you today because of a demon calamity that has occurred on a life-bearing star within the Cloud Veil jurisdiction,” the Cloud Veil Immortal announced.

“Another demon to eliminate—what’s the trouble this time?” Elder Li Qionghua inquired.

“According to our informants, a demon has frozen an entire star, stripping it of all vitality,” the Cloud Veil Immortal sighed.

“Outrageous! The demon is too bold, sealing a whole star in ice—such a crime must be punished!” an elder exclaimed, his anger barely contained.

“We must eradicate this demon, or it will think nothing of our Cloud Veil Immortal Palace!”

“All evil spirits and monsters must be slain without delay, none left alive.”

The elders clamored for demon eradication, each voicing their determination. The Cloud Veil Immortal raised his hand, quieting them.

“However, we are still unclear about the demon’s true strength and lack detailed knowledge of the calamity there. Our priority must be to investigate thoroughly before making any move,” he said.

“If it could freeze a whole star, whether by artifact or formation, its power should not be underestimated. Palace Master, what do you plan to do?” Nangong Xun asked.

“The freezing of a star must have a cause; I intend to send elite disciples to investigate. This will not only gather more intelligence but also sharpen their adaptability,” Cloud Veil Immortal replied.

“But with the opening of the Great Immortal Mansion only a few years away, it’s risky for elite disciples to encounter mishaps now,” an elder shook his head.

“That’s nothing; we can just send fewer,” Cheng Bing suddenly interjected, seemingly pleased.

“Oh, fewer? Then which ones do you propose?” Yun Fang looked across at Cheng Bing.

“No need to ask—whoever is chosen, surely your prized disciple must go. He’s been the most outstanding these past years—exceptional power and blessed with romance. Such talent should wield his sword for the Dao, not be wasted,” Cheng Bing said with a hint of mockery.

“Haha, Elder Cheng Bing, you flatter my disciple too much. However, I doubt your son will get the honor this time. As a father, you shouldn’t let him be too free—three years ago was a lesson, wasn’t it?” Yun Fang retorted.

“Yun Fang… you!” Cheng Bing nearly jumped up in anger.

Three years ago, Cheng Yan had been defeated by Zhou Hao in a single move, witnessed by all disciples. As Cheng Yan’s father, Cheng Bing’s pride suffered. Later, he tried to make things difficult for Zhou Hao under the pretense of tardiness, but was blocked by Yu Nan and Su Qing. The Palace Master reprimanded him harshly, nearly stripping him of his elder status; if not for Nangong Xun, he wouldn’t even be here.

“Enough, calm yourselves. There’s no need for further words—I have already decided. Elder Cheng Bing is right; fewer is fine, so long as their strength suffices. I plan to send four disciples. Any recommendations?” Cloud Veil Immortal looked at the elders.

“This mission will be perilous. Only our four strongest should be chosen,” one elder reminded.

“The Three Heroes of Cloud Veil, plus the current rising star Zhou Hao, would be ideal,” another suggested.

“Excellent, very good. Does everyone agree with Elder De Fan’s recommendation?” Cloud Veil Immortal stroked his beard and nodded.

“Palace Master, my son cannot participate!” Nangong Xun rose and bowed.

“Elder Nangong, has something happened to your son’s cultivation?” Cloud Veil Immortal asked.

“To be honest, I have already applied for a thirty-year leave for my son. He is focusing entirely on mastering an immortal martial art for the tournament seven years hence. He is at a critical moment; I hope you will grant him this exemption,” Nangong Xun said, embarrassed.

“Please, Elder Nangong, be seated. If that is so, there’s nothing to be done. Let Zhou Hao, Yu Nan, and Su Qing go then,” Cloud Veil Immortal decided after some thought.

The next morning, Zhou Hao soared on his sword toward Cloud Veil Immortal Mountain, but today was not for sword practice. He was to accept a mission at the golden, resplendent palace atop the mountain.

Arriving at the plaza, Zhou Hao sheathed his sword and strode toward the main hall, vanishing inside under the curious and envious gaze of many.

Within the Immortal Palace, three sat above, three stood below.

Cloud Veil Immortal spoke first: “You are now recognized as the top elite disciples of Cloud Veil Immortal Palace. Today, you have been called here to prove your strength once again.”

He then explained the demon’s freezing of the star, preparing Zhou Hao and the others for departure.

“Remember, your mission is only to investigate the freezing of the star—do not risk yourselves attempting to slay the demon. Do you understand?” the Palace Master instructed.

The three nodded in agreement, then left the hall without a backward glance.

Riding their swords through the sky, they soon arrived at the gate guarded by the Death Guards. Beyond this gate lay the true boundary of Cloud Veil.

“Pass token!” came the cold, indifferent voices.

Clad in shining silver armor, faces hidden behind icy masks, the two Death Guards crossed their halberds to block the way.

“Here!” Zhou Hao, Su Qing, and Yu Nan each produced their tokens.

These tokens, bestowed by the Palace Master, were required for passing through this crucial gate. According to palace rules, disciples—except elders—must apply for tokens from the Palace Master to enter or leave.

Moreover, the tokens Zhou Hao and his companions carried were different from those Yun Fang once had; theirs were specifically for disciples on missions.

“It’s genuine—let them pass!” The Death Guards parted their halberds, opening the way.

Stepping through the gate, the trio found themselves in boundless space—dark, cold, and eternal.

Su Qing tossed an object from her hand, which instantly expanded into a black ship. The three boarded and sailed into the starry void.

“Wow, what an amazing immortal vessel! It’s so fast!” Zhou Hao exclaimed, thrilled by the swiftly receding stars.

“This is the Palace Master’s treasure. Only an Immortal can forge such a ship, capable of navigation, positioning, and traversing space,” Yu Nan replied, equally excited, treating the mission as a journey.

“We’re almost there; the frozen star isn’t far from Cloud Veil Immortal Palace,” Su Qing said softly.

“Hey, Su Qing, do you have to spoil the mood? We’ve barely set out and you won’t let the ship linger. Zhou Hao and I haven’t had a proper look at the scenery yet!” Yu Nan complained.

For Yu Nan, this mission was a joyous occasion—a rare chance to spend time with her beloved, like a holiday. But Su Qing’s presence, to her, was an intrusion.

“Scenery… What scenery?” Zhou Hao asked, puzzled.

“You… Oh, I don’t know what to say!” Yu Nan was exasperated.

“Look, there’s the star. We’re preparing to land,” Su Qing’s gaze fixed on the front.

It was an oval planet, entirely frozen, radiating a chilling cold even from afar, its original appearance obscured.

The black immortal ship entered the star’s atmosphere. The three immediately felt the cold, though as immortals it was of little consequence.

“Roar!”

Suddenly, a massive beast’s cry echoed, shaking the air for miles. From ten thousand meters above, they saw a white wolf with four enormous wings lunging at their ship.

The wolf was pure white, robust, the size of a house, its wings appearing as if sculpted from blocks of ice, gleaming with a cold brilliance.

With a crash, the wolf bit into the ship, shaking it violently. Forced to abandon the vessel, Zhou Hao and his companions escaped.

Flying on their swords, they watched as the white wolf seized the ship and soared away. They shook their heads, choosing not to pursue.

Landing on the ground, they found themselves surrounded by endless white—a thousand miles of ice, ten thousand miles of snow. The three young immortals stood on this land of ice, dwarfed by its vastness.

“Ugh, we just arrived and a flying wolf demon stole our ship. What rotten luck,” Yu Nan stomped her foot in frustration.

“There’s nothing we can do. Our priority is to uncover why the star was frozen,” Zhou Hao said.

“Sister Su, what do you think?” Zhou Hao asked, seeing Su Qing deep in thought.

“The wolf just now is known as the Snow-Blowing Demon Wolf. Legend says, wherever they go, snowstorms follow, freezing mountains and rivers. I’m wondering if the freezing of this star is connected to them,” Su Qing replied.

“Why didn’t you say so sooner? We should’ve chased it down! How are we supposed to find the demon wolf now?” Yu Nan scoffed.

“If the demon wolf is active here, its lair can’t be far. We can find it quickly on our swords, but there must be many of them. If we rush in, it’ll be suicide,” Zhou Hao said.

“Brother Zhou’s words echo mine exactly!” Su Qing, dressed in simple, snow-white attire, seemed perfectly at home in the icy landscape.

Yu Nan, in striking red, looked like a rose rooted in the snow, alluring and conspicuous. Hearing Su Qing’s words, she was immediately displeased. “How amusing—only after others speak do you say you’re in agreement. I could say my thoughts are just like Zhou Hao’s too!”

“Yu Nan, we’re on a mission now. Please don’t mix personal feelings into it,” Su Qing replied calmly, expressionless.

“What do you mean? Are you saying I can’t distinguish between personal feelings and duty? Ridiculous! I’ve done missions before, you know. Honestly, it’s your cold, self-righteous attitude that affects things more,” Yu Nan snapped.

“If you truly understand teamwork, you’d be thinking of solutions rather than mocking me,” Su Qing didn’t even glance at Yu Nan.

The two women argued back and forth.

Caught between them, Zhou Hao was nearly driven mad. In the mortal realm, he was emperor; even with many consorts, he never had to placate one after another. But now…

Sandwiched between two immortal maidens—one of ice, one of fire—he had to mediate. If he spoke for one, the other would immediately storm off; if he said nothing, he seemed invisible.

No matter which way, Zhou Hao wished he could buy a block of tofu and knock himself out!

“My dear sisters, the day is nearly spent. Let’s find a place to rest for the night,” Zhou Hao suddenly thought of a way to shift their focus.

Without waiting for their consent, he flew toward a snow mountain ahead, having spotted a cave.

Beneath the snowy peak, a large cave cheered the trio. Zhou Hao lit a lamp, instantly filling the cave with daylight. The cave, two meters high and six meters deep, was lined with dry grass, evidence that someone had once lived there.

“Let’s rest here tonight,” Zhou Hao said to the two women beside him.

He was secretly delighted, though he remained calm. Su Qing and Yu Nan, however, were both troubled.

Su Qing felt she was nothing more than a third wheel between Zhou and Yu Nan, who were Dao partners.

Yu Nan thought Su Qing was purposely interfering, but if Su Qing volunteered to sleep outside, Yu Nan would feel awkward—after all, they were both there for the mission.

“Zhou Hao, Yu Nan, I’ll rest outside; you two can stay in the cave…” Su Qing didn’t finish her sentence, stepping toward the entrance.

“Sister Su, what are you saying? This place is dangerous—we were just attacked by a demon wolf, and who knows what might happen tonight,” Zhou Hao blocked her path.

“So, you two enjoy the cave, I’ll keep watch at the entrance. That’s settled!” Zhou Hao smiled and walked to the mouth of the cave.

Su Qing wanted to say more, but stopped herself. Turning back, she saw Yu Nan already “asleep” on the dry grass.

“Fine, Brother Zhou, be careful at the entrance,” Su Qing reminded him.

Then, she sat cross-legged on the grass, closed her eyes, and began to cultivate—her way of resting.