440 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 440: The Role of the Heart of the Ice Phoenix The people of Snow Cold Palace gradually left the secret chamber, giving Ye Ling Long and her family some space to reunite. After all, they had just found their daughter; they needed some time together. Xue Ling reluctantly glanced at Bai Li Ming, who was standing beside the ice coffin. His indifference to her caused a dimness to cloud her eyes as she left the room. "Xue Ling, what's wrong? Did something go awry in your training? You don't look well," Xue Wan asked, concerned about Xue Ling's mood. Xue Ling was chosen by Xue Wan to be the next Holy Maiden, the most talented among the younger generation, so Xue Wan paid a lot of attention to her. "No... it's nothing, Palace Master. I'm just a bit tired recently," Xue Ling forced a smile and replied. "Then take a good rest for the next few days," Xue Wan advised before departing. Xue Ling returned to her room and upon opening the door, was startled to find someone already inside. "Great Elder, why are you here?" she asked in surprise and confusion. A soft laugh came from the room, followed by a tempting voice, "Do you want to have him?" ... Inside the secret chamber, now only Ye Ling Long and her family remained, as even Bai Li Feng had tactfully exited. Ye Ling Long eyed the blue snow pearl curiously and asked, "Is there any other way to maintain her current state besides the snow pearl?" Bai Li Min sighed deeply, "I’ve pondered this and found only one substitute." Ye Ling Long inquired, “What is it?” "It's a special kind of flame. Though a fire, it shares attributes with ice. If we seal her with this flame, I can take her away from here," Bai Li Min explained. As Bai Li Min elaborated on the flame's properties, Ye Ling Long found it increasingly familiar. Just as Bai Li Min was about to reveal the flame's name, Ye Ling Long interjected, “Are you talking about the Heart of the Ice Phoenix?” Bai Li Min was taken aback, "You know of this flame?" Ye Ling Long fell silent—what a coincidence indeed. Instead of speaking, she slowly opened her right hand, revealing an icy-blue phoenix flame dancing in her palm, lowering the already cold temperature further still. Bai Li Min was so shocked he was speechless. It was the first time Ye Ling Long had seen such a stunned expression on her father's face. "This... this is the Heart of the Ice Phoenix?" Bai Li Min felt as if he were dreaming. For years, he had searched countless secret realms for the Heart of the Ice Phoenix to no avail—always departing with hope and returning disappointed. He spent much of this time at Snow Cold Palace, with Xue Zheng, while also searching for his daughter and the Heart of the Ice Phoenix. Only in the past couple of years, disheartened, did he return to the Bai Li family. Now, unexpectedly, he found both his daughter and the Heart of the Ice Phoenix without much effort. "Xiao Huang," Ye Ling Long called softly. A youthful voice responded, “Rest assured, Master; leave it to me.” The phoenix flame circled in the air before landing on Xue Zheng's body within the ice coffin. Under Ye Ling Long and Bai Li Min’s watchful eyes, Xiao Huang separated a sliver of its fire, merging it into Xue Zheng's body. Upon finishing, the Heart of the Ice Phoenix returned to Ye Ling Long's hand, appearing somewhat weakened. Even its voice had lost its earlier vitality, "I placed a flame wisp within her; it will serve in place of the snow pearl, sealing her vitality." "Thank you, Xiao Huang," Ye Ling Long expressed her heartfelt gratitude. Meanwhile, Bai Li Min retrieved two ice-blue stones from within his armory, handing them to Xiao Huang. Ye Ling Long was surprised, "Isn't that ice flame stone?" Bai Li Min nodded, "Indeed. This enhances the Heart of the Ice Phoenix's abilities. I acquired a few stones earlier, intending to use them as lures to find it, but never had the chance." He added with a smile, "Now, they can be used to upgrade it." The Heart of the Ice Phoenix didn’t protest—splitting a flame earlier drained its energy. The ice flame stones would elevate its strength. The flame engulfed the stones and then retreated into Ye Ling Long's meridians to absorb their energy. ... A creaking sound signaled the opening of the secret chamber’s door, and Ye Ling Long and Bai Li Min emerged. Holding a small black creature, Bai Li Feng glanced over curiously, "Big brother, dear niece, why are you out so soon?" Ye Ling Long closed the chamber door behind her, setting a minor restriction to alert her should someone enter. Although Snow Cold Palace was incredibly secure, she couldn't shake a sense of unease. "We’re off to meet the Palace Master. I wish to take Xue Zheng back with us," Bai Li Min announced, a note of happiness in his voice, as everything seemed to be turning in their favor. He believed Xue Zheng would awaken one day. "Can sister-in-law leave Snow Cold Palace?" Bai Li Feng queried. "Yes, thanks to Ling Long," Bai Li Min confirmed. The three then headed to discuss arrangements with the Palace Master. Ye Ling Long considered placing the ice coffin within her own spatial realm, near the chilly pool. Its emanating cold could enhance the sealing effect, and the ambient celestial energy was richer inside her space than outside. After they departed, a blue figure appeared before the locked chamber door. The person hesitated, hand raised to open the door, visibly torn in thought. After a long pause, a resolve appeared to harden her gaze as she pushed the door open and entered. The moment the chamber's seal was triggered, Ye Ling Long abruptly stood, despite the ongoing discussion with Bai Li Min at the Palace Master’s. Someone had breached her set restriction!