In the rear garden, there was a stone forest arranged, and beside the stone forest sat a young man in fine clothes, tall and slender, with a somewhat scholarly and delicate face, exceptionally 'handsome', always wearing a smile that felt friendly and

gentle.

On the other side sat an elderly man in white clothes, adorned with golden thread embroideries on the white robe, his hair a mix of black and white, exuding a celestial aura. "Second Prince, the poison in your body has already occupied eight meridians, and if it cannot be removed soon, it might damage the internal organs, ultimately even the Dantian might not be saved, the worst outcome..." The elderly man clasped the young man's fair wrist, shaking his head as his brows furrowed tighter.

"Thank you, Elder Hua, for diagnosing me. The worst outcome is indeed the shattering of the Dantian, and a lifetime of being unable to cultivate, isn't it?" The young man retracted his arm, his face still maintaining a faint smile, as warm as the spring breeze, seemingly unmoved by the bad news.

"Second Prince, you are too polite," said the elderly man with a smile. He admired the Second Prince not for his talents or martial arts, but because among the numerous princes, this prince's demeanor always seemed so positive, no

matter what misfortune, it hardly affected his mood. The young man laughed, "Sometimes, things are bound by fate. If I'm destined to be poisoned, I'll be poisoned. If I'm destined to die, I will die. If I'm destined not to die, I won't die, so there's really nothing to worry about."

"The Second Prince's mindset is always this good." The elderly man shook his head, but his mouth carried a trace of bitterness.

At this time, both the elderly man and the Second Prince slightly turned their heads, their gaze falling on the long corridor leading out of the small courtyard, seeing Shi Zhong approaching briskly.

"Second Prince, Mr. Shi has returned, it seems there's good news." The elderly man stroked his beard and chuckled. Shi Zhong led Lin Mo and Zhou Xinyue directly to the Second Prince, and Shi Zhong knelt on one knee, respectfully saying, "Second Prince, Shi Zhong did not let you down, finally found the Ice Dragon Flame, but only two guards returned with me, the rest perished in the mouth of beasts."

As he spoke, Shi Zhong's eyes reddened slightly. All those who followed him on this mission were long-time trusted aides, now only two returned, inevitably bringing him some sorrow. "All sacrificed?" The Second Prince frowned, the smile on his face finally disappeared, "No matter what, this time it's been hard on Captain Shi, as for the sacrificed guards, I won't forget them, and they will be given a grand burial, their families will receive great

gifts."

"I thank the Second Prince on behalf of the fallen brothers." Shi Zhong clasped his fists, gritting his teeth, his eyes reddening as he spoke.

Saying this, Shi Zhong had already taken out the bottle containing the Ice Dragon Flame, respectfully handing it to the elderly man.

The elderly man took the bottle, carefully observing the light blue liquid inside, laughed heartily, "Indeed it's the Ice Dragon Flame, with such a treasure, I am confident I can purify the poison in the Second Prince's body."

"Second Prince, actually during this mission, there was a crisis, if it weren't for encountering Mr. Lin and Miss Zhou, I might not have brought back the Ice Dragon Flame intact." Shi Zhong raised his head and suddenly said.

"Rise." The Second Prince nodded, his gaze already on Lin Mo and Zhou Xinyue. In fact, he had noticed them the moment they arrived, but he hadn't inquired since Shi Zhong hadn't introduced them.

Lin Mo and Zhou Xinyue also made slight bows, particularly Lin Mo, looking at the young man before him, couldn't help but feel this youth had deeper hidden secrets.

Shi Zhong recounted the encounter with the Ice Wing Ice Leopard, and everyone's eyes naturally fell on Zhou Xinyue. None expected that a young lady so beautiful could be an Intermediate Star Sea-level warrior.

In the Snow Country, an Intermediate Star Sea-level warrior is already an exceptionally formidable presence.

"Thank you, Miss Zhou and Mr. Lin, for saving Captain Shi's life, otherwise I would be regretful for life." The Second Prince stood up and politely cupped his hands.

"It was just lending a hand when seeing injustice, you are too courteous, Second Prince." Lin Mo said lightly. The emperor of Snow Country is called Zaye, the Eldest Prince Guling, and the Second Prince is called Duoye. These names are distinct from the ancient Huaxia of Yu Lan Star, names are chosen based on some characteristics at birth, so there isn't the concept of sharing

family names. "Regardless, Mr. Lin and Miss Zhou are my benefactors, and I am fond of making friends." Duoye smiled and said, "However, I have some matters to attend to, unable to drink with Mr. Lin and Miss Zhou at the moment, Captain Shi, please lead the two to rest."

"Yes, Second Prince." Shi Zhong nodded, looking at Lin Mo, "Mr. Lin, Miss Zhou, please come with me."

Lin Mo and Zhou Xinyue did not linger, following Shi Zhong away.

At this time, the elderly man with mottled black and white hair said, "Second Prince, today I will help you clear the poison from your body, once my disciple refines the other elixirs, we can begin."

"Alright, thank you Elder Hua. I'll return to my room to rest, Elder Hua feel free." Duoye rose, appearing somewhat respectful. Shi Zhong had already led Lin Mo and Zhou Xinyue to the front of a guest room, saying, "You two may rest here, the rooms are vacant, the Second Prince will likely host a banquet tonight, given that Mr. Shi has been away for months without returning home, I need to report peace."

"Captain Shi, please feel free." Lin Mo smiled.

After Shi Zhong left, Lin Mo and Zhou Xinyue entered the guest room, which was large, the decorations simple, without any perception of luxury, but exceedingly clean, obviously regularly cleaned by servants.

"Mr. Lin, why did we come here?" Zhou Xinyue furrowed her delicate brows, looking at Lin Mo with confusion.

Such affairs of a small country, with Lin Mo's strength, wouldn't ordinarily concern him, and notably, they had no reason to come to Snow Country.

Lin Mo sat on a chair, speaking calmly, "Because of Shi Zhong, I felt a familiar energy fluctuation in his body, the aura of Netherworld Pattern... which suggests Shi Zhong has ties to the Netherworld Sect."

"Netherworld Sect? Li Ling?" Zhou Xinyue was startled, her beautiful eyes wide, "If Shi Zhong possesses the aura of Netherworld Pattern, linked to the Netherworld Sect, why are we..."

"It's the concept of 'being in the dark under the light'. Plus, after we left the Klaka Star System, we destroyed the Space Transmission Array. Li Ling's arrival at the Anlin Star System likely won't be so quick." Lin Mo laughed.

"I see, Lin Mo is wise," Zhou Xinyue giggled, her beautiful eyes curving like a crescent moon, giving a sweet impression. Lin Mo shook his head, his expression serious, "More than that, I fear Shi Zhong hasn't realized he possesses the aura of Netherworld Pattern, this aura was left by someone else, ready to take his life anytime."