World of Rules

... 

As soon as Clan Master Lian and Clan Master Mo pierced through the blue barrier, an unbearable wave of cold engulfed them. It was not just freezing air—it felt like an invisible force was trying to seep into their very souls. Despite their years of battle experience, they immediately realized that this kind of chill was anything but natural.

"What is this place?" Clan Master Mo muttered, trying to suppress the shivers running through his body.

There was no time to dwell on the thought. They both knew that the three from the Han Clan had entered after them, and stopping now was not an option. They pressed forward, moving across the icy terrain, following the source of the overwhelming cold aura that filled the area.

As they ran, they retrieved primal stones from their storage bags and began absorbing the energy inside with desperation. Their previous battle had nearly drained them, and they had no choice but to recover as quickly as possible.

After an unknown period of running, a faint glow appeared in the distance.

The two halted for a moment, their gazes locking onto the sight before them—a large wooden cabin, standing alone amidst the frozen wasteland, emitting a dim light. However, what truly caught their attention was the overwhelming sensation emanating from within. There was no doubt—the source of the chilling aura was inside.

They exchanged hesitant glances. Entering an unknown structure in this kind of environment was a risk, but they had no other choice.

Taking a deep breath, they pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The cabin’s interior was surprisingly clean despite its age, but there was nothing particularly special within. Just some old furniture and a few dimly glowing lanterns.

However, as they ventured deeper into the larger room, everything changed—

A figure stood with his back to them, positioned before two large chests—one open, the other sealed shut.

Their breaths hitched for a brief moment.

That man was Clan Master Shu—the one who had entered the formation before them.

---

No surprise flickered in Clan Master Shu’s eyes.

He turned his head slightly, his expression calm—as if he had been expecting them all along.

"Finally. You took your time," he said casually, his gaze never leaving the two chests before him.

Clan Master Lian and Clan Master Mo exchanged quick glances before stepping forward.

"Our plan was exposed," Clan Master Lian admitted.

Clan Master Shu raised an eyebrow slightly, though his expression remained unreadable.

"But fortunately," Clan Master Lian continued, "our true identities were not discovered."

At these words, a flicker of intrigue appeared in Clan Master Shu’s eyes. "Then, how did you manage to escape?"

After a brief recounting of events, Clan Master Shu's attention shifted to Clan Master Mo—who was still wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Don’t tell me..." Clan Master Shu’s voice carried a hint of amusement. "You were hiding your true strength all this time?"

Clan Master Mo let out a long sigh before responding, "I had no choice."

A quiet chuckle escaped from Clan Master Shu as he shook his head. "It seems I underestimated you..."

He then turned his gaze back to the chests.

"Regardless of what happened, we are now all trapped inside the inner formation." His tone grew more serious.

"What do you mean?" Clan Master Lian asked.

"I’ve been stuck here since I entered. I couldn't find an exit, so I had no choice but to search this place for anything valuable."

He gestured toward the cabin.

"Then, I found this cabin… and these chests."

The two men followed his gaze, their eyes settling on the open chest—

Inside was a bone.

But it was no ordinary bone.

It emitted a horrifying cold aura, far more intense than anything they had felt so far. It radiated a suffocating presence, as if it were a fragment of an ancient, frozen world.

The moment their eyes landed on it, greed flickered in their expressions.

There was no doubt—this was a rare treasure, something beyond anything they had ever encountered.

"What kind of bone is this...?" Clan Master Lian murmured, his eyes gleaming with desire.

"I have no idea," Clan Master Shu replied, crossing his arms. "But I can tell you one thing—it’s no ordinary relic. Even I was unable to fully assess its value."

He then pointed toward the chests.

"The real problem is..." he continued, his voice dropping, "both of these chests are surrounded by a gray barrier—a barrier so cold that even I can’t endure it."

He raised his hand, revealing frostbitten fingertips.

"I already tried breaking through it, but it wouldn’t budge."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Then, slowly, the three men exchanged looks.

There was no need for words—

Each one of them was thinking the same thing.

...