The Invincible Sect Leader

The battlefield still smoldered from the aftermath of White Orchid City's siege. The wounded were tended to, the dead honored, and the Heavenly Mystical Sect's disciples stood victorious. However, Chan Li's mind was elsewhere. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon, sensing an unfamiliar yet powerful presence approaching.

Yan Ling wiped the blood from his blade, smirking. "Sect Master, what's next? More assassins? Or perhaps another city to conquer?"

Before Chan Li could respond, a chilling breeze swept through the plaza. Frost bloomed along the ground, and an overwhelming cold filled the air.

Liu Feng shivered. "What in the heavens is this cold?"

Chan Li narrowed his eyes. A new challenger had arrived.

The Arrival of the Ice Phoenix

A figure descended from the sky, her form as ethereal as a drifting snowflake. She landed gracefully, her long silver hair cascading over her icy-blue robes embroidered with intricate phoenix patterns.

Her face was breathtakingly beautiful yet devoid of warmth. Her gaze was like an endless winter cold, indifferent, piercing.

"Who are you?" Yan Ling frowned, gripping his weapon instinctively.

The woman's voice was like a whispering blizzard. "My name is Lan Xue. I seek to join the Heavenly Mystical Sect."

A murmur ran through the disciples. It was rare for someone to approach them so directly, especially one who exuded such a chilling aura.

Chan Li studied her calmly. Her Qi was refined, powerful undeniably strong. But there was something else. A sorrow hidden beneath the frost.

A Test of Worth

Yan Ling chuckled. "Joining our sect isn't that easy. You can't just waltz in and "

Before he could finish, Lan Xue raised a single hand. A gust of freezing wind exploded outward, covering the ground in solid ice.

Yan Ling barely dodged in time. His grin faded. "Alright, that's impressive."

Liu Feng muttered, "She froze the ground without using any incantation or formation. Her control is terrifying."

Chan Li remained composed. He flicked his fan open. "Very well. You wish to join my sect? Then show me your conviction."

Lan Xue didn't hesitate. In an instant, she launched forward, her palm glowing with a deep blue energy Ice Phoenix Palm!

Chan Li smirked. She had no idea what she was getting into.