Ice River's gaze was locked firmly on the young girl in green robes stepping through the void in the distance, her eyes filled with unmistakable astonishment. The ancient clan—a mysterious and reserved force of great power in the Central Plains—had always remained largely unobtrusive. Yet, any strong contender of sufficient stature and standing would be well aware of the extraordinary potential this lineage carried since time immemorial. Since Xun'er's emergence, Ice River had speculated about her origins, but had never fully shifted his focus toward the ancient clan. After all, the latter had been so understated, with such bold and showy conduct being rare. Moreover, the Central Plains boasted a dense concentration of powerful figures, many of whom belonged to hidden, influential sects capable of challenging the very strength of Ice River's valley. These sects, though, had not achieved the same level of renown as Ice River's valley due to their own institutional traditions. Should any such sect grow sufficiently incensed, however, Ice River's valley would surely face serious consequences. "I didn't expect her to be from the Ancient Clan." Ice River's face turned slightly pale. At his level of experience, he knew quite a bit about this enigmatic Ancient Clan—mere facts like establishing their own realm and creating independent space were enough to make many of the leading powers seem inadequate. Only now did he fully grasp what Xun'er had said when she first appeared—that statement wasn't just empty rhetoric. With the Ancient Clan's seemingly inexhaustible strength, extinguishing his Ice River Valley was by no means impossible. While Ice River's gaze shifted and changed, the white-haired elder paid no attention, his hands radiating an increasingly vibrant emerald glow. After a moment, the light condensed into a half-shaku-sized emerald energy seal. On this seal, dark streaks ran like veins, radiating a powerful spatial force that caused the space around it to shatter instantly, splitting into jagged black fissures. "Hah!" "Seeing the series of palm imprints form, the elderly man with white hair fixed a sharp gaze upon the ice river, then burst out in laughter. Immediately, he swung his arm vigorously, and the countless strange black filaments covering the unusual palm imprints surged forward with great force! As the energy palm imprint erupted, the energy throughout the realm surged violently, even stirring the clouds above the sky, causing them to ripple and rise. Having heard of the renown of the Imperial Seal Technique, the ice river naturally knew its significance, and his expression instantly grew serious. He realized that at this moment, no words would do any good—what mattered was to first absorb this elder's current momentum. With this thought forming in his mind, the ice river clenched his teeth, and the black snow at the center of his brow flashed with an eerie glow, while a continuous surge of black cold energy erupted from within his body. "Imperial Sovereign Power! Seal of Freezing the Heavens!" A surge of black, cold energy swiftly coalesced in Ice River's hands. In the next instant, a thick layer of black ice began to form on his palms—though it appeared unremarkable at first glance, it exuded an unusually eerie and profound chill. As his Black Ice Palm rapidly took shape, Ice River stomped the ground with his foot, then launched himself into motion, appearing instantly before the strange palm imprint. His expression was solemn, and with a powerful thrust, he delivered a resounding blow. A terrifying energy storm surged outward from the sky, revealing countless dark fissures nearly a hundred meters long, like deep gorges etched across the void of space. The scene was as if the heavens themselves had suddenly split open, revealing a monstrous maw, sending chills through the observers. As the storm expanded, it also generated a sweeping gale that swept across the land. Forests surrounding the city were uprooted, their towering trees lifted skyward and hurled toward the distant horizon—resembling a scene straight out of an apocalypse. "Amid the spreading energy storm in the sky, both figures retreated violently. With each step their feet made upon the void, they left behind a dark imprint. 'Ha! What a satisfying encounter—indeed, the Ice Sovereign's power from the Ice River Valley has some real depth,' laughed the white-haired elder as he stepped back ten or so paces, steadied himself, and looked up at the figure retreating even further—Ice River—his voice filled with exhilaration. "Miss, please wait!" Hearing Xun'er's words, the distant ice river's face slightly changed, and she quickly said. "What? Does the Master of the Ice River Valley wish to persuade me once again to hand over the person?" Xun'er smiled gently, her tone laced with quiet mockery. The ice river sighed, her gaze shifting to Qinghai and Tian Shuangzi, who were engaged in combat with the cloaked elder, and said firmly, "Tian Shuangzi, come back!" At the sound of the ice river's command, Tian Shuangzi, who had been struggling to hold on, was instantly energized and had no time to speak with Qinghai beside him. With a swift movement, he retreated, appearing beside the ice river after a few quick steps, and asked with some bewilderment, "Master?" "Today's events are my fault. Should I have done anything that displeases you, I humbly ask Miss Xun'er to forgive me," said the ice river, not looking at Tian Shuangzi. She clenched her teeth, then, under a series of open-mouthed stares, bowed respectfully to Xun'er. Hean Tian Shuang, standing by, was equally stunned, gazing at Bing He with wide eyes. He had never seen Bing He speak such words before. "What are these people's origins? Indeed..." Tian Shuang, though not a fool, quickly grasped the situation. If the visitors had merely two Dou Zun-level masters, they certainly wouldn't have prompted such a reaction from Bing He. Clearly, the mysterious woman must be backed by a formidable power that even Bing He's valley itself would revere and fear. "Bing He, what do you mean? Do you intend to disgrace Bing He Valley?" Tian Shuang retreated, while Qing Qi, naturally, dared not linger in conflict with the cloaked elder and hurriedly fled, shouting angrily at Bing He. Despite Qing Qi's outburst, Bing He paid no attention. Though he deeply desired the Eran Poison Body, if that came at the cost of the most ancient clan, he would willingly forgo it. After all, while the Houn Palace might not be so intimidated by the ancient lineage, Bing He's own valley still lacked the corresponding strength. Xun'er was also slightly surprised by the sudden change of Ice River's stance, but soon became thoughtful—seemingly, this person had already learned of their identities. "Brother Xiao Yan?" After a brief pause, she turned her gaze toward Xiao Yan, clearly indicating her desire to see his decision. Though her gesture was subtle, it was clearly noticed by Ice River and the others, who all turned their attention to Xiao Yan with a sense of curiosity. From this small action, they could perceive that although the young girl from the green robe possessed a formidable background, she appeared to be following Xiao Yan's lead. "This young gentleman, regarding the matter of the calamity toxin—my Ice River Valley will no longer be involved in the future!" Ice River said, bowing slightly and speaking with steady determination. Xiao Yan glanced at him, smiled, and said, "Master of Binghe Valley is jesting. This matter was originally a misunderstanding. Since Master has expressed such clear intentions, Xiao Yan naturally will not pursue it further..." Xiao Yan was well aware that Binghe Valley's courtesy stemmed entirely from Xun'er. The Binghe Valley's influence in the Central Plains was substantial, and with the strength now gathered around Xun'er, it would be impossible to completely eliminate them. Moreover, the ancient clan might not allow her to act so decisively on behalf of a mere outsider. Therefore, having driven Binghe Valley back today was already the best possible outcome. As for lingering grievances, when he himself grew stronger, Xiao Yan would personally settle them—rather than relying on the ancient clan's support! Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Master Binghe felt a sense of relief. While he indeed held no great regard for Xiao Yan's personal prowess, the ancient clan demanded serious attention. Now that Xun'er had stepped forward, no matter how unwilling he was, he had to quietly retreat. "The aftermath of Yecheng will be handled by my people—I shall not linger any longer today..." The countless gazes below caused Ice River to clench his fists, then turn his gaze toward Xun'er, speaking solemnly, "Madam, I hope today's matters remain merely minor grievances and do not affect our future relations." Xun'er naturally understood what he meant, and smiled gently, saying softly, "I also hope today's events never repeat themselves. Otherwise, the next time I visit, it might very well be the Valley of Ice River." Ice River's expression slightly tightened, then managed a smile, waving his sleeve. A ripple of distortion spread through the space behind him, and as his form gradually faded into the swirling space, Tian Shuangzi hurried to follow. Qinghai gazed at Ice River and the others, who had left looking weary and disheveled, and his heart began to grow uneasy. With a sudden movement, a ripple of distortion spread through the space beside him. As he prepared to flee, two shadowy figures unexpectedly materialized beside him, their hands firmly locking onto his shoulders.