Chapter 525: Igloo City

The closer one approached the center of Ice Sculpture Island, the colder the weather became.

The capital of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom was situated in the island's most frigid region.

Yet cold did not equate to barrenness. On the contrary, the concentration of frost elements resulted in vast deposits of unique resources. This was precisely why, when settlers first migrated from the Frost Continent to Ice Sculpture Island, they chose the site of the royal capital as their initial settlement.

The capital was not only the geographic center of the Ice Sculpture Kingdom but also its power hub.

Viewed from above, with the capital at its core, various factions, the royal family, the Alchemy Guild, and major religious sects intertwined, weaving a web of influence that blankets the entire island and extends its reach to surrounding seas and islands.

Within this vast web of power, the Li Jian Clan undoubtedly occupied a colossal mesh.

As one of the kingdom's most influential transcendent families, their authority was immense. The Second Naval Fleet of the kingdom had practically become the Li Jian Clan's private military force. Even the royal family found it difficult to intervene.

The Li Jian Clan's main city, Igloo City, was situated deep within the kingdom's heartland, only a few thousand miles from the royal capital.

This was a vast ice plain.

Snow fell year-round, with blizzards raging five days out of every week.

The ice plain had no mountains. From afar, the most striking sight was the architecture of Igloo City.

These soaring structures stood densely packed. Due to the constant snowfall, flat roofs risked collapse under the weight of accumulated snow, so nearly all buildings in Igloo City featured domed designs.

Snow elves belong to the elven race, a sentient species whose blood naturally flows with artistry and magic.

Thus, within Igloo City, circular roofs, arched portals, and a city layout shaped like petals form the cornerstone of architectural beauty.

Amidst the vast expanse of white ice and snow, pale blue and deep blue ice bricks served as the city's primary hues. These harmonize with the unique green and yellow conifers, mosses, and other vegetation of the ice plain, creating a marvelous tapestry of color.

Pedestrians traversing the city streets and life activities in every corner flow like a current, seamlessly integrating the beauty of architecture and color.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Zi Di found her gaze irresistibly drawn to the exotic beauty unfolding on the streets below.

The originally cold and harsh natural environment was greatly softened by the graceful lines of the architecture. The vitality emanating from the vegetation and pedestrians dotted the cityscape of white and blue.

Zi Di understood well: the Li Jian Clan possessed ample financial resources to create even more greenery. Yet they chose not to, seemingly by deliberate design. However, precisely because it was sparse, the vitality scattered throughout appeared all the more precious.

Seated on the wide-backed chair nearby was Zong Ge.

His gaze swept over the study's furnishings, sizing up which items might be alchemy tools and assessing the room's defensive capabilities. In his mind, he ran through scenarios: Should conflict erupt, would they choose to leap through the window or break down the door?

Zong Ge was an exceptionally skilled commander, his very bones pulsing with a primal combat instinct.

He relished observing battlefields, imagining every scenario to devise tactics.

Yet this study was remarkably sparse, with few furnishings. Judging by its aura, only two or three transcendent items were present.

This was the study of the clan leader of the Li Jian Clan, yet it seemed far too ordinary.

A faint doubt lingered in Zong Ge's mind, accompanied by a subtle sense of pressure.

He yearned to unleash a reconnaissance-type battle skill to see clearly. But remembering that he and Zi Di had come knocking with a request, such a rash move was out of the question.

Ever since receiving the letter from Tripleblade, Zi Di, Zong Ge, and their group had immediately altered their itinerary, traveling from Rime City to Igloo City.

This was the Li Jian Clan's stronghold.

Whether due to the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps' renowned reputation or their established alliance with the Li Jian Clan, Zi Di, Zong Ge, and their companions received an exceptionally high-level reception.

Moreover, they were granted an audience directly with the current clan leader, Mian Li Zang.

This undoubtedly set a promising tone.

At the appointed time, Zi Di and Zong Ge were ushered into Mian Li Zang's study to await his arrival.

“Do you know?”

"There was a time when Igloo City was filled with birdsong and flowers, resplendent and magnificent. Not only did it cultivate icefield vegetation, but it also transplanted many greenhouse blooms. Back then, man-made hot springs were everywhere, their waters tinkling as they flowed. The city's temperature was always pleasant, and fruits hung on the trees ready to be plucked. When you popped them into your mouth, they were always at their most delicious."

“Over the century following that era, our clan declined. Our descendants grew weak and feeble, our family spirit deteriorated, and we even faced the threat of extinction.”

"After deep reflection, the clan leader of that time voluntarily took responsibility and stepped down. The new clan leader led the entire clan in diligent governance, bringing in renowned masters to educate the younger generation. Resources were concentrated where they were most needed, not on the city's ornate decorations. Finally, the family creed was revised."

“Now, our creed is - Hide wealth in emptiness, stand firm amidst snow and wind!”

Zi Di heard the voice and her heart jolted. She turned swiftly to look.

The next moment, she saw a handsome snow elf. A middle-aged man, his face radiating a kind smile, yet his deep, piercing eyes revealed a profound, calculating mind.

“Mian Li Zang...”

Information about this man flashed rapidly through Zi Di's mind.

This man possessed an extraordinary blend of softness and strength. Outwardly gentle and seemingly weak, but anyone who thought him frail and easy to bully would be gravely mistaken. Once he truly took action, he often struck with pinpoint accuracy, sometimes even delivering a fatal blow. In truth, he was a deeply calculating individual with ruthless methods.

Possessing a gold level transcendent rank, he specializes in magic, excelling particularly in spatial manipulation and summoning.

Such was the nature of the Inner World bloodline - it held significant advantages in spatial powers.

Under his leadership, the Li Jian Clan has flourished even more than under its previous head.

He took great pleasure in recruiting external talent. For instance, the time magician Sand Between Fingers from the Second Naval Fleet was personally recruited by Mian Li Zang.

He also attempted to recruit Yun Zhong, but the latter showed little interest in joining any faction and politely declined.

Though rejected, Mian Li Zang remained undeterred, persistently attempting recruitment. His offers grew increasingly generous, their superiority making others envious.

Yun Zhong truly had no interest and found his persistence unbearable. But one wouldn't strike a smiling face. Left with no choice, Yun Zhong could only evade him. Mian Li Zang visited Yun Zhong repeatedly, only to find him absent each time, yet his enthusiasm never waned.

Some mocked him, but those with true insight recognized this as an exquisite political performance orchestrated by Mian Li Zang through Yun Zhong.

In this display, Mian Li Zang profoundly demonstrated his unique approach, a thirst for and willingness to embrace external talent.

If Yun Zhong agreed, the Li Jian Clan would gain another gold level member, bolstering their strength.

If he refused, he’d become Mian Li Zang’s tool, cementing the latter’s reputation as a patron of talent in the public consciousness.

“An exceptional clan leader, an exceptional politician!” Zi Di thought, steeled her resolve, and bowed in greeting.

Zong Ge, though promoted to gold level, remained outwardly a silver level member. He rose to greet Mian Li Zang proactively.

The study door remained closed; Mian Li Zang had utilized spatial abilities to appear silently.

Instead of taking his seat behind the desk, he proactively retrieved vessels from a side cabinet and inquired gently of Zi Di and Zong Ge, “Tea or wine?”

As a magician, Zi Di immediately replied, “Tea would be best.”

Mian Li Zang proceeded to fetch cups himself, placing them on the tea table before the guest chairs.

He pulled up a low stool beside the table and began brewing the tea personally.

Mian Li Zang wore a warm smile, showing none of the pride expected of a clan leader.

Yet Zi Di, seated to his left, felt immense pressure.

From Mian Li Zang's entrance to his every word, everything was calculated.

This business negotiation commenced the moment Mian Li Zang appeared.

As per prior arrangements, Zi Di remained the primary negotiator for the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.

As for Zong Ge, he knew this was not his forte. Although he had delivered a standout performance during the previous negotiations at the Axe Gang's headquarters. That success stemmed from his insight into the battlefield, his combat instincts, and the experience of an exceptional commander—qualities that allowed him to apply his expertise to other areas.

To replicate that performance, Zong Ge needed extensive observation.

During the Axe Gang negotiations, Zong Ge remained silent, thoroughly assessing the situation before seizing the moment to speak.

Zi Di was the main force; Zong Ge was the surprise tactic.

This was the strategic deployment of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.

The three sat around the tea table, beginning to sip their brew.

Mian Li Zang introduced the silver level tea, detailing its origin and properties.

Zi Di took a sip of the hot tea, first remarking how pleasant it felt to drink something warm in this cold weather. She then followed Mian Li Zang's lead, sharing her knowledge of other tea varieties and comparing them to the one they were drinking.

Having grown up immersed in her father's world, Zi Di later became a magician, studying at the academy to gain deeper knowledge. After taking charge of the dilapidated Wisteria Merchant Alliance, she gained extensive expertise in tea, a major commodity category.

Thus, Zi Di's tea-related insights piqued Mian Li Zang's curiosity, prompting him to ask questions.

Zong Ge observed for a long while, initially growing impatient.

After all, the two had chatted idly for ages, two more cups of tea had been poured, without touching on the real topic.

But then Zong Ge realized this casual banter was itself a contest.

Both sides sought to demonstrate patience; whoever broached the crucial issue first would concede an early defeat.

Zong Ge felt uneasy, for he knew the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was the more anxious party. They had suffered an attack from a mysterious force, this crucial intelligence was surely known to the Li Jian Clan.

His group's arrival at Igloo City and their proactive visit to the Li Jian Clan made their motives and objectives all too obvious.

The Li Jian Clan Leader clearly understood this, so he sat calmly and patiently, showing no sign of urgency.

Zi Di wasn't without anxiety, but she couldn't afford to show it. Doing so would put her at a disadvantage in the real negotiations to come.

Despite her youth, however, she possessed considerable experience in negotiations.

Facing an opponent like Mian Li Zang and navigating the current unfavorable situation, she had long since devised the right countermeasures.