Chapter 9: Frost Mountain Cave

Reon spotted five boys approaching their abode, each wearing a robe of yellow and blue. It wasn't the attire of outer sect disciples; it was something far more significant. One thing was certain, though—trouble was headed his way.

Xu Yang and Reon rose from the table and moved toward the approaching group to see what they wanted. Reon subtly activated his skill, preparing for whatever might come next.

"Identify"

[Ding! The "Identify" skill was unable to ascertain the status of the target, resulting in an unfortunate malfunction.] 

Reon glanced at the others, but the result was the same. He was certain these individuals were far stronger than both Xu Yang and himself, making it clear they were not to be trifled with.

To Reon's surprise, they didn't say anything at first. Instead, they cupped their fists in a formal gesture, and one of the five boys spoke up.

"Greeting, I am Long Ming, a disciple of the Disciplinary Hall. We're here for someone named Xue Taiyang who have been sentenced to stay three days in the Frost Mountain Cave. Please comply and come with us."

The Disciplinary Hall is the department responsible for punishing any disciple who breaks the Sect's laws, regardless of whether they are a direct disciple of an Elder, a Great Elder, or even a True Disciple.

Reon realized they had come for him—or rather, for Xue Taiyang, the body he now inhabited. They were here to escort him to the Frost Mountain Cave. Turning to Xu Yang, Reon said,

"Xu Yang, train hard. I'll be back in three days."

"Yes, Brother Xue" Xu Yang replied.

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"Please, this way," Long Ming said.

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Frost Mountain Cave is a notorious punishment site within the sect, located deep within the icy peaks of Frost Mountain. Known for its harsh and unforgiving environment, the cave is perpetually covered in frost and chilled by freezing winds, making it a place where survival depends on sheer willpower.

The cold within the cave seeps into one's bones, numbing the body and making even the simplest movements difficult. It is believed that the isolation and physical struggle of enduring the extreme cold forces introspection and strengthens one's mental fortitude.

However, many fear the cave, as its chilling conditions have broken even the strongest of wills.

Despite its brutal nature, those who emerge from their time in the cave are often tougher and more resilient, having faced many trial that tests both body and spirit.

The Frost Mountain Cave serves as a disciplinary site for disciples of varying ranks within the sect, but its severity and challenges are tailored based on the disciple's level—Outer, Inner, Core, and True Disciple. Each rank experiences a different part of the cave, with increasing difficulty as one advances.

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The section designated for Outer Disciples is harsh but survivable, featuring freezing temperatures that make it difficult to move and concentrate.

The cold bites at the skin, and the air is thin, forcing the disciples to focus their energy on maintaining their body temperature.

While this part of the cave does not present life-threatening danger, the isolation and unrelenting chill push the disciples to their limits, testing their endurance and patience. Outer Disciples often leave with a deeper understanding of their weaknesses and a stronger resolve.

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For Inner Disciples, the cave becomes significantly more dangerous. This section is deeper within the mountain, where the cold becomes more intense, often sapping the disciple's spiritual energy if not properly managed.

The walls of this part of the cave radiate an unnatural frost, and frost-covered beasts or spectral figures might appear as challenges to test both combat skills and mental focus.

Surviving this level requires more than just physical toughness—it demands precise control over one's spiritual energy to combat the cold and fend off the creatures lurking in the shadows.

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Core Disciples are sent to the most brutal sections of the cave. Here, the temperature plummets to nearly unbearable levels, and the air is filled with frosty spiritual energy that disrupts one's cultivation if not carefully controlled.

The cave here is not only a test of endurance but also a test of one's mastery over their cultivation techniques. Glacial formations in this area are imbued with ancient, suppressive energy, making it difficult for even skilled cultivators to fully use their abilities.

Core Disciples often encounter powerful frost-bound creatures or spiritual trials designed to challenge their mastery of both body and mind.

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True Disciples face the Heart of Frost Mountain Cave, a place few ever dare to enter. The cold here is near absolute, capable of freezing one's spiritual core if they are not extremely vigilant.

This section is often described as "Frozen Hell," where time seems to slow, and the cold warps reality itself. In this part of the cave, True Disciples may face ancient ice spirits, long-forgotten entities, or spiritual illusions meant to test their deepest fears and ambitions.

The energy here is not just cold—it is suffused with an ancient, primal force that threatens to consume even the most powerful disciples if they falter.

Only those with absolute mastery over their cultivation can survive this trial, and those who do often emerge stronger, with a deeper understanding of the Dao or their own potential.

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"Since you are now an Outer Disciple, we will take you to the Outer section of Frost Mountain Cave, as ordered," Long Ming said.

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As Reon was about to step into the Outer section of Frost Mountain Cave, he heard a notification from the System.