Chapter 114: Frozen Awakening

Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Frozen Awakening

To practice the Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden, one must first stand facing the rising sun, channel energy from their Dantian, and release nine long tones.

The waves of sound must cascade from the throat down to the soles of the feet, like a series of drumbeats. They travel through the arms, chest, abdomen, waist, hips, knees, and ankles, causing the entire body to resonate.

This was the singing aspect.

Following it were the recitation, acting, and striking skills—reciting tongue-twisters like a hammer, each word vibrating through the spine; moving the arms as if flicking reins, limbering the joints; and a combination of tumbling and striking that made one’s bones and sinews sing.

A full cycle required performing the "singing, reciting, acting, and striking" in order. It took about the same amount of time as the Randall Body Refining Technique—around three hours.

By the time Wang Xi finished, it was already evening.

The sky had grown dim.

[Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden (Technique Card/White One Star): 1/100]

He was drenched in sweat. His mouth and tongue felt dry, and a sore, tingling numbness spread through his limbs.

The singing and recitation practice just now had been as loud as a great bell. If not for the soundproofing in his apartment, and the fact that it was just after quitting time, he probably would have been cursed out and reported by his upstairs and downstairs neighbors.

"Hoo..."

Wang Xi collapsed onto the sofa, wiped away his sweat with a towel, and drank a few mouthfuls of warm water.

Although he was full of stamina, he still felt exhausted after the training. The Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden was more draining than both the Randall Body Refining Technique and the Moonlit Night Breathing Technique.

He used his Follower Card to summon Liuli, the Encouragement Meow. A blue light flashed, and a calico cat landed on his lap, rubbing its head against him affectionately.

"Master, Liuli wants to eat something fragrant and spicy..."

The cat looked up, her eyes watery.

"It would be even better with a frozen Demon Child Soda."

"Quite the list of demands," Wang Xi said with a laugh, scratching her chin. "Alright, I’m hungry too."

...

...

「Time flew by.」

More than half a month passed.

Wang Xi hadn’t been slacking off. Aside from occasionally taking Liuli out for a walk to get some fresh air, he spent all his time at home training.

During the day, he’d have photosynthesis active while he practiced the Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden in the sunlight. At night, he’d sit cross-legged facing the moon, painstakingly cultivating the Moonlit Night Breathing Technique.

However, this was already his limit. He had no extra time or energy to practice other Skill Cards like Blood Orchid Elegy, All-Purpose Warlock, or Lord of Sugar Water.

He was tired.

Extremely tired.

Only after experiencing it firsthand did Wang Xi truly understand why Li Xingduan had advised him to focus on a single path.

As one’s power grew and their card collection expanded, it was impossible to give attention to every single Card. Sooner or later, one would have to make carefully considered choices.

Otherwise, he’d be a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

With Cards, quality was more important than quantity.

"Sigh."

He let out a sigh.

Well, if that’s how it was, he had no choice—

’Kaos, Star Promotion!’

More than half a month of hard training had barely increased the Experience Points for Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden and Moonlit Night Breathing Technique by 20.

It wasn’t that Wang Xi thought it was too slow; he was worried his foundation was shallow and not solid enough.

So, for the sake of the future... it was time to call on Kaos!

[Consumed 82 Experience (1463 remaining)]

[Card has undergone Star Promotion!]

[Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden (Technique Card/White Two Stars): 0/200]

’Just as I’d expect from a pro.’

Wang Xi felt a warm current surge through his body, spreading to his limbs. When he stretched slightly, he heard a series of cracking and popping sounds as his bones and sinews sang in unison.

’My flexibility and dexterity have improved significantly, and even my strength has grown by a lot... This is a Tension Sensitivity System Technique Card.’

He understood now.

In comparison, the Randall Body Refining Technique belonged to the Physical Endurance System, while the Moonlit Night Breathing Technique leaned toward the Strength and Intelligence System.

The three had completely different development paths.

Anyone else would naturally have to choose between them.

But for Wang Xi...

He wanted them all.

A well-rounded development was the duty of any youth in this new era, after all.

’Kaos, do it again!’

Wang Xi issued the command once more.

[Consumed 200 Experience (1263 remaining)]

[Card has undergone Star Promotion!]

[Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden (Technique Card/White Three Stars/Ultimate/Not upgradable)]

A faint white light emanated from Wang Xi’s body.

He felt that warm current surge again, strengthening his body a second time, and the effect was even more potent than before.

At the same time, a stream of information flowed from the fissure in his mind:

[Please select one of the following three enhancements]

[Option 1: Tongue Like a Lotus: Enhances singing and recitation, providing a boost to sound-wave-type Skills.]

[Option 2: Life is like a play: Enhances acting and posture, improving fine control over the body’s muscles, especially facial muscles and expressions.]

[Option 3: Wielding Swords and Sticks: Enhances combat skills, granting greater proficiency with weapons like swords, spears, and staffs.]

Faced with these three enhancement options, Wang Xi hesitated... One involved ’tongue work’ and another involved ’playing with a staff.’ It made for a truly difficult choice.

Especially Option Three, which was equivalent to mastering several types of weapons at once, instantly turning him into a Weapon Master. This way, Wang Xi would no longer be limited to just a Two-Handed Sword.

He could pick up a lamp post and start a fight.

So he chose the second option.

—Life is like a play.

The world is a stage, and you just play your part.

Whores know no love, and actors know no loyalty.

To have fine control over every muscle in his body—what a divine skill.

Especially since it let him control his micro-expressions. Combined with his eloquence and his "Divine Second" trick, he would be a master actor.

In his mind, a Seal of a face, impossible to tell if it was crying or laughing, appeared alongside Unyielding Journey and Bang Bang Candy.

His third Seal!

He’d succeeded!

Wang Xi was overjoyed.

After the Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden reached Ultimate through Star Promotion, he felt his Physique had improved significantly again, his foundation becoming even more solid.

Unfortunately, his title hadn’t been updated.

He was still a Four-Star Hero.

Clearly, his accumulation of power had yet to reach the point of a qualitative change.

Just then...

Wang Xi suddenly sensed something and quickly focused his attention on his mind—

Through the mist of the long, narrow fissure, he seemed to see another world. In a bright, azure Ice Crystal Hall, a crack appeared on a human-shaped ice sculpture with a loud CRACK.

’Is the ice finally breaking?!’

Wang Xi was delighted.

He could finally descend into the Fairy Tale World again.

His projection had been imprisoned there for over half a year, and now the moment of rebirth had finally arrived.

Wang Xi flopped back onto the sofa and closed his eyes.

’Kaos, descend.’

...

...

「Fairy Tale World.」

Stag Kingdom, Northern Capital of Daphne, Snow Mountain Peak.

In the silent hall of the Ice Crystal Castle, a series of cracking sounds echoed endlessly.

The human-shaped ice sculpture standing in the center was covered in cracks, and finally, it exploded into fragments and dust with a bang.

From within the dazzling mist of ice, a figure fell rigidly to the ground. It was so rock-hard that it even bounced twice on the floor.

THUD THUD.

Wang Xi struggled to open his eyes, feeling a sharp pain all over his body.

The pain was peculiar, like a few hundred seniors with dementia had gotten lost wandering all over his body and forgotten their way home.

It was both agonizing and persistent.

Anyone who’s ever stubbed their toe on a table leg in the dead of winter would surely understand.

"Sss..."

Wang Xi lay there for a moment before struggling to his feet.

He felt terrible—dizzy, exhausted. After being frozen for seven months, he felt like a slab of zombie meat.

’I should have my Magic Power Awakening now, right?’

With that thought, Wang Xi pulled open his collar to look at his left chest.

A faint blue light emanated from the spot over his heart. There was no stabbing pain; instead, a sense of warmth spread from it.

Before his eyes, the air began to fill with colorful particles smaller than sesame seeds.

Like rabid fans spotting their idol on the street, they swarmed toward Wang Xi, surrounding him.

’I can see Magic Elements with my naked eye?’

Wang Xi was astonished.

Just then, a cool female voice sounded from behind him:

"Congratulations on your Awakening."

Wang Xi turned to see Isabella, her hair in an updo and dressed in a long gown of ice crystal, standing barefoot on the steps. One hand rested lightly on the translucent banister.

"Your Majesty Isabella, thank you for saving me."

He quickly performed a salute, placing a hand over his chest and bowing his head.

Isabella studied the young man and said coolly:

"I did nothing. You survived entirely on your own talent and tenacious will."

"..."

Wang Xi wanted to agree, but he had a shred of decency. After two seconds of silence, he quickly composed himself.

Under the effect of the Life is like a play Seal, he relaxed his forehead muscles, let his eyebrows sink slightly, and kept the corners of his lips flat. He raised his cheek muscles just enough to dispel any sense of aloofness, revealing an expression of utmost sincerity.

"Your Majesty."

Wang Xi said in a solemn voice.

"If you hadn’t explained the truth of the Ice Heart Curse to me and intervened to save me, I’m afraid I would have died without ever knowing why..."

"Though I was frozen for the past half-year, I could always feel the rhythm of the magic you left behind... It was like an aurora in the darkness, both chilling and yet filled with a hidden vitality."

"Now, I can see the flow of the elements, but I am more aware than ever that I am merely a toddler just learning to walk, knowing very little about the Magic Domain."

"I yearn for magic, yet I also revere it... If you would not be offended, I wish to guard this pure land atop the Snow Mountain Peak and learn magic from you."

"I implore you to give me this chance."

With that, Wang Xi bowed his head low.

"..."

Isabella’s lovely brows furrowed slightly.

Perhaps she found the young man’s request too presumptuous.

Or perhaps she just found it troublesome.

But his words were polite and his attitude was proper and humble, so she didn’t feel any particular revulsion.

"I am not skilled at teaching others, and the mountain and castle have no need for a guardian."

Isabella said calmly.

"More importantly, you do not possess an Ice Element Affinity. Even if I taught you, you would not be able to learn."

Hearing this, Wang Xi wasn’t disappointed at all. In fact, he was secretly thrilled... ’If the Ice and Snow Queen is saying that, it means I have a chance!’

His mind raced.

While controlling his facial muscles, he adopted a resolute expression and said in a low, firm voice:

"I know that Your Majesty prefers tranquility and that outsiders are not welcome on this mountain... But I have now been named the ’Queen’s Sword’ by Her Majesty Sianna."

"This sword is not just the Stag Queen’s Sword, but also the Ice and Snow Queen’s Sword."

"Your Majesty Isabella, you have more important matters to focus on. Please allow me to handle these insignificant trifles for you... I dare not hope to receive your tutelage, but I beg for a chance to serve you and prove my worth."

After his Nine Rhymes of Pear Garden had reached its Ultimate Star Promotion, his enunciation was clear and powerful, each word landing with force.

His sincere words finally made Isabella hesitate.

After a long silence...

The Ice and Snow Queen gave the young man a deep look.

With a wave of her hand...

An Ice Crystal Round Mirror materialized in the center of the hall.

She flicked her sleeve, turned, and walked up the stairs without looking back.

Her cool voice drifted back:

"If, within ten days, you can see the Magic Rune Secret Technique in the mirror and use it to successfully absorb Magic Power and the Ice Element, I will agree to teach you magic..."