Chapter 417: Chapter 97: The Praying Mantis Hunts the Cicada, Yellow Sparrow is Behind (Seeking Monthly Tickets)_4

Yin Jiu showed no fear at all; instead, he was full of excitement.

"Turn the rudder to the left for one circle, keep moving forward, don’t stop..."

With a compass in one hand and continuously calculating with the other, his excited voice repeatedly echoed on the deck.

"Quick, quick, quick! The opportunity is fleeting."

As the fleet slowly advanced, within the hazy Ice Evil Mist, the outline of a dim small island gradually appeared before everyone’s eyes.

Upon seeing this, Huangfu Jinhuan’s heart surged with excitement.

Ice Fiend Island, finally here!

As long as they successfully obtain the items from the Blood Nest on this island, the Huangfu Family is sure to rise again, perhaps even surpassing their past glory. The rise and fall of the Huangfu Family hinges on this one action!

...

Soon, the contours of Ice Fiend Island became more and more distinct in everyone’s eyes. From a distance, one could vaguely make out the outlines of some buildings on the island.

However, having reached this point, their large sea ship could no longer proceed.

The sea ship, built with sharp bottoms to withstand sea gales, could only anchor in deep-water ports; approaching the shallows would easily lead to grounding.

The group then transferred to a few small boats, continuing to approach Ice Fiend Island.

"Ice Fiend Island drifts and moves within a certain range."

Yin Jiu, having previous experience landing on the island, calculated much faster as they arrived here, explaining to the young master and Huangfu Huaye behind him while continuing his calculations.

"The mist around here is created by the island’s array, covering a range of dozens of miles around the island. Anyone unaware of this would merely think it’s sea fog and quickly skirt around it."

As they spoke, the small boat drew closer to Ice Fiend Island.

The nearer they got to the floating island, the louder the "woo woo woo" sound of wind from the island became, sounding almost like ghostly wails amidst the dense mist.

Yin Jiu said solemnly, "Young master, everyone, this Ice Demon Floating Island once had two Upper Grade Spirit Veins transplanted onto it—one Yin Sha Spiritual Vein and one Profound Ice Spiritual Vein."

"That’s precisely why for years, the island has been swept by chilling winds combining Profound Ice and Yin Sha forces. Even a Spirit Platform Realm Cultivator cannot withstand it for long."

"However, these evil winds have a pattern. If we wait a few hours for this gust to pass, we’ll have the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to enter a Blood Nest Guard Post on the island to avoid the wind."

During his last exploration, Yin Jiu suffered considerable losses due to these evil winds, only reaching the island’s periphery and losing several outer disciples he had absorbed.

"A few hours is too long."

The young master glanced ahead, casually tossing out a magical treasure resembling an ancient lamp.

The ancient lamp whirled into the air, suddenly radiating brightly, its gossamer light extending downward, enveloping all the small boats within.

The small boats seized the opportunity to move inward.

The bone-chilling Ice Fiend wind was completely blocked by the intangible and formless lamplight.

"Truly impressive, young master," Huangfu Jinhuan said with envying eyes, "With a casual gesture, the young master wields a defensive magical treasure like it’s nothing. The direct disciples of the Yin Sha Sect are indeed beyond the reach of common noble families like ours."

"It’s just a mere supporting defense magical treasure, capable of fending off various evil winds, that’s all," the young master said coolly, standing with hands behind his back. "As long as your Huangfu Family serves me well, you’ll naturally benefit in due time."

"Thank you, young master," Huangfu Jinhuan visibly delighted, replied, "Our Huangfu Family’s ambition is modest. We only wish to restore past glory."

"That’s not difficult." As the goal neared fruition, the young master, in a good mood, sought to win hearts, saying, "Once I seize this Blood Nest, as agreed, I’ll clear out the Ping’an Wang Family en route."

"Thank you, young master, thank you, young master." Huangfu Jinhuan repeatedly bowed with gratitude etched on his face.

Just as these words were spoken,

the swiftly traveling small boats docked at the edge of the floating island.

Not far from the shore stood a Blood Nest Guard Post.

The appearance of the Blood Nest Guard Post was exceptionally strange, resembling a huge blood cocoon, its dark blood-tinged exterior interwoven with viscus threads, like countless engorged blood vessels.

Seeing this Blood Nest Guard Post, the young master’s expression shifted slightly, revealing a trace of admiration: "The Divine Martial Dynasty had numerous extraordinary people, among whom ’Blood Venerable’ is one of the few I admire most."

This Blood Nest was a semi-lifeform that, with ample energy, could grow indefinitely, eventually transforming into a giant Blood Nest. Even when gravely injured, a Blood Nest Warrior could fully recover by returning to the Blood Nest.

The Yin Sha Sect is also a powerful force, and naturally, it’s seen the rise of multiple blood nests. However, those Blood Nest Bases belong to the sect. This particular Blood Nest, having been found by him, must be controlled by him to elevate his status within the sect further.

"Young master," Yin Jiu introduced respectfully, "Last time, my subordinates explored this Blood Nest Guard Post. Inside were over a dozen blood cocoons, most of which became dilapidated over the years. However, from one blood cocoon, a Blood Nest Warrior emerged."

"It took great effort to kill him and contain the Wedding Robe Blood Gu that emerged from his body within the jade box the young master provided."

As they spoke, the group entered the Blood Nest Guard Post together.

Just as Yin Jiu described, most blood cocoons had withered and eroded, except for one damaged, relatively fresh cocoon. Not far lay a twisted blood-colored corpse. Years had passed, and even in this Land of Ice and Evil, the corpse had begun to decay, emitting a foul odor.