Since the Spear of the Firmament would not arrive for another ten days, Zhao Yun and the others set up a simple tent made of ice blocks on a high ground closest to the Blizzard area.
This high ground offered an excellent view, allowing them to spot any sign of the Spear of the Firmament immediately.
Every minute and every second on the Icefield seemed frozen by the severe cold, slow and oppressive.
During the days waiting for the Spear of the Firmament, Aleia seized the times when Ross was free to pester him into teaching her archery.
Ross couldn't refuse, so he took out his bow and patiently explained the essentials of archery to Aleia.
As he spoke, he demonstrated the correct posture: feet shoulder-width apart, body leaning slightly back, arms steady when drawing the bow, and eyes aimed at the target.
Aleia studied diligently, but when it came to practical application, things went awry. The arrows she shot were crooked, either sticking into the nearby snowdrift or flying past the edge of the target. Despite countless attempts, the situation did not improve.
Aleia was completely dejected and finally gave up helplessly, muttering, "This archery is too hard; I guess I'm just not cut out for it."
Nia's favorite activity every day was building snowmen. She found ice blocks of various shapes to serve as the body and head, used pebbles for the eyes and mouth, and broke off a few dry branches to act as the snowman's arms.
Snowmen of various shapes "stood" up around the tent. She would also pull Aleia along to "dress up" the snowmen, making hats for them out of ice blocks and necklaces out of colorful stones, having a wonderful time.
Leah, meanwhile, was immersed in improving her own strength. She trained rigorously on the Icefield every day; even the howling cold wind could not stop her progress.
She brandished the sword in her hand, practicing her sword technique over and over. Her sword moves became increasingly sharp, carving deep marks across the Icefield with her Sword Qi.
Zhao Yun spent most of his time patrolling and keeping watch; this was a long-ingrained habit, as the Icefield was full of dangers that required constant vigilance.
In the intervals between patrolling and vigilance, he did not forget to hone his Spear Technique. Holding the Star Shattering Spear, he moved across the Icefield, the tip of his spear flashing with Cold Light as he practiced every move tirelessly.
On the midnight before the Spear of the Firmament was due to arrive, Aleia and Nia were already fast asleep.
A sweet smile still lingered on Nia's lips, as if she were having a pleasant dream.
Aleia was hugging her tail, occasionally letting out soft snores.
Ross also found a corner to rest after his watch shift, a hint of fatigue on his face.
Leah, however, couldn't sleep at all. She quietly got up, avoiding the others, and went outside the tent alone.
The night on the Icefield was exceptionally silent, only the "whoo-whoo" sound of the cold wind scraping across the ice layer, like ancient Ghosts murmuring softly. Moonlight spilled onto the ice surface, radiating a cold and eerie light, stretching Leah's shadow long and thin.
She stood there, her Ice Blue hair flowing in the wind like flowing Ice Blue flames. The Cold Light refracted by the ice on her scabbard mirrored her current mood: cold and lost.
As the night watchman, Zhao Yun noticed Leah's movement immediately. He followed her quietly, and seeing her solitary figure, a slight Ripple stirred in his heart.
He didn't speak right away, just stood quietly not far behind her, watching the mysterious and dangerous Icefield with her.
After a long while, Leah seemed to sense Zhao Yun's presence but didn't turn around, only saying softly.
"Why are you out here too?"
Her voice drifted away in the cold wind, carrying a hint of unconcealed loneliness.
Zhao Yun took two steps forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Leah.
"I saw you come out during my watch, so I was a little worried."
His voice was deep and gentle, like a warm hearth fire on this cold night, dispelling some of the chill.
Leah gave a wry smile, "I just couldn't sleep, so I came out for some air. Actually, I have a secret hidden in my heart, but I've never shared it with anyone."
Zhao Yun looked at her and said softly, "Everyone has their own secrets; you don't need to force yourself to share."
Leah felt a warmth in her heart and turned to look at Zhao Yun. Under the moonlight, his expression was resolute yet held a touch of mystery.
This man had always given her an unfathomable feeling since they met. She had never truly understood his past, yet for some reason, at this moment, she felt she relied on him even more.
"Aren't you curious about my secret?"
Leah asked softly, her eyes filled with doubt.
Zhao Yun smiled, his gaze fixed on the distance.
"Of course, I'm curious, but I understand better that everyone has their own past; those experiences shape who we are now. Some secrets belong only to oneself and shouldn't be shown easily."
Leah fell silent for a moment, then said softly, "Actually, I have always carried a certain mission that forces me to constantly enhance my strength. I always feel this secret brings danger to those around me, and that feeling grows stronger as I age."
Zhao Yun listened quietly without speaking, only nodding slightly to signal her to continue.
"I know, because of this secret, I might put everyone in danger..."
Leah's voice trembled slightly, her eyes flickering with complex light—confusion, determination, and a touch of fear.
"Don't think like that. Since we chose to travel together, we have already prepared to face danger together," Zhao Yun comforted her.
A warm current surged through Leah's heart, and she took a deep breath.
"Thank you. Actually, I've always been curious about your past; your strength and your weapon both exude a certain mystery."
Zhao Yun paused slightly, then a look of gravity appeared on his face.
"My past... that is a very long story. I am not from here; I come from a country called Han, which has bustling cities and fierce wars. I was once a general leading troops in battle. During a major conflict, I was swept into a dark rift, and when I came to my senses, I found myself on this continent."
Leah listened intently, her eyes wide with surprise.
"A spatial rift? So you intend to use the Ancient Teleportation Array on the Black Moon Altar to return?"
Zhao Yun nodded gently.
"My Lord must still be waiting for my return. No matter how difficult the road ahead, I must find the way back home."
Leah looked at Zhao Yun, her admiration for him growing. In her eyes, Zhao Yun was like a towering Mountain Peak, steady and reliable.
"I still don't know your full name; can you tell me?" Leah asked.
"Zhao Zilong," Zhao Yun said slowly.
"Zhao Zilong..." Leah murmured.
At that moment, a gust of cold wind blew past, making Leah shiver involuntarily. Seeing this, Zhao Yun took off his cloak and gently draped it over Leah's shoulders.
"Don't catch a cold."
Leah's heart stirred. Feeling the lingering warmth on the cloak, she gathered her courage, preparing to reveal the deepest secret in her heart.
But the words caught in her throat, and she hesitated again. This secret was too heavy; she didn't know how to begin.
Zhao Yun seemed to read her mind and smiled.
"There's no rush. Say it when you are ready. Keeping a secret for too long might become a burden, but if you aren't ready yet, don't force yourself."
Leah was slightly taken aback, then nodded.
"Yes, when I'm ready, I will definitely tell you."
The two stood quietly for a while longer, enjoying this moment of tranquility. The cold wind on the Icefield was still biting, but at this moment, a sense of warmth and trust had settled in their hearts.
"You should go back and rest; dawn is approaching," Zhao Yun said softly.
Leah nodded, and they walked back toward the tent side by side. Back inside, Leah lay down on the blanket again. Thinking of Zhao Yun standing guard, her heart was filled with peace, and she slept soundly.