Unrivaled Soldier in the City

Chapter 697: Chapter 697: The Whereabouts of the Ice Silkworm

Seeing this, Lin Kuang and Pei Yourong hastily stepped aside, not wishing to accept Tian Botong’s bow.

"Sect Leader Tian, you are too kind," Lin Kuang said with a smile. "Slaying the members of the Demon Sect is something we all should do."

"Indeed, it is. However, regardless of that, it was you who saved the Heavenly Mountain Sect. Without your arrival, I fear our sect would have been utterly destroyed. Therefore, on behalf of the entire Heavenly Mountain Sect, I thank you. You must accept this bow," Tian Botong said with the utmost solemnity before bowing once more to Lin Kuang, Pei Yourong, and the others.

Lin Kuang and Pei Yourong tried to dodge again, but their bodies seemed frozen in place, utterly immobile. They had no choice but to receive Tian Botong’s bow.

Only when Tian Botong straightened up did Lin Kuang and Pei Yourong regain their ability to move. They both knew with certainty that their temporary paralysis was Tian Botong’s doing. The realization shocked them; the fact that he could restrain them so easily was a testament to his formidable power.

"My apologies for my earlier actions," Tian Botong said apologetically, looking at Lin Kuang and Pei Yourong.

Lin Kuang shook his head with a smile. "Sect Leader Tian, you’re being far too courteous."

"Please wait here for a moment. I will attend to you shortly," Tian Botong said, and Lin Kuang nodded with a smile.

A short while later, Tian Botong gathered the sect’s disciples. He instructed two Elders to lead them in repairing the destroyed courtyards. The walls, and even the houses themselves, were constructed from blocks of ice, creating a fantastical and stunning sight.

Afterward, Tian Botong took a count of the casualties and instructed others to see to the burial of the fallen disciples.

Once everything was dealt with, Tian Botong invited Lin Kuang, Pei Yourong, Pei Qingtao, and Pei Yuandong into the main hall of the Heavenly Mountain Sect. The hall had been spared the worst of the fighting. It was in decent condition, with only a few cracks in the walls—nothing serious.

From his seat at the head of the hall, Tian Botong spoke, clasping his fists in a gesture of gratitude. "Everyone, thank you again for lending us your aid."

"Sect Leader Tian, you’re too courteous," Lin Kuang replied with a wry smile. "As we’ve said, it was simply our duty."

Hearing this, Tian Botong simply smiled and said no more. For him, expressing this gratitude was essential.

"Everyone, where have you come from? How did you end up on this Snow Mountain?" Tian Botong asked curiously.

"I came to the Heavenly Mountain in search of a few things, and these gentlemen are from the Pei Family," Lin Kuang explained with a smile. After all, he couldn’t very well say that Pei Yourong and his men were here to steal his Nameless Sword, could he? That would be terribly inappropriate.

"Oh? Searching for something?" Tian Botong said with a smile. "If you don’t mind sharing, please tell us. Our Heavenly Mountain Sect has been rooted in this Snow Mountain for hundreds of years; perhaps we can be of assistance. I didn’t realize you were from the Pei Family! How is the Old Master these days?"

"Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader Tian. The Old Master is doing well," Pei Yourong replied with a smile.

"That’s good to hear. The Old Master is truly a great hero," Tian Botong said with a touch of emotion. It was clear he was familiar with the man’s history.

"Indeed. The Old Master has always said your strength is by no means inferior to his. Having seen you in action today, I can see that your prowess is truly extraordinary," Pei Yourong added.

"Haha, you’re too kind. I wouldn’t dare compare myself to the Old Master. I am merely a Sect Leader," Tian Botong said with a humble laugh.

Just then, Tian Zilian began serving tea to everyone. It was her own special brew of Snow Lotus tea, a delicacy not available to just anyone. When she reached Lin Kuang, she smiled at him, her beautiful eyes filled with gratitude.

Lin Kuang just smiled back and said nothing.

"Everyone, please have a taste," Tian Botong said with a laugh. "This is my daughter’s own Snow Lotus tea. The flavor is quite nice."

Thirsty as they were, Lin Kuang and the others did not hesitate. They picked up their teacups and drank. The tea was, in fact, delicious. It had a delicate fragrance of Snow Lotus and a sweet flavor that was wonderfully refreshing.

Seeing the sun rising outside the main hall, Tian Botong said, "The sky is brightening. Zilian, please arrange for a meal to be prepared. We must show our guests proper hospitality."

"Yes, Father," Tian Zilian answered respectfully before gracefully departing to give the orders.

Lin Kuang and the others said nothing; they were, in fact, quite hungry.

"By the way," Tian Botong said, "I still don’t know everyone’s names."

"I am Lin Kuang," he replied with a smile.

"I am Pei Yourong," he said. "This is my cousin, Pei Qingtao, and this is my grandson, Pei Yuandong."

Tian Botong nodded and turned his gaze to Lin Kuang. "Young Friend Lin, you mentioned earlier that you came to the Snow Mountain to find something. May I ask what you are looking for? If you’re willing to say, the Heavenly Mountain Sect will surely do everything in our power to assist you."

Hearing Tian Botong’s offer, Lin Kuang replied with a wry smile, "I am looking for a King of Snow Lotus and an Ice Silkworm. I already have a lead on the King of Snow Lotus, but I still haven’t found the Ice Silkworm."

Tian Botong was taken aback. "You’re looking for an Ice Silkworm?"

"Yes, an Ice Silkworm," Lin Kuang confirmed earnestly. "I need both it and a King of Snow Lotus to save someone’s life."

"I see," Tian Botong said, looking at Lin Kuang earnestly. "King of Snow Lotuses can be found on this mountain. They aren’t especially rare. The Ice Silkworm, however, is much harder to find. But our Heavenly Mountain Sect has been rooted here for a very long time, and we know this mountain well. There are indeed Ice Silkworms here. Perhaps we can help you."

Lin Kuang was stunned for a moment before his face filled with overjoyed surprise. "Sect Leader Tian, are you serious? You can really help me find an Ice Silkworm?" he asked eagerly, his dark eyes burning with intensity as he gazed at Tian Botong.

Tian Botong nodded again. "Yes, there is hope. My daughter has a unique constitution. Her blood carries a strange fragrance that attracts various venomous creatures. The Ice Silkworm is one such creature, so I believe my daughter should be able to help you."

Hearing Tian Botong’s words, the delight in Lin Kuang’s eyes grew even brighter, his entire being filled with excitement.

"Then I’ll have to trouble you, Sect Leader Tian! Thank you!" Overcome with excitement, Lin Kuang stood up and bowed respectfully to Tian Botong.

Lin Kuang hadn’t expected this at all. He had simply helped the Heavenly Mountain Sect fend off the Demon Sect, yet now he was receiving help in return—and a chance to find the Ice Silkworm, no less. The thought thrilled him to no end.