Chapter 903
Chapter 903
A Century-Long Promise: The First Step
After leaving the observatory, Fu Shaoping did not rush to travel far.
A hundred-year agreement is neither long nor short. Although he is now a guest elder of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion with a prestigious position, his strength is still only at the early stage of the Golden Core realm. Faced with the potential retaliation from the Dark Contract Organization and the heavy responsibility of purifying the "Contract Pivot" in the future, he still needs to improve his cultivation as soon as possible and establish his own foundation.
"The first priority is to thoroughly refine the two cores of the 'Contract Order', break through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, and find a way to initially fuse the two fragments," Fu Shaoping pondered. "Secondly, we need to gather more information about the ancient way of contracts, the purification of evil energy, and the origin of the 'Contract Pivot'. Although the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion has a wealth of books, it may not be all-encompassing, especially some obscure secrets and clues about ancient ruins."
He decided to first head to "Ice Soul City" in the far north of the North.
Ice Soul City, located at the border of the Northern Territory and the "Endless Ice Plains," is a city of cultivators renowned for trading ice plains specialties and exploring ancient ruins. Due to its harsh environment and perpetual ice cover, the number of cultivators here is small, but the area is teeming with all sorts of people, and various pieces of information and goods of dubious origin circulate here. More importantly, Fu Shaoping had heard Wen Xin mention at the Star Gazing Platform that the "Ice Soul Pavilion" in Ice Soul City houses a fragmented copy of "Ancient Contract Script Examination," which may contain information about some ancient contract runes.
Half a month later, Fu Shaoping arrived in Ice Soul City.
The city was entirely constructed of millennia-old black ice and black iron rock, its towering walls reflecting a cold, hard luster under the pale sunlight. Outside the city lay a vast ice plain, where the biting wind was like a knife; even Foundation Establishment cultivators would find it difficult to stay for long without special methods to protect themselves from the cold.
After paying an entrance fee of ten mid-grade spirit stones (resources are scarce and prices are extremely high in the far north), Fu Shaoping entered the city. The streets were sparsely populated, and most pedestrians hurried along, wrapped in thick, warm robes. There weren't many shops on either side, but their facades were quite sturdy, and their signs mostly read "Ice Raw Materials," "Antique Appraisal," and "Ruins Map."
Following his memory, Fu Shaoping found the tallest building in the city center—the Ice Soul Pavilion.
This pavilion has nine floors and is entirely constructed of crystal-clear "Ice Soul Jade," emanating a faint chill even indoors. The first floor is a trading hall, displaying various specialties of the Ice Plains: Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow, Cold Jade, Snow Soul Pearls, materials from ice-attribute monsters... The prices are high, but the quality is indeed superior.
Fu Shaoping walked directly to the counter and showed the token of the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion (which was specially processed to only show the "Guest Elder" identity and not reveal specific information).
The middle-aged manager behind the counter's eyes lit up, and his attitude became much more respectful: "So you are a guest elder of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. My apologies for my rudeness. May I ask what you need, sir?"
"I've heard that your esteemed collection contains a copy of 'An Examination of Ancient Oracle Bone Script.' I have some interest in ancient writing; may I have the honor of viewing it?" Fu Shaoping asked.
The steward looked troubled: "This... 'A Study of Ancient Oracle Bone Script' is a treasured collection of our pavilion and is generally not displayed to the public. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless you can provide something of equal value in exchange, or... complete a task issued by this pavilion." The steward lowered his voice, "To be honest, this pavilion has indeed encountered a thorny issue recently. If you can resolve it, the pavilion master will certainly not be stingy."
Fu Shaoping's heart skipped a beat: "What is it?"
The steward took out a jade slip: "Please take a look, sir."
Fu Shaoping probed with his divine sense. The jade slip recorded that three days ago, an exploration team from the Ice Soul Pavilion was attacked by an unknown force in the newly discovered ancient ruins, "Frost Soul Palace," deep within the ice plains, and was completely wiped out. The sole survivor brought back a piece of ice engraved with strange runes, along with a fragmented message: "There are living beings in the palace... a contract... a trap..."
The Ice Soul Pavilion sent two more groups to investigate, but both failed to find anything. The ruins are currently sealed off, but the Ice Soul Pavilion is unwilling to give up—based on preliminary investigations, the Frost Soul Palace is likely the remains of an ancient "Contract Cultivator" (ancient cultivators who practiced the Way of Contracts), and is of immense value.
"The Pavilion Master is offering a reward: If you can uncover the truth behind the anomalies at Frost Soul Palace and bring back the core relics from the palace, you will receive a copy of the 'Ancient Inscriptions Examination' and an additional 100,000 high-grade spirit stones, or treasures of equivalent value," the steward said. "However... the ruins are dangerous, sir, you must proceed with caution."
Fu Shaoping pondered. Repairing the lost mansion? And it seemed to be related to "contracts" and "traps." This was indeed in line with his expertise. There were certainly risks, but the opportunities could also be considerable.
“I’ve accepted the mission,” Fu Shaoping said. “Give me a detailed map and the known intelligence.”
The steward was overjoyed: "You're so generous, sir! Here's the map and the previous exploration team's records. Please keep them safe. Also, our establishment can provide a set of specially made 'cold-weather armor' and 'ice-breaking artifact' for you to rent free of charge."
Fu Shaoping did not refuse. The environment of the far north ice field is unique, and it's always good to be prepared.
An hour later, Fu Shaoping left Ice Soul City and flew towards the depths of the ice plains, following the map's guidance.
The further north he went, the lower the temperature became, and the cold wind carried fine ice crystals, enough to sever the spiritual light of low-level magical artifacts. Blizzards swept through the air from time to time, visibility was extremely low, and even spiritual sense was suppressed. Fu Shaoping had no choice but to reduce his flight altitude and fly slowly close to the ice surface.
Three days later, he arrived at a basin surrounded by a huge glacier.
In the center of the basin stands a palace entirely made of ice crystals, reflecting a mesmerizing rainbow of colors in the dim light. The palace has an ancient and simple design, and the pillars of the porch are carved with ancient runes that have long been lost; it is none other than the "Frost Soul Palace".
There was no one outside the hall, only messy footprints and a few frozen dark red bloodstains, indicating what the exploration team had encountered.
Fu Shaoping did not rush in, but first carefully explored the perimeter of the palace.
The palace was surrounded by remnants of protective arrays, but due to their age, their power was reduced to less than one-tenth. What truly caught his attention was the faintly visible "contract mark" made of ice-blue runes on the palace gate.
"It is indeed related to the contract." Fu Shaoping stared at the mark. This mark was neither offensive nor defensive; it was more like an "access permit" or "identity verification." Forcibly breaking in would likely trigger unknown contractual countermeasures.
He attempted to contact the mark using the power of his own contract.
The moment the pale golden spiritual consciousness of the contract touched the icy blue mark, the mark suddenly lit up! A cold, ancient thought entered Fu Shaoping's mind:
"The Trial of the Contractor... If you pass... you will receive the inheritance... If you fail... your soul will remain in the Frost Palace..."
"A trial?" Fu Shaoping frowned. It seemed that the Frost Soul Palace was not simply a ruined mansion, but a trial ground left behind by ancient cultivators. The previous exploration team likely triggered the trial without knowing its purpose and perished in the failure.
He glanced back at the way he had come. It wasn't too late to leave.
However, the clues in "Ancient Inscriptions" and the possible lineage of inscription practice made it impossible for him to give up.
"Then let's give it a try." Fu Shaoping adjusted himself to his best condition and reached out to press his hand on the icy blue mark.
"I, Fu Shaoping, the contractor, hereby apply to undergo the trial."
The mark shone brightly, completely engulfing Fu Shaoping!
After a dizzying spin, Fu Shaoping found himself in a vast, empty ice crystal palace. The walls of the palace were carved with countless complex contract runes, some of which he recognized, while others were completely unfamiliar to him.
In the center of the main hall, three fist-sized, ice-blue orbs of light floated.
An old, cold, and emotionless voice echoed in the hall:
"Trial First Stage: Contract Identification." "Of the three 'Contract Seeds,' one contains the 'True Meaning of Protection,' one contains the 'True Meaning of Trade,' and one contains the 'True Meaning of Curse.' Use the power of the contract to activate the correct 'Contract Seed' and open the door to the next stage. If you make a mistake or exceed the time limit, the trial will fail."
"Time limit: one incense stick's time."
As soon as he finished speaking, in a corner of the main hall, a stick of incense made of ice crystals was lit, and wisps of smoke curled up.
Fu Shaoping walked to the three orbs of light and focused his attention on sensing them.
The three orbs of light are identical in appearance and have very similar auras, all radiating a chilling contractual energy. However, upon closer inspection, one of them has a more stable and restrained energy (possibly corresponding to protection), another has a faint rhythmic exchange (possibly corresponding to trade), and the last one contains a hint of coldness (possibly corresponding to a curse).
However, these alone are not enough to be 100% certain.
“A deeper understanding of the contract is needed.” Fu Shaoping sat down cross-legged, transforming his contract power into countless fine threads, gently wrapping them around the three orbs of light, simulating the “Contract Sensation and Harmony” recorded in the “General Outline of Contract Origins”.
Time passed second by second.
The incense sticks have burned more than halfway.
A bead of sweat appeared on Fu Shaoping's forehead. The contract structure of these three "contract seeds" was incredibly intricate and interfering with each other, making them extremely difficult to distinguish.
Just as he was about to give up and take a gamble, the source core in his arms suddenly moved slightly, conveying a very subtle guidance—pointing to the steadily fluctuating ball of light!
"The source nuclear energy sensed the core essence of the 'contract seed'?" Fu Shaoping's spirits lifted, and without further hesitation, he concentrated the power of the contract and fully activated the ball of light!
The sphere of light suddenly lit up, radiating a warm and resolute pale golden glow! Within the light, a huge "Guardian" character appeared, imprinted on an ice door at the end of the hall.
"Boom—"
The ice door slowly opened.
"First test passed," the cold voice said. "Reward: One insight into the Contract Script."
A beam of icy blue light shot out from behind the opened ice door and pierced Fu Shaoping's brow. Instantly, dozens of ancient contract runes appeared in his mind, along with their meanings and usage methods, including two obscure contract runes not recorded in the "General Outline of Contract Origins"!
"It really is a good product!" Fu Shaoping thought with delight, and stepped into the second level.
The second challenge is a circular corridor. Every ten steps along both sides of the corridor, there is an ice door with different contract challenges engraved on it: some require repairing damaged contract runes, some require deducing the chain reaction of the contract, and some require breaking contract traps...
"Second Trial: Theory Deduction"
"Solve all the contract puzzles in the corridor and reach the end. Each puzzle behind each door has a time limit of half an incense stick. Failure to solve any puzzle, or if the total time exceeds one hour, results in failure of the trial."
This test assesses the depth of one's understanding of the principles of contracts and one's adaptability. Fortunately, Fu Shaoping had the "General Outline of Contract Sources" as a foundation and had undergone the baptism of the "Contract Pivot" projection, giving him a far superior understanding of contracts compared to others at the same level. Coupled with the occasional guidance from the Source Core, he navigated the challenges without incident, solving all eighteen difficult problems in less than half an hour.
"Second stage passed. Reward: Contract deduction method 'Ice Soul Contract Calculation'."
Another ray of icy blue light entered Fu Shaoping's mind. This time, it was an auxiliary secret technique specifically used to deduce contract changes and calculate contract chain reactions. Although it was not a direct combat power, it was of great benefit to contract cultivation.
The third challenge is a giant ice crystal arena.
On the arena stood three "Contract Guardians," each wielding an ice blade and composed of contract runes. Their auras were all at the early Golden Core stage!
"Trial Three: Practical Combat".
"Defeat the three Contract Guardians. You may use any contract-related spells, but other types of spells, magical artifacts, and talismans are prohibited. Time limit: half an hour."
"start!"
The three guardians launched their attack simultaneously! Their attack method was bizarre; instead of direct spell bombardment, they used a contract link to inflict negative statuses such as "slow," "weak," and "confusion," while their ice blade attacks were cunning and ruthless, demonstrating perfect coordination.
Fu Shaoping dared not be careless. He activated "Contract Guardian" and simultaneously used his newly comprehended "Ice Soul Calculation" to quickly deduce the guard's attack patterns and contract link nodes.
"Found the weakness!" After dozens of rounds of combat, Fu Shaoping's eyes lit up. The contract cores of these three guardians were located at their brows, chests, and dantian, respectively, and they shared damage and status through an invisible contract chain.
"By severing all three contract chains simultaneously and attacking the core, we can defeat them in one fell swoop!"
However, attacking three different locations simultaneously and severing the invisible contract link is extremely difficult.
Fu Shaoping's mind raced, and his hands quickly formed hand seals.
"Contract Projection: Doppelganger Contract!"
A pale golden power of contract surged, condensing into two clones beside him that were identical to him but with slightly weaker auras! This was a secret technique of the Golden Core stage recorded in the "General Outline of Contract Origins," which used the power of contract to project a portion of one's own power to form clones. Although their combat strength was only 30% of the original body and their duration was short, they were excellent for coordinating tactics.
"on!"
The main body and its two clones launched an attack simultaneously! The main body attacked the guard at the core of the forehead, while one clone attacked the core of the chest, and the second clone attacked the core of the dantian. All three simultaneously unleashed "Contract Severing," slashing at the invisible chains of the contract!
"Crack!"
The three chains of the contract snapped simultaneously! The three guardians froze in their tracks!
"Now! Contract Judgment - Break!"
Fu Shaoping unleashed a full-force attack, the pale golden power of the contract transforming into three sharp blades that precisely pierced the cores of the three guardians!
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The three guardians exploded simultaneously, turning into countless ice crystals that dissipated.
"Third stage passed. Reward: Contract combat skill 'Frost Soul Contract Slash'."
The icy blue light returned. This time, what entered Fu Shaoping's mind was a powerful offensive technique that combined the power of the contract with the attribute of ice and cold, consisting of three forms: Frost Condensation, Soul Lock, and Contract Slash. Its power increased with the level of contract cultivation, and if enhanced by fragments of the "Contract Token," its power would be even greater. (End of Chapter)