Chapter 112: A Debt of Life

Avalanches are among the most terrifying dangers lurking within the vast, icy expanse of the Wuhuan Snow Mountains. When an avalanche occurs, not only does a massive volume of snow cascade downward, but countless stones and ice chunks are swept along with it. The powerful impact of the tumbling snow and debris often triggers further mountain collapses, even causing the ground itself to fracture.

In these primordial snow ranges, danger is a delicate balance—one misstep can unleash disaster. What appears to be an insignificant pile of snow can suddenly become a deadly threat if mishandled.

At this moment, roaring torrents of snow surge down from all directions, a terrifying snowstorm erupting in full fury.

Within the Wuhuan Snow Mountains, simultaneous avalanches from every direction create what is known as a snowstorm—a far deadlier hazard than a single avalanche.

Typically, an avalanche involves the collapse of snow from one side of a mountain, leaving at least two or three escape routes open. But a snowstorm is an all-encompassing calamity: avalanches roar from every direction, the earth fractures beneath, and the winds above whip into vortexes so fierce that even predatory birds struggle to maintain flight.

Warriors caught within such a snowstorm find no avenue for escape, no means of concealment.

Boom! Boom!

Amid this raging tempest, the Divine Speed Crab, carrying Chu Feng and three companions, raced at breakneck speed. Against the overwhelming torrents of cascading snow, the crab—no larger than a millstone—was like a fragile boat amidst towering waves, always on the verge of being swallowed whole by the storm.

Before such a formidable snowstorm, Chu Feng and his group were utterly vulnerable.

Should they be engulfed by the tempest, the crushing cold, immense weight, and the countless snow monsters buried within the snow could annihilate even the strongest warrior in an instant.

"Ah!"

Standing steadfast atop the Divine Speed Crab’s shell, Chu Feng remained calm in the face of danger, expertly steering the creature. Behind him, Bai Naizhao stood watchful, periodically scanning the surrounding snowstorm. In the center, A Yan and A Ying were visibly shaken—terrified beyond words by the mountain's violent collapse.

Guided by Chu Feng, the Divine Speed Crab cut through the storm like a swift skiff riding wild waves. No matter how fierce the snowstorm raged around them, the crab deftly avoided catastrophe, racing through the chaos.

Unlike a bird that soars freely in the air, the Divine Speed Crab’s flight relied on its many mechanical legs lightly tapping the ground like a dragonfly skimming water, then springing forward with great momentum.

Thus, carrying Chu Feng and his party, the crab darted like a skipping stone across a lake—now soaring high, now skimming low—its speed both rapid and steady, thrilling to behold.

In moments, the crab surged dozens of yards ahead. Gradually, the deafening roar of the snowstorm behind them diminished, and the biting cold surrounding them lessened. They had covered nearly a thousand miles, escaping the peril entirely.

A thousand miles away, they were finally free from danger.

Before them stretched a vast, snow-covered plain, an endless white expanse. No trees, no rocks—only a silent, lifeless wilderness.

The cold wind howled across the plains, adding a mournful note to the desolation.

Chu Feng brought the Divine Speed Crab to a halt. He rarely used the crab for travel unless absolutely necessary. Despite being a high-grade Level 12 automaton, the Divine Speed Crab had a limited lifespan; without timely repairs, wear would soon render it useless.

The four disembarked, and A Yan and A Ying took deep breaths, relieved to be safe. Almost in unison, they turned to Chu Feng.

“Master Chu, thank you so much for saving our lives!”

“Mm. We should always help one another—no need for thanks,” Chu Feng replied with a nod, his eyes sweeping the surroundings.

“Master Chu, if you hadn’t been here, we would have perished in that dreadful snowstorm!” A Yan said, still shaken by the near-death experience.

“Indeed, even before the snowstorm erupted, just those shadowless snow serpents and snow mountain serpent hawks alone would have been enough to kill us!” A Ying added, clasping her fists in gratitude toward Chu Feng for rescuing them multiple times.

“My two junior sisters, that’s all in the past—no need to dwell on it,” Chu Feng said, but subtly gestured toward Bai Naizhao, who stood silently with his head bowed.

A Yan and A Ying paused, instantly understanding Chu Feng’s meaning.

If Bai Naizhao weren’t here, their gratitude toward Chu Feng would be natural. But with their leader standing among them, their constant thanks seemed to undermine Bai Naizhao’s authority and diminish his presence.

The two women understood and fell silent.

Yet this silence only made Bai Naizhao’s discomfort more apparent.

Chu Feng had saved these three from the Nine Profound Sect on the Divine Speed Crab. While A Yan and A Ying expressed their thanks, Bai Naizhao remained silent, which made him seem petty—despite receiving Chu Feng’s life-saving aid, he couldn’t bring himself to utter a single word of thanks, reflecting poorly on his character compared to his juniors.

“Leader Bai, what are our plans from here? Say something,” Chu Feng urged.

Bai Naizhao seemed to regain his composure, glancing at the thick snow before him. “Thank you,” he said simply.

“Hmm?”

Chu Feng was taken aback. Was this “thank you” really his answer to the question of their next move?

“Leader Bai, pray tell, who are you thanking? The cold snow at your feet? Or me, Chu Feng?” Chu Feng asked seriously.

Hearing this, A Yan and A Ying stifled smiles. They knew Bai Naizhao’s habit when speaking—whether giving orders or discussing matters, his gaze rarely met others', often drifting skyward in an aloof manner.

Such demeanor was clearly impolite. The two junior disciples were used to it, but Chu Feng did mind.

“Of course… I’m thanking you,” Bai Naizhao said confidently without hesitation.

“Oh? You do know, huh?” Chu Feng laughed. “Saying you know after I flatter you a bit, you start acting all arrogant?”

Bai Naizhao bit his lip, his eyes shifting from the snow to Chu Feng’s chest, but he could not bring himself to meet Chu Feng’s gaze.

“Chu Feng, thank you for saving my life,” Bai Naizhao said with a solemn expression and some difficulty.

“Alright then! You’re welcome!” Chu Feng shook his head with a smile. Bai Naizhao’s current state reminded him of a shy bride meeting her in-laws for the first time—truly amusing.

“By the way, Master Chu, I just noticed something odd,” A Yan suddenly said. “When we were crossing the snow mountains, whether it was the shadowless snow serpents, snow rats, or the snow mountain serpent hawks, they only attacked the three of us—not you. Especially those serpent hawks—they seemed very afraid of you. Why is that?”

“Hmm, it’s true! Could it be that your aura is so overwhelming the snow beasts keep their distance and dare not attack?” A Ying speculated.

“I noticed that too, but I can’t explain it,” Chu Feng admitted, then turned to Bai Naizhao. “Leader Bai, you’re the esteemed head of the Beast Taming Hall and second to none in beast studies. Do you know why those serpents and rats don’t attack me, and why the serpent hawks fear me so much?”

“Of course I know!” Bai Naizhao nodded confidently without hesitation.

“Oh? You really do know?” Chu Feng chuckled. “Such a proud answer—just a little praise and you get all cocky.”