597 Sigh Of The Ice Seal (1/2)

Wang Tong, Yin Tianzong, and Vorenus led the way at the front while the rest of the warriors followed them. Although traveling in pairs had helped the mastery casters, they were only able to travel one-fifth of the distance they had yesterday.

Overall, the first two days had been uneventful. However, the real challenge quickly came up on the third day.

After passing the midway point of the mountain, the temperature dropped below twenty, and it stormed constantly. The mountain path was covered with snow on top of slippery ice, forcing the speed of the ascent to a minimum. Under these treacherous conditions, the Mastery casters wouldn't last more than an hour without the help of METAL warriors. Luckily, their METAL warrior partners protected them as if they were newborn babies.

The group conceded that they were down on their luck as the weather grew worse by the second. The flurry snow blotted the view, and they had to reduce their speed even further. When the blizzard subsided briefly, the soldiers found themselves in a world of whiteness. They didn't have time to appreciate the vista, since another blizzard was already on its way. Holding on to the guide cable, the group pressed forward slowly but surely.

Wang Tong and Xiao Libie were ahead of the group, scouting for possible routes, while Yin Tianzong and Vorenus controlled the speed at the head. This place was a land of icy demons; even a legendary warrior would be engulfed by the elements easily, leave alone ordinary soldiers.

”Wang Tong, looks like we have to slow down and wait out the blizzard. Our men won't last long while being exposed to the elements.”

”Time is of the essence. We cannot stop! This is not the time to stop yet.”

Wang Tong extended his arm to feel the howling wind and reckoned that this was not the worst yet. If they slowed down right now, they would never get to the other side in time. They were racing against the time.

”This is too dangerous.”

”We are already dead, Brother Xiao. Just tell me if this is the road we should take.” Wang Tong's voice held an unswerving faith. Some might say he was inconsiderate for his own soldiers' wellbeing, but what choice did he have?

”We are on the right path!”

It wasn't until then that Xiao Libie had truly felt and understood the determination in Wang Tong and his soldiers. It required more than just bravery for Wang Tong to order the soldiers to press onward.

One would not fully comprehend the terror of Mount Dynamo until facing it himself. The environment was unforgiving, and none of the modern day equipment would work past the middle point. The natural forces here were wild and untamed; they could devour any weak souls that dared to tamper with it. The closer they got to the peak, the less Mastery casters dared to draw any forces from the environment. Even Guan Dongyang and Xiao Yuyu had refrained from tapping into the web of energy around them due to its hostile nature.

No one knew what had made the natural force so dangerous here, just like no one could fully explain what the natural forces were. There were still many things to learn about nature, but this was not the time to learn. The human soldiers had only one goal, and that was to cross the mountain range. Xiao Libie was the guide, but Wang Tong was the real leader of the march. Although Xiao Libie had never fought with Wang Tong on a stage, he knew that the latter was much more powerful than him. Not only did he still have abundant soul energy to help others, but the determination and steadfastness were unmatched by any leader Xiao Libie had seen. It was as if no difficulties, regardless of how big they were, would be able to change Wang Tong's course. How did he achieve such iron will?

Xiao Libie didn't have the answer to those questions. However, he reckoned that as long as he followed Wang Tong, he would prevail, even if the latter's plan sounded like suicide.

”We need to go on for another 5 kilometers. Can you guys do it?” Wang Tong asked.

”Piece of cake!”

”Don't you worry about us!” The soldiers shouted back at Wang Tong.

Xiao Libie could tell that their voice was genuine, and he marveled at the perseverance of Wang Tong's retinue. They weren't just saying it to please Wang Tong; they really meant it.

”Keep your wits about and watch your step! Captains, please do a head count. Let's move! Move! We can do it!” Tan Bu shouted at the top of his lungs, trying as hard as he could to let his voice pierce through the howling wind, but it barely worked.

”MOVE!” Wang Tong shouted. Enhanced by soul energy, his voice reached every soldier and gave them a boost of confidence.

Everyone shouted back at Wang Tong with their unwavering determination. They gritted their teeth and pressed forward with a newfound enthusiasm. Yin Tianzong soon passed Wang Tong with the soldiers in tow.

Wang Tong slowed down to check on his soldiers.

”Don't you worry about me! I am fine!” Guan Dongyang refused Lie Xuan's help. Although physique and endurance were not his strong suit, the fire lord was not going to be slowed down by a couple of storms.