Aimless Ascension

Wang Li awoke to find herself wrapped in Gale's embrace, their naked bodies nestled beneath a layer of fur. The memories of their passionate night flooded her mind, causing her to bury her face deeper into the warmth.

"Good morning," Gale greeted, enfolding his arms around her back and drawing her closer. "Didn't I mention it would be much warmer? Do you believe me now?"

Wang Li snorted, her heart racing as the vivid recollections of their intimate moments lingered in her thoughts.

Gale chuckled and lifted her gently, planting a tender kiss on her lips. Wang Li's resistance melted away as she surrendered herself to the comforting embrace and their shared kiss.

Breaking the kiss, Gale sat up and reached for his clothes. Wang Li followed suit, stealing cautious glances toward where the blind girl lay sleeping.

Once both of them were dressed, Gale lovingly kissed Wang Li on the forehead before leaving the igloo, leaving her pouting in his absence.

Vale, their loyal companion, roamed nearby, either hunting or playfully bounding about as was his nature. Gale began his day by meditating outside, finding solace in the quietude of the moment. His Morningwood calmed down after a couple of minutes. It had been challenging to remain composed in front of Wang Li just moments ago.

After completing his meditation, Gale noticed Wang Li sitting across from him, engaged in her own meditative practice. She appeared serene, fully dressed, and deeply focused. Gale respected her space and began stretching and engaging in some light exercises, though what he considered "light" would likely challenge an average person.

A few minutes later, Ai emerged from the igloo. Having resolved her fever and fortune imbalances, she exuded a brighter disposition than the day before.

"What was that scent in the ice house?" Ai curiously inquired upon seeing Gale and Wang Li.

Gale paused mid-exercise and locked eyes with Wang Li, who had also awoken from her meditation.

"What scent?" Wang Li questioned, shooting Gale a disapproving glare.

"I'm not sure, it's faint, but it definitely has a distinct aroma," Ai replied, blissfully unaware.

Gale erupted into a sudden cough. "Um... That's... something Wang Li concocted last night."

"What was it?" the blind girl asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Something very... bad," Wang Li replied with a snort, casting a meaningful glance toward Gale. "He made me drink it, and my mouth and throat were all sore afterwards."

Gale swallowed nervously. "You seemed to be enjoying it last night. Looks like the intoxication wore off."

Wang Li's cheeks flushed crimson at his remark, rendering her momentarily speechless.

"Intoxication?" Ai's interest was piqued. "Are you referring to some sort of alcoholic beverage?"

Gale and Wang Li nodded simultaneously. "Yes," they agreed in unison.

"Where did you find it? Do you have more?" Ai inquired eagerly.

Gale opened his mouth to respond, but no words escaped his lips. He was at a loss for an answer.

"Come on, answer her," Wang Li urged him. "Do you have any more of it?"

Gale cursed inwardly. "Um... No, Wang Li consumed all of it last night as if she had been hungry for a long time."

Wang Li glared at him, easily discerning the implication behind his words. "You're the one who's hungry," she shouted at him. "You made me do it."

"Yes," Gale agreed easily. "But you weren't far from it either. Remember how intense that…"

Gale's voice trailed off, unsure how long he should continue. Well, the one he was implying to understand it all, currently flushed in crimson, hiding her face.

Ai remained unsatisfied with the vague responses. She was certain there was something she was missing. However, before she could further inquire, Gale swiftly changed the subject.

"Anyway, now that everyone is here," Gale announced, noticing Vale approaching with a massive slain ice boar in his jaws. "We need to discuss a few things."

There wasn't much left to discuss after the extensive conversation they had already had. Only a few matters remained unresolved.

"First, let's talk about these Ice Spirit Crystals," Gale began. "I'm already saturated with elemental energy, more than I can handle. I have no use for ice attributes. What about you?"

Ai had examined the shattered core of the ice golem and understood its potential usefulness for a practitioner with ice affinity. Unfortunately, that did not apply to her.

"My path was determined the day I bonded with my fate lock," she explained. "I believe only Sister Wang Li can utilize it effectively."

Wang Li bit her lip and glanced at Vale, who was busy devouring the meat of the slain boar. "What about Vale? You mentioned he comes from the mountains. Wouldn't it be wise to give him the shattered core?"

"You make a valid point," Gale conceded, "but spirit beasts don't operate in the same manner, especially not Vale. Like all spirit creatures, Vale's path was determined at birth. His spirit would reject the ice core."

"Woof!" Vale agreed with a bark, and went back to his eating.

"I guess that only left me," Wang Li said. "Please all about it."

Gale was ready for it for a long time. They discussed the benefit and disadvantages of absorbing the shattered ice core for about half an hour, until most it became clear to her.

"So, it will only hinder my advance if I chose to cultivate another polar attribute like fire?" Wang Li asked.

Gale nodded. "Technically that's true for most attributes, but it's a bit extreme in this case."

"How extreme?" Wang Li asked, arching an eyebrow.

"You can die if you absorb something of fire elements that's extremely polar to the ice core," it was Ai who answered this time, sending a shiver through the spine of the innkeeper.

"But you aren't stupid enough to cultivate the fire attribute after you absorb the ice," Gale added hurriedly, worried that Wang Li would go back on her words.

"That's fair." Wang Li thought for a moment and let out a deep breath. "I guess this is decided then. I won't get any better opportunity than this, so I'll take it."