Aimless Ascension

Wang Li shivered alone in the cold, her body quivering from the chilling effects of the ice spirit crystal she channelled. The frigid coldness penetrated her core, dampening her spirit and making her believe she could perish at any moment.

Fortunately, the process proved to be faster than her usual training routine, although she still had to endure it for six gruelling hours. To ease the strain, she allowed herself to rest twice every hour, feeling the transformative changes taking place within her.

Her spiritual growth surpassed her wildest expectations, as her aptitude for spirit arts elevated to new heights within the span of six hours. While the progress was primarily concentrated in the realm of ice elemental spirit arts, she had no complaints whatsoever. Her constraints over her Qi were lessening as well.

She freed herself from the strength of an initial copper ranker with those crystals. Even Gale's power was limited to Initiate level, though his path became weirder after he bonded the fourth fate lock.

Upon absorbing all the crystals, Wang Li noticed the return of Gale and Ai, carrying an additional supply of crystals to aid her. It appeared they had stumbled upon more of those elusive ice golems on this particular occasion. Gale threw two intact ice cores and numerous fragments in her direction before crouching down to assess her well-being.

"I don't believe I can continue any longer today," Wang Li confessed, as Gale grasped her arms to examine the state of her channels.

Observing the gentle expression on Gale's face, Wang Li found herself uncertain of his thoughts. He didn't exhibit worry or disdain for her perceived lack of effort. While she had exerted herself to the fullest, she couldn't match the innate brilliance of individuals like Gale. Consequently, even with her utmost dedication, she might fall short.

"At this pace, you'll require a full two weeks and numerous ice cores to complete your transformation," Gale informed her, as he cast rejuvenation spells upon her, replenishing some of the warmth she had lost during the cultivation process.

Wang Li emitted a frustrated grunt upon hearing that she would need to endure this arduous process for a couple of months. However, she refrained from complaining. Opportunities like this rarely presented themselves in her life, and all she could do was give her best effort, lest she regret it later.

Gale appeared visibly conflicted, torn between urging her to push herself to the limit and allowing her to continue at her current pace. Ultimately, he chose not to comment, but Wang Li discerned the weight of his unspoken thoughts.

After replenishing her energy and enjoying a hearty meal, Wang Li resumed her seated position, ready for another cycle of channelling the ice spirit essence. This time, thanks to Gale's presence, the process went much smoother, with occasional rejuvenation spells to alleviate her fatigue.

Approximately three hours later, as darkness blanketed the vast snowy landscape, Wang Li completed her practice and noticed Gale by her side, savouring a warm beverage...? Her curiosity was piqued when she spotted the wooden cup in his hand, which he had fashioned from a branch. However, she couldn't discern the contents of his drink.

"Care for some?" he offered.

"What is it?" Wang Li inquired, sniffing the intriguing aroma wafting from the cup.

"It's blood," Gale responded nonchalantly, his expression indicating that he wasn't enjoying the drink as much as she had initially assumed. "Not raw blood, mind you. I've purified and concocted it with various ingredients I found in the wilderness. It will keep you warm, with a very slight chance of causing mild diarrhoea."

Wang Li regarded him sceptically, unsure if he was joking. It became evident that he wasn't, despite his playful tone.

"Would you like some?" he pressed.

"No, thank you," she promptly declined.

Gale studied her face for a moment, taking another sip. It dawned on her that he used this drink to mislead Ai regarding the tangy scent she had detected that morning.

"You'll feel cold without this drink, though," Gale said, drawing nearer to her. "Perhaps I can keep you warm, just like last night."

With that, Gale wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. Wang Li let out a snort but made no effort to break free, realising there was no one else around.

"Ai went to bed after her cycling session," Gale informed her, his hand gently brushing against her cheek. Surprisingly, his palms felt warmer than she had expected as he caressed her face, sealing her lips with a gentle kiss.

There was no revolt from Wang Li after the intimate moments between them last night. Gale ended the kiss as wisps of mist flew out of their mouth.

"I never knew you were so clingy," Wang Li said.

"I didn't know it either," Gale confessed, "but I suppose that's what happens when you have a beautiful woman in your arms."

Wang Li snorted and rested her head on his chest. "Have you thought about what to say to Linlin about us?"

Gale didn't answer at first.

"Gale?"

"Not really," Gale said. "Have you?"

It was Wang Li's time to grow silent. She seriously felt she had done Xiaolin wrong, but at the height of everything, she couldn't stop herself.

"I think she'll understand," Gale said as his voice trailed off.

"Mhm," Wang Li sniffed, snuggling in more.

Gale accommodated her on his lap. "Now about keeping you warm."

Gale slid his right palm into her clothes, drawing a surprised yelp from her. His palms barely caressed the soft texture of her belly, when Wang Li latched her arm to it to make it stop.

"Stop!" Wang Li exclaimed, even though it looked like she was battling herself to say that. "If you kept on going like this every night, I don't think... I don't think I can stop myself."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Yes," Wang Li said with a grunt. "Considering the place we are in."

"But then how am I going to keep you warm?"

***