After Flirting with That Iceberg Swordswoman

Wen Xi is a disciple of the Yiyuan Sect who resides on the perpetually snow-covered Xuefeng Mountain. She practices the ruthless path of cultivation, a discipline that demands emotional detachment and has rendered her nearly devoid of feeling. Her life is solitary, interrupted only by her master, Yu Xuan Zhenren, and a pet black rabbit named Wen Xue. For six months, Wen Xi has experienced vivid dreams in which she observes the life of her junior brother, Ji Yun. In these dreams, Ji Yun appears as a charismatic playboy who deceives women and steals their treasures. The dreams disturb Wen Xi because they contradict her understanding of him, and she feels an inexplicable emotional stirring when she glimpses the eyes of a mysterious woman in the dreams. Wen Xi’s master informs her that the Little Netherworld Secret Realm is opening, an opportunity she has waited two years for. Her unique physical constitution, which houses a raging yang fire, requires the Yin fire found within the secret realm to safely form her elixir. Before departing, she entrusts Wen Xue to the sect academy. On the journey to the secret realm, Wen Xi encounters Wu Lingling, the Saintess of the Demonic Sound Sect, who is also the woman from Wen Xi’s dreams. Wu Lingling is flirtatious and perceptive, showing a particular interest in Wen Xi. Wen Xi, confused by her own lack of emotional response and the dreams, resolves to investigate Ji Yun’s true nature. Upon entering the secret realm, Wen Xi is teleported to Bi Xin Lake, where she encounters a giant emerald snake. After a brief confrontation, she discovers the snake is more childlike than malicious. She steals a Snake Heart Water Lotus from the lake, which the snake had been guarding, and escapes. The snake, rather than pursuing her with hostility, shrinks to a small size and follows her, eventually attempting to form a contract. Wen Xi refuses initially but is interrupted by a cry for help. She rescues Xi Meng, a disciple of the Demonic Sound Sect who is fleeing from sound-eating spiders. Xi Meng is actually Wu Lingling in disguise, using a secret technique to hide her identity and cultivation level. Xi Meng pretends to be a weak, ordinary disciple who lost her belongings, appealing to Wen Xi’s sense of duty. Wen Xi, despite her cold demeanor, agrees to let Xi Meng accompany her. Xi Meng’s persistence and playful nature gradually break through Wen Xi’s reserved exterior. They travel together through the dangerous secret realm, encountering various monsters and sect disciples. Wen Xi saves Xi Meng from several threats, and Xi Meng, in turn, provides guidance and companionship. Wen Xi begins to view Xi Meng as a friend, a concept foreign to her. Meanwhile, Ji Yun, who is also in the secret realm, becomes increasingly jealous of the bond forming between Wen Xi and Xi Meng. He attempts to intervene, reminding Wen Xi of the divide between righteous and demonic cultivators, but Wen Xi remains indifferent to his protests. The group is attacked by disciples from the Yinhun Sect and the Corpse Puppet Sect, who are secretly hunting immortal disciples to refine their souls. Wen Xi, Ji Yun, and Xi Meng fight together to repel the ambush. During the battle, Wen Xi’s heavenly fire proves effective against the evil spirits used by the Yinhun Sect. After the fight, Wen Xi interrogates the captured enemies and learns of the larger conspiracy against the righteous sects. Ji Yun’s jealousy intensifies as he sees Wen Xi’s trust in Xi Meng, while Wen Xi remains focused on her cultivation and the mission at hand. The story concludes with Wen Xi and Xi Meng continuing their journey, their relationship deepening, while the threat of the demonic alliance looms over the secret realm.