Chapter 100: The Sudden Appearance of the Giant White Bear

If it weren't for Xi Yan's lightning-fast reaction, he might have perished right there. Yet there were still many stones scattered across the path ahead, as if the more they fell, the more would come. A Yuan followed closely behind him, facing the same perils. Lin Shuang, who had remained in the passage to watch over them, could no longer make out their figures in the distance, nor did Xi Yan himself know how far they had wandered. “Brother! Be careful!” A Yuan cried out in alarm. But Xi Yan had no time to dodge. A tiny pebble lay directly in his path, yet even such a small fragment could fell a grown man. He stumbled and pitched toward the ski slope below. Seeing this, A Yuan immediately shed her own ski gear and lunged to catch him. Since they were on a downward incline, her desperate rescue saved Xi Yan, but it left both of them stripped of their equipment entirely. The road ahead narrowed to a narrow trail they would have to navigate foot by foot, yet the path stretched on without a visible end. “Cough, cough…” Xi Yan pressed a hand to his mouth and coughed sharply. A Yuan’s concern flared instantly. “Brother, are you all right?” Xi Yan managed a faint smile, ruffled her hair, and replied, “I’m fine, just a chill and a cough. Let’s try heading back the way we came and fetch Lin Shuang to explore together.” “All right.” The two turned as one, intending to call her in. Judging from the section they had just traveled, the route appeared clear of danger. But as they faced the direction they had come from, they found the trail was no less endless. At the same sight, Xi Yan and A Yuan exchanged a glance. “A Yuan… I don’t think we’ve gone far, have we?” “I know we shouldn’t be out of sight of the starting point,” A Yuan answered, her tone edged with unease. “Let’s try it anyway.” Xi Yan pulled his cloak tighter and took a step toward the passage, only to discover his feet would not land. An invisible barrier blocked the way, allowing no retreat. “This path admits entry but denies exit,” he concluded with quiet frustration. In that moment he could not summon Lin Shuang; alone in the little snow hut, she might face unknown dangers. “Brother, keep going,” A Yuan urged, reading his disappointment. “It’s hopeless. Lin Shuang probably saw we stayed away too long and will try this trail herself. Let’s reach the end and wait for her.” Xi Yan nodded. “Very well. No other choice.” They pressed onward, Xi Yan’s cough growing harsher. His pallor deepened visibly; A Yuan watched with helpless worry. “Brother, this is for you…” After careful thought, A Yuan offered him two small cotton jackets. Xi Yan stared at the garments, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “A Yuan… these are far too small.” “Not for you to wear—wrap them around your legs. They’ll keep you warmer.” She held them up with a mischievous grin. The soft yellow jackets warmed his heart instantly. Yet Xi Yan refused gently. “Keep them, A Yuan. I’m fine.” “Brother, put them on! I’ll help!” A Yuan crouched without hesitation and bound the jackets snugly around his legs. The bright yellow padding looked adorable and strangely natural on his limbs. “Thank you, A Yuan.” He touched her head and pulled her close. Usually this would have delighted her, but this time she pulled away and declared firmly, “Brother, you’re too weak right now—don’t add to your burden.” “You’re not a burden.” Her expression was serious. Xi Yan wanted to protest, but he lowered her to the ground instead. A deafening roar suddenly split the air. Xi Yan and A Yuan turned toward the sound and saw a colossal white bear, three meters tall, its bulk capable of swatting them dead in one blow. The beast fixed its gaze on Xi Yan, locking him in place. Without thought he seized A Yuan and bolted in the opposite direction. “Roar!” The bear bellowed again and gave chase. “Brother… what is that?” A Yuan panted, running beside him. “Cough, cough… I don’t know.” Xi Yan’s coughs grew violent, sending fresh worry through her. The great white bear loomed closer behind them. Abruptly A Yuan halted. Xi Yan, caught off guard, skidded to a stop farther on. He spun to face her. “A Yuan, run! What are you doing?” She smiled softly, then turned and charged straight at the bear. Xi Yan’s eyes widened in shock. He lunged after her, reaching to pull her back, but he arrived too late. A Yuan was already locked in combat with the beast. The white bear had never anticipated an opponent daring to attack it. For a moment A Yuan held the advantage. Her small frame let her dart in and out with agile strikes, while the bear’s massive, lumbering body could not reach her. Xi Yan stood at a distance, watching her fight, his own hand twitching toward an unlock card. Yet before he could summon it, he was seized by another violent fit of coughing. “Cough, cough… cough, cough…” His body felt invaded by freezing air, drained of strength, and strangely feverish. “Xi Yan?!” Lin Shuang’s voice cut through his haze. He lifted his head and saw her. She too wore no armor, only her snow skis. “Are you two all right?” she asked with concern. Xi Yan shook his head, forcing a smile. “I’m fine, but A Yuan…” His tone grew grave at the end. Lin Shuang patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry. A Yuan will be fine. Stay calm. You look like you’re sick yourself.” “I’m all right, but A Yuan…” “A Yuan is safe. She has the upper hand right now. I’ll guard you here. If she needs help, I’ll come.” Xi Yan could only nod. He had no desire to burden her, and his own weakened state would only hinder any rescue.