Standing on the vast expanse of snow, Robin felt as though he had entered a completely different world—one untouched by time.
The wind howled fiercely, sending snowflakes swirling through the air and covering everything in a thick, white blanket. The endless stretch of snow seemed to go on forever, with no sign of human life anywhere.
Amid the blizzard, a sense of mystery hung in the air, as if the very atmosphere was hiding secrets and unknown forces.
Through the blinding snowstorm, a massive sight began to take shape about 300 feet ahead—the waterfall, its mighty cascade dropping a thousand feet into the valley below.
The steep cliffs surrounding the waterfall were piled high with snow, adding to the sense of isolation and raw power emanating from the scene.
The massive waterfall was mostly concealed beneath layers of frozen snow and ice.
The roar of the waterfall, usually thunderous, was almost completely muffled by the snow and ice.
Without the faintest sign of water flowing beneath the frozen surface, no one would guess that the Snow Valley's mountain waterfall and the Snow Dragon Pool were so close.
"Master Ramsey, the Snow Dragon Pool is just up ahead, about 300 feet," the blue-clad guard said, gesturing toward the distance.
According to legend, every 50 years, a terrifying monster would rise from the depths of the pool.
At the bottom of this dragon pool was said to be a rare essence stone, one imbued with cosmic energy.
Whoever managed to obtain it would absorb the power of the universe, transforming into a god-like warrior at the peak of strength.
This year marked the 50th cycle, the time when the monster from the Snow Dragon Pool would once again appear.
Fifty years ago, many of the greatest martial artists from the World of Darkness ventured into Snow Valley.
What exactly happened at the Snow Dragon Pool that year remains a mystery to this day.
Robin stood at the edge of the Snow Dragon Pool, feeling an intense rush of icy air hit him.
It was as if invisible eyes were watching his every move, cold and unblinking.
The temperature here was far colder than the surrounding areas.
As Robin looked up, he noticed that the thick layer of snow covering the pool was cracked in many places.
These cracks had formed from the water below, pushing against the frozen surface, unable to be contained.
From the cracks, faint wisps of steam rose, indicating that the water underneath was still warm, despite the freezing conditions above.
Robin stood still at the pool's edge, lost in thought.
In such an unforgiving environment, it seemed impossible that Baird could have stayed here for 20 years.
Could there be a hidden, warmer area beneath the surface?
The legend spoke of a vast space lying beneath the Snow Dragon Pool, nearly 600 feet deep. Could it be that a secret world lay beneath the ice?
Robin walked around the pool, searching for any potential way to access the depths below.
He wondered if Baird had managed to survive here for two decades—maybe the secret was buried deep at the bottom of the Snow Dragon Pool.
Perhaps there was a hidden space down there, perfect for seclusion and training.
Just as he was mulling over these thoughts, the sound of footsteps broke the stillness of the snowstorm.
Through the thickening snowflakes, Robin saw four elderly men approaching, their movements slow but deliberate.
"It's the Four Warlords that ruled the World of Darkness 50 years ago!" the blue-clad guard announced, awe in his voice.
"The top four super martial arts masters on the Dark List are their disciples," the guard continued.
Behind the Four Warlords, over 30 warriors followed closely.
Leading them were Dermont of the Peaceful Warriors Alliance, Blake, vice leader of Dark Eagle, Steller from the Devil's Hand Syndicate, Kaseth of the Angel Society, and Haniel of the Destruction Order.
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