The peak of the snow-capped mountain.
After enduring countless hardships and finally reaching the summit, everyone fell silent.
Because looking back, as far as the eye could see, there was no trace of the previous snowfield.
Mist shrouded everything, and faint sounds of tides could be heard in the distance.
Amidst the mist, a massive Black Ship was slowly sailing towards them.
Although the ship was still a long way from the Great Snow Mountain, the sense of oppression it brought was overwhelming.
Some were trembling with fear, unable to stand properly.
Kong Xiangdong’s expression was peculiar.
There was gravity, but more curiosity.
Soon, Kong Xiangdong waved his hand, "Go!"
After saying that, he turned and walked towards the other side of the mountain.
Under his lead, people quickened their pace and soon reached the top.
Next was a straight downhill path.
It is said that going uphill is easy, but going downhill is difficult, but on this snow mountain, it’s the opposite.
Because everyone immediately took out one of the essential items for traversing the snowfield—sleds.
After gearing up, everyone began sliding down at a rapid pace,
As gravity assisted them, their speed increased further.
It took half a day to ascend, but only the time of a tea break to descend.
Once everyone successfully arrived at the foot of the mountain, Kong Xiangdong led them on a relentless escape from the snowfield.
Another day passed.
During this time, many events occurred in the Northern Realm snowfield.
Firstly, the massive Black Ship finally reached the Great Snow Mountain, resulting in a violent collision.
The enormous sound at the time nearly made Kong Xiangdong and the others think the sky was falling.
Fortunately, the Great Snow Mountain blocked it, slowing the ship’s progress, granting precious time for escape.
Furthermore, the polar night’s coverage expanded significantly.
In previous years, although the coast of Wuyang Sea fell into the polar night, by crossing the Great Snow Mountain a little further, one could leave its range and see sunlight again.
But this time, Kong Xiangdong and the others walked for a day, yet the scene remained dark.
Finally, due to the influence of the polar night, temperatures kept dropping.
In just a day, temperatures fell to the limits of previous years.
They had already moved away from the Northern Realm snowfield’s core area to more southern regions, yet the same result persisted, indicating shockingly low temperatures.
Luckily, Kong Xiangdong’s men were experienced Sea Gatherers, well-prepared, hence they could temporarily bear it.
But the cold wasn’t the hardest part; it was the lack of any apparent hope ahead.
No one knew the polar night’s coverage extent; if it far surpassed previous Northern Realm snowfield ranges, wouldn’t that mean they couldn’t escape soon even after crossing the Great Snow Mountain?
And with the constant dropping temperature coupled with the nightmarish looming Black Ship, a pessimistic despair quietly spread through the group.
Many felt life was unbearable, merely following instinctively and numbly continuing with the group.
If any unexpected situation arose, survival seemed nearly impossible.
Witnessing this scene, Yang Zhan worried deeply.
He hurriedly took out the last treasured bottle of high-proof liquor and handed it to Kong Xiangdong.
"Have a sip to warm yourself up!"
Now liquor, especially high-proof, had become the team’s most precious item.
Kong Xiangdong unceremoniously took the flask, guzzled several mouthfuls, then returned it to Yang Zhan.
Yang Zhan didn’t accept it, "You keep it; I have a little left."
Kong Xiangdong looked at him, eventually nodding, "Alright!"
Yet Kong Xiangdong didn’t hoard the liquor, but passed it back.
Though the remaining liquor was just enough for everyone to have a sip, in such weather, every bit of warmth is invaluable.
Due to this small sip of alcohol, the team’s morale slightly improved.
Yang Zhan couldn’t be cheerful; he asked quietly, "Calculated by distance, shouldn’t we be at the edge of the Northern Realm snowfield now?"
"Yes!"
Kong Xiangdong didn’t hide from Yang Zhan.
In fact, it couldn’t be hidden; anyone thinking carefully could realize it.
"So do you think it’s merely the polar night’s range has expanded, or..."
Yang Zhan hesitated, then licked his pale lips, speaking tentatively, "Or has the outside world already changed too?"
As he spoke, Yang Zhan’s eyes filled with fear.
If the second guess were true, the blow to morale would be devastating.
He couldn’t even accept such reality himself.
After all, these Sea Gatherers or those in the business endured the harsh coastal conditions, risking lives against great odds due to hopes.
Though tough at the seacoast, after surviving a season, they could return to the outside world, whether to support families or live lavishly.
This thought allowed them to withstand severe challenges.