Lin Yaoyao took out the map to confirm their position and found that they were already near the mountainside of Snow Lotus Peak, getting closer and closer to the thousand-year snow lotus at the summit. Bai Li sniffed the air gently and noticed the Spiritual Qi was becoming increasingly dense, mixed with a faint, refreshing fragrance. This lifted her spirits as she realized the thousand-year snow lotus might be nearby. Shen Mo, meanwhile, watched their surroundings vigilantly. Within the thick clouds and mist, some shadows were shifting, and intermittent strange sounds reached her ears. Her heart tightened as she thought to herself: There might be Yao Beasts around here. Lin Yaoyao also sensed the abnormality in their surroundings and warned Bai Li and Shen Mo, "Stay alert and be on your guard." The three of them slowed their pace, walking forward cautiously while circulating their spiritual power to the limit, ready to respond to any sudden situation at any time. As they walked, Bai Li suddenly stopped. She pointed at a large rock not far ahead and shouted in surprise, "Sister Yaoyao, Sister Shen Mo, look!"
Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo looked in the direction Bai Li was pointing. There, in the crevices of the boulder, grew a snow lotus that was pure white and crystal clear, emitting a faint fragrance. It was exactly the thousand-year snow lotus they had been searching for so hard! The translucent petals of the snow lotus appeared intermittently through the mist, emitting a soft glow like a shining star, drawing everyone's gaze. Just as the three were rejoicing, several massive, pure white Snow Leopards appeared silently in front of the snow lotus. Their emerald eyes stared intently at the three people, and they let out low warning growls. The Snow Leopards were lithe and muscular, their thick white fur reflecting the sunlight with a dazzling brilliance. They paced elegantly, shielding the thousand-year snow lotus behind them like loyal guards protecting this precious Spiritual Plant.
Lin Yaoyao took a soft breath and said in a low voice, "They are Snow Leopards, the Spirit Beasts guarding the thousand-year snow lotus." She tightened her grip on her long sword, the tassel on the hilt swaying slightly. Shen Mo also drew her sword, the blade emitting a faint, cold light. She narrowed her eyes slightly, carefully observing the Snow Leopards' movements, and said softly, "These Snow Leopards don't look weak; we must handle this carefully." Bai Li hid behind Lin Yaoyao, her fluffy tail wagging uneasily. She twitched her small nose to sniff the air, smelling a strong aura of Yao Beasts. At the summit of Snow Lotus Peak, snow accumulated year-round, cold winds howled, jagged rocks stood tall, and mist swirled as the Snow Leopards and the three girls faced off in a tense atmosphere.
"It seems that if we want to obtain the snow lotus, a fierce battle is unavoidable." Lin Yaoyao's tone carried a hint of helplessness; she did not want to harm these guardian Spirit Beasts. With a flick of her wrist, a fragrant Medicinal Pill appeared in her palm—it was the "Qi Condensation Pill" she had refined earlier to improve Cultivation Base and enhance spiritual power. She handed the pills to Shen Mo and Bai Li, saying, "Take the Qi Condensation Pill first to be prepared for any emergency." Shen Mo took the pill and swallowed it without hesitation, and Bai Li followed her example, gulping the pill down. The pill melted upon entering their mouths, and a warm current flooded through their limbs and bones, making them feel refreshed and their spiritual power more abundant.
After taking the pill, Lin Yaoyao took a step forward, cupped her hands toward the Snow Leopards, and said, "Senior Snow Leopard, we have only come here to seek the thousand-year snow lotus and mean no harm. Could you please grant us passage?" She kept her posture as low as possible and her tone respectful, hoping for a peaceful resolution. The lead Snow Leopard was the largest and had the sharpest gaze; it let out a low roar, seemingly responding to Lin Yaoyao's words. The snow on the boulder was blown off by the wind, scattering in the air like crystalline snowflakes.
The lead Snow Leopard let out another low roar, and a piercing cold wind carrying snowflakes scraped across Lin Yaoyao's cheek, making her feel a chill. This roar contained not only a warning but also an unquestionable majesty. The other Snow Leopards followed with low growls, slowly closing in on the three of them. Their snow-white fur blended into the surrounding ice and snow, making them as silent as ghosts as their encirclement became increasingly obvious.