World of Rules

12: The Icy Trap

...

After the Lian Family Patriarch and the Mo Family Patriarch stealthily entered the mansion, they quickly noticed the bed that the Xiu Family Patriarch had moved. Beneath it, the wooden door leading downward was still open, as if the darkness beneath was inviting them in.

They exchanged a quick glance, then, without making a sound, slipped through the opening, plunging into the unknown depths.

The underground passage was narrow, barely wide enough for one person at a time. Its stone walls appeared ancient and damp, as if this place hadn't been opened for centuries. The air was filled with the scent of mold and an eerie chill, and every step they took echoed faintly.

Despite the narrowness, the passage was not long. After a few minutes, they found themselves in a vast space—a massive chamber with a high ceiling. The air here was noticeably colder, as if winter itself had been sealed within these walls.

The two stood in the middle of the chamber, their eyes cautiously scanning their surroundings.

Then... their expressions darkened.

"This isn't good," muttered the Lian Family Patriarch, his voice low but heavy with tension.

"When...?" The Mo Family Patriarch murmured as he looked around.

There was no obvious exit, but what they realized immediately was that they had stepped into a formation—a well-crafted trap, one they hadn't even noticed until escape had become impossible.

It was a deceptive formation, one that did not reveal itself until it was too late.

The walls seemed to shift, as if a mist was slowly creeping in, obscuring entrances and exits, making the chamber feel like it extended infinitely. The ground grew colder, and in the corners of the room, ice was beginning to form, spreading gradually as if it were a living entity trying to entrap them.

After a quick inspection, the Mo Family Patriarch spoke with a grim face,

"It doesn't matter who set up this formation—the Han Family or those before them. The only thing that matters now... is that we're trapped."

The Lian Family Patriarch narrowed his eyes. "So this is what happened to the Xiu Family Patriarch..."

But then...

Before they could take another step, their expressions froze.

In the next instant, they sensed three powerful auras rushing toward them at terrifying speed, piercing through the darkness like falling stars.

They had no time to react—their pursuers had arrived in an instant!

Suddenly, an old man appeared before them. His hair was white as snow, but his black beard made his presence even more imposing. In his hand, he held a cracked wooden tablet, faintly glowing with an eerie blue light, as if it were an ancient artifact brimming with hidden power.

Behind him stood two other men—one tall with stern features, and the other short and stocky, yet his expression was no less menacing.

There was no doubt about their identities.

The Han Family had arrived.

The old man stood still for a moment, then slowly raised his head, his dark eyes glinting with chilling coldness.

"I never expected the rats to walk into the trap on their own."

His voice was calm, but it carried a heavy weight, as if it was not just a statement—but a death sentence.

The Lian Family Patriarch and the Mo Family Patriarch exchanged grim looks.

There was no escape now.

A battle was inevitable.

...