Only the Old Heavenly Master could truly face this situation; the three of them were simply not strong enough. Without external help, they wouldn't even have the ability to capture this thing.
...
The extreme north.
Normally, the extreme north is desolate and devoid of life, with nothing but occasional polar bears. However, at this moment, polar bears, the supposed kings of this region, appeared in swarms. They were moving in the same direction, their steps synchronized, all lined up in an orderly fashion with no one falling behind. To an observer, it would seem as if these polar bears had been trained by someone. They were heading towards the northernmost part of the extreme north, where their target lay.
After an unknown duration of travel—time in the extreme north is indistinct, with no day or night, and neither humans nor these polar bears seemed to keep track—they relentlessly pressed on in that direction, tireless. Upon reaching their destination, they found a mass of dark smoke floating there. This black smoke was immense, about three to four times the size of a polar bear. Around the ice where the smoke hovered, various kinds of fish lay scattered, covering the ground. Even then, the polar bears showed no agitation. They methodically surrounded the area, forming layers upon layers. Once completely enclosed, all the polar bears prostrated themselves, as if in worship. After concluding their act of reverence, they queued up one by one to consume the fish scattered on the ground as their meal.
And then… wisps of vital energy emerged from their bodies, continuously converging towards the mass of black smoke in the center. Within the black smoke, a colossal, skull-like entity seemed to reside. Its eyes were closed as it sensed the influx of vital energy. Its expression appeared to be one of a smile.
...
Qi Tian took the items and headed to Dragon Tiger Mountain, while Lin Xiao and Zhuge Lan returned to Modu first. After all, there was still an uncertain factor in Modu that he couldn't leave unattended. If an opportunity arose, capturing that heart would be the best course of action. However, their immediate destination was the Dongfang family.
"You're finally back." Luo Qinghan had already packed her bags. If Lin Xiao hadn't said he was arriving soon, she would have already left with Xun'er and Bingbing. She had enjoyed her time in Modu these past few days; the only regret was Lin Xiao not being by her side.
"I rushed back as soon as I finished part of my work," Lin Xiao said with an awkward smile.
"Daddy, I want to eat your cooking!" Xun'er tugged at his pants leg. "The food here is too sweet. I want something spicy..." Seeing Xun'er's distressed look, Lin Xiao quickly scooped her into his arms. "Alright, I'll make you a proper meal as soon as we get back. The food in Modu does tend to be sweeter; it's part of its charm."
"But, Xun'er wants to eat something spicy. It's too sweet, I'm tired of it," Xun'er continued, still looking aggrieved.
"Okay, okay." Lin Xiao quickly soothed her, then cast a somewhat apologetic glance at Dongfang Bai.