A high, st.u.r.dy wall of ice surrounded the Palace, who was told in the legends to have even withstood the strike from the mighty Demon Emperor.

The four main gates, which allowed pa.s.sage through the wall, were respectively localized in the east, south, west and north directions and named after them. They were heavily guarded by the Clan Guards, who didn't dare to neglect their duty.

On the watchtowers stood tower guards, who could see far and alert the defences in time of need. When the dark was arriving, a young guard on the West Gate's watchtower noticed a young woman nearing the Ice Palace. He recognised her as the heir and immediately reported it to his superiors.

Thus when Yin finally reached the gate, both her parents and other clansmen were already there to welcome her.

The reason why she didn't directly teleport to her quarters was because of the Warding Magic over the Ice Palace. Other palaces, such as the Celestial Palace, also had similar magics to prevent unauthorized people from freely enter these places.

"Yin!" Snow flew up to her daughter and hugged her tightly. In her delight over her daughter's return, she didn't notice how Yin's entire body stiffened within her embrace. This did however not elude Frost's eyes, which darkened as a result.

"You are finally back! Oh, we have missed you so much!" Snow kept going, while her husband walked up to them.

"Welcome back, daughter." He said in a cool and steady voice with a hint of joy.

"Thanks." Yin replied stiffly, since her mother was still trapping her in her arms.

"Yin, how have you been? It must have been tough." Snow finally released her, which made Yin relax somewhat.

"Love, our daughter must be very tired and hungry from her trial. Ask everything during the dinner instead, alright?" Frost reminded his wife gently.

"Oh honey, look at me. How did I forget that? Come, Yin." She put her arm around Yin's back and guided them towards the Palace.

As they pa.s.sed by their clansmen, Yin was greeted and congratulated for having successfully pa.s.sed a Mortal Trial at her tender age. She was their pride and joy, but who would have guessed that behind the mask of the perfect genius was a scared and lonely woman, who carried the burden of their fates on her shoulders?