Snowflakes gently fell as the Ice Witch took a sip of tea.

"Truly worthy of the Witch!"

"Thank you for your mercy, great Witch."

"I don't know how I can ever repay your kindness!"

"Ten thousand thanks!"

From the crowd, exclamations of awe and gratitude echoed endlessly.

Hearing everyone's praise, the Ice Witch's lips unconsciously curled into a faint, floating smile.

Holding her black tea, she walked barefoot across the cold deck to the high point at the ship's bow, raised her head, and looked toward the Blizzard Dragon King in the sky above.

Then, she lifted her head, opened her blood-red eyes, and stared directly at the Dragon King in the sky!

Those crimson pupils were filled with the arrogance of the supreme powerhouse.

The Dragon King within the spiral storm also sensed the threat in that instant, releasing an even more powerful Dragon's Might!

Boom!

A storm erupted as the monarch's Dragon's Might intimidated everyone present!

Under this immense Dragon's Might, aside from fourth-tier powerhouses like Chen Qi and Palu, everyone else couldn't stop trembling, yielding to the overwhelming pressure.

Without a doubt, this Dragon King had already marked them as prey.

Yet, beneath this Dragon's Might, the Ice Witch merely had her robes gently flutter in the wind.

It was time to teach this little Dragon King a lesson.

The Ice Witch remained expressionless, raised her right hand, and began casting a spell.

Her qi force settled in her abdomen as spiritual energy spread throughout her body!

The Ice Witch's spiritual energy field rapidly expanded, and a Spiritual Energy Storm formed violently with her at its center!

Chen Qi's pupils slightly trembled.

This was the precursor to Release. Was the Ice Witch about to activate Release now?

In her current physical condition, could she really manage it?

Chen Qi couldn't help but wonder if he had misunderstood the Ice Witch's physical state.

Magic circle formation!

Fifth-tier forbidden technique!

Ice Dissolution...

The Ice Witch snorted lightly, roaring internally as she mobilized all her spiritual energy.

But at that moment!

Pfft!

The Ice Witch's mouth suddenly puffed up.

Click!

Time froze once again.

The Ice Witch collapsed onto the deck, her entire body as if pierced by thousands of blades in that instant, violently coughing up a large mouthful of stagnant blood.

Pain! Pain! Pain! Pain! Pain!

The Ice Witch, interrupted mid-spell, had blood flowing from her eyes. Due to the intense pain, she rolled on the ground, clenching her teeth tightly.

Yet, the next second, she couldn't help but cry out.

"It hurts! It hurts! No, internal injuries, no! It's internal injuries!"

The Ice Witch rasped, lying on the ground while pressing her left hand against her abdomen.

However, the pain didn't stop;

instead, it grew increasingly intense!

"After my slumber, my current body is still too..."

The Ice Witch gritted her teeth as her skin felt like it was being pierced by needle after needle.

In just a short time, all the malignant ailments within her had been triggered.

This was the Release of a fifth-tier being at death's door - even just grazing its aftermath could cause lifelong, irreparable severe injuries!

Chen Qi watched the Ice Witch writhing in agony on the ground.

As expected.

The Ice Witch was undoubtedly powerful, but her current physical condition was too poor.

Even for the Ice Witch, without proper rest, she couldn't easily face an opponent of equal rank like the Blizzard Dragon King again.

"Damn these internal injuries..."

A tear of pain flowed from the Ice Witch's eye.

She stood up again, preparing to adjust her body and attempt to activate Release once more!

She was the current Witch Queen, the strongest witch of this era - how could she retreat at such a time?

Spiritual energy circulated again!

Pfft!

The next moment, two terrifying streams of bloody tears suddenly spurted from the Ice Witch's eyes and ears.

"Pain pain pain pain pain!"

The Ice Witch could no longer control herself, crying out loudly in agony.

She knelt on the ground, her bottom raised, continuously pounding the hard deck with her small hands, like a pitiful little white cat tormented by illness.

All signs indicated that the tsundere Ice Witch had reached her limit.

The witch's expressions during time freeze are really varied... Chen Qi watched the Ice Witch's miserable state of wailing on the ground and sighed helplessly in his heart.

Although the Ice Witch was somewhat tsundere, he had to admit that behind her forced bravado, she was also doing this for them.

Ice Witch, if you can't handle it, just give up first...

Asking for our help isn't something to be ashamed of.

Should I break free from the time freeze now and stop the Ice Witch from pushing herself too hard? Chen Qi felt some heartache, momentarily conflicted.

But if the Ice Witch finds out I can move during time freeze, she won't hit me, will she?

Meanwhile, the Ice Witch stopped her wailing and looked painfully at everyone.

She saw expectant gazes fixed upon her from all directions!

How could the elegant Witch Queen say she can't do it? How could she be frightened off by a mere fifth-tier Blizzard Dragon King!

"I am the strongest witch! I cannot show any weakness in front of Fen, in front of Little Black Hair, in front of everyone!"

"I am the strongest witch!"

The Ice Witch repeated loudly twice, bravely pulling herself together. She took out a handkerchief, used spiritual energy, and carefully wiped away the blood on the ground.

However, the next second, she muttered painfully to herself:

"But if I go alone now, it will only lead to more serious consequences..."

"I must make a rational choice, I must find a way to deal with the Blizzard Dragon King."

"Everything is for the sea."

The Ice Witch spoke extremely softly, her mind racing frantically.

Wait!

Suddenly, the Ice Witch's pupils contracted. She raised her head and fixed her gaze on Chen Qi!

Huh? Was I discovered? Chen Qi was startled inwardly.

The weakened Ice Witch's eyes lit up, staring intently at Chen Qi like a white cat spotting a mouse.

What does she want to do? Chen Qi had an ominous premonition.

The Ice Witch scanned Chen Qi from head to toe, then murmured:

"Damn Little Black Hair! Fen actually gave you little yellow flowers!"

Huh? Chen Qi froze, filled with speechlessness inwardly.

In such excruciating circumstances, the Ice Witch still had time to mock him!

Chen Qi deeply suspected:

In the Ice Witch's eyes, was he really just a tentacle-covered, shameless tentacle monster who kidnapped her disciple?

If not for the time freeze, Chen Qi would really want to complain about her.

"Though your cooking is barely passable."

After venting her inner and physical pain, the Ice Witch silently wiped the blood from her face with a handkerchief, switched to a pitiful expression, and skillfully returned to the ship's bow.

Click!

Time resumed.

In the wind, the Ice Witch's expression remained haughty, her powerful silhouette shining before everyone's eyes.

The Ice Witch gently rested her chin on her hand and glanced back casually:

"It fears our power and won't attack lightly."

The Ice Witch decided on a strategic retreat.

Everyone was startled.

Even Dragon King-level beings followed beastly instincts - when facing equally powerful prey, they would wait for the right moment to strike.

But no one knew when the Blizzard Dragon King would attack.

If they encountered other powerful beings midway, and the Blizzard Dragon King attacked simultaneously, the Nethersea Ghost Ship would face the miserable situation of being attacked from both sides!

Two fifth-tier beings!

But even so, with the Witch here, it shouldn't be a problem... Everyone quickly dismissed their concerns.

Chen Qi looked up at the Blizzard Dragon King waiting for its opportunity in the sky, growing increasingly tense inside.

Facing two fifth-tier monsters simultaneously, even the Nethersea Ghost Ship would struggle to resist.

They had to deal with the Blizzard Dragon King before another fifth-tier monster targeted them!

Chen Qi interrupted:

"Witch, I believe all of us should cooperate fully to deal with the Blizzard Dragon King first."

The Ice Witch elegantly sipped her black tea, looking at Chen Qi with curious eyes:

"A very correct judgment.

However, we don't need everyone to cooperate."

No need for cooperation... Chen Qi stood up, momentarily stunned, looking at the Ice Witch's small mouth stained with some blood.

After just coughing up blood, the Ice Witch still wanted to solo the Blizzard Dragon King!

Typical of her!

The Ice Witch said casually:

"The Blizzard Dragon King is extremely powerful individually. Moreover, it can restore its own spirituality by devouring human souls. If a fourth-tier powerhouse gets eaten, the consequences would be severe.

Also, most people aren't in good condition."

The Ice Witch took a sip of tea, elegantly sat at the ship's bow, crossed her snow-white long legs, and looked down at everyone:

"One person is enough. Among you, who will solo the Dragon King?"

Huh?

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone immediately stood up, falling into dead silence.

Palu and Burry especially doubted they had heard correctly!

"Huh?"

Fen was also bewildered.

What's going on? Has teacher's brain fried?

Them soloing the Blizzard Dragon King? Really?

They had to remember that even legendary peak Palu and the powerful Black Hunter, regardless of their talent, were ultimately only fourth-tier!

The Ice Witch gently swayed her crossed leg, speaking from her lofty position:

"This is a Witch's trial. Don't worry, I will assist him. Don't be too afraid - the Blizzard Dragon King is ultimately just a slightly larger lizard."

"If anyone is willing to accept the trial, step forward."

Everyone glanced at each other, unable to conceal their inner shock!

In the Ice Witch's eyes, the Blizzard Dragon King didn't even warrant her personal intervention!

The Ice Witch's strength far exceeded their imagination!

But soloing a Saint-level being was still too outrageous!

No one spoke as they all, with remarkable synchronization, took a step backward!

Little Crow's mouth hung wide open, completely disheveled.

Many fourth-tier transcendents hesitated for a moment, then also stepped back.

Witch trials existed in ancient legends.

Legend said countless heroes had died in Witch trials!

And the Ice Witch's trial was the most difficult one, truly a hundred deaths for one survival!

The Ice Witch wasn't some gentle witch - her challenges were for fearless warriors who welcomed death!

Knowing one's limitations and rashly accepting the challenge would be nothing but foolish recklessness.

Palu hesitated for a long time, ultimately silently stepping back as well.

Finally, the Ice Witch turned her hopeful gaze toward Fen and Chen Qi.

"Hmph! In that case, I'll step back too."

Fen snorted coldly and sensibly stepped backward.

Seeing Fen step back, the Ice Witch was momentarily stunned.

In the original fate, the corrupted Fen would accept any challenge, even daring to solo the Blood Hunter who had completed the God's Baptism!

Now, Fen wouldn't accept her challenge.

Finally, the Ice Witch turned her gaze to Chen Qi.

Her seemingly haughty eyes contained a hint of pleading.

The Blizzard Dragon King is dangerous for me too... A Saint-level Dragon King isn't something someone of my level can fight... Chen Qi thought about it and prepared to sensibly step back as well.

But at that moment, a familiar sound stopped once again beside his ear.

It was an extremely familiar clicking sound!

Wait?

Chen Qi froze.

Time was freezing again!

Why activate time stop now?

Witch, what are you doing? Chen Qi, frozen in time, momentarily panicked.

What does this witch want to do?

What will she do to me while time is stopped?

Chen Qi screamed internally, wanting to move, but he hadn't fully adapted to the Ice Witch's time freeze yet.

In that instant, Chen Qi grew uncharacteristically flustered.

Fear and unease rapidly grew within him.

He had to remember - during time stop, the Ice Witch could do whatever she wanted!

And from the current situation, the time the Ice Witch could maintain time stop far exceeded his imagination!

The Ice Witch, maintaining her elegant posture, whooshed over with a flash, arriving before Chen Qi!

Then, pursing her lips, she brought her face close to Chen Qi's and gently blew a breath:

"Little Black Hair, from the first moment I saw you after leaving the coffin, I thought you were the most likely to advance to fifth tier!"

"Go for it, I believe you can do it!"

"???"

I can do what? The frozen Chen Qi was completely bewildered.

The Ice Witch furrowed her brows, forcing a bitter smile:

"I'm a bit weak right now and need a fearless warrior."

As she spoke, the Ice Witch moved behind Chen Qi:

"From how things look, only you remain..."

Ice Witch, why are you walking behind me? Chen Qi was completely confused.

Slap! Slap! Slap!

Three crisp sounds.

The Ice Witch crouched down and heavily slapped Chen Qi's buttocks twice, along with the joints of both feet!

Chen Qi felt the impact from behind and was completely stunned, struggling to make his body function.

He couldn't describe his feelings at this moment.

This feeling of being powerless in a frozen world, having his body arbitrarily insulted by the witch, was absolutely terrible!

The next second, after slapping Chen Qi's back, the Ice Witch quickly returned to the ship's bow, reassumed her haughty posture, sat down, crossed her snow-white long legs, and examined everyone.

Click!

Time resumed.

The moment time started, due to the Ice Witch's special slapping just now, Chen Qi immediately felt an impact in his legs and buttocks, causing his left foot to suddenly step forward!

He had stepped forward.

Whoosh!

The entire world fell into silence.

Everyone's gaze focused on Chen Qi.

The Black Hunter had stepped forward, accepting the Witch's trial!

The Ice Witch closed her eyes and said:

"Interesting~"

"Qi..."

Palu, Fen, Burry and others' pupils sharply contracted, all showing astonished expressions.

They looked at the Ice Witch in surprise.

Facing Chen Qi's step forward, the Ice Witch merely smiled faintly, as if she had long anticipated that Chen Qi possessed the courage to face the Dragon King alone and march toward death!

Chen Qi, with his fourth-tier body, actually dared to actively confront the fifth-tier BOSS of the Great Sea Coffin - the Blizzard Dragon King!

This was the Black Hunter! A monster with no reverence for life! Palu was completely dumbfounded.

He considered himself a fearless lamp adventurer, but now it seemed he was slightly inferior compared to the Black Hunter!

As a captain who had experienced countless life-and-death adventures, he couldn't help but admire the Black Hunter's madness and courage.

Everyone's gazes focused on Chen Qi.

The Black Hunter wasn't just powerful - the madness he possessed was far beyond their comprehension!

The Ice Witch's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly as she spoke like a prophet who knew past and present:

"Qi, do you feel somewhat confused about why you stepped forward?"

"......"

Chen Qi remained silent.

"Qi, this proves your courage, your desire to challenge the strong, overcoming your boundless inner fear and rationality."

The Ice Witch, who had foreseen everything, blushed slightly. She drank a cup of flower tea to cover her guilty conscience and said:

"Then as you wish, this witch will personally train you to face the Blizzard Dragon King!"

A cold breeze gently blew.

Amid everyone's shocked and admiring gazes, the disheveled Chen Qi who had "voluntarily" challenged the Blizzard Dragon King couldn't help but curse inwardly:

"Ice Witch, I fuck..."

The Ice Witch's operations in the time-stop world were far more malicious than he had imagined.