Fine, salt-like snow began to drift down from the pitch-black sky again. It was nowhere near as spectacular as the goose-feather snow from before, yet the rustling as it fell to the ground seemed even louder, as though countless ants were crawling across the earth. Yue Qianchou stretched his hand beyond the pavilion and waved it twice, smiling. "I had wanted to follow the River Ming all the way and enjoy the unusual scenery on both banks. But now it seems that, to avoid clashing with them, I can only pass through old brother's Great Snow Mountain."
"This is the right choice. Knowing something cannot be done and insisting on doing it anyway will only leave you at a loss." Snow Emperor let out a breath of relief and rose to his feet. Walking to Yue Qianchou's side, he smiled. "When are you leaving? I'll personally see you out of Great Snow Mountain!"
"We'll leave now. There's no need to see us off. Having the dignified Snow Emperor escort us would be far too conspicuous. I'd rather keep a low profile. Who knows, perhaps it'll make it easier for me to come here and seek refuge someday." Yue Qianchou gave a somewhat smug chuckle as he spoke, clasped his hands behind his back, and was about to step out of the pavilion when he suddenly turned around. "I want to ask you something, old brother. If I were to clash with Wangqing of Jueqing Palace someday, whose side would you take?"
"This..." Snow Emperor was rendered speechless. After hesitating for a moment, he said with some difficulty, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. If a conflict arose between the two of you, I would not help you, but neither would I help him. I could only remain neutral."
Yue