Dugu He was the youngest Grandmaster in Chiyang Country. He had only broken through not long ago. After receiving the king's order, he knew that what had happened on Changqing Mountain was surely closely connected to people from the Alien Realm. Yet remembering the words of the late Grandmaster—his own great-grandfather—he sighed and accepted the order, leaving the Royal Capital alone.
Dugu He was faster than most people, and with the token bestowed by the king, he reached the foot of Changqing Mountain without obstruction in just seven days and joined the squad stationed there.
The captain of the mission squad said with a weary face:
"Grandmaster He, two-thirds of our men have already been frozen. Whether they are dead or alive is unknown. I did not dare let the remaining men continue deeper, so we could only hold our ground here. However, we have sealed off the road up the mountain."
Dugu He wore a black robe patterned with dark gold, covered by a cloak of the same color. The only two ornaments on him were a golden belt and a white Chiyang Jade Pendant, both symbols of his status.
After hearing the squad captain's report, Dugu He's stern face showed no expression as he calmly ordered:
"You will remain here. Without my orders, none of you may go up the mountain."
"Yes."
The remaining eight immediately answered in unison.
Dugu He arrived at Changqing Mountain's sole entrance. With a leap, he vanished from the sight of the others. Someone immediately murmured in admiration:
"As expected of a Grandmaster. We are still far behind."
"I hope Grandmaster He can bring the person from the Alien Realm down the mountain safely."
"Why is this person from the Alien Realm so powerful? Aren't they supposed to be suppressed after coming here?"