After seeing Dugu He's signal, the eight people guarding the foot of the mountain gathered together at top speed, then looked toward their team leader.
"Captain, Grandmaster He wants us to go up. Should we?"
A flash of delight crossed the captain's face as he said:
"The signal came from the mountaintop, which proves Grandmaster He has safely reached the summit. There should be no problems along the way. Pack up, everyone. We'll head up and join the Grandmaster as quickly as possible."
"Yes, Captain!"
Having received a definite answer, everyone immediately packed their belongings and headed up the mountain at top speed.
When the eight reached the mountainside, they found their frozen companions. Although the surrounding ice and snow had already melted, their companions still remained in their original positions, their entire bodies stiff and motionless. Someone stepped forward to check their breathing and pulse, then shook his head at the captain, indicating that these people were beyond saving.
The captain had already known in his heart, but he had clung to a sliver of hope that Dugu He might be able to save their companions. Now, however, it seemed that even the Grandmaster was powerless. He could only wave a hand and say, "Remove their belongings. Leave two people behind to bury their bodies on the spot. The rest will come with me to the summit."
"Yes."
The two at the back of the group stayed behind, while the remaining six continued onward. Naturally, they could not compare to Dugu He in speed, and it took them an hour and a half to reach the peak.
As they made their way up, they also discovered that the places once covered by ice and snow had thawed, revealing the mountain path and green plants. Yet all the vegetation within