Mao Yong'an's steps were slow, even with a Swift Travel Talisman stuck to his leg.
His stamina had already been severely depleted.
This was also a flaw in the Daoist cultivation system.
The strong man on his back was still cursing loudly, spitting out every vile word he knew. Blood kept flowing from both of their wounds, and the stench of it carried far away.
"You'll attract a huge number of ghosts like this!"
"Idiot!"
"My life isn't worth anything. If this batch of supplies is wasted because of your stupid decision, that'll be the greatest loss!"
"Put me down right now!"
"Cut a few more wounds on me, then smear mud over your body. That way, you might have a chance to survive and deliver the supplies to God Burying City. Understand?"
As he spoke, the strong man began struggling wildly. Mao Yong'an, already extremely weak, fell straight to the ground. His face was terrifyingly pale. He gasped heavily, yet his eyes remained stubborn as he struggled back to his feet.
His body was covered in snow.
"I know that, rationally speaking, you're right."
"Lately, the words I've heard most every day are 'the bigger picture' and 'sacrifice.'"
"But why?"
"Even your teammates haven't given up on you, so what right do you have to give up on yourself?"
"Everyone has their own choices. Mine may be selfish, but I just want to try. I want to see whether the path I imagined can actually be walked."
"Must someone die?"
"Let me be selfish just once. Let's use your life, my life, and these supplies to test whether the path I chose can work. Is that okay?"
Mao Yong'an did not hurry onward. His voice remained calm as he spoke.
Even as the icy snow seeped through his clothes,