Old Acquaintances of the Divine Constable Gate

Amid fierce wind and snow, a black Fierce Dog as massive as a giant bull trotted across the snow, leaving scattered paw prints behind. From time to time, he shook his body, scattering snowflakes.

At his side walked one woman and two men, all three wrapped in thick fur coats and rubbing their hands now and then. Led by Fang Jing of Little Merchant Mountain ahead, they headed for Snowfall Peak.

The three remained silent along the way, not exchanging a single word. Only occasionally did a wisp of worry flash through their eyes. After so many years apart, was Xiang Yang still the Xiang Yang they knew? Would their arrival truly be of any use?

Upon reaching Snowfall Peak, Little Black suddenly caught a scent. His stirring howl rang through the mountain peaks as his four paws flew like shadows, and he raced toward the summit with panting breaths.

When he finally reached the ice cave, he shed his earlier wildness. Cautiously, he crept forward, then lay down beside a tall, broad-shouldered figure with shoulder-length golden hair. Resting his front paws beside him, Little Black gave muffled whines and growls, as if pouring out his longing.

"Little Black, I never expected you to come too. Good, you've improved greatly. You truly are worthy of being my dog."

Xiang Yang had recognized that impassioned howl the moment he heard it. Walking out of the ice cave, he saw Little Black come to him with childlike devotion. He reached out and stroked the enormous dog's head, his heart filled with countless emotions. When he had been wanted by the Divine Constable Gate, he could only send Little Black away. Now that they had reunited, they would never need to part again.

Using his true qi to probe inward and his spirit