A tall, alluring woman stood in the Red Brick House, wondering where that man had gone.
Meanwhile, the man was by the stream beside the woods across from the Red Brick House. He had taken off his shoes and dipped his feet into the water, savoring its clear, icy chill.
Mountain Girl watched her young master, who looked perfectly at ease. She thought over everything that had happened, hesitating as she tried to voice her concerns.
Just then, a mountain breeze swept by, carrying the fresh scent of earth after rain. Looking up, she saw the pine forest on the opposite slope swaying in the wind like waves, rising and falling. Mist curled among the trees, lifting a skyful of withered yellow leaves. They flew over halfway up the mountain and out into the distance, then slowly vanished.
Gu Qingshan gazed up at the scene, as if recalling memories from long ago. For a moment, he said nothing.
The Tribulation of Measurable Quantity was drawing ever closer. He could already sense it.
Now, all the years since he began cultivating seemed to rise before his eyes of their own accord, entangling him in a tangle of emotions.
He remained immersed in those thoughts and insights for a long time, searching for a way forward.
When enlightenment came, the Tribulation of Measurable Quantity would arrive.
Night fell.
The stream flowed without a sound.
The moon was white as frost, the youth as lovely as a painting.
Mountain Girl quietly watched his back, slowly coming to understand.
Even while locked in a game of wits with the Abyss Monsters, her young master had seized every moment to silently build his strength, preparing to advance.
It was best not to disturb him now.
Mountain Girl sighed, went over to sit beside Gu Qingshan,