Zhou Xuan stopped and stared at the colossal Giant Beast as it took its fourth step.
The ice plain beneath his feet shook again. Shattered ice flew into the air, and tiny shards stung his face.
One year.
That number circled through his mind twice.
Back in Jade Dragon City, the first round of trade with the Central Province Immortal Alliance had to be completed within three months.
Lin Qingzhu could keep the logistics running, and Qin Keqing could keep the Fallen Sect in line, but there were things neither could do in his place.
"Second Brother."
Zhou Xuan spoke, his voice traveling straight through the Soul Link.
Far away in Jade Dragon City, his Second Soul received the signal almost instantly.
"What? You want me to work again?"
Second Brother sounded disgruntled.
"I'm busy keeping an eye on the mess Zhao Ji left behind. The Resonance Stele in the third ward of North City developed another crack yesterday. That medicine jar Ye Changqing said he had no time to fix it and dumped it on me. Do you have any idea how busy I am?"
"Come here."
"...What?"
"I said, come here. The Ice Plain."
Zhou Xuan's tone left no room for discussion.
"You can sense my location. Follow the Soul Link across."
Second Brother fell silent for three breaths.
"You want to use me as a pack mule again."
"Yes."
"I knew it."
Second Brother's voice rose a little.
"Every time you say 'come here,' a whole pile of crap is bound to follow. Last time, you made me watch Zhao Ji for half a month. That bastard's resentment husk nearly blew me to pieces."
"The time before that, you made me help control the Divine Statue. The stray thoughts of those three million mortals gave me a