A Sleeve Sweeps Up Wind and Snow

After bidding farewell to Nie Yun and the other, the group continued on their way.

They traveled another twenty-odd li. The terrain gradually rose, and as the mountains shifted, so did the scenery, each layer distinct from the next.

High above stood towering peaks capped with pristine snow, draped over ancient pines and cliff faces in cold, stark white.

Below, the river valleys lay gentle and flat, without deep snowdrifts. Only dense icicles hung amid the withered branches, crystal-clear as gemstones, drooping like a forest.

The cold wind swept past, making the icicles knock lightly together.

Fine, brittle chimes scattered across the mountains and wilderness. The chill seemed to pierce the bones, while the world remained vast and still.

The group crossed mountains and valleys, passing through frost-laden woods and frozen rivers. Only when the sun had climbed higher did they finally spot signs of human habitation ahead.

A small town built against the mountains rested quietly at the foot of the peaks, its houses scattered unevenly and smoke curling from its chimneys. This was where their paths would diverge.

Shen Hui paused briefly and settled on a direction.

From here, he would take Lu Huan and Hu Cheng southwest, seeking out sacred mountains and beautiful waters.

Daoist Feng, meanwhile, needed to return north and reenter the gates of Grand Void Temple.

Thinking of this, Shen Hui turned back for a look.

Daoist Feng had fallen behind. With his neck hunched and both hands tucked into his sleeves, he kept muttering under his breath.

"What kind of damned weather is this? It was perfectly fine this morning..."

Before he could finish, a gust of cold wind rushed into his mouth and made him cough twice.

The mild weather from moments ago changed without warning. The north wind howled through the