The peaks surrounding the main summit each held their own scenery.
White clouds drifted over jade-like slopes, flower trees rising into mountains.
Elsewhere stood elegant pines and bamboo, clustered into groves. When the wind passed through, they swayed into waves of emerald.
It was precisely the season when earthly April bloomed in splendor. Vast stretches of Spirit Fields lay in neat order at the foot of the mountains.
Evening Moon Lake remained as clear as ever, yet the spiritual essence brewing within its waters had grown so dense that clouds and rain formed from it often descended upon the lake.
It was like an immortal mountain beyond the mortal world.
After Lu Qing had entered seclusion, he had spent all his time walking within the Long River of Time. Now, looking upon the Dao grounds again, he found that not much had changed, yet its scenery had become far more clear and ethereal than when he had first arrived.
White Crane Boy and White Marsh.
Both were within the Dao grounds.
Then the wind stirred.
The master of these Dao grounds had returned from cultivation.
A white crane darted swiftly through the forest, its feathers snowy white and sleek.
White Marsh ran across the surface of the water on four hooves, its glossy fur sacred and bright, ripples spreading in curving arcs beneath its feet.
It raced along the waterways, covering a thousand miles in a blink.
"Great Master!"
White Marsh's voice rang out loud and clear. The instant it saw the Daoist figure descending from the mountain amid auspicious clouds, its expression immediately turned excited and reverent.
White Crane Boy saw Lu Qing as well.
Over the years, it had spent much time dealing with his mortal-world incarnation.
Now that Lu Qing's true body had appeared, it became even