On the other side of the continent, mountain ranges stretched beneath a vast sea of clouds.
In the distance, a lone peak rose between heaven and earth, its slopes forbiddingly steep.
Three sides of the mountain were sheer cliffs, as though cut by blade and axe. Only one side offered a gentler slope, but it was so rugged that ordinary Soul Masters could never climb it.
Above the mountainside, rolling clouds concealed the sky. Mist swirled through the heights, giving the place the air of a retreat hidden deep among the clouds.
Yan Shaozhe flew in along the route, landed beneath the sea of clouds, and took the only path up the mountain on foot.
The weathered stone path wound upward. The higher he climbed, the fiercer the wind grew and the thicker the mist became. The mountain was utterly silent, with no sign of birds, beasts, or people. Vast and imposing, it stood in secluded stillness, cut off from the world.
Yan Shaozhe climbed at an unhurried pace, marveling inwardly.
No wonder the Clear Sky Sect has remained hidden for a thousand years. In a place like this, far from worldly strife, they can guard their mountain stronghold undisturbed. Little wonder they have such deep foundations and so many hidden talents.
It took him a full half hour to pass through the layers of cloud and reach the summit.
A massive ancient castle stood before him. Its stonework had endured ten thousand years of wind and frost, yet it remained solemn and imposing. This was the Clear Sky Sect's stronghold.
Two disciples stood straight-backed at the gate. The moment they noticed a stranger approaching, they went on guard.
"Who goes there? Stop!"
Yan Shaozhe halted and gave a slight nod. His tone was mild, though it carried a measure