His master was unwell, and in the foreseeable future, the burden of White Elm Peak would very likely fall on Zang Yu's shoulders.
The feeling of a weight poised to fall, yet not quite falling, left him struggling to breathe. His decision to leave the sect and travel far to Cuiwei had, in part, been an attempt to get some air.
But where could he ever find complete peace of mind? Cuiwei had its own difficulties. Fortunately, a sharp sword had descended from heaven to help him cleave through those barriers.
During their conversation, Zang Yu revealed a little of what weighed on his heart and finally felt somewhat better.
The rest of their journey passed without incident. Traveling through the night beneath the stars, the two finally sighted the Cuiwei Mountain Range at daybreak.
Beneath the towering peaks, a spirit array covered the ground like an enormous inverted bowl. They flashed their tokens and headed straight to the Cloud-Crowned Hall to report, without delay.
Barring anything unexpected, Zhi Yu would remain stationed here for the long term, and today was no exception.
Zang Yu carried their captive into the hall, then bowed deeply.
"Greetings, True Person. This disciple has come to report."
Jiang Yang also cupped his hands.
"Greetings, Senior Brother."
The middle-aged Daoist stood with his hands behind his back, his feathered crown neatly arranged, and smiled.
"Rise, both of you. There's no need for such ceremony."
"From the looks of things, you accomplished quite a bit. How did it go? Smoothly enough, I hope?"
The question was directed at Jiang Yang, who nodded and answered.
"There were a few complications, but with Senior Brother Zang's wholehearted cooperation, everything ended quite satisfactorily. We fulfilled the task you entrusted to us, True Person."
Zang Yu hurried to explain from