From the first snowfall onward, winter's bitter cold gradually revealed its power in this place that had once enjoyed spring all year round. This winter was far more than a little chilly.
Having never experienced anything like it, the people of Mist Village were desperately short of winter clothing. Naturally, there was little work to be done in such a harsh winter; even venturing outside for a stroll required considerable courage.
Clearly, however, Yi Shuyuan did not lack that courage. On this winter day, he went outside the village with Stoneborn and a handful of students bundled in thick clothing.
"Wow, the river's frozen over!" "The mountains have all turned white!"
The river that rose deep in the mountains had frozen solid.
The children were tremendously excited, and Stoneborn was no exception.
Yi Shuyuan looked toward the distant mountains, his brows involuntarily furrowing. The changes were happening faster than he had imagined, and on a far greater scale.
Spiritual energy had become more active, but casting spells remained difficult. Even though he could stir this world through his own Dao, he could not exert any forceful influence upon it.
"Ah, I never thought we'd stay this long..."
It was Cao Yugao who spoke. He was accompanying them as well, and compared with the others, he felt much more miserable. Every day, he fretted over being unable to return to the Celestial Court.
So much time had passed. Although he had given notice beforehand, Cao Yugao felt that this amounted to abandoning his post for private affairs. He would surely be punished when he returned.
"Yes."
Yi Shuyuan offered only that brief reply, his thoughts elsewhere. The group continued along the riverbank, and just under an hour later, he brought the children, who were throwing snow and playing, into the thatched