After autumn arrived, the scenery in the mountains changed by the day.
The withered yellow of the peaks and ridges spread into the ravines. Squirrels ran and leaped among bare branches, busily stocking their tree hollows with nuts.
The wind was cold and harsh. When it swept through, the mountains held nothing but the rustling of dead leaves.
Black Snake could not roam the mountains during the day, or his enormous body would frighten the travelers below, and rumors of a Demonic Beast would fly everywhere.
By day, he could only coil atop the mountain or hide in narrow valleys. Only late at night, when all was quiet, could he emerge to drink.
One day, Black Snake lay curled in a sheltered hollow among the rocks, basking in the sun.
Suddenly, he glimpsed the Abbot leaving the Mountain Gate, a longsword on her back as she made her unhurried way downhill.
Three other Daoists of distinguished bearing accompanied her.
Even a Female Daoist who spent her days quietly cultivating on the mountain had to descend to slay evil. Clearly, the Mad Demon Cultivator had stirred up a major storm. Who knew how powerful he had become after devouring so many Demon Spirits and people?
It was a pity Black Snake could not go and witness the powerful in action.
With his Thermal Sensing, he watched the four descend. Two carriages awaited them at the foot of the mountain, the kind with enclosed cabins.
When evening came,
He Ning confirmed Black Snake's guess.
The Abbot had received an invitation to descend and eradicate the increasingly troublesome Heretic Cultivator. The Government Office had also sent people to take part.
They had waited until now to act because they had previously been busy investigating the Heretic Cultivator.
Black Snake breathed an inward sigh