The Green Cliff Sect's Mountain Gate was grander than Black Mountain had imagined.
Though it was no renowned great sect wreathed in immortal mist, it was at least a proper sect.
Stone steps stretched from the foot of the mountain to the summit, flanked by spirit trees he couldn't name, with disciples occasionally flying past overhead.
Black Mountain maintained the standard posture of a "captured demonic beast":
Head lowered, ears drooping, occasionally raising his head to glance around before hastily shrinking back.
Red Wind did the same beside him.
As they passed several disciples, some looked over curiously.
Lin Ping's junior brother hurriedly explained, "Just caught them. Two fourth-tier demonic beasts, bound for the Beast Garden."
The disciples nodded and asked no more.
They soon entered the Mountain Gate.
As Black Mountain flew, he secretly surveyed his surroundings, his bear eyes darting about.
Red Wind sent a voice transmission: "Take it easy. Don't be so obvious."
Black Mountain transmitted back, "Relax. This humble scholar knows his limits."
After roughly the time it took to drink a cup of tea, a cluster of buildings appeared ahead.
Before Black Mountain could take a closer look, a voice came from up ahead:
"Lin Ping? You're back?"
A middle-aged man in gray robes emerged from a courtyard to the side, glanced behind Lin Ping, and fixed his gaze on Black Mountain and Red Wind.
"Oh, you actually caught some? Two fourth-tier beasts. Not bad."
Lin Ping halted and forced a smile. "Senior Brother Zhou."
Something stirred in Black Mountain's mind.
Senior Brother Zhou?
He doesn't look like an elder. He should be a disciple with more seniority than Lin Ping.
Senior Brother Zhou approached, circled Black Mountain, and patted his bear back.
"This bear's decent. Nice coat, just a little fat."
Black Mountain cursed