All along the way, the lion had talked about looking everywhere and playing everywhere once they returned to the sect. But now that he was actually here, his courage failed him.
Cheng Xinzhan knew how much the lion cared about saving face, so he did not hurry him. After pointing out the direction back to Bright Governance Mountain, he let the lion walk slowly along.
"Wooo!"
They had barely gone a few steps when a cry suddenly escaped the lion's throat. His legs went weak, and he nearly plunged down with Cheng Xinzhan on his back. Only after dropping two or three feet did he recover, flailing all four legs to steady himself again.
Cheng Xinzhan looked up. They had reached Lord Kui Mountain.
He patted the lion and said,
"Haven't you always wanted to meet Lord Kui Mountain? Here he is. The venerable elder has been in meditation without moving for more than sixty years. Why not go closer and take a look?"
The lion gazed up at the solitary peak shaped like an enormous python and swallowed. As a fellow Mountain Lord, he could feel that crushing pressure most keenly, as though the heavens were toppling and their supporting pillars collapsing. And was this an immortal sect? The moment one entered its gates, one could see a Fourth Realm Mountain Lord standing openly here in meditation?
"I've seen him, I've seen him. There's no need to get closer."
The lion answered quietly, then furtively shifted his feet, preparing to circle around at a greater distance.
"Rustle, rustle-"
Just then, a faint sound arose. Cheng Xinzhan's expression stirred, and he looked up. His face immediately changed.
Lord Kui Mountain had not moved for more than sixty years. Dust had long since covered his body, forming a thick crust of