The snow showed no sign of stopping.
At first, thanks to Blackstone Canyon's unusual geology and its geothermal heat, the faint warmth seeping up from underground could just barely melt the falling snowflakes as soon as they touched the dark red rock, turning them into patches of dampness that quickly evaporated. But this winter snowfall seemed to have mustered all its strength, falling harder and thicker with each passing day. At last, that little geothermal warmth could no longer withstand the unending cold. White snow began collecting in hollows on the surface, then joined into thin sheets, until it completely covered the uneven canyon floor in a dazzling expanse of white.
Aside from his unwavering daily routine of circulating Battle-qi, honing his swordsmanship, and tempering his tailbone through the vibrations of his newly created "Wind-Thunder Heavenly Pillar Method," Loa spent most of his time climbing the cliff to look down over the canyon as its appearance rapidly changed.
The white expanse of snow was like an enormous, freshly spread canvas. Any movement would leave a mark that was difficult to erase. For someone searching, this was the best possible news. His greatest concern was that the creature would stay hidden deep underground, lying motionless no matter how thoroughly ice and snow covered the world outside. As long as it was willing to emerge, it would leave some trace.
The heavy snow fell for five or six days before easing slightly. As far as the eye could see, the entire Magical Beast Mountain Range was cloaked in white. The once-noisy roars of beasts and chirping of insects had all but vanished, leaving only the howl of wind and snow sweeping over ridges and treetops. Beneath that deathly silent whiteness lay even harsher laws of survival. Loa had checked the supplies in