Heavy snow sealed the mountains, spreading like cotton fluff until every peak and ravine lay evenly covered.
Only here and there on the steep slopes did a little ocher rock show through, like a lump of rock sugar sitting in a white porcelain bowl.
Below the mountain path, Jiang Yi held the Cat Master, gently covering its large, round eyes with his palm.
Grandpa was slaughtering horses, taking their blood Qi to ritually refine the Black Sha Pagoda Lock. It would hardly do to let the Cat Master see such a bloody scene.
The Black Sha Pagoda Lock rose and fell like a giant python, its dark links clattering.
Forming hand seals, Yang Xun instructed him, "After you return to Crimson Flame Peak, be sure to lie low for a few days. Don't mention to anyone that you've broken through to the fifth level of Qi Refining, either.
"The tree that rises above the forest is sure to be battered by the wind. You mustn't be too mediocre, or people will look down on you. But when your backing isn't strong enough, you mustn't stand out too much, either. It easily invites jealousy."
Jiang Yi nodded his agreement, finding those words profoundly true.
In all things, dimming one's light and mingling with the dust was the safest course.
Especially within a Demonic Path Lineage, where those Upper Cultivators never minded mixing it up with lower cultivators and loved using underhanded methods most of all. He had to be doubly cautious.
"Once I've found you a backer in the Inner Peaks and you have someone supporting you, there'll still be time to show your talents. That way, you can receive nurturing without being suppressed."
Yang Xun seemed to have thought it over repeatedly. Speaking from the heart, he said, "The Qianji