Chapter TwentyThree: Next Day

Dragonspine Mountain is vast and treacherous. Indeed, numerous risk-takers venture here, and it's not uncommon to come across individuals with a degree of strength.

At this moment, John regarded Xian Yu as the type of young man who had already reaped rewards and hungered for more. Though he sensed that his companion wasn't feeble, John held little hope for reaching the mountain's summit.

The path leading to the mountaintop had long since crumbled. Additionally, it was infested with ruinous monsters. Observing the young man before him, he didn't seem like someone who could soar. The climb was exceedingly daunting. To his knowledge, no adventurers who'd ventured to the peak had survived. Still, John refrained from dissuading him. He simply wished that the young man would retreat when the time came.

Did Xian Yu comprehend the situation on the snowy mountain? Of course, he did. Even if he didn't know every detail, it's unlikely that something as perilous as the Demon God would reappear, right? At most, the Resurgent Cryo Regisvine up there could be somewhat bothersome. It was, in some respects, more vexing than the Elemental Lord. However, it was merely a nuisance.

After confirming their itinerary for the next day and exchanging a few words, both parties ceased their conversation and closed their eyes to rest.

...

The following day arrived, and the trio embarked on the journey to the mountain's summit, each with their distinct objectives.

"Brother, let's try to keep quiet and quickly cross the wooden bridge up ahead. My grandfather and I could have arrived yesterday, but a group of snow wolves appeared in that location, so it's best not to disturb them."

Upon hearing this, Xian Yu whispered, "Agreed." Xian Yu was genuinely curious about the Snow Wolves. This curiosity wasn't merely about the creatures but about encountering something new, a sentiment common to all humans. At the same time, he was aware of the saying, "curiosity killed the cat," so he refrained from intentionally investigating further.

"Hurry! We must reach there swiftly, or we'll be discovered. Those beasts have keen senses. Staying too long would lead to detection. Even the wind and snow can't conceal our presence!"

John spoke as he picked up his grandson and sprinted. Xian Yu followed suit.

Before long, they reached a colossal fallen tree. This must be the "wooden bridge" to which John had referred. However, upon sighting a dozen snow-white "Erha" on the other side, they came to an abrupt halt. John's countenance grew slightly grim. "I didn't anticipate these creatures ambushing us. I knew this was the sole route." Xian Yu was at a loss for words upon hearing this. The wolves knew how to lay an ambush. With cliffs on both sides, if not on this relatively gentle path, where else could they go?

"Old man, with your strength, you shouldn't have much trouble dealing with these wolves, right? Why fear them?"

Xian Yu was puzzled about the situation. He thought that despite there being over a dozen wolves, they weren't particularly strong. In his opinion, they were all of the "chunk" type, easy to defeat.

"Well, these wolves may not be that strong, but remember, not all of them are here yet. The leader hasn't shown up, and my grandson is with us. I don't want to take any unnecessary risks," Xian Yu said, eyeing the pack of wolves on the opposite side.

"In that case, perhaps it's best not to pay your respects for now. It's unfortunate that you can't honor your ancestors, but you shouldn't endanger yourselves for the sake of the departed. Besides, you mentioned that these wolves appeared suddenly, which means they won't linger here for too long. Once they leave on their own, you can make our way up the mountain," Xian Yu suggested.

The old man fell into silence after Xian Yu's words. He glanced at his trembling grandson and sighed, "You're right..."

"Then, let's head back, Little friend," The Old man suggested.

Xian yu replied, "You can head back on your own. I have some unfinished business to attend to, and you don't need to accompany me."

With that, Xian Yu gazed at the snowy mountaintop in the distance and, without waiting for the old man to respond, leaped across the gap with a few nimble jumps.

Xian Yu knew the way to go. The cave not far ahead was unmistakable, and there were plenty of star grass plants outside, so he didn't stand out too much. Though the location differed somewhat from his memory, it was understandable given the deviations encountered along the way.

John, who had watched Xian Yu disappear in an instant, wanted to say something but refrained. Speaking loudly might attract more wolves, and he couldn't afford to linger. The wolves would not give him any extra time.

After one last glance at Xian Yu's departing figure, John hugged his grandson and sprinted back the way they had come.

As Xian Yu continued his ascent, he paid little attention to the wolf that rushed toward him. He casually sidestepped it and continued on his way.

It wasn't that he was feeling particularly kind-hearted, but killing the wolves wouldn't serve any purpose, and he certainly didn't want to end up covered in their blood. Besides, he had food in his backpack, so why waste time fighting these wolves?

Xian Yu had no desire to expend energy on such a laborious and ungrateful task. However, the wolves didn't seem inclined to give up their pursuit.

This situation was reminiscent of playing a video game when he was just passing through, and suddenly the "battle music" blared, accompanied by an unexpected arrow from somewhere that inflicted a status debuff. It had been a constant source of irritation in his gaming experience.

Disgusting and bothersome, Xian Yu had always preferred to avoid such encounters, just as he was doing now with the wolves.

Stopping in his tracks, Xian Yu didn't draw his sword. Instead, he raised his palm knife. After sidestepping the attacking wolf, he casually struck.

These wolves might look fierce, but, in reality, apart from their impressive cold resistance, they weren't much stronger than the typical wild beasts outside. Even an elderly man like John could easily handle them, let alone Xian Yu.

A single blow from Xian Yu sent every wolf that he hit sprawling to the ground. Whether it was their spine or neck, something crucial had been broken, and there was no chance of survival.

In line with his "waste nothing" mentality, Xian Yu reluctantly collected the wolf bodies strewn across the ground and continued his journey.

The frigid wind swept across the terrain, quickly concealing the vivid red stains.

Finally, Xian Yu reached the entrance of the cave, and his reaction was one of surprise. "This...?"