This year slowly passed amidst the sound of Chen Xun's furnace, as they infused the essence of all things with longevity points, now totaling nineteen. Heavy snow fell in the Ningyun Mountain range, blanketing the earth in silver white, merging heaven and earth into a single line, blurring boundaries and obscuring the horizon. This year, the Qian Kingdom seemed somewhat turbulent; it was said that there were conflicts at the borders, and countless righteous men set out on their journeys to guard the national gates. In the midst of the snowstorm, their families bid them farewell, their footprints scattered across the snow, filled with longing. Many families of these righteous men lingered, standing until dusk. Yet the dusk snow was profound, as if woven with countless emotions, surging like the sea, capable of drowning everything. But no matter what happened in the mortal realm, it seemed nothing could hinder the path of countless wandering cultivators seeking immortality. The Immortal Ascension Conference commenced as usual, and the cultivator who had once led the ox was no longer seen, gradually forgotten by many. However, a significant event occurred within the valley: hundreds of sect cultivators personally descended to capture those selling manuals. Though no one was killed, their possessions were entirely confiscated. These manuals had severely impacted the interests of the major sects; originally, everyone competed fairly, but with the emergence of such "strategies," the number of wandering cultivators participating in challenges noticeably increased. Some promising talents were also snatched away, blamed on these manuals for leading the youth astray. The ten major sects united against this threat, vowing that if such matters continued, those involved would face dire consequences.
In a cave on the outskirts of the Ningyun Mountain range, their supply of spiritual herb seeds had been completely exhausted, and the alchemy furnace had exploded. Chen Xun began to contemplate the next steps. The big black ox sat nearby, grinding herbs with immense strength, its hooves working diligently, as this was the seasoning they used for their meals. "Old Ox, let's finish off the remaining pills first; we should save the other herbs for later." "Moo," the big black ox replied dismissively, filling a bottle with the powdered herbs before continuing to grind, its eyes filled with seriousness. Chen Xun hoisted two water jars, still containing clothes, and smiled, "Old Ox, shall we fetch some water?" "Moo moo~" The big black ox called out anxiously, quickly tidying up the stone mill; wherever Chen Xun went, it followed. The big black ox directly moved aside the boulder at the cave's entrance, and after Chen Xun stepped out, it covered it back up, checking for any flaws. Outside, snowflakes danced in the air, and the cold wind howled. Chen Xun wore only a thin garment, yet felt no chill. They arrived at a stream, where ice holes were carved everywhere. Chen Xun held one jar aloft to fill with water, while the big black ox stood joyfully in the middle of the stream with another jar. During this time, the big black ox, too exuberant, broke through the ice and fell in, but Chen Xun quickly pulled it back up. After filling the jars, they began to wash clothes together, chatting and laughing heartily. The snowflakes swirled in the sky, and they sat amidst the several feet of snow, as if only that young man and the big black ox existed in the world. The years were peaceful, and they enjoyed the moment.
Before long, the sound of broken twigs underfoot and the heavy crunch of snow reached them. Though distant, their current hearing had already picked it up. Chen Xun and the big black ox looked toward the snow-covered woods, where a large group of people approached, dressed in tattered robes and wielding wooden staffs. Their faces were dirty and red from the cold, numbering at least a hundred, with men, women, and children among them. Each face bore shock, astonished that such heavy snow could be washing clothes, and that a big black ox was sitting up, holding clothes and soap pods with its hooves. "Elder, are you lost?" Chen Xun casually asked, his wariness toward this group of mortals gradually dissipating. The big black ox merely glanced at them, sensing no danger, and continued scrubbing clothes, occasionally letting out a "moo." "Young hero, we fled from Dansong City," an elderly man approached, his steps unsteady. This young man looked like a martial artist, strong and healthy, unafraid of the cold in such heavy snow. "Dansong City? That's quite far; you must be at the other end of the Ningyun Mountain range," Chen Xun exclaimed, having heard of Dansong City, which was near Panning City, but the journey was long. "Are you heading to Panning City?" "Yes, yes," the elder nodded, his eyes brightening with hope. "Elder, what happened? Why is the Ningyun Mountain range so dangerous that you dare to cross it?" "Young hero, you misunderstand; we took the outer route, going around," the elder shook his head, sighing deeply. "Now the Qian Kingdom is in turmoil, with chaos erupting everywhere, and even the lord of Dansong City has been killed." "Ah?" Chen Xun was taken aback, immediately understanding these people; he too was fleeing. "You can reach Panning City by heading southeast; you took a detour." "Thank you, young hero," the elder clasped his hands in gratitude, having asked for directions all this time. "It's nothing, nothing," Chen Xun waved his hand, looking at the fleeing people. "Be careful on the road; there are many wild beasts around." "Thank you, young hero." "Thank you, young hero!" "Thank you, big brother." ... Many voices of gratitude arose from the crowd, and a little girl chirped sweetly. Hope ignited in their eyes; they were finally nearing Panning City, a large city known for its stable order. Chen Xun smiled slightly as he watched them leave, and the big black ox mooed at them.
"Old Ox, let me tell you, no matter which world it is, as long as there are nations, there will be endless wars, and the common people will suffer," Chen Xun lamented, recalling the painful history of his previous country's wars, etched into the blood of every person. "Moo? Moo moo moo!" The big black ox perked up, stopping its work, and kept nudging Chen Xun with its body, eager to hear more. "Then we must start from the Xia Dynasty..." Chen Xun began solemnly, and the big black ox's eyes widened, listening intently, even jotting down a few names. Half an hour later, they had finished washing the clothes and sat there admiring the snowy scenery, with Chen Xun still recounting history to the big black ox, lost in the moment. "To know what happens next, please listen to the next installment." Chen Xun patted the big black ox, which seemed unsatisfied, and looked at the washed clothes. "Our clothes have frozen into ice blocks!" "Moo!" The big black ox suddenly came to its senses, realizing it was true. "Let's go, let's go; luckily, we have the Fireball Technique." Chen Xun stood up, carrying the water jars and clothes, leading the big black ox back to the cave. With the spell, it was convenient to dry them directly. On the way, they gradually sensed something was off; a smell of blood wafted through the wind and snow. "Old Ox..." Chen Xun whispered, pulling a hood from his pocket and putting it on. "Be careful." "Moo," the big black ox replied softly, its eyes filled with vigilance, its sense of smell exceptionally sharp. In the distance, beneath a tree lay several corpses, blood staining the snow, gradually covered by the falling snow. Chen Xun's brow furrowed, his steps slowing; it seemed every half mile there were a few bodies, each with knife wounds, and they had not been dead long, their footprints chaotic. "Moo?" The big black ox looked at Chen Xun, recognizing a few familiar faces, like those commoners who had asked for directions earlier. Chen Xun gradually approached, turning over a few bodies; one woman was desperately protecting a little girl, but both had perished, their wounds beginning to freeze.