The howling blizzard sweeps away cold and hope.
But not much.
Because Lu Li is long accustomed to making efforts without reaping rewards.
Lu Li retraced his steps along the steep rock face long erased by snow, even with an ice ax and spiked shoes, it was difficult to safely return to the flatfoot of the mountain; he stumbled and fell, enveloped by an avalanche, sliding down a treacherous yet smooth slope.
The cost was Lu Li suffering multiple abrasions and bruises, and…
A lack of awareness of the suddenly arriving Evil Spirit Ritual.
"My dear friend, you still can't distinguish reality in the fictitious dream. Look at yourself, covered in scars and bruises, as disheveled as a wanderer."
The greeting, familiar and intimate like that of a friend, resounds; yet listening closely reveals a voice indistinguishable in gender, unlike any known companion.
"Is it worth it? How do you know... everything is real?"
