29 First day in Mount Evergreen

Apparently, the chinese named this mountain ironically. It was ninety percent covered in snow, my favorite environment. Green trees extended on the ground, but still covered in snow. They looked like they were preparing for christmas, but now that I think of it, it was actually christmas.

"Pangu, are you sure that this is the right place?" I asked my sword.

"Yes, for this I am entirely sure, lad. But be warned, this mountain contains some of the most ferocious beasts on Earth. Though it would be exciting!" he answered in a tone that showed that he would jump from excitement, of course, if he had a body.

"Merry Christmas by the way," I said while we were passing through the trees.

"How can you know the dates?" asked Tulip.

"Dunno. I just think that I want to know which day it is, and my mind would automatically tell me."

"It is Richard that tells you, dummy," said Pangu. "You two share a connection with each each other, even through thoughts."

"He never mentioned that our thoughts are connected."

"I am not surprised that he didn't. Old Richy has an odd personality. However, sooner or later you'll have to experience his memories. It will be beneficial for you and me."

I sighed and said,"I guess that there are many things that Richard haven't told me, or anyone else."

"Did you know that he was mute at first?"

"What?"

"Yes-"

"Enough you two!" interrupted Tulip. "It's getting late. Let us settle near and camp."

"I sense a pond to the right of us, let's go," I said. We set our camp nearby a pond. Tulip lighted a fire and sat silent.

I bathed in the water for about an our. Even though snow covered the land, this pond was an exception. Its water was cold as ice, but there were no blocks of ice inside. I sat in the water, enjoying the cold feeling that was entering my bones.

I bathed for 2 hours, then got out of the water and marched towards Tulip. I sat next to her and she rested her head on my now dried shoulder.

We didn't need to talk. We preferred to watch such beautiful sceneries in silence. I wasn't much of a talker either.

Unfortunately, the silent was broken. Pangu started singing a romantic song, but in an awful voice that would break the ears of the listeners.

"Stop!" Tulip and I said at the same time. Once he stopped, it appeared as if the sky sighed in relief, but was it Richard who actually sighed? I have no idea.

"You talent destroyers!" complained Pangu.

"Just shut up," I ordered. But we couldn't stay in silence anymore, we had to talk.

"Hey Misy, have you discussed your feelings with this lad? Don't think that I didn't see that kiss," said Pangu.

Tulip's cheeks blushed and I didn't know whether to break my wand or keep it.

"Yeah about that.." I said slowly.

"I am sorry if it bothered you," she said while a tear dropped from her eye, "I won't repeat it again."

I leaned forward and kissed her then said, "Apology accepted."

A beautiful smile appeared on her face. I was glad to see her happy.

"Awww," said Pangu.

"Ugggh, right now I am thinking seriously of making a spell to shut you up, Pangu," I said while Tulip burst into laughter.

We continued our night outside watching the stars surrounding the moon. Some hours before morning, Tulip went to sleep, while I stayed to cultivate in the pond.

At dawn, we continued our journey to the center of the mountain. It may appear a normal mount from the outside, but it was actually larger from the inside.

We encountered some beasts on our way, though most of them were weak. Once we killed them, green crystals dropped out of their bodies, who crumbled to dust after their death.

"Pangu, what are these?" I asked.

"These crystals are the hearts of the beasts. They are also the things that allow beasts to cultivate. According to my knowledge, the green ones refer to the divinity stage," he answered.

"How do we know on which level in that stage?"

"I think that the color becomes more clearer by each level."

"How do we benefit from it?" asked Tulip.

"Just hold it in your hand and then you can suck the natural energy that is stored in it. You can also comprehend the laws that the beast studied. It will be like you are borrowing the beast's path to strengthen yours."

"Alright," I said, "We have four crystals. Two for you and two for me. Agreed?"

"Agreed," answered Tulip.

Tulip sat and started the process while I guarded her. She did the same to me.

I sat down in a cross legged position and clutched each crystal in one hand. I drew my divine sense into it and the suction started.

The natural energy passed through my blood vessels and merging with the blood.

Surprisingly, the two beasts studied the edicts of death. Instantly, I was surrounded by a gloomy and cold aura. But it didn't last long and then it returned to the normal cold aura.