Wang Xiaoqiang didn't waste his energy chasing.
By the time he reached midway up the mountain, it was nearly noon. Wang Xiaoqiang sat down on a boulder to rest, took out the roasted wolf meat to share with Big Black, and both master and pet rested for half an hour before continuing their journey. The path up the mountain became increasingly steep; in some places, one had to cling to tree branches to climb up. Calling it a mountain path was generous; it was hardly a proper path, merely the easiest route to the mountain. Indeed, the higher they climbed, the fiercer the mountain wind became, and the colder the air grew.
This was good news for Wang Xiaoqiang. He wished for the air to be colder, as it benefited the growth of maca.
Perhaps due to the temperature, the higher he went, the fewer wild beasts there were, and eventually, not even the shadows of animals could be seen, with birds also completely out of sight.
After a difficult trek, they finally arrived at the peak by evening.
