Mark tore off a piece of the roasted snow rabbit and chewed it slowly to replenish his energy. The Ice Abyss Beast was beside him, watching the cave entrance vigilantly. The wind and snow outside the cave seemed to be a little smaller, but the whistling sound of the wind was still like the roar of a wild beast, echoing in the valley. Occasionally, a few snowflakes drifted into the cave and landed on Mark's hair, quickly melting into water droplets and sliding down his cheeks.
"Thank you for your hard work." Mark swallowed the rabbit meat in his mouth and said to the Ice Abyss Beast, and raised his hand to touch its thick fur. The Ice Abyss Beast rubbed Mark's hand with its head and let out a low whimper, as if responding to his thanks. The fire in the cave flickered, projecting the figures of a man and a beast on the stone wall, sometimes large and sometimes small, like a shadow play.
After eating the snow rabbit, Mark held the energy stone and guided the energy of the energy stone to repair his body. He could feel a warm current flowing in his body, repairing the damaged meridians and muscles. As the energy circulated, his pale face gradually regained some color, and his breathing became steady and powerful. The Ice Abyss beast lay quietly beside him, sniffing Mark from time to time, as if feeling the changes in his energy. The aroma of barbecue and a faint smell of herbs filled the cave, which formed a sharp contrast with the wind and snow outside the cave.
Feeling his strength gradually recover, Mark stood up and walked to the entrance of the cave, carefully observing the surrounding environment. Although the wind and snow weakened, visibility was still very low, and the outline of the distant mountain peaks was looming in the wind and snow, like an ink painting. He squinted his eyes and carefully identified the path down the mountain. The Ice Abyss beast walked to his side and sniffed the air with his nose, as if he was also looking for a way down the mountain.
After confirming that there was no danger, Mark stepped out of the cave, followed by the Ice Abyss beast, and the man and the beast walked down the mountain road. The mountain road was rugged and covered with a thick layer of snow, and every step had to be cautious. Mark looked back from time to time to check the situation of the Ice Abyss beast to make sure it did not fall behind. The Ice Abyss beast used its keen sense of smell to help Mark find a more accessible path. The mountain wind carried snowflakes and blew on their faces, bringing bursts of biting cold.
On the way, Mark found some special plants. These plants grow in the cracks of rocks, with dark purple leaves and a faint fragrance. He recognized that this was "purple spirit grass", a precious medicinal material that can be used to refine healing pills. He carefully collected these purple spirit grasses and put them in his backpack for emergency use. The Ice Abyss Beast came over curiously, sniffed the purple spirit grass, and then looked up at Mark, as if asking what it was.
"This is a medicinal material that can be used to heal wounds." Mark explained, and picked a leaf of purple spirit grass and handed it to the Ice Abyss Beast. "You can try it, it tastes good."
The Ice Abyss Beast hesitated, stretched out its tongue to lick the leaves of the purple spirit grass, and then let out a low roar, as if it was not repulsive to the taste. Mark smiled and continued to collect purple spirit grass.
After walking for a long time, they came to a cliff. The cliff was steep and dangerous, and there was a bottomless canyon below. The wind howled in the canyon, making a deafening sound. Mark walked to the edge of the cliff carefully and looked down. The Ice Abyss Beast lay behind him, using its body to block the mountain wind to prevent him from being blown down.
Mark found a path below, which was winding and leading to the depths of the canyon. This made him happy, and he knew that as long as he walked along this path, he could get out of this snowy mountain.
"Let's go." Mark said to the Ice Abyss Beast and pointed to the path below.
The Ice Abyss Beast nodded, and the man and the beast continued to move forward along the path. The path was rugged and difficult to walk, and in some places, you even need to use your hands and feet to pass. Mark held on to the cracks in the rocks and climbed down carefully. The Ice Abyss Beast was behind him, using his body to support him and prevent him from slipping.
"Be careful." Mark reminded, his voice seemed a little weak in the howling mountain wind.
The Ice Abyss Beast growled to show that he understood. It used its strong limbs to firmly grasp the rock and followed Mark steadily.
The sky gradually darkened, and the light in the canyon became dimmer and dimmer. Mark and the Ice Abyss Beast also slowed down. They must find a place to spend the night before dark, otherwise it will be difficult for them to survive in this cold night.
"Speed up." Mark urged, with a hint of anxiety in his tone.
The Ice Abyss Beast also quickened its pace, and one man and one beast struggled forward in the dim canyon.
Finally, before the night fell completely, they found a rock wall that could shelter from the wind. There was a small cave under the rock wall. The entrance of the cave was narrow, but the interior was relatively spacious. Mark and the Ice Abyss Beast went into the cave and temporarily avoided the wind and snow.
"Let's rest here tonight." Mark said, his voice echoing in the narrow cave.
The Ice Abyss Beast growled in agreement. It walked back and forth in the cave, looking for a place to rest.
Mark leaned against the rock wall and closed his eyes to rest. The Ice Abyss Beast curled up beside him, shielding him from the cold wind.
Outside the cave, the wind and snow were still raging. Inside the cave, a man and a beast snuggled together, feeling each other's warmth.
The Ice Abyss Beast licked Mark's cheek with its tongue, then closed its eyes and fell asleep.
Mark felt his face was wet, opened his eyes, and saw the Ice Abyss Beast looking at him worriedly. He raised his hand and touched his cheek, feeling the remaining moisture and temperature of the Ice Abyss Beast's tongue. "I'm fine." He said softly, sitting up straight and moving his stiff limbs. The sky outside the cave was already turning pale.