Its vast head tilted slightly, ancient eyes burning with a cold, knowing light. "Beasts may be born strong. But humans… humans never stop climbing."
For a moment, Fang Yuan was silent as he took in the truth, plain and simple.
Next, he inclined his head as the faintest trace of a smile touching his lips.
"Thank you… for answering my question, senior."
The tortoise's massive eyes softened, lids lowering in something almost like approval. "As long as you stay away from my territories, you're welcome."
Its voice rumbled, ancient and steady. "Go then, human. Carry your climb as far as it can take you."
Fang Yuan clasped his hands and bowed. "And may your mountain stand unshaken."
Then, with a movement that was both ponderous and graceful, the living mountain turned, its sheer bulk carving a new valley through the ancient forest as it cleared the path.
