They ascended the steps, and the closer they got to the mountaintop, the more white cranes they encountered.
The white cranes seemed not to be afraid of humans; they didn't scatter in a panic upon seeing people, but instead preened their feathers in a contented manner.
Unwittingly, they had arrived just below the summit.
The end of the mountain path unexpectedly opened up into a spacious cave dwelling.
Outside the cave dwelling was a garden, filled with the chirping of birds and the fragrance of flowers.
Amidst the misty ascent, white cranes strolled leisurely, making everything appear as if it were a heavenly abode.
At that moment, an old farmer was squatting in the garden, weeding.
The old farmer had an unremarkable appearance, with white hair and beard, dressed simply in coarse hemp clothes, carrying no aura of power about him.
"He is at the Nine Ox Realm!"
Jun Yao's eyes sharpened as she discerned the old farmer's cultivation level.
