The laughter of the Second Kidney Peak Head slowly faded, though the satisfaction on his face remained.
He studied Han Yu for a few moments more, his expression thoughtful now rather than celebratory. The initial excitement had passed, and the mind of the old cultivator had returned to calculation.
"Now that the trial is passed," the Peak Head finally said, "we must think about what comes next."
Han Yu straightened slightly, waiting for the instructions.
The old man paced slowly across the chamber, his hands clasped behind his back.
"First," he said, "you must gain an initial understanding of the Freezing Abyss Glacial Art."
Han Yu nodded. That much was obvious. Possessing the technique meant little if he could not cultivate it. The inheritance from the Stelae had given him knowledge, but not mastery.
"Only after you have grasped its foundation," the Peak Head continued, "can we move on to the next step."
Han Yu raised his head slightly.
