At the end of August, the mountain winds at the Vicente Pass carried the scent of pine needles over the rough granite walls.
Beyond the pine needles, past the expanse of dark green forests, one could see the snowy peaks of the mountains.
The sunlight reflected off the ice and snow, and staring too long could even hurt the eyes.
The villa was a typical mountain style, with thick round logs nailed with square nails, leaving a corridor for hunting dogs to rest in.
Inside, heavy oak beams extended outward, with several strips of dried smoked meat and a basket of pine cones hanging from them.
Behind the densely placed ceramic wine bottles on the windowsill was the expectant face of the Crab Roe Monarch.
As soon as he heard the creaking sound of wheels, he immediately rushed to the door.
"Lady Jia Li! I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival!"
Sibangqi Monarch was about fifty years old, with slightly graying hair meticulously combed back.
