【Beginning】
Since his mother’s demise, Yang Jian stayed in Peach Mountain by himself. Although he did not hold a grudge against the Celestial Welkin Lord, he contended that he was a mere mortal and refused all appointments from the Celestial Court. His days passed peacefully: sometimes, he would set up a tent at the foot of the mountain and help the masses with his godly powers; other times, he would hike on the mountain or journey to the peak and worship his deceased mother.
Yang Jian had expected a life of eternal loneliness: his heart would never be understood; his wounds would never be tended. To hide the weakness in his heart, Yang Jian would always maintain a solemn facade with a tough exterior. However, fate would surprise people when unexpected. On an ordinary day, Yang Jian met something extraordinary...
That day, Yang Jian had carried his water and flowers towards the peak of Peach Mountain when loud commotion suddenly rung nearby. It sounded like the roar of a vicious beast. In this world of battle between Gods and Demons with various monsters running rampant, the appearance of savage beasts is not surprising. However, villagers often travelled through these mountains. To ensure their safety, Yang Jian quickly investigated.
Ice Lizard Warrior: Pest! You dare steal the rations we worked so hard for!
Red Lizard Warrior: You are going to be our main course tonight!
???: Woof!
Emerald Lizard Warrior: You get guts considering you puny size...You actually dare resist us!
Before Yang Jian was a chubby puppy that resembled a ball of fur, completely encircled by a group of lizard warriors. Despite its weak appearance, it had a resounding bark which could be heard hundreds of miles away. The lizard warriors were intimidated by its bark and did not dare approach...
Despite facing strong foes on all fronts, the puppy did not back down. Instead, it continued barking viciously at the lizard soldiers. Taking the whole scene in, Yang Jian could not help but be reminded of himself in the past... Perhaps it was simply because he felt he was unable to stand by and watch, or perhaps he sympathized — Yang Jian decided he would help the silly-looking puppy.
【Before Battles】
Yang Jian: Aren’t you ashamed of picking on the weak?
Red Lizard Warrior: Hmm! None of your business!
Ice Lizard Warrior: You wanna play hero?
???: Woof!
【End】
Yang Jian: Get out of here!
Golden Lizard Warrior: Re...Retreat!
Ebony Lizard Warrior: I will let you go just this once!
Yang Jian picked up a rock on the ground and pretended to throw it at them. The lizard warriors were frightened and quickly ran, leaving Yang Jian alone with the puppy. When all of the lizards were gone, Yang Jian crouched down and looked at the puppy.
Yang Jian: Do you know how much danger you were in?
Yang Jian: If I didn’t show up, you would be dead. In fact, you would be their dinner!
Yang Jian: But it’s okay now. Come on, go home.
As Yang Jian turned to leave, the puppy’s bark came from behind him. He turned back slightly to look at the puppy, only to see the puppy’s tail wagging, and its mouth opened in excitement almost like a laugh.
Yang Jian: Go.
Yang Jian waved at it to go, but unexpectedly, the puppy remained seated and looking at him. With a sigh, Yang Jian turned to leave — every step he took, the puppy followed; every time he paused, the puppy paused. This continued all the way to the peak of Peach Mountain where his mother died.
Finally, Yang Jian could not stop himself from asking the puppy...
Yang Jian: What’s wrong with you? Why are you following me?
???: Woof!
Yang Jian: I have no idea what you are saying...
???: Woof! Woof!
Yang Jian has had a lonely existence over the past several years; he had only kept up a tough facade to assuage any potential worries his deceased mother had and therefore, had ignored his own pain and suffering. As Yang Jian looked at his mother’s epitaph and gently stroked the puppy’s side, an idea arose in his heart — perhaps his mother had arranged for the puppy to stay by his side and soothe his loneliness.
Yang Jian lifted the puppy, and the pair looked each other in the eye...
???: Woof!
Tears slipped down Yang Jian’s cheeks, but a smile slowly dawned on his face. He knew he would never be alone again.
Yang Jian: Your bark echoes through the skies.
Yang Jian: From this day forth, you shall be known as the Skyhowling Hound!
Skyhowling Hound: Woof! Woof!
After offering sacrifices to his mother’s grave, Yang Jian took the Skyhowling Hound and began his journey home to the foot of Peach Mountain. He had been plagued by loneliness every step he took; yet, he now felt a relaxed joy he had seldom felt anymore. He looked at Skyhowling Hound by his side and smiled with bliss.