Elder Bai had already reached the plateau through the alternate path, which stopped at each plateau in case people needed to be carted off to the infirmary from there. When he got there, he found his master relaxing on a stone bench, contemplating the sun above them.
Looking down at the steps, he could see the group of 'guests' walking steadily up the stairs, one step at a time, taking a few seconds to adjust on each step and sighed.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Master?" he asked, turning back toward the fox.
"Why wouldn't it be? What do I have to lose of weakening them here and now, Elder Bai?" the master asked, only sparing a glance.
"Surely, the stairs will drain their strength, Master. But… What if they also make them stronger? The Heavenly Ascent is a tool to strengthen Qi. What if that makes their power grow?" he asked, afraid of the possibility.
The master turned to face Bai Feng and shook his head slowly in disappointment.
