Leveling Up With My Pet

A cadre of high-ranking officials convened in solemn deliberation in the hallowed halls of a conference room adorned with the emblems of their nation's navy. Just a few days prior, the echoes of a tragedy had reverberated through the South Atlantic Ocean - a guided missile destroyer, once a stalwart sentinel of the seas, now lay beneath the unforgiving waves. The aftermath had been meticulously examined, with photographs depicting the depths of the ocean's abyss and the sunken vessel strewn across the conference table.

"The shadows have been dispelled; it is now abundantly clear. Our valiant vessel was brought low by the wrath of a colossal behemoth," intoned one official, their countenance etched with gravitas.

"According to the accounts of our vigilant witnesses, the assailant emerged as a titanic ebony leviathan, stretching some three hundred meters in length. I venture that it is the very same monstrosity that plagued a merchant ship not long ago," asserted another, their voice edged with conviction.

The consensus was immediate. "I am in complete concordance with this assessment. Alas, this creature, though singular, wields an unparalleled ferocity."

"Indeed, the visual evidence attests to this creature's potency. Its talons, honed to a deadly edge, sundered the steel plating of our proud vessel."

A pregnant pause followed, wherein the weight of the situation bore upon them.

After a protracted exchange of ideas, they reached an unequivocal conclusion. A massive, obsidian colossus, measuring a staggering three hundred meters in length, roamed the Atlantic's depths, posing an imminent threat to merchant vessels and nations' naval might.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this ebony behemoth harbors untold peril, a danger we must face head-on," proclaimed a resolute voice.

"I second that motion!"

"Agreed!"

In unanimous accord, they resolved to mobilize a fleet, embarking on a quest to locate and defeat this enigmatic black behemoth. Armed with the cutting-edge technology of the modern age, there was an air of confidence that perhaps humanity stood poised to prevail over this ancient adversary.

Meanwhile, in a divergence from the maritime enigma, Liu Yong and his companion, Li Changle, found themselves amidst the sublime grandeur of Tibet. From the sacred precincts of Bugong to the venerable halls of Jokhang Temple, from the tranquil expanse of Nam Co to the shimmering beauty of Yanghu, they embarked upon a journey that embraced the soul of this extraordinary land. Just yesterday, they stood on the precipice of the Brahmaputra Grand Canyon, a profound chasm that plunged over six thousand meters into the very heart of the earth.

From the pinnacle to the abyss, the magnitude of the drop was staggering. Standing on the precipice, the vista was awe-inspiring, an overwhelming testament to the raw power of nature. Fortune favored them, gifting them a rare sight of Namjagbarwa Peak, also known as the Goddess Peak, a shrouded sentinel perpetually veiled in mist and mystery.

Yet, on this day of azure skies and crystalline clarity, the veil lifted, revealing a titanic spire thrusting heavenward like a celestial blade.

With boundless gratitude, Liu Yong captured this brief moment, etching it onto the canvas of his memory. It was said that some ventured here repeatedly, only to be denied a glimpse. In contrast, others lingered for months, only to leave with the enigma unsolved.

Today, under the knowledgeable guidance of Xiao Ai, they made their way towards the fabled heights of Mount Everest. Their trusty all-terrain vehicle navigated the twisted mountain roads, drawing them nearer to the mighty colossus's foot.

The vehicle stopped at the terminus of a winding ascent, where a bustling parking lot bore testament to the allure of this great peak. This was the heart of the peak season, a time when pilgrims and adventurers alike converged upon this storied ground.

With regret, Xiao Ai conveyed, "Liu Yong, from this point onward, our path lies in the footsteps of giants. We shall tread this last leg on our own two feet."

The Mount Everest Base Camp beckoned an altar where one could pay homage to the mountain's grandeur, standing at a breathtaking 8,848 meters above sea level and witnessing Zhu Feng in all its glory.

With vigor undiminished by altitude, Liu Yong declared, "Onward, then."

Together, they joined the throngs of fellow pilgrims, many reliant on the portable breath of oxygen. Struggling with the thin air, Li Changle periodically partook of the life-giving gas. Yet, Liu Yong's foresight had led him to amass a cache of oxygen, prepared for this very trial.

Others, too, felt the toll of altitude, their breaths coming ragged as they sought reprieve on roadside boulders. The sublime vistas of Mount Everest stood in stark contrast to the physical demands it levied.

After a considerable distance, Li Changle's weariness became palpable. Clutching an oxygen tank, she breathed heavily, conceding, "Yong, I can go no further."

Without hesitation, Liu Yong responded, "Allow me to bear this burden."

Li Changle beamed, nestling herself onto his broad back.

Xiao Ai voiced her concern, "Yong, this is precarious. Should altitude sickness descend with no medical recourse..."

With a serene countenance, Liu Yong reassured her, "Worry not, for I am untroubled."

Li Changle, well-acquainted with Liu Yong's exceptional constitution, echoed, "Indeed, no cause for concern. Yong is possessed of an extraordinary vitality; he shall weather this."

Thus, Liu Yong commenced his ascent, Li Changle borne aloft, while Xiao Ai followed with an extra oxygen supply. They forged onward, surpassing fellow travelers, who gaped in astonishment and admiration.

"Inconceivable! At an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters, he bears this load with ease."

"Had I not witnessed it, I'd scarce believe it."

"Exhausted am I. A master he is, beyond compare."

The sentiments echoed amidst the rarefied air.

A young couple stood nearby, the young woman laboring, her breaths labored. She turned to her boyfriend, her tone entreating, "Darling, I would have you do the same for me—carry me."

Her boyfriend glanced at Liu Yong, then at the empty air in his hands, bereft of oxygen. His expression a tableau of disbelief, he comprehended the futility of comparison. Liu Yong ascended, Li Changle in tow, undeterred by the weight.

As they neared the Mount Everest Base Camp, Liu Yong remained undaunted, bereft of panting, racing heart, or flushed visage. Onlookers marveled at this astonishing feat of strength.

"Unbelievable! At an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters, he bears this load with ease."

"A master, no doubt."

A young woman stood nearby, her admiration evident. She envied Li Changle, resolving herself, "To find a partner with such incredible strength, that shall be my quest. When next we journey to Mount Everest ,I shall demand the same privilege."