As far as the eye could see, everything was shrouded in a gloomy haze, like a foggy, sunless day of rain. The visible distance was no more than a few hundred meters, yet within those few hundred meters lay severed limbs, spilled entrails, and broken bodies everywhere. Blood ran across the ground like a river, not yet coagulated and still flowing slowly. Clearly, it had not been long since the fierce battle ended. Countless people had died with their eyes still open. By rough estimate, more than a thousand people had likely died within this small area. No wonder they said the struggle was fiercest right after entering—whenever an immortal herb appeared, with everyone gathered around it, the fight could become impossible to settle.
Those hazy mists were clearly condensed spiritual energy. Taking even a slight breath made one feel refreshed and clear-headed, but the thick stench of blood mixed into the air made no one want to breathe deeply. The group was all glad they had entered last. Although they might have missed their chance at obtaining great treasures, they had also avoided heavy casualties.
Everyone had seen their share of the world, and death was no rare sight to them. The gruesome scene before them was unsettling, but there was nothing to fear. Mu Tianjiao had long since tied her beautiful hair into a tight bundle. She held a small silver-white shield engraved with patterns of flowers in one hand and a sword in the other. Judging from the gleam upon them, neither was an ordinary item.
"It is best if we do not split up. But in case we encounter an accident and get separated, everyone must remember the route back." After giving this earnest reminder, Mu Tianjiao's face hardened again as she warned, "But let me