Northern Cangmang Continent.
There was a perilous place known as the Ash Sea. Yet there was no seawater there—only ashes, as if it had been incinerated by skyfire. As far as the eye could see, a vast stretch of land spanning thousands of miles resembled a gray sea.
However, this land of ashes was exceedingly dangerous.
Beneath the Ash Sea lay a complex underground world, where Ashen Flame burned. Powerful ash beasts were born within those blazing flames, vast in number and endlessly replenished. Thus, hunting parties generally dared not venture too deep.
And beneath the Ash Sea, within one underground world, sat a figure cross-legged.
Judging by her shape, she was a woman. Her entire body was covered in silver-gray skin, reflecting the cold gleam unique to dense flesh. She had a head of ink-black hair, but it drifted wildly, every strand piercing into the void.
Her eyes were closed, while her hair flickered, seemingly devouring an endless stream of energy from the void.
Suddenly, her eyes opened, and a sharp glint flashed through her black pupils.
"Anos has fallen!"
Her cold voice rang out in the dead, silent world. There was no emotion, no inflection, as though she were merely repeating a statement.
"I warned him long ago not to leave before the Sacred Venerate's power had fully stabilized. This world is shrouded by the remnant consciousness of the Ancient Desolation Clan. Consciousness locks cannot be blocked here. The moment he appeared, he was simply waiting to die!"
"Then do we just remain still forever?"
At that moment, a deep voice sounded from within the space, clearly that of a man.
"What's the rush? The power of the grand formation has not weakened enough, and our own strength has yet to stabilize. Should we go out now just