South of Qiluo Mountain, Luandu County was built against the mountains.
Chen Mu's figure suddenly appeared beside the battlements of the southern city gate.
Beyond lay a vast plain, with a surging great river stretched across the horizon like a jade ribbon.
He reached a hand beyond the city wall, only for his palm to slowly dissolve into fluorescent motes as if it had been molded from sand. Once he pulled it back, the vanished hand reappeared.
"Can't leave Luandu County?"
"Even getting out for some air has a range limit. This is starting to feel more and more like prison." Chen Mu could not help sighing.
He closed his eyes and recalled the Lingbao Shuji Pian. After a moment, he shook his head and opened them again.
He had only just begun. He merely knew that the Lingbao Shuji Pian was related to the prohibitions of the statue's small Cave Heaven, but there were no clear hints on how to escape.
"Since I'm here, I might as well make the best of it. At least staying inside the statue space is temporarily safe."
"As for leaving the Statue Grotto-Heaven..."
"I'll take it one step at a time."
Inside Qixia Teahouse in Dongfeng Ward west of the city, people came and went in a lively bustle.
"I heard General Jin led his army all the way to the Michuan River?" By a second-floor window, a burly old man with graying hair spoke excitedly.
"Your news is outdated. General Jin crossed the Michuan River three days ago and broke through twelve cities in one go. By now, he's probably charging straight for Southern Shu's capital," said another short, sturdy old man with a dismissive wave.
"Really? If that's true, it'll be a nation-destroying achievement!" The Gray-Haired Old Man sighed with