The group trudged along the rough mountain road and finally reached the summit.
Calling it a summit was a bit of a stretch. This was an ancient road built specifically to cross the mountains, so this place was actually a relatively low-altitude "gap" in the Dragon Ridge Mountains. Towering peaks rose on both sides, making anyone standing there feel as though the cliffs were about to crush them from either side. It was a truly spectacular sight.
As usual, Lily was darting along at the very front of the group. She seemed to have no idea what fatigue was. Even when the sturdy horses that had followed them all the way up the mountain were panting heavily, she still had enough energy to hop and skip ahead, shouting, "I can see the blood lake! I can see the blood lake!"
Hao Ren followed behind. Hearing Lily's excited cries, he immediately quickened his pace. At last, standing on the open ground atop the mountain, he saw their destination. The blood lake was still some distance away, but the air in this world was exceptionally clean, and there were no clouds or mist to block the view. From the mountain, they could see the distant landscape clearly.
At the foot of the mountain, vast plains and forests stretched into the distance. Beinz Blood Lake shimmered among them with the splendor of a gigantic red gemstone. It really was just as the legends described: the lake was as scarlet as blood, glittering beneath the sunlight. It was eerie, yet magnificent.
Becky's voice came from behind them. "The road down will be much easier. The mountain path ahead is in better condition than the eastern foothills, and the slope is gentler. After we descend, we'll head a little southwest to Leighton Town. It's the