The exit of the Shattered Realm Abyss opened onto a broad, level stone platform ringed by ridges of ice. It looked as though some ancient giant had carved a viewing terrace with a mighty axe.
Ice walls a hundred yards high enclosed three sides of the platform. Only a gap directly ahead led to the vast icefield beyond. At its far edge, a blue pillar of light soared into the sky like a column holding up the heavens, bathing the entire sky over the Far Western Lands in a cold, dusky blue.
The Golden Carriage stood on the platform. Its four Dragon Horse Beasts had drawn in their lightning and stood quietly before it, manes hanging low. Now and then, one breathed out a puff of white mist.
On either side of the carriage, the Great Xia Imperial Dynasty's guards had formed a defensive semicircle. Clad in imposing armor and surging with spiritual energy, they kept the carriage at its center.
Xia Xuan stood ahead of the carriage with his hands behind his back. A dark-gold sable cloak covered his lavish gold-threaded robe. A lazy, chilling smile rested on his handsome face as he watched the exit of the Shattered Realm Abyss.
When Lin Ming and his three companions emerged from the abyss's icy mist, Xia Xuan's pupils narrowed slightly.
He had expected the first to make it through to be Mu Feng of the Hidden Dragon Pavilion, Xu Ru of Horizon Tower, or Jian Xin of the Sword Immortal Sect. It might even have been an advance expert sent by one of the top powers of the Southern Region or Western Region.
Never had he imagined that the first to emerge safely would be the poor brat from the Northern Domain who had embarrassed him at the auction, along