The Inadequate Spiritual Energy That Could Not Be Absorbed
The fortress was much farther away than they had imagined. It was truly a case of a mountain seeming close, yet a horse running itself to death before reaching it. Though it looked nearby, the group kept walking until the sky had gone completely dark. Only with Fox Immortal holding two large Night Pearls to light the way did they finally reach the foot of the walls.
The structure covered a vast area, but it had been abandoned for so long that yellow sand had buried more than half of it. Many sections had lost their roofs and lay open to the sky. Judging by its size and layout, however, it must once have been an important human settlement.
Bi Fan had Ling Xiaoxiao lead the way inside, while he brought up the rear. This arrangement was meant to keep the group as safe as possible. He didn't know how strong Ling Xiaoxiao was, but instinct told him she was probably no weaker than he was. In some respects, she might even be stronger.
Ling Xiaoxiao stepped inside without a change in expression. The ruined gatehouse had long been buried beneath thick yellow sand, and each step sank half an inch.
The group cautiously followed her into the gatehouse. The wooden doors had rotted away long ago, indistinguishable from the sand mixed in with them. They crunched softly underfoot. Only the walls, built from enormous stones piled one atop another, still stood.
Following Ling Xiaoxiao, they wandered around twice before finding a space that hadn't collapsed. Bi Fan looked around, then let out a sigh of relief. "Xiao Xiao, how about we rest here and take a breather?"
Ling Xiaoxiao turned to see how tired everyone looked and nodded. "Mm."
Jin