At the Colorful Mist Coast, in Great Flame Clan territory.
Following the old man, Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng arrived at the clan territory he had mentioned.
It was an open clearing hidden within a dense rainforest. At the entrance stood rows of weathered tombstones.
The inscriptions had been blurred by wind and rain, and weeds grew thick nearby. Wildflowers stubbornly bloomed in the cracks, adding a hint of life to this desolate place—though they seemed out of place.
Following the old man deeper into the clan territory, they walked along a winding path paved with blue-green stone slabs. Moss filled the gaps between the stones, and the dilapidated buildings on either side were weather-stained; many had even collapsed into ruins.
It was clear that nearly all of Great Flame Clan territory had fallen into disrepair, becoming a paradise for plants.
At last, they stopped in front of a dilapidated building.
The building had been made from a combination of some kind of plant's vines and stone. Its roof had caved in, and its closed lattice windows had rotted away. The place was steeped in the weight of the ages.
In the light of the rising sun, Xia Sheng and Jiang Cheng looked through the open doorway and saw a jade statue standing in the front hall.
Many spiritual plants had been laid out as offerings before the statue. Wisps of energy drifted from them, drawn by an unseen force toward the statue, where they vanished.
The statue had the figure of a woman. She wore a war helmet set with rubies, beneath which was a beautiful face with resolute features and eyes bright as torches. Her gaze brimmed with boundless battle intent. The statue was exquisitely crafted: every piece of armor had been rendered in meticulous detail, and even