Sea Clan

The closer he drew to the city wall, the more distinct the air's unique aura became—grim, oppressive, faintly tinged with the stench of blood and rust.

Before long, Qin Yan was less than a hundred feet from the wall.

Just as he paused to observe it and attempted to move closer—

"Stop!"

A cold, authoritative shout exploded beside him like thunder!

Immediately afterward, a tall figure appeared like a ghost. He wore a full suit of dark crimson heavy armor, wielded a gleaming, heavy halberd, and even his face was concealed behind a savage-looking visor!

The halberd's tip glinted with a chilling light as it was thrust horizontally before Qin Yan, mercilessly blocking any possibility of further advance.

The armored soldier exuded a fierce killing aura tempered through countless battlefields and mountains of corpses.

Simply standing there made Qin Yan's breath catch and his skin prickle faintly.

"Restricted area ahead. Passage is strictly forbidden without authorization! Violators will be dealt with under military law!"

A muffled voice devoid of emotion sounded from beneath the visor, carrying the absolute force of ironclad rules.

Qin Yan's heart tightened, and he immediately ceased all movement.

This place truly was anything but ordinary!

"This student was presumptuous and entered this place by mistake. I will leave at once."

Qin Yan cupped his fists toward the armored soldier in a respectful salute.

Before a powerful expert guarding a restricted area, any unnecessary probing or explanation would be foolish.

The armored soldier did not withdraw his halberd and stood there without uttering a word.

Qin Yan did not dare linger. He quickly retraced his steps and left.

Only after he had moved far from that area and returned to a relatively familiar forest path did Qin Yan slow down, his heart still filled with lingering uncertainty.