Guzang, known in ancient times as Wuwei, had been the seat of Liangzhou Prefecture under the previous dynasty.
Eight hundred li west of Guzang lay Yumen Pass.
This pass was Great Tang's western gateway, separating the Central Plains from the Western Regions.
For countless years, it had fended off the northern barbarians and suppressed demons and evil spirits. The walls beneath the pass had long been soaked in blood, black streaked with purple.
Several dozen Crimson-Eyed Stallions raced day and night without rest, their four hooves churning as they dragged a long yellow dragon across the desolate Gobi.
At the very front of the party.
Jiang Yuechu suddenly pulled on the reins.
"Whoa—"
With a long neigh, the several dozen Crimson-Eyed Stallions came to a halt.
The clatter of hooves abruptly ceased, leaving only the wind between heaven and earth.
As the dust slowly dispersed, an endless black line stretched across the horizon ahead.
Even from dozens of li away, the iron-blooded desolation rushing toward them was enough to make anyone feel small.
"That is... Yumen Pass..."
Even Chen Tong, who feared neither heaven nor earth, was left with nothing but awe as he looked upon that mighty pass.
Legend had it that the first Demon Suppression General had used supreme divine powers to move a sacred mountain from the Western Regions, then forged it from hundred-tempered darksteel. For thousands of years, it had suppressed the Demon Kingdom beyond the pass, leaving them afraid to cross the line even by half a step.
On the walls, banners snapped and fluttered in the wind.
Countless armored soldiers could vaguely be seen patrolling back and forth. Even from several li away, the grim killing intent washed over them, tightening their hearts.
"Let's go."
Jiang Yuechu squeezed her horse's flanks and took the