Abandoned Mining Area!

The small road winding out from Gengjin City's eastern gate merged into an even more desolate gravel path after twisting through the outskirts. The wagon ruts on the road had faded to near invisibility, while weeds sprouted in patches from between the stones, eating away at the road's edges until only a narrow strip remained in the middle.

Qian Yaoting walked ahead at an unhurried pace, occasionally turning his head to examine the ruins of abandoned miners' huts by the roadside. From the direction of the collapsed walls and the remaining foundations, he judged that the huts had been deserted for at least several years.

The Soul Power fluctuation following them from behind maintained a fixed distance, neither speeding up nor slowing down, like a patient observer waiting for the two of them to stop.

Qian Yaoting did not look back, but as he walked, he had already memorized the other party's speed and rhythm. He confirmed that it was the aura of a Soul Emperor, with a Soul Power circulation method geared toward agility and no obvious auxiliary equipment.

After walking for roughly half a shichen, a larger abandoned mining area appeared ahead.

The mine entrance was far larger than the small shafts beside the roadside huts. Above it remained a half-collapsed stone archway, though the inscription on it had been weathered beyond recognition.

Rusting mine cart wreckage, broken support beams, and several piles of ore debris washed by rain lay scattered across the open ground around the mine.

Several stone work sheds stood at the edge of the clearing. Though most of their roofs had collapsed, their walls remained relatively intact, making them suitable as temporary shelter.

Qian Yaoting stopped at the edge of the clearing and glanced in the direction behind them.

The following Soul Power fluctuation