Beneath the afternoon light, the spindle-shaped flying vessel came to a halt above the inner lake of the Great Rift.
Zhang Yu rose from his seat in the main cabin. He took a white branch, broken from the great tree of the Spirit Pass, from his sleeve. With a slight lift of his sleeve, he laid it across his other palm, then used his thoughts to communicate with the Spirit Pass.
After a moment, the mist over the lake within the rift slowly stirred and spread wider, gradually blanketing the entire lake.
The mist beyond the World Rift had originally been wide enough only for creatures of modest size to pass through. This was why the Frostlanders' flying vessels had been unable to enter before, forcing them to go in themselves.
But as the master of the Spirit Pass, he could enlarge the entrance and send this flying vessel through with them.
Once the mist had finished expanding, he put away the white branch and said to Wu Ze, "Elder Wu, we may enter the World Rift now."
Wu Ze looked at the mist, his gaze behind his spectacles carrying a hint of scrutiny. He placed a hand on the Jade Minister, and the great vessel slowly sank into the lightning-laced fog until its entire hull was swallowed.
When he could see the scenery outside again, the desolate Great Rift had vanished. In its place stood an immense, broad waterfall, while the sights and sounds of green vegetation and all manner of living creatures flooded in from every direction.
"So this is the World Rift..."
He could not help surveying this vibrant world.
Zhang Yu said, "Elder Wu, head forward. Cross the Great Plain. The Spirit Pass lies before the mountains to the north."
Wu Ze followed his instructions and