The roar shook the heavens.
With enough force to pierce metal and shatter stone, that cry of "Welcome!" sent the surrounding snow surging up, as though tornadoes had risen from the ground.
Howling, they swept toward Qin Ran and the others standing at the end of the arched bridge.
Clearly, their actions did not match their words in the slightest.
The scene before them could hardly be called a welcome. A show of intimidation was more like it.
But this did not surprise Qin Ran.
If he had walked inside without anything happening, he would have worried about whatever arrangements lay ahead that might catch him off guard.
But now?
Boom!
The demon's power flashed through him and vanished.
The scorching Heaven-Burning Flame collided with the onrushing snow tornadoes.
Instantly, the tornadoes dissolved into powdery snow that fluttered down from the sky.
A black umbrella appeared above Qin Ran's head, shielding him from the falling snow.
"Thank you!"
Qin Ran turned to thank Aili Jones, who was holding the umbrella for him.
Having failed to receive the response she expected, the girl raised an eyebrow. Instinctively, she wanted to say something, but held herself back.
Thud, thud, thud...
The spear bearers who had just roared collapsed one after another, utterly exhausted.
The flag-bearing spears in their hands fell to the ground.
Among them were the Silver Shield banner representing Nikelei and the banner bearing the emblem of the Shepherds of the Dead.
Qin Ran stepped forward and caught the spear bearing the Silver Shield banner, then turned and handed it to Shiqi.
"Make sure it never touches the ground!"
Qin Ran said.
"Of course!"
Shiqi took the spear, raised it high, and gave his promise.
Nodding to Shiqi, Qin Ran strode onto the arched bridge, stepping on the Shepherds of