The four sects' allied forces raced forward, their steps swift as flight.
Ouyang Changhe held a map in his hands. Comparing it with the markers along the way, he looked up at the churning mist ahead.
"We're close," he said gravely. "Another three or four li at most, and we'll reach the place marked on the map!"
Everyone's nerves tightened at his words, and their formation drew closer without anyone noticing.
Tian Ming's hiding place. The All-Beings Demon Gate's gathering ground. They could not afford the slightest carelessness.
Just then, strange sounds rose from deep within the thick mist ahead.
"Ugh... ugh..."
Low, hoarse growls like the roars of beasts came with the sound of hurried footsteps.
"Everyone, stay alert!"
Ouyang Changhe raised a hand to halt them and barked the order.
Astral Qi circulated through Zhou Muyun's body. Yellow Thick Earth Astral Qi rose around him, ready to strike at any moment.
He listened closely and frowned.
Something was wrong. The growls were chaotic, but there were syllables in them. Broken and distorted, yet unmistakably... human voices.
A figure burst from the mist on all fours. Moving like a beast at astonishing speed, it lunged straight at Ouyang Changhe's face!
Ouyang Changhe struck without even looking.
Bang!
The figure flew backward, slammed into the ground, and rolled several times before stopping.
Only then did everyone see that it was a person!
The "person" had disheveled hair, blood-red eyes, and blackened lips. Beastlike whimpers rattled in its throat.
Ouyang Changhe's blow had caved in its chest, leaving ribs jutting out, yet it still struggled shakily to its feet.
Then, roaring, it charged at them again.
"A Drug Man!" Tu Shan cried, his pupils narrowing.
Everyone turned to him in astonishment.
His face darkened as he said grimly, "They pour all