Jade Gate Pass

Guzang, known in ancient times as Wuwei, had been the seat of Liangzhou Prefecture under the previous dynasty.

Eight hundred li west of Guzang stood Jade Gate 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 fiends. Beneath its walls, blood had long since soaked the ground black, tinged with purple.

Several dozen Scarlet-eyed Steeds raced day and night without rest, their four hooves churning as they dragged out a long yellow dragon across the desolate Gobi.

At the very front of the party,

Jiang Yuechu suddenly hauled on the reins.

"Whoa—"

At her long cry, the several dozen Scarlet-eyed Steeds came to a halt.

The thunder of hooves abruptly ceased, leaving only the wind between heaven and earth.

As the dust slowly dispersed, an unbroken black line stretched across the horizon ahead, dividing sky from land.

Even from dozens of li away, the iron-blooded desolation washing over them was enough to make anyone feel small.

"That is... Jade Gate Pass..."

Even Chen Tong, fearless by nature, could only stare at that mighty pass in stunned awe.

Legend had it that the first Demon-Suppression Grand General had used Supreme Realm divine abilities to move a sacred mountain from the Western Regions, then forged it with hundred-tempered black iron. For thousands of years, it had suppressed the Beyond-the-Pass Demon Kingdom, leaving it too afraid to cross the thunder pool by even a step.

Above the walls, banners snapped in the wind.

Countless armored soldiers could vaguely be seen patrolling back and forth. Even from several li away, their chilling killing intent rushed at them head-on, tightening their hearts.

"Let's go."

Jiang Yuechu pressed her heels to her horse's flanks and