Everyone followed Rujierd's gaze.
High on the towering cliff stood an enormous cave, its depths impossible to fathom.
Its entrance was pitch-black, like the gaping maw of a beast that could swallow all light.
Just then, a low breathing sound drifted faintly from deep within the cave, like a volcano simmering with rage.
A wisp of pale red smoke, heavy with the smell of sulfur, slowly wafted out of the entrance.
This was... a Red Dragon's lair.
Rujierd, the warrior of the Superd Race,
took his distinctive Trident from his back and held it in his hand.
He crouched down, pushing his racial ability to its limit.
Like the most precise radar, he carefully surveyed the distant cave.
A moment later, he rose and gave Cui Ciyou his assessment.
"It's an adult Red Dragon, asleep."
"But its breathing is long and steady. That means it's highly alert and could wake at any moment."
"There are no signs of hatchlings or other dragons near the entrance."
"It should be a 'sentry dragon' guarding the outer perimeter."
Rujierd paused, then offered the soundest advice.
"We have to go around it."
"We need to stay at least five li away from this peak."
"Only then can we be sure we won't disturb it."
Cui Ciyou nodded.
He activated his Mental Power Perception as well.
He fully agreed with Rujierd's assessment.
Their goal was to cross the Mountains as quickly and discreetly as possible.
Not to fight a pointless battle of attrition against the masters of this place.
Cui Ciyou was about to give the order to retreat.
But an ill-timed surge of fighting spirit, keen as a blade,
suddenly flashed beside him like a spark in the night!
Cui Ciyou whipped his head around and saw Alice Greyrat.
The red-haired young lady born