Half a Step into the Mystic Core Realm!

Northern Qingzhou, Mystic Bone Mountain.

Yang Xiao rode north with Zhou Zheng along the mountain road.

Mountains rose and fell along the way, their forests lush and green. Now and then, a few birds skimmed the treetops, letting out crisp calls.

But the closer they drew to Mystic Bone Mountain, the stranger the atmosphere became.

Birds gradually vanished. The forest was frighteningly still, without even the chirp of an insect.

"The Mystic Bone Sect is just ahead." Zhou Zheng reined in his horse and slowed, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. "Be careful. Demons have keen noses. They could be watching us from nearby."

Yang Xiao sat astride his Demon Horse. At some point, the Army-Breaking Spear had taken the place of his Spring Embroidery Saber.

He held the reins in one hand, while the other hovered ready at his side.

They continued on. As they rounded a bend, the Mystic Bone Sect's gate came into view.

Built of mountain stone, the gate bore the three characters for "Mystic Bone Sect" across its lintel. The strokes were ancient and unadorned, yet carried a faint, steely force.

Now, however, the gate was shut tight. Dozens of Mystic Bone Sect disciples stood armed on the stone walls to either side, patrolling back and forth.

Their faces were tense, their eyes full of exhaustion and fear.

At the sight of Zhou Zheng and Yang Xiao approaching, the disciples on the wall immediately went on alert.

"Who goes there?"

A middle-aged man stood atop the wall, watching them with sharp eyes.

He wore a gray robe with a white bone embroidered on the chest. He was clearly an elder or steward of the Mystic Bone Sect.

"Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division." Zhou Zheng took out his badge and held it up toward the wall. "We're here