The darkness of the Inner Cavern had weight.
The little circle of brightness cast by the lightning was squeezed by death qi on every side, shrinking back inch by inch.
Eventually, the six of them were practically shuffling along the edge of the light.
Li Xiang led the way.
On the three-dimensional map spread out by [Dragon-Seeking Instinct], blotches of black mist clustered together. The nearest nest lay less than seventy feet from the group.
He guided them through the gaps between the blotches, following a wildly winding route, yet their footsteps never disturbed a single nest.
For one stretch, only a rock wall three feet thick separated the group from a nest.
On the other side of the wall, death qi churned like a pot of boiling black water. The six held their breath and hugged the wall as they passed, none daring to make the slightest sound underfoot.
"The Thunder Talisman has used up another five percent."
Once they cleared that stretch, Lin Xuanshu reported the figure in a voice only the group could hear.
Li Xiang did not answer. He merely quickened their pace a little more.
The crying from the depths continued.
One long cry, one short, now distant, now close, making the backs of their necks prickle.
About an incense stick's worth of time later.
The Great Treasure Toad on Miao Xiyue's shoulder suddenly flattened himself.
His four short legs clamped onto her shoulder, his entire body pressed flat. He did not even dare puff out his cheeks, and his bulging eyes stared unblinkingly ahead to the left.
"Stop."
Miao Xiyue kept her voice low in her throat.
"Dabao's too scared to make a sound."
In the Middle Cavern, Dabao had stamped on her shoulder to warn her of Yin Spirits. Even the sight of