Qian Daoliu and his companions raced along the woodland path outside Spirit City. Their figures, wreathed in gold and soul power of various colors, flashed past as trees and houses flew backward on either side. Even the loose stones on the ground were swept up by their slipstream, leaving a faint trail.
A faint chill swirled around the Ice Empress. Confusion flickered in her emerald eyes, and she could not help asking:
"Great Enshrined, if Tang Hao planned his escape in advance, he should have chosen a remote, concealed route. This road may not be busy, but there are still a few travelers around. Isn't he afraid of exposing his whereabouts?"
Qian Daoliu's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's as he scanned the faint traces of black soul power lingering on the ground. Though pale, they showed no attempt at concealment, and even their disorder seemed somewhat deliberate.
Qian Daoliu spoke with certainty:
"He isn't truly trying to escape. Look at these soul power traces. They seem scattered, but their intensity remains steady throughout. Clearly, he left them deliberately so we could keep up with him."
Following alongside him, Qian Xunji added:
"Besides, his objective is quite clear. To sacrifice Ah Yin and seize a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, he needs somewhere secluded enough to avoid other soul masters' notice, yet somewhere Ah Yin 'can't escape.' Of the areas near Spirit City, only Sunset Forest to the north fits those requirements. Soul beasts are scarce there, and people rarely venture in. It's the perfect place for him to act."
The Ice Empress nodded at his words and asked no further questions. She simply quickened her pace to keep up with Qian Daoliu ahead.
The wind through the woods grew ever fiercer, carrying a faint scent of dampness from