Before the hall.
Passing through the heavenly gate and ascending the bluestone steps, the two came upon a pitch-black palace, roofed with glazed tiles and supported by Ashen Wood pillars. Above it hung a plaque condensed from gray mist, bearing ancient silver characters: [Heaven's Gate].
Wei Yan's face was pale. The killing intent surrounding him had condensed considerably, and [Blood Drinker] shone ever brighter. Bloody light spilled over the killing intent, sprouting fine crimson tendrils that burrowed into his right arm like the roots of a medicinal herb.
"What a vicious weapon. Can you still keep it under control?"
Xu Xuan studied it closely. This sword hardly resembled a magical artifact; it looked more like a living creature. Once its master could no longer suppress it, it would devour him. It was stranger still than ordinary demonic artifacts.
"It's fine. I'll recover once I've regulated my breathing. But... Senior, is this the Ancestral Land of our Void Sword?"
Wei Yan's pupils contracted slightly as he looked around, still somewhat dazed.
"I'm afraid this is Yaokong True Person's residence."
Xu Xuan slowly stepped forward, entering the grounds of Heaven's Gate Hall. Only now had he truly entered the abode. Its formation was still running, faintly radiating an oppressive aura.
Whoever had intruded here had made no attempt to conceal his tracks. Traces of poisonous fire and corrosive water lingered beside the Ashen Wood pillars. It was unmistakably Wu Heyong, who had entered ahead of them.
[Constant Light] pointed forward, faintly resonating with something. Yet when Xu Xuan sensed for [Star River], he found it motionless a short distance ahead, mingled with that piercing murderous intent.
That's not Wu Heyong's aura. Has someone seized [Star River]? Is there someone else in this abode?
Xu Xuan's thoughts raced. If that was the case,