The emergence of the Ruins of Return threw the already chaotic Black-Corner Region into even greater turmoil. Countless factions, large and small, stirred at the news. Every faction that heard of it, strong or weak, rushed toward the place where the Ruins of Return would appear, hoping to claim a share of the spoils within.
As a rising faction that had recently been riding high, the Xiao Gate had also made preparations early. Unlike the other factions, however, it made no grand display. Xiao Yan brought only Zi Yan and Qing Lin along, leaving Hai Bodong behind to guard the Xiao Gate.
Having visited quite a few ruins before, Xiao Yan knew that bringing more people to a place like this could actually be useless. If Qing Lin and Zi Yan had not possessed special abilities that might prove useful inside, he would not have brought the two girls at all. He would have set off alone, traveling light.
With his current speed, Xiao Yan took less than half a day to reach a coastal city near where the Ruins of Return would soon emerge. The place was called Dark Sea City, and it was controlled by a faction known as the Blackwater Sect. Its sect master, however, was only a six-star Dou Wang. Though he could be considered a powerful figure in the area, his strength clearly would not count for much at a time like this.
"We'll rest here for a few days. The Ruins of Return should emerge soon." Xiao Yan brought Qing Lin and Zi Yan to a small residence the Xiao Gate had purchased here in advance. Looking at Zi Yan beside him, he smiled. "Little girl, once we enter the Ruins of Return, you'll have to put that gift of yours to good use