The Taiyue Mountain Range stretched for a thousand miles, clouds and mist curling among its overlapping peaks.
That day, the sky had only just turned fish-belly white, and gentle morning light had barely pierced the thin clouds to spill across the vast expanse of the Taiyue Mountain Range.
Chen Qiaoqian and Lu Fengyang had already appeared at the mountain range's outskirts.
Chen Qiaoqian had a graceful figure, her moon-white silk dress swaying in the breeze like a blue lotus blooming among the mountains, fresh and unworldly;
her eyes were bright and clear, like two deep pools, alive with intelligence.
Lu Fengyang was tall and slender, dressed in a fitted black outfit. A longsword gleaming with a chilling light hung at his waist, and his expression carried a measure of conceit and impatience.
"Senior Brother Lu, are we really going deep into the Taiyue Mountain Range? I've heard demonic beasts run rampant there, with danger lurking on every side..." Chen Qiaoqian gently bit her lower lip, her delicate brows knitting as unease flickered in her eyes.
Lu Fengyang's lips curved into a confident smile. He stepped forward and patted her shoulder with feigned nonchalance. "Junior Sister Qiaoqian, don't worry.
"I happened to learn of a place deep in the mountains where extremely rare Spirit-Restoring Herbs grow.
"These herbs are tremendously beneficial for improving our cultivation. If we gather them, our standing in the sect will surely rise another rung.
"Besides, with me here, you'll be perfectly safe."
Chen Qiaoqian hesitated, then finally nodded.
The two used the Wind-Riding Technique to dart through the mountain forests.
As they ventured deeper, their surroundings grew increasingly gloomy and eerie.
Ancient trees towered overhead, blotting out the sky, while the thick carpet of rotting leaves gave off a pungent odor.
Suddenly, a low beast's roar