Thin mist drifted through Falling Star Valley. Tianjizi and Xiang Zhili were arguing over a divination chart woven from starlight and runes, while Han Li sat quietly to one side. The Azure Kun Bone Slip in his palm continually radiated heat, its guiding pull pointing unmistakably toward the northeast of Kunwu Mountain.
Suddenly, a strange humming from the earth and heavens swept in every direction, and violent fluctuations of spiritual power surged from Kunwu Mountain.
"The restrictions have opened!" Tianjizi rose, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Earlier than expected. It seems the disturbance from that 'gate' far exceeded our estimates." Xiang Zhili shed his indolent air, his gaze toward the mountains turning somewhat solemn.
The three delayed no longer. Following the Bone Slip's guidance, they quietly approached Kunwu Mountain. The closer they drew, the more clearly they felt its ancient weight, murderous chill, and powerful sealing force, which set their hearts trembling. Visible currents of spiritual power drifted across the sky like colored silk. Deep in the mountain forests, demonic beasts awakened by the loosening restrictions let out low roars, adding further peril to this ancient forbidden ground.
Along the way, they sensed several powerful strands of spiritual sense and concealed streaks of flight converging from different directions on the three manifested "entrance paths" to the southeast, west, and north. Everyone remained wary of one another, maintaining peace for the moment. Clearly, the various powers of Great Jin and the hidden experts drawn by the news had begun arriving.
After roughly an hour, the three penetrated the outskirts of Kunwu Mountain and reached a primeval forest of towering ancient trees and tangled vines. The spiritual energy here was unusually chaotic, and faint ripples appeared in the fabric of space.
Han Li stopped and took out the Bone Slip.