Western Ox-He Continent, Three Waters Echo.
Though this place had water in its name, it was actually a stretch of wild, barren land.
The cracked hills and deep valleys were twisted into strange shapes, as though they had been crushed thousands of times. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but black, parched soil, a scene of utter desolation.
Sometimes, places were named for reasons other than what they looked like.
For instance, they might be named for what they lacked, just as children were given names to supplement whichever of the five elements they lacked.
Of course, some place names simply gave up on themselves and turned to self-mockery.
Three Waters Echo was one such place: three drops of water falling here could echo throughout the entire area.
This land was utterly parched, and spiritual energy was scarcer still.
Suddenly, soil gathered out of the dry earth, taking only moments to form three humanlike creatures.
Their skin was somewhat dark, their eyes slanted at the corners, their pupils scarlet, and their limbs long and slender.
One was slightly hunched, with a somewhat withered, thin frame.
One stood tall and straight, his expression solemn.
The last had a somewhat alluring figure, her posture seductive, even her casual movements seeming to hold countless charms.
Even though she did not look particularly human at that moment.
Yet there was a kind of allure that came from the bones, from unconscious movements and an unconscious tone of voice.
Just as the saying went-beauty lay in the bones.
The woman lifted her chin slightly, gazing wide-eyed at the blazing sun in the sky, and sighed softly:
"Long time no see..."
Her voice was soft and lovely, almost a murmur, yet it did not seem affected.
The young man glanced over, paying