At the edge of the Corpse-Bone Abyss, in a certain cave.
"..."
Sheng Nian toyed with a Communication Talisman, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly pondering something.
Just then, Lü Qin returned from outside.
Sheng Nian swiftly put the Communication Talisman away.
Although he had moved very quickly, Lü Qin caught every movement.
"Junior brother, instead of cultivating properly here, what are you doing?"
Sheng Nian maintained his usual arrogant bearing and attitude. "Hmph. Mind your own business."
He rose and walked out of the cave.
Whether he had already grown accustomed to this junior brother's attitude or was simply very good at keeping his feelings in check was unclear.
There seemed to be little displeasure on Lü Qin's face.
He glanced sideways in the direction Sheng Nian had left.
"That little bastard has been skulking around these past few days..."
After pondering briefly, he enveloped himself in a layer of dim spiritual power, concealing himself in the night.
Sheng Nian walked along, occasionally glancing around warily.
Upon reaching a fork, he suddenly leaped toward the northeast.
The Mass Burial Grounds.
Sheng Nian glanced around from time to time, then hurried behind a stretch of crumbling walls to a flight of gray stone steps leading underground.
A light appeared in his hand, and he slowly descended, vanishing at the foot of the steps.
In the Mass Burial Grounds, the barren hills lay silent.
A moment later, Lü Qin appeared at the entrance to the stairway, following like a shadow.
Rather than looking down the steps, he focused his gaze on a broken stone beside them.
He reached out and gently brushed away the dust and gravel, revealing an extremely well-hidden symbol.
It resembled some sort of helmet ornament, or perhaps the horn of a Demon Beast.
It was faint and indistinct.