Meanwhile, back in the Southern Continent.
The forest wind had stopped moving.
Birds that once chirped above the canopy were silent. Insects that usually buzzed near the roots had vanished.
The Spiritual Qi itself had turned heavy, as if the land was holding its breath.
They were here.
The elite squad stood at the edge of a narrow ridge overlooking a deep basin. There were only six of them.
There were no banners, no flashy armor, and their robes were plain and light, designed for function, not appearance.
But anyone who knew what to look for would notice the subtle silver lining along their sleeves—the mark of Hu Liwei's elite rapid response team.
Their captain stood at the front.
A tall woman, calm-eyed, with short dark hair and a long-handled glaive resting casually across her back. Her name was Hu Qinglan. She didn't talk much. She didn't need to.
Behind her were five others, each quiet, each sharp. They didn't speak. They didn't need to.
