The wind carried a different scent now—earthy, dry, tinged with the faint crackle of residual talisman energy that shimmered in the air like sunlit dust.
They had left the living heart of the Great Verdant Forest behind, trading its vibrant greens and chattering spirits for the quiet desolation of the outer cliffs that framed the Northern Region.
The terrain shifted into craggy hills and low, sloping plateaus of weathered stone, carved with forgotten symbols that glowed faintly beneath the light of the sun.
Nestled beneath the camouflage of nature lay ancient ruins, and wide stone courtyards cracked open by roots and moss. Despite its age, there was structure in the chaos, like a slumbering beast arranged in parts.
"The Eternal Talisman Sect ruins."
Feng Yin said softly.
"Once one of the great sects. Now a refuge for the Beast Taming Sect."
Scattered spirit barriers shimmered faintly between the broken spires, stitched together from salvaged talismans and formation flags.
