The descent from Clouded Ember Village was slow and quiet. Mist clung to their robes, as if reluctant to release them back into the world.
Tian Shen led the way down the spiraling crystal bridge, his expression unreadable.
Feng Yin walked silently beside him, wind brushing strands of her hair across her face.
Little Mei rode on his shoulder again, ears alert, tails twitching. Drowsy flew above them, quiet.
None of them spoke much.
Something felt wrong.
Too quiet.
When they reached the mountain range bordering the Feilun Sect, Tian Shen activated a transmission stone to announce their return but no response came.
Feng Yin frowned.
"Even Jun Lin should've replied by now."
"The outer formations of our base are down," Tian Shen said flatly. "Even the protective formation are missing."
"That shouldn't be possible unless—"
He was already moving.
By the time they reached the mountain overlooking Feilun Sect, they all stopped in place.
The Sect was still there.
