Taking a few steps, aside from the gusts of eerie wind, there was nothing out of the ordinary.

Xin Lin encountered no prohibition and walked directly into the gray mist.

Covered by the mist, Xin Lin felt an illusion, as if the earth and sky were somewhat different at this moment.

It was as if she’d entered a new world.

Behind her, the Xuan Bird dared not move.

"Xuan Bird?"

Xin Lin turned to look back, seeing the Xuan Bird stiff and with its feathers standing upright.

For a spiritual bird at Xuan Bird’s level, there are only two situations that could cause such a reaction: extreme anger or fear.

The Xuan Bird before her was undoubtedly in the latter situation.

It was afraid, some inexplicable power in this region preventing it from moving.

That was absolute oppression, rendering it powerless to resist.

"You should leave here first, wait outside. I’m going to see if my friend is here."

Not wanting to trouble the Xuan Bird, Xin Lin let it leave first.

Only then did the Xuan Bird feel relieved and hurried away.

The barren soil beneath her feet had turned grayish-black, emitting a distinct smell of burning.

Where is this?

Xin Lin’s heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Why does this place feel so familiar to her?

Jiu Jiu Jiu Jiu~

That sound!

Xin Lin looked up to see a bright yellow figure leaping forward.

"Danzi, watch out!"

Seeing the situation under Danzi’s feet, Xin Lin’s face changed dramatically as she pulled Danzi back.

Her expression became very solemn, gazing at the marks on the ground.

It was a hideous large formation.

Although countless years had passed, the traces of the formation’s design had long blurred.

Yet the formation was still exuding an intimidating aura.

Xin Lin touched the formation with her hand, finding faint traces of spiritual energy around it.

Not long ago, the formation should have been still active.

Perhaps just recently, it exhausted its last bit of power, leading to its destruction.

This is why she, the Xuan Bird, and Danzi were able to enter so easily.

Gui Hu often came here likely because of this formation.

Xin Lin looked up at the sky above the formation.

The gray sky churned with clouds as if something behind them was continuously inhaling and exhaling.

The formation had become ineffective.

Xin Lin sat in the formation for several hours with Danzi, even though she had already guessed that with the formation’s failure, Gui Hu would likely not return.

His departure might also be related to the formation.

As night fell, there was not even the sound of insects, only the howling wind.

Xin Lin gently rubbed Danzi’s soft fur, speaking to herself.

"Danzi, do you think Pride Corpse has abandoned us?"

She was answered by the sound of snoring.

Danzi, the heartless one, had already fallen asleep.

Feeling a bit despondent, Xin Lin picked up Danzi and walked out of the gray world.

After leaving, Xin Lin no longer knew where Gui Hu could go.

She felt a bit downcast, the emptiness in her heart becoming more pronounced.

A feeling she’d never experienced in this life or the last.

Outside, the Xuan Bird was still obediently waiting.

Upon seeing Xin Lin, it let out a low coo, seemingly wanting to communicate.

The Xuan Bird crouched down, signaling Xin Lin to climb on.

Understanding the Xuan Bird’s intention and sensing it had something to tell her, Xin Lin jumped onto its back.

Diving from the sky, under the night, the Xuan Bird carried Xin Lin and Danzi towards the Black Water Lake.