The endless sea of mist remained silent.
Ancient mountains stood beyond the colossal formation like sleeping primordial beasts, their outlines faintly visible through layers of flowing Great Dao energy. Countless streams of Dao light intertwined across the sky, forming a barrier that had existed for an unknown number of eras.
Situ sat cross-legged before the formation.
His eyes were closed.
Years had passed since they first arrived here.
Years of observation.
Years of deduction.
Years of studying the mysterious formation that had blocked their path.
Beside him, the Nine Colored Deer slowly opened her eyes.
The colorful Dao marks covering her body shimmered brightly.
A profound aura radiated from her.
She had spent almost all of these years studying the structure of the formation.
At first, she had believed it impossible.
Then she discovered flaws.
Then she discovered patterns.
Then she discovered that the formation itself was alive.
It was not merely a formation.
