In the dim, overcast skies of the Southern Frontier, one wonders if the heavens have always been cloaked in such gloom. After emerging from that small hill, guided by Little White, the pair and their simian companion journeyed westward towards the Incense Burner Valley.
That fateful night, when the eruption at the Incense Burner Valley’s Profane Fire Altar shook the very foundations of the earth, its power was felt within a hundred miles. Days later, the fiery chasm in the sky, once ablaze with magma, had disappeared, but a large swath of cloud remained, tinged with a fiery red and yellow hue, hanging ominously in the direction of the Incense Burner Valley, an eerie sight to behold.
Such a celestial phenomenon, already striking enough, now unfolding within the enigmatic and low-key Incense Burner Valley, combined with the sect’s status among the righteous cultivators, drew the attention of the world.
Rumors abounded, as people speculated about what had transpired in the valley. Within a few days, the usually tranquil Southern Frontier saw an influx of unfamiliar faces, both openly and covertly, trying to uncover the truth.
This was not a situation the Incense Burner Valley welcomed. In fact, due to certain undisclosed secrets, the valley was incensed.
While the Incense Burner Valley greeted the inquiries of prominent sects like the Azure Ethereal Conclave and the Temple of Heavenly Chimes with warm hospitality, deferring blame to natural disasters, they were less accommodating to the clandestine probing of the demon cults. The valley responded with a ruthless hand, and the vast lands around it saw frequent clashes of swords and shadows.
Yet, a sense of unease lingered, as both the righteous and the demonic factions sensed something amiss. The valley seemed agitated, mobilizing all its disciples to search incessantly across the frontier, though the target of their search remained shrouded in mystery.
The skies of the Southern Frontier became a spectacle of radiant flashes, as the elite disciples of the Incense Burner Valley pursued their quarry. Rumors spread, speaking of strange beasts, mysterious treasures, and even tales of internal strife within the valley, with whispers of the Valley Master, Cloud Yilan, being murdered by rebellious disciples.
When these rumors reached the ears of Daoxuan of the Azure Ethereal Conclave and Master Puhong of the Temple of Heavenly Chimes, they dispatched disciples to inquire. The Incense Burner Valley, caught in a bind, explained that the Valley Master was in seclusion, prompting the major sects to secretly investigate further.
In these tumultuous times, the Incense Burner Valley, ever elusive, was a focal point of suspicion, especially after its absence during the Azure Ethereal Vapors’ battle. The unintended release of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, Ghost Li’s act, set off a ripple of tension, drawing the attention of the frontier.
To avoid the valley’s watchful eyes, Ghost Li and Little White had to forgo flight. Though impatient, Ghost Li heeded Little White’s advice, understanding the risks of attracting unwanted attention. Thus, they donned local attire from a remote village, blending in with the colorful and vibrant customs of the Southern Frontier.
Traveling through the rugged landscape, they managed to evade the valley’s disciples, largely due to the lack of direct sightings. The most critical moment was that night, where Ghost Li and Little Gray remained unseen, allowing them to slip past unnoticed.
Now, three hundred miles from the Incense Burner Valley, Ghost Li and Little White walked along an ancient, desolate path, just having passed a group of valley disciples. The sky, still overcast, did little to dampen Little White’s spirits, who marveled at the beauty of the landscape.
Noticing her, Ghost Li inquired about her familiarity with the region, to which she revealed her deep connection to the Southern Frontier, having grown up in the treacherous mountains. She also mentioned leading her kin to the Fox Tail Mountain, now the stronghold of the Ghost King Sect, centuries ago.
After a somber admission of her kin’s demise, Little White guided Ghost Li, explaining the route to the “Seven Mile Cave” through the bustling, multi-tribal town of Tian Shui Fort. As they approached the fort, the lively atmosphere and the children’s antics drew much attention, particularly to the exotic appearance of Little White.
Despite the unwanted attention, including a brief altercation with some unruly locals, Ghost Li and Little White pressed on, finding solace in the temporary respite of a quiet inn, preparing for the next leg of their journey, with the ever-present specter of the Incense Burner Valley looming.
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