With dawn's light breaking on the horizon, Shenlong and his army began their march. Ahead lay the Black Veil Sect's fortress, an ominous structure shrouded in dark mist, hidden deep within the Valley of Shadows. It was said to be fortified with ancient spells, a place where dark energy pulsed through every stone.
Lin Xiu, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings, spoke quietly to Shenlong. "The sect has likely prepared traps and ambushes. We must remain vigilant and expect the unexpected."
Shenlong nodded, focusing his senses. He could feel the subtle disturbances in the energy around them—a ripple here, a dark pull there, like invisible tendrils reaching out from the fortress. "Everyone, stay close and remain alert. No one strays from the formation."
As they ventured deeper into the valley, whispers of dark energy brushed against them, testing their resolve. Shadows seemed to shift, and from the depths of the mist, ghastly figures emerged—spectral guardians, remnants of dark spirits bound to the Black Veil Sect's will.
Yan Mei leaped forward, her swift blade slicing through the mist with precision, disrupting the spirits with a skill honed through years of shadow training. Lin Xiu followed, casting powerful defensive spells that repelled the dark energies. Shenlong, focusing his inner strength, felt the ancient power within his bloodline awaken as he sent bursts of pure energy that disintegrated the specters on contact.
But this was only the beginning. As they closed in on the fortress, the ground trembled, and the valley itself seemed to twist and writhe as if alive. The Black Veil Sect's defenses were formidable, and it was clear that Mo Tian had prepared for their arrival.