A week had passed since Lin Mu had uncovered the cryptic tale in the Memoirs of the Lost Immortal. In that time, he and his companions had made thorough preparations for their next destination—Shadow Whisper Valley.
The valley lay to the west, nestled between crooked hills and forgotten lands. It wasn't officially marked as forbidden, but everyone treated it as if it were. Those who ventured too close often came back broken… if they came back at all.
Supplies were stocked. Talismans and formation flags were tested. Spiritual protections and mental wards were doubled. Even Daoist Chu had prepared a few specialized artifacts—ones meant to resist spirit corrosion and illusions.
Finally, they set out.
The journey took seven days, traversing wilderness and fading roads, crossing deserted waystations and ruined border posts. The further west they traveled, the more people avoided their eyes when the words Shadow Whisper Valley were mentioned.
