They passed through the fortress's inner defenses under the watchful eyes of dozens of Grand Magus. Many wore the same deep sea-green uniforms as Chairney and Haru, their expressions were uniformly hard, their eyes constantly scanning the newcomers.
Every few steps, Emery noticed another cultivator standing along the walls or beside one of the fortress towers. Some were stationed beside ancient formation pillars, others stood in small groups, quietly communicating.
Emery's Divine Sense swept through the fortress as they walked.
He found no civilians.
Not a single ordinary person could be found within the enormous walls.
Every soul inside South Star Fortress carried a weapon, possessed a military rank, or, in most cases, both.
South Star Fortress was not a city anymore.
It was a military stronghold that had been stripped down to its most essential purpose: survive.
The group was eventually led toward the center of the fortress.
