The Borderlands stretched endlessly before Li Ming, a wasteland of jagged black rocks and misty valleys. Even the wind seemed to whisper threats, as if the land itself disapproved of their intrusion. Li Ming staggered slightly, rubbing the lingering ache in his chest from the seal.
"Why do I get the feeling every time we enter a new place, it's designed to kill me?" Li Ming muttered.
Bai Guo, in his human form, perched on a rock like some oversized, annoyed crow. "Because you are the descendant. And descendants have a habit of attracting trouble. It's written in the cosmic chicken scrolls."
Li Ming groaned. "Cosmic chicken scrolls. Of course."
Lan Yue walked ahead, her steps precise, sword ready. Her calm presence contrasted sharply with Li Ming's panicked energy. "Focus," she said. "The Borderlands are unpredictable. Every shadow could be an enemy."
