The forest path stretched before Li Shen, winding its way toward the distant Imperial City. He had left Purple Lotus City behind with Xie Mu and the Poison Sisters as his companions, venturing into territory he had never explored in either of his lives.
His Shadow Step faltered as they crossed an invisible boundary. The familiar surge of qi that normally propelled him forward suddenly felt muted, like trying to swim through thick honey.
"My lord." Xie Mu raised her hand, signaling him to stop. "We should walk from here."
Qin Feng nodded, her usual graceful movements becoming more measured. "The arrays start at this point. They limit all qi usage within the imperial territory."
"Even the simple technique becomes difficult," Qin Ru added, falling into step beside her sister.
