God of Mist

Chapter 18: Viilag 3

The gentle morning breeze played among the leaves creating a whispering chorus along the path that led to a remarkable place.

This place some distance from the nearby small village but within the same region had quickly become a focal point for cultivators from far and wide. In the midst of nature's disturbed tranquility a vast ominous black hole yawned in the earth as if to reveal the world's deepest darkest secrets.

A palpable tension hung in the air around the edges of this enigmatic abyss. Cultivators from various minor sects had gathered surrounding the intimidating darkness. Their faces were etched with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

"According to the ancient traditions our sect should be the first to explore," said a sect leader with an air of authority but a flicker of apprehension betrayed his eyes.

"Ancient traditions? Your sect is barely twenty years old!" retorted another leader his fists clenched but not moving.

Such was the scene: a display of bravado but beneath the s