The appearance of the white-bearded old man's phantom undoubtedly added another layer of pressure to an already tense situation. I took a deep breath and cast a glance at Zhou Wan. Her gaze was resolute, and it was clear she had already prepared herself for battle. I knew this journey was fraught with danger; the slightest misstep could lead to utter destruction. Yet, the arrow was already on the bowstring and had to be released.
I stared at the massive Guardian Beast before me. It crouched at the entrance of the Sacrificial Holy Land like a small mountain, its scales reflecting a cold sheen in the dim light. A tense atmosphere permeated the surroundings. Captain Li and his men watched from afar, their eyes flashing with complex emotions—a mix of anticipation and wariness. They were clearly waiting for us to scout the path so they could reap the rewards without taking any risks.
"What should we do?" Zhou Wan asked in a low voice, a trace of imperceptible worry in her tone.
Chapter 41