Along the ancient Xi River path, the surging vinegar-essence roared and churned.
Shi Lei and Xiaohong pressed upstream. Bathed in the torrential washing of the primordial vinegar-essence and tempered by the starry Xi-crystals, their skeleton and dragon form grew steadily more restrained in divine might, their Dao foundations growing ever more solid.
Yet the observer's intent, that cold and watchful presence from further upstream, loomed like a sword suspended overhead, serving as a constant reminder of the perils ahead.
Chapter 662