The next morning, at dawn.
At the foot of Mount Buzhou, at the southeastern entrance of the Ancient Dust Road, the massive stone staircase rose upward like the open jaws of a giant beast.
The official climbing team—nearly a hundred strong—stood in solemn formation, their expressions tense and focused.
At the front were Scarlet and Adam.
Scarlet wore red-and-silver armor, gripping the Wildfire Spear, her presence fierce and heroic.
Adam, dressed in dark-blue fitted combat gear, carried a long sword at his waist and formation flags across his back. His refined appearance concealed a sharp, dangerous edge.
Grace arrived personally to see them off, with Dustin standing quietly beside her.