The Qilin began moving through the tunnels with quick pace but allowing Zhao to follow without difficulty while guiding him toward depths where the discovery waited.
Despite not flying like Zhao, the beast's movement was fast and elegant in the confined space. Each step placed precisely, never disturbing loose stones or creating unnecessary noise.
They moved for maybe 40 minutes at a pace that covered substantial distance.
They continued in silence broken only by the occasional drip of underground water.
And then Zhao saw light ahead. Not sunlight or torchlight but the distinctive glow of multiple high-rank tamers maintaining active techniques.
Julius was there, along with maybe 30 others from the exploration team. All focused on something Zhao couldn't yet see.
"Zhao." Julius's voice carried through the cavern without being particularly loud. "Thank you for coming."
"What did you find?"
Julius stepped aside, gesturing toward the huge door in the wall behind him.
