A thunderous bang followed the sound, shaking the heavy stone gate.
"The gate—it's open!" someone shouted from the crowd.
A sharp breath of cold air rushed out from the towering gate stirring dust and whispers among the gathered people. Standing on the rock stairway above them was Cao, his tall figure framed by the flickering light of the torches.
He swept his gaze over the restless crowd and barked, "Those heading to Black Tortoise City, line up! One at a time!"
Liyi Yi glanced at her companions and nodded. "Let's go. We'll take the lead."
With Carson and the others close behind, she ascended the steps—becoming the first group to pass through the newly opened gate. Their confident stride immediately calmed the uneasy crowd. People craned their necks to watch, murmuring as the group disappeared inside.
For a moment, the atmosphere shifted—hope and curiosity replacing fear.
