Dawn broke over the Floating Forest, painting the canopy in shades of gold and green.
Lin Tian stood at the edge of their camp, watching the mist roll between the massive trunks. The air here was thick, heavy with moisture and life.
Linle approached, her vine-wrapped staff tapping against the wood. "The Hollow begins about a hundred feet up. After that, it's a straight climb through the Weave to the Apex."
"How do we navigate the Weave?" Yan Jiao asked, her Earth-Sunderer strapped across her back.
"The branches shift. They sense your weight and move accordingly. You have to read the rhythm, anticipate the changes."
"Or just jump fast," Lu Cang muttered.
Lin Tian turned to face his group. "We stay together. No one fights alone. If you get separated, use the bonds to find me."
Xueya stepped to his side. "What about the Void-Ghouls?"
"Kill them before they kill us."
Su Lan cracked her neck. "Simple enough."
