Jiuzhao City, encircled by nine peaks, stood at the cusp of dawn and dusk, the sky's light reflecting off the mountains, casting shadows like wheels.

On the city wall, Wang Yufeng stood proudly, his cloak fluttering in the wind.

Before Jiuzhao City lay the ravaged lands of the magic springs, though the last eruption had been three years ago.

Yet the land it spread over was barren, a desolate sight.