The black smoke seemed to be an intangible thing, yet it was extremely dense. Upon closer inspection, it was actually composed of countless tiny, strange insects. Their color wasn't purely black but had a sinister blood-red glow, even forming human-like facial features.

The Imperial Guards within the Imperial Capital responded immediately.

"How bold of the thief!"

A dazzling blade light emerged from within the black mist, its aura overwhelming the sky. This strike was honed to perfection, chilling to the bone.