The descent through the fractured bedrock of the southern ridge was far more civilized than any of the expedition members had expected.
Rather than a dangerous scramble down loose scree and crumbling dark rock, the deep gap walls revealed an ancient, spiraling terrace pathway cut directly into the granite strata. The steps were broad, shallow. Then he carved with subtle cross-hatch grooves that provided easy traction for boots. Clusters of crystal-clear violet quartz jutted from the canyon walls at regular intervals. He took in the surrounding azure starlight rising from the depths and re-emitting it as a soothing, lavender twilight that lit up every step with gentle clarity.
“Whoever engineered these stairs understood town building codes,” Lin Xiao remarked. He walked with his hands tucked comfortably into his linen sleeves. His round bamboo hat bounced softly against his shoulders with every stride. “Broad treads, even riser heights, and natural rock lighting. In my past life, half the warehouse loading ramps had steeper inclines than this.”
Old Man Tie walked beside him, his massive iron-capped boots striking the stone with rhythmic thuds. The titan bear-smith constantly ran a thick, calloused paw over the carved rock face. His amber eyes shone with deep skilled admiration.
