The winds of the Great Wilderness still carried the same age-old desolation.
A streak of blue light cut across the sky. Vast wings blotted out the clouds and whipped up a gale as the Azure Sky Roc landed in the broad clearing of Stone Village.
The Azure Sky Roc reined in its terrifying Venerable aura and lowered itself meekly.
After its trip to the North Sea, it had seen a much wider world. It had also refined the blood essence of numerous sea-dwelling ancient species. Its blue scales and feathers had grown even harder, now faintly gleaming like metal. Clearly, it had gained a great deal.
"Grandpa Patriarch! Everyone! We're back!"
Shi Hao was the first to leap down, still clutching the shrunken Heavenly Desolation Halberd tightly in his arms.
Like a little tiger returning to its den, he excitedly shouted toward the village.
Stone Village, peaceful just moments earlier, instantly burst into a hubbub.
"Xiao Hao and Xuan are back!"
"Quick, quick, quick! Get the fire going! We'll welcome the children home with a feast tonight!"
Shi Linhu, Shi Feijiao, and several other burly men came out laughing. The old clan leader, Shi Yunfeng, leaned on his cane, gazing kindly at the children who had all returned safely.
Ye Xuan led Ao Tong and the Witch down from the Roc's back.
As soon as they landed, several women who had been making shoe soles at the village entrance hurried over, their eyes sharp.
Their gazes lingered on Ao Tong for a moment, then swept in unison to the Witch, who wore a black dress and bells around her bare ankles, her beauty unrivaled.
"Oh my! Everyone, come take a look!"
Er Meng's Mother, usually the loudest of them all, slapped her thigh. Her eyes shone like freshly polished bronze