The terrifying black line between Su Qingyan's brows had vanished without a trace.
His tightly furrowed brows relaxed. His breathing grew steady and strong, and a healthy flush even rose in his pale little face.
He had been saved.
After doing all this, Lu Yuan's body swayed violently. It was as if every last ounce of strength had been drained from him. He staggered backward, about to fall.
The world spun before his eyes, and his ears rang. He didn't even have the strength to stand.
Just as he was about to hit the ground, a soft, fragrant body trembled as it rushed in from the side and caught him in a tight embrace.
It was Su Wan'er.
At some point, she had rushed over and used her frail shoulders to support his unsteady body with all her might.
"Lu Yuan! Lu Yuan, are you all right?"
Her voice was choked with tears. Warm tears fell onto Lu Yuan's neck, scalding hot.
Lu Yuan leaned against her, feeling her warmth and softness. Through the haze clouding his consciousness, he managed to summon a little strength and wave his hand.
"I... I'm not dead yet..."
He tried to push her away, but found he didn't even have the strength to lift an arm. All he could do was lean weakly against her and gasp for breath, greedily drawing in the delicate fragrance of her hair.
"You lunatic! You're a complete lunatic!" Su Wan'er sobbed as she scolded him, but only held him tighter. "Why would you go this far... Why..."
Lu Yuan didn't answer. He only struggled to lift his head, his gaze piercing the grotto-heaven's dome as if he could see, far beyond the distant horizon, the figure hidden behind the endless curtain of darkness.
A weak, yet sinister smile