Qing Lin

Qing Lin was like a weary bird returning to the forest as she threw herself into Lin Ming's arms. Her slender shoulders trembled faintly with excitement, and the sobs she had suppressed for so long finally escaped in low murmurs.

The hardships she had endured alone over the years, her longing for old friends, and the fright and lingering fear from subduing the Nine Profound Nether Python just now all became scalding tears at this moment, soaking Lin Ming's robe.

Lin Ming gently patted her back, just as he had comforted the helpless little Qing Lin in Stone Desert City years ago. His voice was gentle. "All right, all right. It's okay now, Qing Lin. It's truly wonderful to meet you here."

Zi Yan blinked her large eyes at the side, curiously studying the girl who had suddenly appeared. She knew Qing Lin as well, but Zi Yan's little mouth pouted slightly at this moment, as though she was a little dissatisfied with this sudden new person to "share" him with.

Xiong Zhan scratched his head, an enlightened look appearing on his honest face. Though he did not know the specifics, he guessed that she was probably an old acquaintance the Sect Master had known in his early years.

Only after quite some time did Qing Lin stop crying. She raised her head from Lin Ming's embrace, her pretty face flushed red. Somewhat embarrassed, she wiped away her tears, took a step back, and stood properly. Yet her reddened eyes remained fixed firmly on Lin Ming, as if she feared he would disappear again the moment she blinked.

"Brother Lin Ming... I-I'm not dreaming, am I? It's really... really you?" Her voice still carried a trace of sobbing, and her tone was filled with incredulous joy.

"Of course it isn't