He opened his eyes and looked out at the sky gradually brightening beyond the window.
On the streets of Heaven Dou City, Soul Lights went out one after another. Dawn rose in the east, bathing the entire city in gold.
"Zi Dian," he said softly, "we're home."
Zi Dian lifted its head and licked his fingers.
Night Shadow rolled over at his feet, the silver Thunder Patterns on its body faintly glimmering.
Within the Soul Spirit Space, Thunder Emperor opened one eye, then closed it again.
They were home. It could sleep peacefully now.
News of the rewards arrived on the seventh day after their triumphant return.
That morning, snow had been falling over Heaven Dou City for an entire night, and a thick layer of white had accumulated in the courtyard of the Marquis Mansion.
Gu Ci sat beneath the Corridor. Zi Dian lay across his lap, Night Shadow curled up by his feet, while Thunder Emperor sprawled in the middle of the courtyard like a small mountain, its golden Thunder Patterns especially dazzling against the snow.
Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were building a snowman in the courtyard. Ice Fire and Mo Jiao had also come out to join the fun, one black and one white phantom darting through the snow and leaving fine trails behind.
Gu Xiao's left arm was still wrapped in a sling, but he was already stretching in the courtyard. His Mystic Thunder Tiger Martial Soul possessed him, eight soul rings slowly revolving as thunderbolts danced around him, turning the falling snowflakes into white mist.
Li Wanyue came out of the house carrying a bowl of hot soup and shot him a glare. "Your arm hasn't even healed yet. Can't you stay still for once?" Gu Xiao chuckled, withdrew his Martial Soul, took the