It was time to leave.
He turned around and pushed open the door to the secret chamber. As the heavy doors slowly opened, Liu Bai stepped outside.
Sunlight spilled down, pleasantly warm. He narrowed his eyes, adjusting to the light outside, then saw the familiar figures gathered beyond the door.
The first person he saw was Qing Lin.
The girl stood at the very front, her emerald eyes fixed unblinkingly on him. The moment she saw him emerge, her eyes immediately lit up.
"Young Master!"
With a flash, she appeared before Liu Bai in an instant and threw her arms around his arm, her little face brimming with excitement.
"Young Master! You've finally come out of seclusion! Qing Lin has waited so long!"
Liu Bai smiled and rubbed her head, his gaze sweeping over the others.
Behind Qing Lin stood Yao Ming with his hands respectfully lowered at his sides.
Venerable Skyfire stood nearby as well. Though he had only recently been revived, his complexion had improved greatly. Dou Qi faintly circulated around him, clearly showing that he had already adapted to his new body.
Farther back stood three more figures.
The three elders of East Dragon Island—Qingshan, Qingmu, and Zhu Li.
All three wore smiles, their eyes carrying traces of amazement and admiration.
"Congratulations, Mister Liu Bai!"
Qingshan was the first to speak, cupping his fists in salute.
"During this period of seclusion, your soul realm has risen tremendously. This is truly cause for celebration! In all my years, this is the first time I have personally witnessed someone so young break through to the Heavenly Realm in soul power! Such an achievement is enough to be recorded in history!"
Qingmu nodded as well.
"Indeed. A Heavenly Realm soul... for you to reach such a realm with the cultivation