Morning sunlight spilled over the edge of the Myriad Spirit Abyss, staining the gray rocks a pale gold. Under its rays, the mist slowly dispersed, revealing the shadowy darkness deep within the rift. Shen Xiu stood at the precipice with his hands behind his back, gazing down at the place where he had fought, bled, and grown. Countless emotions churned in his heart.
After a night of rest, Lin Fan's complexion was much better than it had been yesterday. Under Liu Qingyan's attentive care and the effects of the Heavenly Dao Sect's healing pills, his wounds had begun to mend. Though he still could not move too strenuously, he was already able to stand and walk on his own. He came to Shen Xiu's side and looked out over the Myriad Spirit Abyss as well. After a moment of silence, he said, "Let's go. It's time to head back."
Shen Xiu nodded and turned to support Lin Fan by the arm. "Brother Lin, let me help you."
Lin Fan did not refuse. He knew the state his body was in; forcing himself to endure would be pointless.
The group rose into the air and flew in the direction of the Heavenly Dao Sect. Qingxuanzi and the sect's elders led the way at the front, while Shen Xiu supported Lin Fan in the middle. Liu Qingyan followed behind them, still carrying the bundle filled with medicine and bandages. The Black Heaven Emperor was escorted by two Heavenly Dao Sect elders. The black chain around his neck glimmered with a cold, sinister light beneath the sun. His face was ashen, and his lone blood-red eye was half-open, half-closed, as though no one knew what he was thinking.
The Heavenly Dao Sect stood upon an immortal mountain three thousand li north of Tianyuan