Morning sunlight spilled over the peak of the Heavenly Dao Sect, staining the sea of clouds gold and crimson. Shen Xiu stood before the mountain gate in a flowing white robe, his long golden hair drifting gently in the morning breeze, tied behind his head with a purple ribbon. A purple jade talisman and a golden teleportation talisman hung at his waist, while the token Liu Qingyan had given him was tucked away in his robes.
Liu Qingyan stood beside him, dressed in a pale blue-green gown, her hair arranged in a simple bun. She carried a small bundle containing dried provisions and medicine for wounds. Her expression was calm, but the fingers clutching the bundle had gone slightly white, betraying the tension in her heart.
Lin Fan emerged from within the mountain gate. His complexion had improved somewhat since yesterday, and he could now walk without anyone supporting him, though his steps remained unsteady. He clearly had not fully recovered. He walked up to Shen Xiu, looked into his eyes, fell silent for a moment, then drew a white jade talisman from his robes and handed it over.
"This is a life-saving item my master left me," Lin Fan said. "At the most critical moment, it can release a strand of the Thunder Emperor's will to help you block a fatal blow. It can only be used once, so use it carefully."
Shen Xiu accepted the jade talisman, sensing the vast power contained within it. Warmth surged through his heart. He solemnly tucked it into his robes and nodded to Lin Fan. "Brother Lin, wait for my return."
Lin Fan did not answer. He merely patted Shen Xiu's shoulder before turning and walking back through the mountain gate. He walked quickly and did not look back, because he feared