Red Reishi

Xia Lun followed the golden path through the mist-filled woods. His boots snapped dead branches underfoot, their crisp cracks sounding again and again.

Though they had not escaped danger entirely, everyone was in high spirits. They even began discussing their plans for life after they got out.

Little Green wanted to leave officialdom and write a book about everything he had experienced in Sorrow Hill City.

The scholar had no interest in an official career either. After his hellish ordeal in Sorrow Hill City, he had lost faith in Confucian Orthodoxy. He planned to devote himself to Daoist Learning, hoping to mend its shortcomings and truly enlighten the people.

The old prefect planned to retire to his hometown and enjoy life with his children and grandchildren.

The burly man, meanwhile, remained silent.

Xia Lun did not join the discussion. Talking about such things now felt like tempting fate. It was practically asking for something terrible to happen.

As the group chatted and laughed, Little Green suddenly cried out in delight, "Look! Sunlight!"

Xia Lun stopped and looked where Little Green was pointing. Through a gap in the dense branches, he saw a sliver of golden dawn. He peered into the distance and spotted Sorrow Hill City bathed in its light.

The endless night had lifted. Reality lay just ahead!

After all they had suffered and all the dangers they had faced, their efforts were finally about to pay off. At last, they could leave this eternal nightmare and return to reality!

Jubilation swept through the group. Tears of joy ran from Little Green's eyes, while the scholar proclaimed Xia Lun an "Earthly Immortal" and vowed to build a shrine to him once they got out.

Xia Lun quickened his pace and led them onward. The farther they went, the brighter