Night hung low, and starlight filtered through the thin clouds, spilling over Lone City on the Four Domains Battlefield. The smoke of battle had cleared, leaving devastation and exhausted warriors behind. Ye Lingyun stood on the city wall, his gaze piercing the distant darkness as though searching for something.
Bing Qing'er and Xue Yao slowly approached his side, a trace of complicated emotion in their eyes. Bing Qing'er said softly, "Ye Lingyun, you're back."
Ye Lingyun turned around. His gaze lingered on their faces for a moment before he slowly nodded. "Yes, I'm back."
A glimmer of tears flashed in Xue Yao's eyes, and her voice caught in her throat. "We thought you..."
Ye Lingyun smiled faintly and reached out to pat Xue Yao gently on the shoulder. "I'm fine. I just needed some time to recover."
Bing Qing'er stared intently at Ye Lingyun, worry in her eyes. "Your cultivation..."
Ye Lingyun raised a hand, stopping her. "I know what you're worried about, but I believe that as long as I'm still here, nothing is impossible."
Their gazes met, and all three of their hearts brimmed with anticipation for the future. They knew this war was far from over, but they also believed that as long as they stood united as one, they could defeat the Shadow Race and protect their home.
Ye Lingyun looked toward the distant starry sky, his heart filled with emotion. He knew he needed more strength and more preparation to face the challenges ahead.
"Ye Lingyun, what are you planning to do next?" Bing Qing'er's voice sounded beside his ear, tinged with concern.
Ye Lingyun drew a deep breath, resolve gleaming in his eyes. "I plan to cultivate first and improve my strength. Then I'll seek out the people who once helped me and repay