The churning in his stomach kept surging upward, abruptly cutting off Zheng Qing's laughter.
Not far away, Li Meng sat on the ground, pale-faced, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her lips trembled as though she wanted to say something.
Xiao Bai the pigeon cooed as it circled her incessantly. Poseidon's head poked out from her robes, then he darted onto the ground. Still seeming somewhat dazed, he staggered two steps before collapsing onto the sand, unwilling to move again.
Lan Que hugged his sword, forcing himself to sit upright with his legs crossed.
Xiao Xiao, meanwhile, pulled out his notebook, spread it on the ground, and scribbled furiously with trembling hands.
The little monk and the beautiful woman with wine-red hair were nowhere to be seen.
The disheveled freshmen either crouched on the ground, gasping for breath, bent over dry-heaving, or stood nearby straightening their clothes. They were scattered everywhere in little groups of three or five.
Zheng Qing ran his fingers through the fine, smooth sand beneath him, unable to stop smiling.
Though he made no sound, and an indescribable dizziness still shrouded him, an unprecedented sense of security rose gently from beneath him, soothing his heart.
After emptiness, being able to feel the solid earth was truly wonderful.
After helplessness, being able to feel the strength to breathe was truly wonderful.
"We just experienced the despair those little sprites went through before." Tears still spilled uncontrollably from his eyes. Zheng Qing wiped his face haphazardly, smiling as he looked at everyone. "I think they have the right to experience what it feels like to stand on solid ground now."
Li Meng looked at him blankly and nodded again and again.
Lan Que hugged his sword and slowly nodded.
Xiao Xiao glanced up at him, then returned his attention