After putting away the beast-head paperweight, Zhang Xiaohua emerged from Lihuo Hall and looked at the plaque that had fallen to the ground. "Lihuo Hall..." He could not help thinking of Zhang Ping'er, far away in Lihuo Hall on Yi Xiang Peak. To see an object and think of the person—nothing could describe it better. "I wonder if she is in good spirits now."
Thinking of Zhang Ping'er immediately made him think of Meng, waiting for him to return at Mocu Palace. Zhang Xiaohua's heart brimmed with sweetness. The feeling of having someone waiting for one's return home truly was wonderfully extraordinary. Only after truly having such a bond could one understand its deepest meaning.
"Perhaps I should go back earlier." Zhang Xiaohua, who had grown somewhat accustomed to wandering about, suddenly felt like a drifter who had acquired a longing for home.
After leaving Lihuo Hall, only Houtu Hall remained within the Five Elements Array. On Yi Xiang Peak, Zhang Xiaohua had only seen disciples of Lihuo Hall, dealt only with Ruijin Hall disciples, and heard of some of the Qingmu Hall elder's exploits. Yet he knew absolutely nothing about Ruoshui Hall and Houtu Hall. Thus, Houtu Hall, which he was about to enter, felt all the more unfamiliar.
Holding the Prajna Heavy Sword, Zhang Xiaohua sensed the weather gradually turning cooler, while the crimson hue of the ruins beneath his feet gradually faded. He knew Houtu Hall lay ahead. Of the several fierce beasts that Ruijin Hall disciple Ren Wufeng had mentioned when they entered, Zhang Xiaohua had encountered nearly all of them. Only the Mountain-Shaking Bear had yet to appear. Judging from its name, the bear's strength surely had to be immense. Perhaps it was up ahead.
After traveling for another half day, everything remained calm. Not