Only after the thunder had faded into the distance did the terrified He Tianshu slowly fall asleep.
Many people in the little courtyard had not slept. Many throughout Huanxi Mountain Villa had not slept either. Even in Misty Mountain Villa, many remained awake. They all seemed to be pondering which unlucky fool had done something wicked to draw down a whole night of heavenly thunder. Even an immortal would have been blasted to smithereens, wouldn't they?
The thunder had gone distant, yet the rain showed no sign of stopping. Not a sliver of sunlight could be seen through the overcast sky, but Zhang Xiaohua suddenly opened his eyes in the thatched shed. A flicker flashed through the depths of his eyes, then vanished without a trace.
When Zhang Xiaohua awoke, he was first dazed, then overjoyed. He hurriedly felt over his whole body with both hands and found that no parts were missing. Only then did he seem to remember something, immediately dashing out of the shed without the slightest regard for the rain filling the sky.
Under the faint light of dawn, everything in the herb field came clearly into view. Lush green filled his sight, mixed with a little withered yellow. It was an ordinary scene he saw every day, yet at this moment it seemed exceptionally beautiful. For a time, Zhang Xiaohua stood rooted in the rain, letting it drench his head and body. His face was soaked through; who knew whether it was all rainwater, or whether it held Zhang Xiaohua's tears as well? In any case, his eyes were wet and his nose stung.
This night's labor had not been in vain!
After a while, Zhang Xiaohua put aside any thought of savoring last night's dangers. He sprang up and raced toward the little courtyard.