The Southern Watchpoint was unusually peaceful. The crisp mountain air was filled with the familiar sounds of daily life—discreet chatter between disciples, the scrape of broom handles sweeping dirt, the clatter of pots as the cook prepared dinner.
It was a welcome contrast to the deadly tension that had shrouded the Spirit Beast Trial just days before.
Tian Shen and Feng Yin finally returned from the peaks, their clothes dusty and tattered but their spirits surprisingly light.
After all, they were alive—and more than that, they had survived one of the harshest trials anyone had been through in the sect recently.
As they passed through the gate of the watchpoint, a small, fluffy red ball jumped out of Tian Shen's robes.
"Kyuuu~"
'Master! We're finally back!'
Little Mei was a sight to behold.
A petite fox-like spirit beast no bigger than a child's hand, with crimson fur that shimmered faintly in the afternoon sun and eyes sparkling with mischief.
