Lin Mu lifted his gaze to see familiar figures approaching swiftly. His companions had clearly been waiting for any sign of him.
Grand Elder Huo descended first, his aura calm yet sharp as always. Daoist Chu followed, his flowing robes trailing like clouds. And Meng Bai was the fastest of the three, having been nearby and landing with an expression of both relief and reverence as soon as his feet touched the courtyard stones.
They had come not as onlookers, but as those bound by trust and shared purpose.
Lin Mu clasped his hands behind his back, his expression steady as he greeted them. "You came quickly."
Meng Bai was the first to speak, unable to hold back his words. "Master, you truly endured two tribulations in succession… and unscathed. The entire city is still shaken by it!"
