Half an hour later, everyone retraced their steps out of the underground space and came back outside. Looking at the familiar sun, the familiar forest, it felt like another lifetime. One by one they were filled with relief. Luo Zheng was relieved too—relieved that there had been no casualties. Although the Emperor's Sword was gone, as long as people were alive there was hope. When he saw Lan Xue running over with worry written all over her face, Luo Zheng didn't go to meet her halfway, but pulled her into his arms instead. Being alive felt damn good. His taut nerves loosened, and the anxiety in his heart settled a lot.
Lan Xue didn't see the Emperor's Sword, and everyone looked awful. She guessed they'd come up empty-handed, but didn't ask. She let Luo Zheng hold her, feeling how his whole body was drawn tight—a state of extreme tension, clearly from everything he'd been through down below. She slipped her arms around his waist, using her own tenderness to ease his strained nerves.
