Li Ming slowly opened his eyes.
He was lying on the soft training mats of the Azure Sky Sect's courtyard, sunlight streaming down, warm and strangely comforting after the chaos of the void.
Bai Guo flapped down beside him, feathers ruffled. "Descendant… you're… awake. And alive. Somehow."
Li Ming rubbed his head, blinking at the familiar scenery. Teacups, buns, and shadow clones had vanished. For the first time in days, he felt… normal. Well, as normal as he ever felt.
"Normal?" he muttered, flexing his fingers. His Qi hummed pleasantly, smooth and steady. "I feel… stronger. More balanced. Maybe even… wise?"
Bai Guo blinked. "Wise? Descendant… are you sure you're not just… delusional from all the chaos?"
Li Ming grinned. "Maybe a little. But chaos teaches lessons… whether you like it or not."
