met free 876. The barrier disappeared.
876. The barrier disappeared.
After stepping through the light curtain leading to the fourth level, Xiao Yan and the others truly arrived at the fourth level of the Heavenly Tomb.
At a glance, Xiao Yan saw that this place was not much different from the previous levels of the Heavenly Tomb. The only difference was that the amount of Dou Qi had increased significantly, and the number of energy bodies was somewhat smaller.
The nearby energy entities, after sensing Xiao Le and the others, showed no intention of approaching. At this moment, the Heavenly Tomb truly possessed a deathly stillness.
Xiao Le noticed Xiao Yan's confusion and immediately explained, "Every few years, the master would come to clean the fourth level of the Heavenly Tomb. Over time, the fourth level has become what it is today."
Xiao Le's tone revealed a nonchalant indifference, as if clearing the entire fourth level of the Heavenly Tomb was merely a matter of course for that being. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan felt even more awe and anticipation for his ancestor Xiao Xuan, whom he had never met.
He also understood why third-level energy beings like Feng Qiu were so afraid of their ancestors.
Subsequently, under the guidance of Xiao Le and his group, Xiao Yan and Huo Zhi spent three days arriving at the depths of the Heavenly Tomb. The closer they got to the core area of the Heavenly Tomb, the dimmer the surrounding light became, and the more profound the surroundings appeared, until the last stone tablet appeared in front of Xiao Yan.
The stone tablet was almost indescribable. Just looking at it gave one a strange feeling. When those Dou Sheng-level energy beings who could summon wind and rain saw the stone tablet, they all lowered their heads. All the expressions on their faces disappeared instantly, replaced by an absolute and heartfelt respect, as if they were looking at a god.
"Young master, the master's tomb is inside. We will guard it here. You and this young lady go in, and the master will be waiting for you inside." Xiao Le's voice became much lower at this moment, as if she was worried about disturbing Xiao Xuan.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, suppressed his excitement, and simply bowed to Xiao Le to thank him for leading the way before entering the stone tablet with Huo Zhi.
First came a wave of dizziness, then a grand hall appeared before Xiao Yan and Huo Zhi. It was ancient and magnificent, with a sense of weight accumulated over millions of years, and a solemn feeling was also revealed invisibly.
Just as Xiao Yan was stunned by the sight of the tomb, a beautiful figure in blue, whom he had been longing for, quietly waited on one side of the main hall.
It's Xun'er!
Xun'er, with her flowing black hair and slender figure, had been waiting quietly to the side. When she saw Xiao Yan, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on her beautiful face. This beautiful sight belonged only to Xiao Yan.
"Xun'er!"
Xiao Yan could no longer suppress his emotions; the feelings that had been building up deep within him since his resurrection suddenly found an outlet. He instantly appeared beside Xun'er, and with an almost brute force, opened his arms and recklessly embraced the slender figure he had longed for day and night!
Xun'er was clearly startled by Xiao Yan's sudden and intense reaction, and her body stiffened upon contact.
But immediately, she felt that familiar and comforting presence. From that embrace, she instantly understood that the person she cherished most had returned. Xun'er's slender arms immediately wrapped around Xiao Yan's broad and strong back, burying her face deeply in his embrace. At this moment, no words were needed; actions spoke louder than words.
"Xun'er, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..." Xiao Yan's voice was filled with self-blame and pain. The doubts he had because of his second brother's departure, combined with Xun'er's heartache for his serious injuries, made even someone as strong as Xiao Yan choke up at this moment.
Xun'er immediately raised her head and covered Xiao Yan's mouth with her hand. Her eyes were brimming with tears, yet remained exceptionally firm: "It's my fault for not doing enough. I failed to stop... and that's why Second Brother got into trouble. Actually, I really don't know how to face Uncle Xiao Zhan, let alone how to face you. I'm already very happy that you can forgive me."
Xun'er's gentle words also deeply moved Xiao Yan.
"I personally killed the ancient demon to avenge my second brother, and you were unaware of it, so you can't be blamed for this!" Xiao Yan looked at Xun'er, his guilt beyond words. In this matter concerning his second brother, Xun'er, like himself, only knew the result, not the process. If he were to hold a grudge against Xun'er, then he would truly be unworthy to be with her.
Xiao Yan and Xun'er have known and cherished each other for over a decade, facing only external pressures throughout, their feelings for each other have never changed. This time, due to the Xiao family's affairs, a rift appeared in their relationship for the first time, but now that rift has completely disappeared, and their relationship has reached a new level.
Just as Xiao Yan had thought, no matter what, he would never doubt Xun'er's intentions again in any major matter. Long before the Heavenly Tomb began, Xun'er had already proven with her actions that she had always stood by him.
Xiao Yan and Xun'er were both deeply immersed in their feelings for each other, embracing tightly, their breaths mingling. At this moment, even the ancient hall seemed to soften considerably.
In Xiao Yan's heart, Xun'er had long become an absolutely inseparable part of his life, and Xun'er was the same, wholeheartedly devoted to Xiao Yan.
However, this scene evoked a completely different feeling in the eyes of Himeko.
Huo Zhi watched as Xiao Yan rushed towards Xun'er without hesitation, witnessing the happiness and passion in their embrace. Feeling Xiao Yan's undisguised and unrestrained affection for Xun'er, and contrasting it with his politeness and restraint when interacting with her, Huo Zhi felt an indescribable pang of sadness and loss.
She subconsciously clenched her hands in her sleeves, her slender fingers gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, as if only in this way could she suppress the overwhelming scene before her.
Huo Zhi tried her best to remain calm on her beautiful face, but deep in her eyes were envy for Xun'er, sadness that her own feelings were destined to be fruitless, and relief that Xiao Yan was able to truly find his true love again.
When it comes to matters of the heart, Huo Zhi feels powerless. It's not something that can be obtained through conscious effort. Moreover, given Huo Zhi's personality, the more feelings she has for Xiao Yan, the more she will restrain herself from expressing them.
A barely perceptible bitter smile appeared on Huo Zhi's lips. She silently shifted her gaze, creating a sufficiently quiet atmosphere for the figures embracing each other in the hall.