Han Yu frowned slightly.
"So it really was just punishment," he thought. "A long, dangerous mission meant to waste time and wear me down."
If that was the case, then Zhao Liumen had failed spectacularly.
Still, Han Yu did not relax.
He did not head toward the Mission Pavilion to report completion. That could wait.
Instead, he turned toward the Fifth Rib Peak.
His heart tightened slightly as the familiar mountain came into view. His cave residence lay half way up, nestled along its side, locked behind formations of his own making.
As he approached the cave's door, his spirit sense focused sharply.
Two familiar presences were felt by him.
Alive.
Stable.
Han Yu exhaled slowly, a tension he had not fully acknowledged finally easing from his chest.
"They're fine," he murmured.
He stood in front of the cave entrance, his hand hovering for just a moment before he dispelled the protective formations.
SHUA
CREAK
The stone door slid open.
