Li Tian awoke three days later in a hidden valley of the Ice Lotus Sect.
Su Yan had carried him across mountains to save his life.
"You nearly shattered your foundation," she scolded gently.
Li Tian looked at her.
"You stayed."
She met his gaze without flinching.
"You would have done the same."
A faint warmth passed between them — fragile, unspoken.
But destiny did not allow peace.
An elder of the Ice Lotus Sect entered.
"The Demonic Alliance has issued a bounty," she said gravely. "Ten thousand spirit stones for his head."
Su Yan's fingers tightened.
Li Tian stood slowly.
"Then it is time I stop hiding."