Everyone collapsed onto the scorched, rubble-strewn ground, taking deep, ragged breaths. Sweat mixed with blood streamed down their faces, dripping onto the parched earth and instantly disappearing. The joy of surviving a near-death experience flowed like a warm current through everyone's heart, driving away physical exhaustion and mental tension.
Lin Xiu struggled to his feet, his legs still a little shaky. He walked step by step toward Alice, every step carrying the gratitude of having survived. Alice also struggled up, and their eyes met in the air. In that moment, a thousand words passed between them without a sound. Lin Xiu reached out a trembling hand and gently pulled Alice into his embrace. Alice clung tightly to him, tears bursting from her eyes and dampening Lin Xiu's shirt. Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she said with a sob, "We... we really did it." Lin Xiu gently stroked her hair, resting his chin lightly on the top of her head, and said softly, "Yes, we did it. Thanks to you."
Su Yu stood quietly to one side, watching the embracing pair. A slight smile appeared at the corners of her mouth, though a flicker of imperceptible loneliness flashed in her eyes. She lowered her head in silence and began to gather the arrows scattered on the ground, her slender fingers gently brushing over the fletching as her thoughts drifted away. Bai Zhi and Baili walked over, arm in arm. Baili said softly, "That was really too close for comfort this time." Bai Zhi nodded, her…
Chapter 40