Li Ming gently leaned Su Xue against a large tree, softly draping a piece of clothing over her to ensure she wouldn't catch a chill. Despite the bruises on her face, she appeared peaceful in her slumber. As he gazed at her sleeping visage, a sense of calm and accomplishment washed over him.
Meanwhile, Chen Yao had already started a fire in an open area, the orange flames dancing in the night breeze and illuminating the surroundings. Master Han sat beside the fire, his brows furrowed in thought, a hint of deep concern evident in his eyes.
Li Ming returned to the fire and slowly sat down. His body still felt weary, but the pressure in his heart eased slightly. He glanced at Chen Yao and Master Han; none of them spoke, and the only sound in the quiet night was that of the crackling flames.
An awkward atmosphere hung between the three; no one knew what to say. Li Ming looked down at the fire, lost in thought as memories of their harrowing escape replayed in his mind. He understood that they had temporarily evaded danger, but the real challenges lay ahead.
Chen Yao sat by the fire, stirring it with a stick while occasionally glancing at Li Ming. A complex emotion flickered in her eyes. She recognized that Li Ming's courage and determination had led to their successful escape, yet she worried that the road ahead would be even more arduous.
Master Han stared deeply into the flames, seemingly pondering something significant. He knew they needed to plan their next move, but the current situation weighed heavily on him with immense pressure and responsibility. He was concerned about Qin Tian's pursuit and whether they could find a truly safe place.
As he gazed at the flickering flames, a trace of sadness crossed his face. He spoke softly, "The Hidden Realm... I never expected it to be breached so easily. The Three Great Families... only one head remains, and all sects are scattered..." His voice gradually lowered, as if he found it difficult to continue.
After pausing for a moment, Master Han bowed his head into silence. Perhaps realizing that his words were too disheartening or sorrowful, he chose not to continue. His shoulders trembled slightly as if bearing an immense weight of pressure and pain.
Chen Yao watched Master Han with concern and sympathy in her eyes. Her gaze shifted to Su Xue leaning against the tree, filled with complex emotions. Su Xue's fate tugged at her heart, while the state of the Hidden Realm left her feeling overwhelmingly heavy.
Li Ming sat by the fire somewhat out of place. His understanding of the Hidden Realm was quite limited; naturally, he did not grasp the background and significance of Master Han's mention of the Three Great Families. He knew this was a critical moment but hesitated to speak up for fear of saying something wrong that might further darken the mood.
He gently shook his head, filled with confusion and unease. At that moment, he felt as if he were in an entirely unfamiliar world, facing countless unknown challenges and dangers.
Master Han took a deep breath, striving to calm himself. He understood that now was not the time to dwell in sorrow and disappointment; they still had much to accomplish. He lifted his head to look at Li Ming and Chen Yao, determination flashing in his eyes.
"We cannot give up," Master Han said softly, his voice laced with determination. "Although the Hidden Realm has suffered greatly, we still have hope. We must unite and find a chance to survive and fight back."
Chen Yao nodded, a glimmer of resolve in her eyes. "Master Han is right. We cannot let despair consume us. As long as we are alive, there is a chance to change our situation."
Master Han pondered for a moment before continuing, "Tomorrow... we will head back to the Southern Capital. We must gather the strength of Earth to halt the invasion of the demon clan; only then can we hope to reclaim the Hidden Realm."
Chen Yao furrowed her brow, worry etched on her face as she asked, "But what should we do? Now that everyone knows the Hidden Realm is incapacitated, and the demon clan is growing stronger... Qin Tian... that Demon King's Son is personally involved. What are our chances..."
Hearing this, Master Han took a deep breath and stood up, his gaze resolute. "No... we still have hope. There is still... her."
He turned to look at the sleeping Su Xue nearby, his eyes filled with anticipation and confidence. Su Xue's presence was undoubtedly their greatest hope; her power and status would significantly impact this battle.
"Lord Su Xue?" Chen Yao also turned her head to look at the slumbering Su Xue, surprise and confusion flickering in her eyes.
Master Han nodded and explained, "Lord Su Xue is the heir of the Su Family, one of the Three Great Families. Her power and influence are crucial for us to regroup. As long as we can protect her and help her rally the forces of the Hidden Realm, we still have hope."
Li Ming, though not well-versed in the intricacies of the Hidden Realm, could sense Master Han's and Chen Yao's regard for Su Xue. He asked quietly, "Can Lord Su Xue really help us?"
Master Han replied firmly, "Yes, her existence will greatly influence the situation in both the Hidden Realm and Earth. As long as we can protect her and gather all our strength, we have a chance to repel the demon clan and reclaim the Hidden Realm."
Chen Yao took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand. We must do everything we can to protect Lord Su Xue and gather all our strength."
Li Ming looked at Master Han and Chen Yao, his heart filled with determination. He knew this battle would be incredibly difficult, but as long as they stood united and relied on each other's strength, they would surely find hope for victory.
"Alright, it's settled," Li Ming said, his gaze resolute. "Tomorrow we will rush back to Southern Capital, gather the strength of Earth, and fight to the end for the Hidden Realm and everything we hold dear."
The three fell into a brief silence once more, but this time the silence was filled with determination and hope.
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