Yun Lintian materialized above Nine Firmament City. The moment his feet touched the ground, multiple figures rushed toward him.
"Lintian!"
"Big Brother Yun!"
Yun Qianxue was the first to reach him, her frost-blue eyes scanning him for injuries. Behind her, Yue Yun, Nantian Fengyu, and the others followed, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.
"You're back," Yun Qianxue said softly, though her brows furrowed slightly when she noticed the deep frown etched on Yun Lintian's face.
Yun Lintian nodded absently, his mind still replaying the battle with Nian Shi. The way time had frozen completely—how utterly helpless he had been in that moment.
Yue Yun stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "Dad... what happened?"
Silence stretched for a long moment before Yun Lintian finally spoke.
"I fought Nian Shi."
The air around them seemed to grow heavier.
"...And?" Nantian Fengyu pressed, crimson eyes burning with curiosity.
Yun Lintian's jaw tightened. "I couldn't defeat him."
