Lin Zhaoyue didn't spare a single glance for the glassy, smoldering crater beyond the barrier.
Her entire world had narrowed to the weight in her arms.
With a surge of Qi, she leapt backwards, flying with a graceful speed that belied the fierce protectiveness in her hold.
The Fang family's barrier shimmered as she passed through it, accepting her without a whisper of resistance.
She landed softly inside the courtyard, ignoring the awestruck and tearful gazes of the clan members.
She marched past them all, her expression a mask of determined care, and headed straight for the inner chambers.
And in a world away, the air was thick with the savory scent of roasting meat and pine needles.
Fang Yuan, hummed a cheerful, off-key tune as he turned a spit.
Two plump boars were roasting over a crackling fire, their skins glistening golden-brown, fat dripping and sizzling into the flames.
Arrayed around him, sitting with an air of improbable patience, were the four Saberfang.
