When Lü Zhong came back to his senses, the massive stone monument was gone.
The sound of a cheerful, short melody drifted over. It was Chun'Er, dancing gracefully once again. Her focus was absolute, her heart free of worldly wants and desires, a sight that couldn't help but inspire envy.
Lü Zhong tried to communicate with her, hoping to gain something more.
But he came away empty-handed.
Seeing this, he made no further attempts.
As they had agreed, Lü Zhong released Feng Rui from their contract. Upon regaining his freedom, a look of relief washed over Feng Rui's face. The thought that he had acquired the Golden Roc True Skill made him throw his head back and laugh heartily. It took him a while to compose himself, after which he turned to Lü Zhong and said,
"I really have you to thank for this, Fellow Daoist Lü!"
Feng Rui paused, then continued,
