The portal to Ancient Xia City shimmered as Yun Lintian stepped through, Linlin and Qingqing perched on his shoulders. The once-devastated city now buzzed with activity—workers repaired broken walls, merchants reopened shops, and children played in streets that had been bloodied just months before.
Yun Lintian wasn't in a hurry. He walked slowly, observing the recovery. The resilience of these people reminded him why he fought.
Linlin's ears twitched. "Big Brother Yun, why aren't we going straight to the battlefield?"
"Let's check it out first," Yun Lintian said. "Nian Shi's forces were active here. There might be clues."
Qingqing tilted her head. "But the Chaos Knights are gone now, right?"
Before Yun Lintian could answer, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Lintian!"
