In the howling wind and snow of Jiuyuan City, Li Muyang led Li Damu and his wife as they trod upon the thick blanket of snow.
The piercing cold wind swept through the alleys, and from the nearby market came the sounds of street vendors hawking their wares, accompanied by the steaming mist rising from a bun shop.
Having spent a long time in that dark and silent secret realm, they were suddenly back in the human world, hearing the lively bustle of the market infused with the scent of everyday life.
For a moment, the three returnees were stunned and it took them a while to come back to their senses.
"We really made it back..."
"The fox spirit has spared us..."
Li Damu and his wife had a dazed expression, filled with the relief and fear that follows a narrow escape.
Having spent too many days in that secret realm, devoid of sunlight, every day was filled with dread and terror for the two ordinary people.
