Chapter 157 — Return

Xiao Ning'er glanced back at the Black Prison world. Although it had been filled with danger, this place represented a journey she had taken alongside Nie Li. She had nearly died there — it was Nie Li who had rushed headlong into the mouth of that monster to pull her out, heedless of everything.

She would never forget any of it. It was all tucked away in her heart as a precious memory.

Sometimes she even wondered how wonderful it would be to stay in the Black Prison world forever. No matter how dark or cold that place was, having Nie Li around made her feel warmth and security. But then she sighed to herself — it was only a beautiful fantasy.

"Ning'er, what's wrong?" Nie Li turned back to look at Xiao Ning'er, asking with a puzzled expression.

"Nothing." Xiao Ning'er shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. She lowered her gaze and stepped into the teleportation formation.

Nie Li followed her into the formation.

City of Radiance.

Over these past few days, the Myriad Demon Spirit Formation at the City Lord's Mansion had been completed. Both Ye Xiu and Ye Zong were filled with excitement — once the formation was activated, the City of Radiance would gain an additional defensive barrier.

"That kid Nie Li is one of the City of Radiance's greatest contributors. Past grudges are now water under the bridge. As long as he continues to serve the city, even if it means this old man has to personally apologize to him, so be it!" Ye Zong gazed from afar at the magnificent Myriad Demon Spirit Formation, his words brimming with bold conviction.

He had already witnessed the power of the Taiyi Killing Formation and the Divine Thunder Killing Formation. Eight killing formations linked together to form the Myriad Demon Spirit Formation — its potential power was beyond imagination.

Ever since that day when the Abyss Titan Demon attacked the City Lord's Mansion and Nie Li handed control of the Divine Thunder Killing Formation and the Taiyi Killing Formation over to him at the critical moment, the last traces of resentment Ye Zong had held against Nie Li had completely vanished. He had even grown rather fond of the kid.

Nie Li might be a bit unconventional in the way he did things, but beneath that casual exterior lay sharp attention to detail. He also understood the greater good — whether it was refining pills or laying down the Myriad Demon Spirit Formation, every contribution he made to the City of Radiance was something that would stand the test of time.

In Ye Zong's eyes, protecting the City of Radiance was the greater cause. Everything else was a minor matter. Of course, when it came to his daughter, he still wasn't about to give in so easily.

"Where on earth has that kid gone? He's been missing for so long and no one can find him?" Ye Zong furrowed his brow. Nie Li and the others had been out of contact for many days now.

Ye Xiu was just as helpless. He had sent people to search in many places, but they simply couldn't find any trace of Nie Li and his companions. A faint sense of unease gnawed at him — could it be that the Dark Guild had… but there was still no confirmation. Whether Nie Li had been captured by the Dark Guild or something else had happened, they simply couldn't say for certain.

Only now did they realize just how important Nie Li was to the City of Radiance. If they had known sooner, they would have assigned more guards to accompany him.

A moment later, a subordinate came hurrying over.

"Reporting to City Lord and Lord Ye Xiu — Nie Li has returned! He is in the main hall of the City Lord's Mansion right now."

Upon hearing the subordinate's words, both Ye Xiu and Ye Zong felt a spark of joy flash through their eyes.

The kid was finally back! The worries weighing on their hearts melted away.

The main hall of the City Lord's Mansion.

Nie Li and his companions were sitting around with little to do. Ye Ziyun hurried in through a side door. The moment she saw Nie Li, the deep worry that had clouded her eyes finally dissipated. For the past stretch of time, Nie Li had practically vanished without a trace, and her heart had been consumed with unease. Every night she tossed and turned, unable to rest.

Even if she refused to admit it, Nie Li had already become an incredibly important person in her life.

Sometimes she would think about a certain question: what would happen if Nie Li suddenly disappeared from her life? Each time the thought crossed her mind, a wave of panic surged through her unbidden. Though that guy was always so annoying, so irritating — he had also added a splash of color to what had been a pale and monotonous existence. He had made her feel noticed, feel protected.

Only when she saw Nie Li standing there did her heart finally settle.

"Ziyun!" Nie Li greeted her with a smile. Ye Ziyun had rushed over in such a hurry — could she really have come because she was worried about him and simply couldn't wait?

When she spotted Xiao Ning'er standing beside Nie Li, Ye Ziyun felt a sudden pang of depression for reasons she couldn't quite explain. She turned on her heel to leave. Nie Li had vanished for dozens of days without a word, and now that he was back, he was with Xiao Ning'er.

Nie Li caught sight of this and froze for a moment. He quickly stepped in front of Ye Ziyun, grinning. "You came all this way and want to leave without even saying hello?"

"I came to the wrong place," Ye Ziyun said with a pout. She absolutely would not admit that she had rushed over because she was worried about Nie Li.

Nie Li just looked Ye Ziyun over with a cheerful grin. It was so good to see her again.

Ye Ziyun suddenly caught herself — why was she feeling upset? Was it because Nie Li had left without a word, or was it because he had come back with Xiao Ning'er? Why was she having these emotions? A wave of confusion washed over her.

"The wrong place? You're sure you weren't looking for me?" Nie Li said with a playful smile. He suddenly reached out, took Ye Ziyun's hand, pressed the Wind Snow Spirit Pearl into her palm, and then strolled over toward Du Ze and the others. "This pearl is a gift for you. All my friends are here — let me introduce you."