Han approached. Breathing hard but standing. Blood on his clothes but not his. "You destroyed his cultivation base."
"Yeah."
"That's... advanced technique. Usually requires Golden Core realm or specific knowledge."
"Luna helped. Gave me tactical guidance." Hunter's legs felt wobbly. "Also I was really angry. Turns out rage plus Foundation Realm power equals improvised cultivation crippling."
"That's not how it's supposed to work." Han looked impressed despite himself. "But it did. So congratulations on your terrible technique that somehow succeeded."
"I'll add it to my list of questionable achievements."
Mei ran over. Threw herself at Hunter. He caught her with his good arm. Ribs screamed. Worth it.
"You kept your promise," she said. Quiet but certain. "You said we'd be safe. We're safe."
"Yeah. We're safe." He held her carefully. His daughter. The words still felt new. Strange. Right. "You're safe. I promised."
