The battlefield fell silent, everyone stunned by the sudden turn of events. Time seemed to stop, the only sound the wind whistling past.
Hu Yulun's legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, his face a mask of terror. His complexion was ashen, his lips trembling. "This... how is this possible?" His eyes were wide, as if they might pop from their sockets, his hands clawing at the ground, seeking some semblance of security.
Isabella covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. Her body shook uncontrollably, like a leaf in the wind. "Too cruel, this is simply too cruel!" Her voice cracked, her beautiful face contorted by fear and sorrow.
Merlin stood frozen, his weapon clattering to the ground. His eyes were vacant, and he muttered, "Why? Why did this happen?" His hair was tousled by the wind, but he didn't notice, seeming to have lost his soul.
Aiden's eyes widened, his body shaking. His teeth chattered, his voice filled with dread. "Is this the power of a god? So merciless..." His legs were rooted to the spot, unable to move an inch.
The battle was over. The battlefield was filled with smoke and dust, a scene of utter devastation. The smoke was like a heavy curtain, slowly drifting in the wind, reluctant to disperse. The dust was like a layer of grey gauze, covering every inch of the land. Amidst the ruins, flames still flickered, occasionally crackling, as if the battlefield was groaning in pain.
Sun Wukong looked at Hu Yulun, Isabella, Merlin, and Aiden, the fury in his eyes gradually subsiding, replaced by a trace of weariness and relief. His gaze dimmed slightly, his eyelids drooping. The blazing flames that had once burned in his Fiery Eyes had now turned into warm embers.
"I, Old Sun, am off!" Sun Wukong tilted his head slightly, the Golden Cudgel casually resting on his shoulder, his demeanor carefree. His posture was still upright, but his movements betrayed a post-battle languor.
Hu Yulun hurried forward, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and his face was full of gratitude and reluctance. His steps were hurried and firm, each one kicking up a small puff of dust. "Great Sage Sun, we are deeply indebted to you this time. If you ever need help in the future, I will do everything I can to assist you." His eyes were sincere and resolute, his tone filled with respect. His gaze was like twinkling stars in the night sky, bright and fervent.
Sun Wukong waved his hand, the corners of his mouth tilting up into an easy smile. "Don't be so polite. Old Sun just couldn't stand seeing such injustice." With that, he turned to Guan Yu and Nezha, a hint of warmth in his eyes.
Guan Yu stroked his beard, nodding slightly. His movements were slow and steady, each stroke filled with contemplation and emotion. "Brother Sun, take care!" His eyes held respect for Sun Wukong, their depths like a vast abyss, seemingly containing a thousand words.
Nezha, on the other hand, said with a chuckle, "Great Sage, come play at my Chen Tang Pass when you have time!" His smile was like the spring sunshine, bright and full of vitality. The Flame-Tipped Spear in his hand swayed casually, the flames on its tip dancing in the afterglow.
Sun Wukong responded with a nod, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, and then he vanished into the sky with a Cloud Somersault. In that instant, a gust of wind arose, causing everyone's clothes to flutter.
Hu Yulun and the others gazed in the direction Sun Wukong had departed, silent for a long time. Their eyes followed the disappearing cloud, as if they wanted to forever inscribe Sun Wukong's figure in their hearts.
Isabella sighed softly, her beautiful eyes filled with emotion. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, like the fluttering wings of a butterfly. "Such a heroic figure, I truly hope we can meet again." Her voice was gentle, like the wind brushing over a stringed instrument.
Merlin patted Hu Yulun on the shoulder, his palm broad and strong. "Alright, we should go too." His face showed a hint of fatigue, but even more, determination.
Aiden nodded silently, a hint of lingering tension in his eyes. The four of them turned to leave, their steps heavy and slow, as if each one carried the memory of the recent battle.
Just then, Nezha spoke, "Everyone, the road ahead is treacherous. Be careful." His voice echoed across the empty battlefield, filled with concern and warning.
Hu Yulun turned back, a slight smile on his face. "Thank you for your concern, little Nezha," he said. Gratitude laced his smile, and the sweat on his forehead glistened in the setting sun.
Isabella's eyes flickered with worry, but she steeled herself. She straightened her back, took a deep breath, and said, "We will." Her voice was firm, but her slightly trembling lips betrayed her inner unease.
The four of them slowly started walking, their figures fading into the sunset. Their shadows stretched long, appearing lonely and small.
As Hu Yulun walked, he replayed the fierce battle in his mind, filled with emotion. His brow furrowed and then smoothed out, as if he were fighting a battle within himself.
"That battle was truly thrilling," Hu Yulun murmured to himself. His voice was low, as if he were speaking only to himself.
Merlin said, "Yes, I wonder if we will encounter such things again." His gaze was fixed on the distance, his eyes filled with a sense of bewilderment.
Isabella clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white from the force. "No matter what, we face it bravely." Her tone was resolute, like a vow.
Aiden gritted his teeth, the muscles in his jaw flexing. "Right, we won't be defeated by difficulties." Determination reignited in his eyes.
Their footsteps echoed on the silent road, sounding unusually clear. Each step was like questioning fate, and also like solidifying their own beliefs.
Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, kicking up a cloud of dust. The dust swirled around them, like a group of mischievous sprites, dancing and flitting about.
Hu Yulun stopped, squinting at the distance. His gaze was deep and focused, as if he could see the future road through the dust. "The road ahead is still long." His voice carried a trace of anticipation, mixed with a hint of worry.
Isabella nodded, her hair swaying in the wind. "But we won't retreat." Her eyes were firm, like burning torches.
Merlin took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. "Let's go, keep moving forward." His voice was steady and strong, as if he were encouraging everyone.
The four figures gradually disappeared into the night, leaving behind only the land that had been through the baptism of war, quietly witnessing everything. Every crack in the land, every piece of scorched earth, seemed to be telling the story of the thrilling battle that had just taken place.