Excitement sparkled in both men's eyes. Xie Huide couldn't contain his joy: "Brother He, follow me!"

You followed the two familiar figures to the secret chamber where Deng Wanshu lay. The three of you stood before that familiar cold jade bed. Deng Wanshu slept peacefully, her beautiful, gentle face utterly serene. She didn't know her fate would completely deviate from its original course today.

You opened your palm to reveal the Reviving Yang Pill. "I won't do this for you. Which of you wants the honor?"

Deng Rusong chuckled lightly: "Huide, you should do it."

Xie Huide nodded solemnly - he had waited too long for this moment. Last time, he'd waited until life's very end without achieving his desired outcome.

With utmost care, Xie Huide took the Reviving Yang Pill from your hand. He didn't use true qi to hold it - only the physical sensation in his palm could reassure him. Gently, he placed the pill into Deng Wanshu's rosy lips.

Then a stream of soft true qi flowed from Xie Huide into Deng Wanshu's body. As the qi circulated, the Reviving Yang Pill slowly dissolved, spreading through her body along the gentle energy currents. Within moments, the unnatural pallor faded from Deng Wanshu's skin, replaced by healthy, natural color.

Hope blazed in both Xie Huide and Deng Rusong's eyes. Xie Huide controlled his qi with even greater caution, like walking on thin ice. When the pill's medicinal properties had fully dispersed, he carefully withdrew his qi.

Xie Huide exhaled heavily in relief, then immediately fixed his gaze on Deng Wanshu's face. His heart pounded like thunder, his breathing rapid - like a prisoner awaiting judgment. Deng Rusong watched just as intently; though calmer outwardly, the unconscious twitching of his facial muscles betrayed his inner turmoil.

Time passed second by second. Deng Wanshu continued breathing steadily in deep slumber. One second, two seconds... one minute, two minutes... Just as the light of hope in the two men's eyes began fading, Deng Wanshu finally stirred!

Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly. That tiny movement seized both men's hearts. Unconsciously, they leaned closer for a better view.

Suddenly, Deng Wanshu's lashes began trembling violently, matching the frantic rhythm of their heartbeats. Then the trembling stopped abruptly. Her beautiful eyes flew open like dazzling fireworks bursting across the night sky.

Those clear eyes remained dazed for two seconds before focusing on the two tearful men before her.

"Wanshu!!"

"Little sister!"

Xie Huide and Deng Rusong's voices cracked with emotion - those long-awaited greetings carried years of bitterness and struggle. Only they knew what hardships they'd endured. Years of pent-up emotions left both men choking back sobs.

Deng Wanshu stared blankly at the weeping men. After seeming to ponder for two seconds, she asked innocently: "Big brother, second brother... whose funeral are you crying at?"

Xie Huide and Deng Rusong froze, then hurriedly wiped their tears. A moved smile spread across Xie Huide's face: "Wanshu, second brother wasn't crying. The wind got in my eyes - blame this tightly sealed secret chamber for being too windy!"

Deng Wanshu burst into silvery laughter so infectious it lightened your heart too. "Hahaha, what nonsense second brother! Still as unserious as ever!"

Then she blinked. "Huh? Second brother, big brother... why am I in a secret chamber? Wait! Did we escape that Marrow Washing realm expert? Where's third brother?! Did he... run away first?!"

Xie Huide and Deng Rusong exchanged amused glances before looking indulgently at their sister's rapid-fire questions. "Wanshu, take it slow," Xie Huide said gently but firmly. "I'll explain everything carefully."

Seeing your task complete, you quietly turned to leave. Behind you, conversation continued - mostly Deng Wanshu chattering like a sparrow:

"Wanshu, actually... it's been fifty years."

"I slept that long?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't anyone wake me~"

"We all wanted to."

"Wanting isn't enough~"

"Hahaha, we really did try waking you!"

"You didn't try hard enough! Were you starving?"

"Haha, exactly!"

"Then I'll cook for you! Full bellies mean loud voices to wake me~"

"Deal, hahaha..."

"Giggle..."

You left the chamber. Left the Danxia Sect. Reached the mountain gate. Turning back, you saw - when had this happened? - vibrant flowers blanketing the entire Danxia Mountain, welcoming its own springtime.

...

Returning to He Manor, Old Wang rushed out anxiously: "Young Master, you're finally back!!"

You frowned slightly. "Old Wang, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Young Master."

"Then why the urgency?"

"To show my concern for you!"

"Old Wang, you truly deserve being Youtong County's highest-paid steward. Your upward management skills are impeccable!"

Old Wang bowed happily - genuinely pleased at your safe return. After dismissing him, you headed straight to the cultivation chamber to examine your newly acquired Earth Source treasure.

Sitting cross-legged, your consciousness entered the simulation space. As an Ultimate Grandmaster, you could perceive the Earth Source without activating Divine Micro-Vision. Concentrating, the mist around the Earth Source dispersed, revealing three masks.

Three terrifying, exaggerated masks with grotesque fangs and intricate colorful patterns. Information flooded your mind:

Nuo Opera Masks, ranked fifth among Positive Yin affinity Earth Sources. Warriors who merge with them become enigmatic, excelling in divination and mystical arts.

Mastering all three masks grants three abilities:

First: Complete physical transformation - even close acquaintances couldn't recognize you.

Second: Perfect aura concealment - essential for travel or... less savory activities.

Third: Immunity to divination - even other Positive Yin Ultimate Grandmasters couldn't deduce your information.

"Nuo Opera Masks? Interesting!!" Though you couldn't merge Earth Sources beyond your Dry Metal affinity, you could master them without merging to access their powers.

For other Ultimate Grandmasters, unmerged Earth Sources would vanish within breaths. But you could store mastered Earth Sources permanently in your simulation space!

Your eyes gleamed: "Damn! This cheat is overpowered!!" Eagerly, you began mastering the first transformation mask - you'd test it on familiar faces like Xie Huide to verify its potency.