Chapter 459: Goodbye, Nightingale

As the trolls left, everyone stood up solemnly, filled with heartfelt admiration for this great clan. To remain uncorrupted by power despite such strength was something no one else could achieve, yet they managed it effortlessly—even willing to live in seclusion in the Netherworld for a thousand years. This showed everyone their true nature.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Rod grew increasingly anxious. His familiar figure still hadn’t appeared. Calculating the time, only a little over three months had passed since then, with half a year still to go. But no matter what the outcome was, he should at least get to see that figure. Moreover, the last time he was in the Netherworld, Elder Andrews had told him that she had recovered significantly. Why wasn’t she in sight now?

Sambik, Kambi, and Skora—those he knew best—were also not among the crowd. Could something have gone wrong? Rod wondered silently, but he couldn’t think of any possible problems.

Lucy, Ada, and Lilith beside him seemed still shy from Rod’s father’s words earlier, heads bowed and faces slightly red, adding a charming allure that fascinated some young men and filled them with envy toward Rod.

“Are you waiting for Sister Nightingale?” As the crowd neared its departure, Rod grew more and more anxious. Lilith asked softly, being much more mature than the other two and knowing more.

“She still hasn’t come out!” Rod said worriedly. He felt as restless as an ant on a hot pan.

“Just wait. Maybe she’ll appear at the end!” Lilith reassured him with a smile. Rod was too involved to see clearly. Now that all the trolls had left the Netherworld, surely no one would be left behind. Could Nightingale really be alone in there? She just hadn’t come out yet—it was their turn soon; she would appear.

“Elder!” Finally, Rod couldn’t hold back any longer and went to Andrews, asking helplessly.

“Waiting for Nightingale?” Andrews asked jokingly.

“I haven’t seen her. Where is she?” Rod asked urgently.

“Don’t worry. It’s fine. She’s recovered a lot and will come out soon!” How could a group of over a thousand people all leave at once? It was normal for some to stay behind. Seeing Rod’s eagerness, Andrews smiled wryly.

“She’s here!” Just as Rod was about to ask further, Andrews said calmly. Hearing his words, Rod quickly turned to look, and indeed, the last group of people emerged from the Netherworld. At that moment, a striking figure appeared before everyone’s eyes. Her complexion was slightly pale, giving her a frail appearance, with a faint smile that added to her sickly beauty and made her stand out even more. “Nightingale!” Rod murmured, stunned. Yes, wasn’t it Nightingale standing across from him? She had truly returned. Seeing her, Rod’s worried heart settled, and he let out a long sigh, filled with immense joy and excitement. She had recovered to this extent in just over three months—far beyond his expectations. Truly, she was the greatest healer among the trolls. Looking at that familiar face, Rod felt a pang in his heart and couldn’t help but want to touch her, but he didn’t step forward. “Head!” Sambik and the others standing beside Nightingale seemed to have long endured the loneliness of the Netherworld and were excitedly shouting as soon as they got out. They had also been waiting eagerly, and now they could finally see her. At that moment, not only Rod but also all members of the Death Scythe Squad began to make noise. Their sister had returned, their brothers had returned—they were reunited, forming a complete family once again. Following behind Rod, a few people stepped forward slowly and soon reached Nightingale and the others. They were part of the last group to emerge, so there was a bit of emptiness around them. “Well, kid. I’ve returned her to you. The effects of the Rainbow Ice Essence exceed my expectations!” The old man who had taken Nightingale back said with emotion. With such severe injuries, to be honest, he wasn’t sure he could save her. Without the Rainbow Ice Essence sustaining her life, even the gods wouldn’t have been able to save her. When he brought her into the Netherworld and treated her, he witnessed the terrifying potency and miraculous effects of the Rainbow Ice Essence—it had pulled this girl back from the brink of death without much effort, and she recovered quickly afterward. Now, aside from being slightly weak, Nightingale had no other problems. After all, her internal organs had been shattered—yet they were repaired? In less than four months? It was a miracle! Seeing her standing in front of Rod now, the old man felt deeply satisfied. He had lived up to his reputation and hadn’t disappointed Rod.

“Thank you!” Rod looked deeply at the old man and said excitedly, his voice trembling slightly from emotion. He remembered the slight doubt and hesitation he had felt when Andrews introduced this strange old man to him back when he first entered the Netherworld. Now, thinking about it, he felt a bit ashamed.

“Well, I won’t disturb your reunion anymore. If you need anything, come to the Troll Tribe in the Hundred Thousand Mountains!” The old man smiled faintly and said with emotion, his gaze deep as he looked into the distance, lost in thought. Then, taking a deep breath, he strode off in pursuit of the Trolls.

Watching the old man leave, Rod was filled with emotion. The Hundred Thousand Mountains—it seemed the Trolls had been preparing for this for a long time. Rod thought deeply that the Hundred Thousand Mountains would undergo great changes in the future.

After finishing talking to the doctor, Rod turned his attention to Nightingale. At this moment, though weak, Nightingale exuded a delicate beauty. Looking at her, Rod was overwhelmed with emotion. He had worried about her for so many days and nights, and now she was finally in front of him—how could he not feel relieved?

“Are you okay?” Rod asked, his voice tinged with bitterness as he looked at Nightingale. After going through so much, they could finally stop worrying about so many things.

“I’m fine. How about you?” Nightingale asked softly, looking at Rod with concern. Although she had been in the Netherworld, she was still aware of many things outside. Knowing how much had happened since she left and how much suffering Rod had endured alone made her feel heartache.

The atmosphere between the two was warm yet awkward, leaving the others at a loss. Eventually, Sognar broke the silence: “Alright, you two, stop being so affectionate here. We’re all human beings! Aren’t you ashamed?”

Sure enough, those words worked. It seemed Rod and Nightingale finally realized the situation around them. They coughed awkwardly, and Rod’s face turned red for the first time.

The others glared fiercely at this guy who always ruined the atmosphere. Such an atmosphere might seem cheesy to men like Sognar, but for women like Lilith, it was warm. Wouldn’t a woman want her man to be romantic with her at a time like this?

So Sognar’s actions once again provoked outrage. Fortunately, it was in a public place; otherwise, he might have gotten into trouble.

After a brief reunion, Rod and Nightingale suppressed their excitement and calmed down.
“Sis, let’s go back and rest first. Ignore these guys!” Lucy said, pulling Nightingale aside. Seeing Nightingale’s weak state, the girls felt deep sympathy for her. They respected and cared for her greatly, as she had been through life and death with Rod.
Nightingale nodded and didn’t stay to disturb Rod and the others. Instead, she followed Lucy and the group toward the city lord’s mansion.
Rod and the rest watched from the platform as the trolls left, filled with emotion.
It was a long time before they realized the trolls had left the city gates. Only then did they snap out of their thoughts and turned to Andrews and the few elders who remained. “Let’s head to the city lord’s mansion first!” Rod said.
Soon, the group set off toward the city lord’s mansion.
Meanwhile, the square was still in chaos. Everyone was confused by the trolls’ decision, feeling utterly bewildered by the sheer impact it had had. Some imaginative people began to make wild guesses, while others sighed—such a powerful clan retreating meant a loss for the Source of Darkness.
Fortunately, they were still around, acting as guardians. Thinking of the trolls’ strength, these people felt a sense of security. Having such power as guardians was indeed a fortunate thing.
It was a pity that the Netherworld had lost the trolls’ protection! What would become of it in the future? No one knew, but one thing was certain: it would no longer be the same as before. At least, there wouldn’t be as much enthusiasm for the annual opening of the Netherworld.
At this moment, surely they understood why those who entered the Netherworld made rapid progress—it was definitely because of the trolls. Now that they had left, the Netherworld seemed like a soulless shell, no longer miraculous or glorious.
The trolls’ retreat disappointed everyone who had come to witness their return. For a whole day, people discussed the matter. However, the members of the major families maintained a rare unity and silence, avoiding any talk about it.