This is the way
But like so many times before, the fate he was waiting for did not come true.
The moment Lucious crossed the boundary and entered his shadow's range the world was turned upside down.
Hao Xuan's shadow exploded into exactly two hundred fragments, each taking shape and physical form to manifest between the skeletons and Hao Xuan and blocking every single fist that came his way.
Hao Xuan felt the coldness from the rampant Yin energy wash over him but nothing else changed. He opened his eyes to the four familiar backs of Arthur, Malina, Olav, and Gamil all standing around him in perfect formation. (Mentioned around Ch 918-924)
And it wasn't just them, he recognized a lot of the others too because they still had their previous appearances. A little older than he remembered but it was still the same kids he had left here not too long ago.
They were surrounded by the same shimmering pale blue and white lights that the 'Death Moss' spiritual herbs were giving off.