Chapter 282: You Succeeded (Revised)

Lin Yifan looked at Ruan Qingtan's stubborn gaze, wrestled internally for a moment, then finally nodded slowly: "Fine, but you must promise me that if you feel unwell, you will stop immediately."

Although he disagreed, since so many lives were at stake, he had no reason nor the right to stop Ruan Qingtan.

"I promise to watch my own condition and will never act recklessly," Ruan Qingtan immediately flashed a radiant smile, then bowed her head to continue studying that leather-bound booklet.

At this moment, everyone's legs were stuck in the steps, crawling like snails, extremely slow, which gave the only unaffected Ruan Qingtan enough time to study.

Meanwhile, Yin Mian stood nearby, looking thoughtful, and suddenly pulled a small crystal bottle from his coat:

"This is Moonlight Dew, which can help beginners quickly restore mental energy. One drop each time should let her sustain until she learns basic magical skills."

"However, although this thing can restore mental energy, whether she can actually learn magic depends on whether she can successfully absorb magical power into her body and activate her Holy Light Body to become a junior mage."

"If she can't absorb magic, then everything is for naught!"

"I believe she can definitely do it." Lin Yifan took the crystal bottle, feeling the cool energy within, and solemnly thanked: "I'll remember this favor; whenever I can be of help in the future, I'll give my all."

"Just taking what each needs." Yin Mian waved his hand, saying nonchalantly: "The stronger you are, the more it benefits me; after all, I'm the one who placed the bet on you."

After Lin Yifan received the crystal bottle, he didn't hand it to Ruan Qingtan immediately, but first examined it himself.

Moonlight Dew: an extremely rare special item

Effect: Each drop of Moonlight Dew is a condensed essence of moonlight, possessing incomparably pure energy that leaves the user refreshed and clear‑headed

The description has no issues!

This let Lin Yifan set his mind at ease and promptly pass the Moonlight Dew into Ruan Qingtan's hands.

Ruan Qingtan, after taking it, showed a hesitant expression:

"I just heard your conversation; this thing seems precious. Are you sure you want me to drink it? I'm afraid I can't repay this favor!"

Lin Yifan stared at Ruan Qingtan, speechless: "Are you still being polite to me? I'm your Captain; helping you improve is part of my duty. If you're this courteous, it defeats the purpose!"

Ruan Qingtan gave an awkward smile: "Captain, I'm just worried I'd be a trouble for you!"

But the next second, she took the crystal bottle.

She opened the cap; inside was a dropper.

She carefully lifted the dropper, dripped one drop into her mouth, said nothing else, and immediately found a corner to close her eyes and meditate.

Minutes ticked by, and the cave's atmosphere grew increasingly heavy. More and more Survivors began showing leg numbness, and no matter what they tried, they could not relieve it.

Everyone felt their bodies nearing a limit, and panic spread through the crowd.

Some tried burning, cutting, even using magic to stimulate their legs, but all to no avail.

"Ah! My legs have gone completely numb!" a middle‑aged man shouted in terror.

"Me too! What on earth is happening?"

"Will we be paralyzed forever?"

Amid the noisy chatter, Lin Yifan noticed Ai Rui Li Ya standing afar, her silver eyes fixed on Ruan Qingtan's direction, her expression wavering.

"It seems the Dawn Alliance people are already suspicious," Yin Mian whispered.

Lin Yifan calmly shifted his position, blocking the line of sight between Ruan Qingtan and Ai Rui Li Ya: "Don't worry! Ai Rui Li Ya won't act rashly for now. After all, this is a contaminated zone; they also need to preserve strength."

At that moment, Ruan Qingtan suddenly stood, forming a strange hand seal on her chest.

A faint white aura began to emanate around her, as if bathed in moonlight.

"I think… I've grasped it," she said, voice trembling, but her eyes glittered with excitement.

Yin Mian quickly moved to her side: "Quickly try Holy Light Rain; remember, imagine the light elements falling gently like a drizzle, don't forcefully control them."

Ruan Qingtan inhaled deeply at the words, then slowly closed her eyes.

Her lips moved gently, chanting an obscure incantation.

At first there was no response, but gradually, the ceiling of the cave began to gather specks of white light.

"It's working!" someone exclaimed.

The light specks multiplied, eventually forming a hazy luminous mist. The mist drifted down slowly, like a fine rain, sprinkling over everyone. Survivors touched by the light rain showed surprised expressions, shouting excitedly:

"My legs… feel something!"

"Incredible! The numbness is fading!"

"What on earth is happening?"

Cheers rose repeatedly.

Lin Yifan also felt a warm energy seep into his body, and the heaviness in his legs gradually lessened.

He turned to look at Ruan Qingtan, only to see her complexion as pale as paper, her body swaying as if about to collapse.

"Enough! Stop!" Lin Yifan lunged forward in a single stride, supporting the about‑to‑fall Ruan Qingtan.

Yin Mian quickly took the crystal bottle from her hand, poured a drop of Moonlight Dew into her mouth: "Your mental energy is overdrawn; you need to rest immediately."

Ruan Qingtan smiled weakly: "I… did it…"

"You did well; rest now," Lin Yifan whispered soothingly.

At that moment, a crisp round of applause rang out.

Ai Rui Li Ya walked forward slowly, her silver armor glittering in the light rain: "Brilliant performance, Miss Ruan, my bad mood was indeed justified; you truly possess the Holy Light Body."

"We're all in the same boat now; I consider this friendship, so why hide it from each other?"

Lin Yifan immediately stepped in front of Ruan Qingtan, speaking calmly: "Princess Ai Rui Li Ya, now is not the time to discuss this."

Ai Rui Li Ya gracefully raised her hand, and in the gaze toward Li Yifan, she rarely showed a hint of coldness, speaking aloof:

"No need to be so tense; I bear no ill will. On the contrary, I wish to formally invite Miss Ruan on behalf of the Dawn Alliance. With her talent, she can receive the best cultivation and resources with us."

"No need," Lin Yifan replied resolutely, "She's my teammate; I'll take good care of her."

Ai Rui Li Ya's gaze sharpened, her tone icy: "Lin Yifan, do you know what you're refusing? The Holy Light Body is a millennial rarity; only within the Dawn Alliance can she realize its full potential!"

"I've said it, no need." Lin Yifan's hand was already on the hilt, his gaze firm and decisive, without a hint of wavering.