Chapter 148: Awakening

"Senior sister, your wounds!" Shi Ran looked at Ruan Xinli's pallid face and the bloodstains on her clothes, anxious to the point of almost crying.

"It's fine, I've temporarily suppressed it." Ruan Xinli shook her head, enduring the surging qi and blood and the stabbing pain from her meridians. She withstood a blow from the Ice Soul Giant Bear, forcibly used a Thunder Law Talisman, and was then ambushed by that strange sable; her injuries were indeed serious. She immediately took a pill, circulated her qi for a moment, and her complexion improved slightly.

She looked at Shi Ran tightly holding the jade box in her arms: "Is the Soul-Nourishing Flower alright?"

Shi Ran hastily opened the jade box; three crystal-clear, translucent spiritual flowers emitting a warm white light lay unharmed inside, and their pure soul energy refreshed both of them.

"Thank goodness it's safe." Ruan Xinli breathed a sigh of relief; if the painstakingly found spiritual flower were lost, she truly wouldn't know what to do.

"Senior sister, that sable just now"—Shi Ran looked at her own wrist—"does it seem afraid of something on my wrist?"

Ruan Xinli nodded solemnly: "I noticed as well. Even the earlier Ice Soul Giant Bear hesitated for a moment when your aura fluctuated. This red thread... seems to have a special restraint or intimidation over such extreme-cold yin-attribute demonic beasts?" But this is not good; it means the hidden danger on Shi Ran's body is more complex than imagined and more easily triggered in such an environment.

"We must leave immediately." Ruan Xinli made a swift decision: "Your seal is unstable, my injuries are serious, we shouldn't linger. That strange sable just now might have companions or something even more fearsome that was startled."

Shi Ran nodded hurriedly; she was also very anxious.

The two dared not linger, identified the direction, and hurried toward the outskirts of the snow region. Eager to return, and having already familiarized themselves with the route on the way there, despite their poor condition, their speed was actually considerably faster than on the way out.

After several days, the two safely crossed the wasteland beyond the snow region and once again saw that azure, dreamlike lake—Blue Wave River.

Passing through the formation at the entrance, a familiar warm, moist breath blew over them, dispelling the chill and fatigue all over. The maid who had already received the message was waiting at the shore.

"Lady Ruan, Lady Shi, you've worked hard. Lord Clear River has been informed of your return; please follow me."

The maid led the two directly to the quiet chamber.

The quiet chamber's door opened; sandalwood scent remained as before. Qi Chengshuang still sat on the futon regulating his breath, his complexion still pale but his breath noticeably steadier than when they left. Shen Lingyue lazily leaned by the window, her gaze sweeping over the two, lingering a moment on Ruan Xinli's bloodstained clothes and pale face, her brow faintly furrowed.

"Master!" Shi Ran rushed first to Ling Xiao's side, seeing him still unconscious but with steady breath, she felt slightly relieved, then immediately turned to Shen Lingyue, respectfully presenting the jade box: "Senior Shen, the Soul-Nourishing Flower has been retrieved."

Shen Lingyue flicked her fingertip; the jade box flew into his hand. He opened it, glanced inside, and nodded: "Not bad, this is indeed the flower; its age and medicinal properties are top-notch, you've done well."

He looked at Ruan Xinli: "Your injuries are serious."

Ruan Xinli bowed slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Senior; it's only a minor injury, I'll be fine after a few days of breath regulation. I wonder about Senior Brother Qi..."

"He's fine, he won't die anytime soon." Shen Lingyue spoke calmly yet with a reassuring strength: "Since the ingredients are ready, I will now fire the furnace to concoct pills. Within the next forty-nine hours, no disturbance is allowed."

He took the Soul-Nourishing Flower and other prepared auxiliary ingredients, turned and walked to one side of the quiet chamber. There, unbeknownst when, stood an ancient-looking cauldron whose entire body exuded a misty spiritual glow. Shen Lingyue flicked her sleeve; the furnace fire sparked on its own, a strange, icy flame leaping and burning, yet emitting powerful spiritual undulations.

He poured the ingredients in one by one, his hand movements flowing like clouds and water, containing some profound Dao rhythm; soon he was wholly immersed in pill refining, his aura merging with the furnace as if he had become a world unto himself.

Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran dared not disturb him, quietly stepping aside.

Only then did Ruan Xinli turn to Qi Chengshuang and softly ask: "Chengshuang, how are your injuries..."

Qi Chengshuang opened his eyes, meeting her concerned gaze, his heart warmed slightly, and he whispered: "With Lord Clear River's aid, I've temporarily stabilized; no serious problem."

His gaze fell on her bloodstained clothes, his brow furrowed: "How are your injuries?"

"It's fine, I've already taken medicine." Ruan Xinli shook her head, not wanting him to worry.

Shi Ran added softly from the side: "Senior sister was injured by the Ice Soul Giant Bear while trying to save me..."

Qi Chengshuang's eyes narrowed; his gaze at Ruan Xinli was full of pity, and after a moment he said: "From now on, be sure to protect your own safety first."

Ruan Xinli blinked, apparently not expecting that even a straight man like Qi Chengshuang would have a tender moment; she blushed slightly and lowered her head: "Alright, I promise you!"

Shi Ran on the side rolled her eyes, thinking she had just said something unnecessary!

Inside the quiet chamber, a hush fell; only the faint crackle of flames in the furnace and the occasional sharp sound of Shen Lingyue's spiritual gestures could be seen. In the firelight, Shen Lingyue's side profile was focused and earnest, a stark contrast to her usual lazy laxity, revealing the bearing of an unparalleled powerhouse.

Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran also seized the moment to sit cross-legged and regulate their breath, restoring spiritual power and healing injuries.

Time flowed slowly in the silence. The medicinal fragrance within the furnace gradually grew richer; inhaling it made one's soul feel refreshed, clearly the pill was successfully coalescing.

As the forty-ninth hour approached, the energy fluctuations inside the furnace peaked, humming and vibrating, the lid trembled, and rays of rosy light seeped through the gaps.

At that moment, Shen Lingyue suddenly unleashed the final seal, shouting lowly: "Open!"

The furnace lid shot skyward; three pills the size of dragon eyes, round and lustrous, radiating seven-colored rosy light and a rich soul fragrance, flew out and were caught one by one in the jade bottles he had prepared beforehand.

Pill accomplished!

Shen Lingyue's face showed a hint of faint fatigue, but her eyes were bright. He walked to Ling Xiao's side, took out a pill, carefully fed it into his mouth, and used his own spiritual power to help dissolve its potency.

Upon entering the abdomen, the pill's mighty yet gentle power instantly spread, like sweet rain falling on parched earth. Ling Xiao's pallid complexion visibly flushed with a hint of red, the lingering weak black aura at his brow gradually faded, and the faint soul undulations grew strong and steady.

Everyone held their breath and stared intently.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Ling Xiao's long eyelashes twitched a few times, then he slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was initially dazed and scattered, but quickly cleared, though still bearing the weakness of recent recovery from grave injury.

"Master!" "Master!"

Shi Ran and Qi Chengshuang exclaimed in surprise and joy, rushing forward. Even Wei Yuzhu and Luo Changfeng, who were in the midst of breath regulation, were startled awake, struggling to come over.

"Cough... what is this...?" Ling Xiao's voice hoarse and weak, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings; upon seeing Shen Lingyue, a flash of understanding crossed his eyes: "Lord Clear River... thank you for your aid."

"No need for thanks, calmly absorb the medicinal power." Shen Lingyue's tone remained indifferent, but her eyes softened considerably.

Ling Xiao said no more, closed his eyes, and focused on guiding the vast medicinal power within his body to repair his damaged soul and meridians.

After another half-hour, he opened his eyes again; his breath was now much steadier, although still far from his former peak, he was evidently no longer in mortal danger.

He looked at the disciples gathered around him, feeling gratified, but when his gaze fell on Qi Chengshuang, he paused briefly, a fleeting hint of complex sorrow crossing his eyes.

"I've made you worry." Ling Xiao spoke slowly, his voice still weak but much clearer: "Having safely survived this tribulation, I also thank you all!"

"Master, as long as you're well, that's enough." Qi Chengshuang said.

Ling Xiao nodded, turning his gaze to Shen Lingyue: "Lingyue, great kindness needs no thanks. Had it not been for you..."

Shen Lingyue waved her hand, cutting him off: "I'm not doing this for you. Cut the formalities." Though he said so, it was obvious his relationship with Ling Xiao was deep.

Ling Xiao understood his temperament, so he stopped with further thanks, merely keeping this favor in mind. He looked at Qi Chengshuang, his tone heavy: "Chengshuang, your injury..."

"Master, the disciple is incompetent." Qi Chengshuang whispered.

"Not your fault." Ling Xiao, the True Person, sighed: "It is I, as master, who failed to protect you." He struggled to sit up, and Shi Ran rushed forward to support him.

After sitting up, Ling Xiao's gaze swept over the disciples again, lingering a moment on Shi Ran, then turned utterly stern: "The aura of annihilation on Chengshuang's person is no trivial matter; I've been unconscious for days—report every detail, big or small, to me!"

He looked at Shen Lingyue: "And you—why are you not in the Support Immortals Sect, but running about at Blue Wave River doing what?"

Thinking of the Support Immortals Sect, Shen Lingyue gave a cold snort, but unable to say it in front of these juniors, he redirected the topic to Qi Chengshuang, recounting their recent events and his own conjectures.

Upon hearing this, Ling Xiao's face instantly turned grim, his eyes blazing with anger: "The Heaven Demon Clan was already exterminated, wasn't it? How could there be a remnant like Shouji?"

For many years, the other party has hidden extremely deeply, and with his skillful methods, it's truly hard to investigate for a while." Shen Lingyue said lightly, "But since a clue has been left, there will come a day when the truth shows.

Lingxiao fell silent a moment, looking at Qichengshuang, eyes firm: "Qichengshuang, rest assured, I as your master will surely find a way to eradicate dead qi and rebuild your Dao foundation—even if I must search the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, I will spare no effort!"

"Master..." Qichengshuang's heart trembled, warmth and sourness intertwined.

"And you, Junior Disciple Ruan." Lingxiao then looked at Ruan Xinli, his eyes softening somewhat: "This time, thanks to you and Shi Ran risking to obtain the Soul-nurturing flower. How are your injuries?"

"Disciple is fine, elders, rest assured."

Lingxiao nodded, then looked at Shi Ran, his gaze lingering on her wrist for a moment, brows slightly furrowed: "This red silk, on your wrist..."

Shi Ran instinctively pulled her hand back, her expression extremely uneasy.

Shen Lingyue said: "This girl's problem is also not small. As you see, the Red Silk Entanglement has been mutated by stimulation; even the Seven-Colored Fire Lotus and Abyssal demonic power cannot contain it. Moreover, a remnant soul is attached, feeding on her qi and blood soul power to nourish itself, attempting to seize her body and be reborn. The caster's cultivation is likely not inferior to yours, and their method is extremely evil."

Lingxiao turned pale: "What?! This actually happened! How is the Red Silk Entanglement now? You... are you alright?"

Shi Ran's eyes reddened, she lowered her head: "The Red Silk Entanglement is already wrapped around my wrist!" She extended her hand; a single red thread lay clearly exposed on her skin.

Shi Ran still felt a bit guilty: "As for why I became like this, I don't know how it happened; I only know it's related to Shouji."

She tried not to worry Lingxiao with a few words, but Lingxiao knew how hard it had been for her to return: "The urgent priority now is to undo the Red Silk Entanglement!" He looked at Shen Lingyue: "Lord Qinghe, if we gather the Five Directions Immortal Treasures, can this Gu poison be completely eliminated?"

"Troublesome." Shen Lingyue spoke bluntly: "The curse mark is deeply entwined with her soul; forcibly removing it would lightly damage her soul, or at worst kill her on the spot, exactly fulfilling the remnant soul's intent to devour and seize her body. We must find the core of the curse mark and the remnant soul's weakness, and proceed gradually. For now I have temporarily sealed it, but we must quickly find a thorough solution, otherwise the seal won't last."

A string of bad news made Lingxiao's face turn even paler; he coughed violently, evidently his agitation had aggravated his injury.

"Master, take care of your health!" the disciples urged in unison.

Lingxiao caught his breath, his face full of weariness and gravity. He hadn't expected that in just a few days, not only had he nearly caused his most promising disciple to lose his cultivation and life, but he himself was gravely injured and near death, and yet this also dragged out so many hidden conspiracies and dangers. Regarding Qichengshuang's poisonous hand, Shi Ran's evil curse... it all seemed like an invisible net, making him feel chills.

The atmosphere in the quiet room grew heavy and oppressive once again.

Outside the window, mist and clouds surged more violently, faint thunder rumbled in the distance— the wind fills the tower before the mountain rain.

Shen Lingyue gazed out the window, his eyes deep, as if piercing through layers of mist to see a farther future; he murmured softly, as if speaking to everyone:

"The wind and rain have come; there is no escaping. Only by facing them can we seize a sliver of survival."

"Lingxiao, your several disciples probably cannot stay out of this. The urgent priority is to heal your injuries. Then..."

He didn't go on, but everyone understood.

Then, it would be to confront the hidden black hand behind the scenes, to uncover the truth of all this, and to fight for an unknown future of life or death.

Qichengshuang clenched his fist; the sword intent that had lain dormant for long, like a spark under ice, quietly revived. Ruan Xinli's eyes were firm, she silently stood at the master's side. Even Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu struggled to sit up, their eyes filled with unyielding fighting spirit.

Bibo Chuan remained tranquil, but the aura of the storm had already descended.

Shen Lingyue's words were like a heavy lead weight sinking into everyone's hearts, raising wave after wave, but quickly replaced by a resolute determination to fight to the death. The air in the quiet room seemed to freeze, yet surged silently with imminent power.

"Lord Qinghe is right." Lingxiao drew a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his inner weakness and the turmoil in his heart, his gaze sweeping over the disciples: "Fear and avoidance won't solve the problem. Qichengshuang's dead qi and mark, Shi Ran's curse mark, and the hidden black hand in the dark—we must take the initiative."

His gaze finally fell on Shen Lingyue: "The urgent priority, as Lord Qinghe said, is first to recover from our injuries. We have troubled you long enough here..."

Shen Lingyue impatiently cut him off: "Lingxiao, stop with these polite formalities before me. Bibo Chuan still has plenty of spiritual air for a few breaths of yours. Looking like that, if you go out you'll likely collapse before even seeing your enemies' faces. Stay put here honestly; no one may leave until your injuries are fully healed."

Though his tone remained blunt, the protective intent was clear. Lingxiao knew his old friend's temperament, felt grateful, said no more, and merely gave a slight nod.

Shen Lingyue turned his gaze to Shi Ran: "Girl, come over."

Shi Ran shuddered, quickly stepped forward, and extended the wrist bound with the red silk.