Chapter 96: One Battle Returns to the Pre-Liberation Era

The cold air inside the cavern gradually dissipated, and the sound of melting ice crystals dripping was exceptionally clear in the silence.

Ling Xiao held Shi Ran, his palm still pressed against the fire lotus blooming on her forehead, spiritual power surging in like a river, yet it was as if poured into a bottomless abyss, her soul gradually dissipating.

"Shi Ran!" His voice low, his heart filled with unprecedented panic, "Hold on!" I must hold on! Otherwise....

As if hearing Ling Xiao's voice from the depths of his heart, Shi Ran's eyelashes trembled slightly, but she had no strength left to open her eyes; the corner of her mouth twitched faintly, as if she wanted to say something, but only a trace of blood seeped out, sliding down her pale jaw.

Ling Xiao's pupils contracted instantly, his fingertips whitening from exertion; he was about to increase the flow of spiritual power when he suddenly lifted his head and looked toward the cavern's entrance.

"Master, how are you all?"

"Master, has He Yuan been sealed??"

Several clear voices sounded, followed by several figures rushing in. At their lead were Ling Xiao's few disciples, each injured but clear-minded, finally having escaped from that endless Nightmare Sect.

Seeing the scene inside the cavern, they were all startled, their faces solemn.

Luo Changfeng saw Shi Ran, breathless in Ling Xiao's arms, his face changed drastically, and he stepped forward, saying, "Master, Junior Sister Shi Ran, how is she?"

"Changfeng!!" Ling Xiao interrupted Luo Changfeng, his voice hoarse and terrifying: "Let's leave the secret realm first!"

Luo Changfeng startled, then reacted: "Alright! Master, we'll first take Junior Sister out of the secret realm!"

Gu Yusheng and Mei Ruoxue exchanged a glance; Mei Ruoxue leaned lightly into Gu Yusheng's embrace, unsure what she felt, while Shi Ran seemed about to perish, yet she could not feel happy—no matter what, Shi Ran was also her junior sister; although her intentions were not upright, after all, she was her little junior sister!

Wei Yuzhu and Ruan Xinli later descended into the cavern; seeing this, both were startled, Wei Yuzhu's tears immediately welled up—this Shi Ran, truly strange, she feared death yet bravely stood before all of them.

That was He Yuan! Even the Candle Yin Seal cost him some effort to break, while Shi Ran, merely at Foundation Establishment and not even Golden Core, yet with her own power, held back his advance.

Ruan Xinli wiped her tears while stepping forward to take Shi Ran's pulse.

"Impossible!" Ruan Xinli wanted to speak but stopped, staring fiercely at the fire lotus blooming on Shi Ran's forehead.

This is the Seven-Colored Fire Lotus!!! Bright red like blood, blooming on Shi Ran's forehead, as if drawing her essence; the weaker she became, the more the lotus blossomed.

Seven-Colored Fire Lotus, an Ancient Immortal Treasure—who would have thought it so strange?

Several people turned to look at Gu Yusheng, inexplicably feeling that only he could obtain this Seven-Colored Fire Lotus, yet they never expected it to now bloom on Shi Ran's forehead.

Looking again at Ling Xiao, though he was usually cold-hearted and aloof as a master, his brows were tightly furrowed; even as Ru Xinli took the pulse, he never set Shi Ran down.

How could it be... they each pondered in their hearts, feeling that things shouldn't be this way, yet they were, and thus they were, and what could be done about it?

Ling Xiao forced himself to calm down, looking at Ruan Xinli, unaware that his low voice had already betrayed him: "How?"

"Perhaps!" Ruan Xinli withdrew her hand, adopting a more acceptable explanation: "My master might have a solution!"

"Alright, then let's leave the secret realm first!" Ling Xiao gave the order, and the disciples only then took out the iris flower, blew gently, and dreamed themselves outside the secret realm.

In a place unseen by others, only Ruan Xinli wore a heavy expression; the master's solution was Soul-Congealing Grass, but this grass is a forbidden substance in the cultivation world—even if, after countless efforts, it were found and could be taken, Shi Ran's body could not withstand it.

Death would be best; if not, then all past memories would be forgotten....

After leaving the secret realm, the sky was already near dusk; the setting sun like blood dyed half the sky red. The Snow Abyss's ice and snow still raged, the cold wind carrying ice and snow blew mercilessly on people's faces, painful as a knife cut.

But this pain paled compared to Ling Xiao's inner anguish; in this secret realm expedition, no matter who won the championship, he wondered if he had no way to even glance at that ancient book.

In the cultivation world, as long as he spoke, who would deny Wanshan Jun face? Yet he insisted on having Shi Ran participate in this secret realm expedition.

Everyone praised him for teaching his disciples well and being strict with himself, but only he knew he was doing this to escape, to flee the tumultuous feelings in his heart, forgetting that Shi Ran had no interest in cultivation and cherished her own life all the more, yet he demanded this of her!

Ling Xiao carried Shi Ran as he hurried, regret spreading like a tide; he dared not delay even a moment, his Dragon Chant Sword nearly shedding sparks, yet he remained oblivious, only aware that Shi Ran's breath grew ever weaker while the fire lotus glowed ominously, as if drawing his last vitality.

The Soul-Congealing Grass known to Ruan Xinli is an Ancient Forbidden Medicine; the cultivation world has Soul-Congealing Grass, the demon realm has Mysterious Pearl Grass, and Ling Xiao knows this too. Legend says this grass can gather souls and reshape the body, but at a great cost: not only must the practitioner expend half their cultivation, but the saved person will also lose all memories, forgetting the past.

"Master, are we really going to ask Ruan Xinli's master for help?" Luo Changfeng couldn't help but ask, "Soul-Congealing Grass... after all, it's a forbidden medicine."

Ling Xiao's steps did not cease, his voice low and firm: "What does it matter if it's forbidden? As long as it can save her."

Gu Yusheng frowned slightly, wanting to speak but holding back; Mei Ruoxue gently tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "The master's mind is made up; we... had better follow along."

Three days later, Shi Ran finally opened her eyes.

Her gaze was clear and unfamiliar, like that of a newborn baby, full of wonder at everything around her.

"Who... are you?" she asked softly, her voice gentle and bewildered.

Ling Xiao stood by the bedside, heart aching, yet he forced a faint smile: "We are your fellow sect members; you're injured and need to rest properly."

Shi Ran blinked, nodded obediently, then looked curiously around, as if everything felt fresh and new.

Mei Ruoxue couldn't help but redden her eyes, whispering, "She really... remembers nothing."

Gu Yusheng gently patted her shoulder, offering silent comfort.

Luo Changfeng clenched his fists, his heart a tangle of emotions; Wei Yuzhu and Ruan Xinli stood silently aside, unsure what to say.

Ling Xiao gave Shi Ran a deep look, then turned and left the room. He stood in the courtyard, gazing at the distant sky, his heart an empty void.

She forgot the past, forgot everything between them, and also forgot... how she once threw herself before them without regard for her own safety.

But it's fine; as long as she lives, everything can start anew.

He took a deep breath, suppressed the sourness in his heart, and returned to his former composure.