Blood crusted Jared’s lips, and his face had gone bone white, a sight that dragged fear across every onlooker.
“Carry to the healing chamber at once!” Saleto commanded. Only hours earlier, Jared had finished mending his wounds and ascending in strength, yet now lay battered worse than before.
They trembled at the thought that his body might finally break. Inside the stone chamber, they eased onto a low slab. Saleto produced a pill and slipped it between Jared’s lips.
The medicine dissolved at once, its gentle warmth drifting through his meridians until a faint flush returned to his cheeks.
“He is safe,” Jhaelyn whispered, tears ofjoy sliding down cheeks as wrapped fingers around Jared’s. Jemima released the breath had been holding, gratitude shining in eyes.
Flaxseed patted his chest. “I nearly died of fright. I thought he’d die. Still, what a monster. He traded blows with an Earthly Immortal and even sent fleeing.”
Saleto sighed. “Dioz escaped, but will not rest. The Seventh Hall has made a mortal enemy of Malevolent Path Hall. We will know no peace?
“Afraid?” Flaxseed scoffed. “With Jared around, why worry? Once recovers, we will march on their den and wipe them out.”
Saleto offered a weary smile. He knew that the Malevolent Path Hall had a strong foundation, and feared the next foe would be stronger still.
In the hush of the chamber, they kept silent vigil beside Jared. Outside, clouds broke at last and sunlight spilled across the scarred square, planting a fragile seed of hope in every heart.
***
Three days passed. On the third morning, Jared’s fingers twitched, and his eyelids drifted open, confusion shimmered, then cleared.
He pushed himself upright. His meridians still tingled, yet the tearing agony had faded. Though his elixir field was not yet full, the power there felt heavier and more refined than before the battle.
The battle that had almost killed left his body broken, yet beneath that strain, his grasp of sword intent had settled into a deeper, keener truth.
Jhaelyn kept vigil at his bedside. The instant Jared’s eyes opened, lurched upright, rims already burning red. “You’re awake! How do you feel, does anything still hurt?”
He rested a gentle hand on shoulder, the cool brush of his fingers steadying her, and whispered, “I’m fine, Jhaelyn. It’s over…”
Jemima stepped in from the doorway carrying a steaming bowl of spirit porridge. She studied his face; when saw color returning, smiled. “Mr. Saleto says the ordeal is a blessing in disguise. The fight washed you in medicine and sword intent-your body is tougher than ever.”
Flaxseed squatted in the corner, a blade of grass clenched between his teeth, and chuckled. “Tough kid! Dioz barely escaped with his soul. I’d bet he’s already fled the Third Heaven and slithered into the Fourth.”
Jared took the bowl, sipping slowly. Warm spiritual broth slid down his throat and spread through every chilled bone and weary muscle. He set the empty bowl aside, eyes darkening. “Wherever runs, I’ll follow.”
Jhaelyn’s voice shook. “Jared, you just healed. The Fourth Heaven is a hundred times crueler than the Third. Dioz might find a way to regrow his strength there-”
He cut off, tone like granite. “I know. But if Dioz lives, I would’ve gotten hurt for nothing.”
Saleto entered then, sighing.
“The Fourth Heaven is no easy gate,” warned. “Countless Top Level Wandering Immortal Realm cultivators have tried to breach the lightning barrier and were reduced to dust. You‘re only at level six, barely able to summon the tribulation at all.”
