On the other side

Nulao dared not defy Wen Feichen's orders. No matter how inconsequential the opponent appeared, they were beyond their ability to handle. After exchanging glances, Nulao asked, "May I inquire, Elder Wen, are we certain that the woman is entirely powerless?"

"Absolutely certain!" Wen Feichen replied with patience. "Now, pursue her; any one of you can capture her and bring her back to Young Master Long. You will not be left unrewarded."

"Understood. We will chase after her!" A fierce and resentful glint flashed in Nulao's eyes. He had endured much from the Blood War Gang these days, and many of his Wind and Rain Pavilion brethren had perished, leaving none from the Body Refinement realm.

Unable to vent his anger on Wen Feichen, he naturally turned his wrath towards Yang Kai and Xia Ningchang.

With Xia Ningchang powerless to resist, how could a mere Yang Kai be of concern?

Once the Wind and Rain Pavilion members vanished into the eerie, shadowed valley, Wen Feichen turned to the remaining Blood War Gang disciples. "You too, go after them. Ensure that woman does not escape. She undoubtedly has powerful backing. If word gets out, our sect will face immense trouble!"

"Yes!" Though these individuals were also weakened, the gravity of the situation compelled them to press on.

Soon, only Long Hui and Wen Feichen remained.

Long Hui's tone softened slightly as he inquired, "Master Wen, what exactly happened?"

Wen Feichen gave a wry smile. "I don't know what means the woman used, but my power has been suppressed to only the Qi Movement Third Layer! The three chains that entered my body have bound my energy circulation and dantian."

"Such a method?" Long Hui's face was filled with horror.

Wen Feichen nodded. "If my strength is thus diminished, those disciples must be in even worse shape. They can barely exert a third of their usual power!"

"What should we do?" Long Hui's face showed unease.

"Do not worry!" Wen Feichen shook his head. "I was not deceiving those minor characters from Wind and Rain Pavilion. The woman has expended all her energy using such potent measures and maintaining that long-lasting defensive treasure. After my attack, she is indeed in no position but to surrender. Once we find them, what belongs to Young Master Long will still be yours."

Hearing this, Long Hui finally breathed a sigh of relief. He said, "I apologize for my harsh words earlier due to my anger. Please do not take offense. Once this matter is resolved, I will certainly report your efforts to my grandfather."

"Young Master Long, you are too kind. We are all of one family," Wen Feichen responded with a satisfied smile. "However, for now, may I request Young Master Long to guard me while I attempt to dispel the Yin energy chains from my body?"

"Certainly!"

During their conversation, Yang Kai was not mentioned. To them, Xia Ningchang was the true challenge; Yang Kai was insignificant. With Xia Ningchang's energy depleted, she was like a hedgehog stripped of its spines—anyone could capture her with ease.

At this moment, Yang Kai had led Xia Ningchang to a narrow crevice at the edge of the valley, just wide enough for one person to enter.

He placed Xia Ningchang inside and positioned himself outside, hiding the entrance with some shrubs.

They were pressed close together, almost merging into one.

"Do not make a sound. Someone is coming!" Yang Kai whispered as he held Xia Ningchang close.

Xia Ningchang, pale and weak, nodded slightly and held her breath.

After a short while, Nulao and his men passed by, their footsteps gradually fading away. Though they were only a few dozen paces apart, the darkness and dense Yin energy in the valley allowed Yang Kai and Xia Ningchang to remain perfectly concealed.

Once Nulao and the others had gone, Xia Ningchang could no longer hold back. She coughed up a mouthful of blood, staining her veil crimson. Wen Feichen's previous strike had indeed injured her.

"How are you?" Yang Kai asked anxiously.

"Get the elixirs!" Xia Ningchang's voice was weak, her body collapsing to the ground, unable to move even a finger.

"Where are they?"

"In my bosom!"

Yang Kai swiftly reached into her bosom, but recoiled sharply, staring at her in astonishment.

Xia Ningchang gazed back, her pale face flushed with a hint of redness. Her body trembled slightly from the unexpected contact. The brief touch of Yang Kai's hand sent a jolt of sensation through her, nearly causing her to faint on the spot.

"Hold on!" Yang Kai, understanding the urgency, refrained from lingering on the moment. He gently reassured Xia Ningchang before reaching into her clothing again.

In the summer, Xia Ningchang wore minimal clothing. Apart from her outer garment, she only had a thin undergarment. As Yang Kai's hand delved in, it felt as if he had entered a tantalizing, otherworldly realm.

The sensation was soft and yielding, possessing remarkable elasticity. It was neither too small nor too large—his palm couldn't cover it entirely. Each time his fingers brushed against a small protrusion, Xia Ningchang's body quivered slightly, and the intense warmth of their bodies made their breathing grow rapid.

Yang Kai, though embarrassed, managed to maintain composure. As a man, he forced himself to ignore the awkwardness.

Xia Ningchang's eyes seemed to glisten with a mixture of shyness and anger, her breath exuding a seductive fragrance.

"Do not think too much of it!" Yang Kai reassured her as he continued his search.

Unable to endure any longer, Xia Ningchang weakly said, "It's on the other side!"

"Oh!" Yang Kai snapped back to attention, realizing why he hadn't found it earlier.

He reached into the other side of her clothing and after a thorough search, finally retrieved several small bottles, inadvertently causing Xia Ningchang to shudder numerous times.

"Which one?" Yang Kai asked.

"The middle one," Xia Ningchang's voice was faint, indicating with her eyes.

Yang Kai quickly took the middle bottle, poured out some elixirs, and, lifting the veil, stuffed them into Xia Ningchang's mouth.

Her unique constitution, the Sacred Body of Alchemy, could absorb elixirs without adverse effects.

With a few elixirs consumed, Xia Ningchang closed her eyes to meditate, while Yang Kai stood watch, alert to any external sounds.

After about half an hour, Xia Ningchang gradually regained her strength, opening her eyes with a mix of embarrassment and complexity as she looked at Yang Kai's back.

Reflecting on the recent events, her face burned with shame. Even though she understood it was unavoidable, she wished she could disappear into the earth.

Sensing her gaze, Yang Kai, who had been vigilant, turned to find Xia Ningchang had finished her meditation. He sighed in relief. "Are you alright now?"

Xia Ningchang's eyes flickered with panic. She quickly looked away, "Although I'm not in danger of dying, I'm unable to fight for the time being."

"Glad to hear you're better." Yang Kai's anxiety finally eased.