Chapter 8: Vigil and Cultivation

Night had fallen, cloaking Jinshi Town in a heavy silence. Inside a humble thatched hut, a dim oil lamp flickered, casting wavering shadows against the walls. Lin Jin sat cross-legged beside the earthen bed, gripping a fresh stalk of Clear Spirit Grass. His gaze was fixed on Su Yao.

She lay pale as a sheet, her lips tinged with a faint purple-black hue, her breathing so shallow it was nearly imperceptible. For two days, she had been unconscious, the venom from the Phantom Scale Serpent slowly eating away at her life. If not for the suppressing effect of the poison core, she would have perished long ago.

"Senior, how do I use this to cure her?" Lin Jin's voice was low but urgent. He had raced back from Bluestone City without rest, his spirit flames nearly exhausted, his legs numb from overexertion. But none of that mattered—he only cared about saving her.

The ancient voice of the Flame Soul Ancestor echoed in his mind. "The Clear Spirit Grass must be crushed into juice and applied to the wound. Then, you'll need to use spirit fire to expel the remaining poison. Your cultivation is insufficient to handle this alone—I'll assist you—but be careful. If the poison retaliates, it won't be easy to suppress."

Lin Jin gave a firm nod. He placed the Clear Spirit Grass on a flat stone and ground it down with a wooden pestle. A translucent green liquid oozed out, carrying a faint herbal aroma. Gently, he turned Su Yao onto her side, lifting her robe just enough to reveal the wound on her back.

The venom had spread—dark tendrils of corruption pulsed beneath her skin, like living shadows burrowing through her veins. His heart clenched at the sight.

Taking a steady breath, he carefully applied the Clear Spirit Grass extract over the wound. Then, gathering the last remnants of his Netherflame, he guided a thin wisp of violet fire into her body.

The moment the flame touched the poisoned flesh, a faint sizzle erupted. Black tendrils writhed as if alive, resisting purification. Su Yao shuddered, a weak groan escaping her lips.

"Hold on!" Lin Jin gritted his teeth, pushing more of his dwindling spirit fire into her system. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Steady your control!" The Flame Soul Ancestor warned. "If the poison reverses flow, she could suffer permanent damage!"

Lin Jin exhaled sharply, adjusting his technique with precise care. Slowly, ever so slowly, the dark venom retreated, drawn out in a mist of toxic black vapor that dissipated into the air.

At last, the corruption faded. Su Yao's complexion lightened, her breathing steadier. Though still unconscious, she was no longer in immediate danger.

Lin Jin pressed two fingers to her wrist, sensing her weak but stable pulse. He finally let out a breath of relief.

"How is she?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"The poison is gone," the ancestor confirmed, his tone softer now. "But she has lost too much blood, and her meridians have suffered damage. She won't wake up soon." He sighed. "That girl risked her life for you. You'd better not let her down, boy."

Lin Jin remained silent, staring at Su Yao's face. Her usual liveliness was gone—her long lashes trembled faintly, her once-bright eyes shut in deep slumber.

He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. His voice was quiet, but unwavering.

"Su Yao… I owe you my life. One day, I'll repay this debt—even if it costs me everything."

After making sure she was properly covered with a blanket, Lin Jin sat beside the bed, retrieving a handful of spirit stones and beast cores from his pouch.

She was safe for now, but that wasn't enough. Danger still lurked around them, and he was far too weak to protect her.

"You should take this time to cultivate," the ancestor advised. "You've had enough combat experience in the past few days—breaking through to the fourth stage of the Ember Realm shouldn't be difficult now."

Lin Jin nodded, shutting his eyes as he activated the Breath of the Flame technique.

Clutching a beast core in his palm, he channeled his Netherflame into it. The stored energy within the core was greedily devoured by his flame, sending waves of warmth flooding through his body. His Ember Seed trembled and grew stronger.

He switched to a spirit stone, feeling the purer energy seep into his meridians. A tingling sensation spread through his limbs, a clear sign that a breakthrough was imminent.

The night stretched on. The dim light of the oil lamp cast long shadows over the room, flickering in rhythm with Lin Jin's steady breathing.

Su Yao remained still, her soft breaths like a quiet melody accompanying his cultivation.

By the time dawn approached, a sudden pulse of power surged through Lin Jin's body.

A faint crack echoed within his core as his Ember Seed expanded—his spirit flames now flowing with greater intensity.

"Fourth stage of the Ember Realm," he murmured, clenching his fists. Strength coursed through him, tangible and real.

Yet his gaze immediately shifted to Su Yao. She had yet to awaken.

Pouring a bowl of fresh water, he carefully helped her drink a few sips, then sat back, watching over her.

"When will she wake up?" he asked.

"Soon," the ancestor assured him. "A day at most, three at worst. She has a strong foundation—once she wakes, some rest and nourishment will be enough to restore her."

Lin Jin exhaled, nodding. He would wait.

Throughout the next day, he remained by her side, alternating between caring for her and refining the last of his spirit stones. As night fell once more, he sat beside the bed, absently running his fingers over the last unabsorbed crystal.

She looked better now—her lips had regained a faint pinkish hue, and her face was no longer so deathly pale. But her eyes remained closed, her consciousness trapped somewhere far away.

He spoke softly, as if she could hear him.

"Su Yao… you took that strike for me. I won't forget it. When you wake up, I'll take you somewhere better. I won't let you suffer like this again."

As if in response, her fingers twitched ever so slightly.

Lin Jin's breath caught. He leaned closer, watching intently.

Her long lashes fluttered.

A moment later, those familiar bright eyes finally, slowly, opened.

"Lin Jin…" Her voice was weak, barely more than a whisper, but filled with warmth. Her gaze found his, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You're… alright?"

A tight knot in Lin Jin's chest finally loosened.

"I'm fine," he said, quickly supporting her as she attempted to sit up. "How do you feel? Does it still hurt?"

She shook her head weakly, blinking as if to clear the fog in her mind. "Just a little dizzy… but I'm alive. You really sat here all this time?"

"Three days," Lin Jin admitted, his voice quiet. "After you passed out, I ran to Bluestone City for Clear Spirit Grass. I barely made it back in time."

Su Yao stared at him, eyes wide. For a long moment, she said nothing—then, suddenly, she chuckled.

"You idiot… running all that way just for me?" she teased, though her tone was laced with something softer, something deeper. "I'm not that easy to kill, you know."

Lin Jin didn't smile. He simply took her hand again, his grip firm but gentle.

"You took that strike for me. I wasn't going to let you die."

Su Yao's cheeks flushed faintly. Her bright eyes flickered, her voice dropping to a murmur.

"Three days… I guess we're even now." She paused, then smirked. "But… you're not bad, Lin Jin. I was right about you."

Lin Jin's lips pressed into a thin line. His voice was quiet but resolute.

"I won't let you get hurt again."

Su Yao smiled, resting her head lightly against his shoulder.

"Alright," she whispered. "I'll hold you to that."