Chapter Twenty-Two: Healing

A figure flashed by even faster. “Cough, cough! Master, please check on Junior Brother first! I’m fine. His technique just now was beyond his abilities, and he forcibly altered his attack path and tried to withdraw his power, which backfired. He should be more seriously injured than I am!” Peng Lei, spitting out several mouthfuls of blood, sat up as he spoke, gently pressing his chest, his spirit listless and drained.

It turned out that Dean Liu Qing had been observing their duel all along. “Alright, lie down for now. Liu Xin, check on Peng Lei first. I’ll go examine Yao Ye’s injuries.”

Liu Qing hurried to Yao Ye’s side, lightly channeling his spiritual power to examine the boy’s body. Yao Ye, unconscious, wore a frown, his face contorted in pain.

Upon sensing the situation within Yao Ye, Liu Qing’s expression changed dramatically. “How could he be so gravely injured! There’s an unknown energy rampaging inside him, and his internal organs are all damaged to varying degrees! Most strange of all, there’s another force within him resisting the rampage, so his body is in a constant state of repairing and being wounded, again and again. How bizarre! What on earth is happening?” Helpless, Liu Qing furrowed his brow, unable to find a solution.

“Liu Xin, Zhao Mu, the two of you, help carry Peng Lei and Yao Ye to my residence. I’ll come over shortly!” With these words, Liu Qing soared toward the library, hoping that among its vast collection, he might find a method to heal Yao Ye.

Arriving at the library, Liu Qing immediately flew up to the top floor to consult the secret tomes, but found nothing useful. Returning home, he first checked on Peng Lei.

“Master, how is Junior Brother?” Peng Lei propped himself up with his arm and asked. Liu Qing placed a hand gently on his shoulder, gesturing for him to lie back down. After examining Peng Lei, Liu Qing said, “You’ve only suffered some internal injuries. Take this healing pill and you’ll recover in a couple of days. Yao Ye’s condition is much more serious. I’ll go and try again soon.” As he spoke, he handed Peng Lei a medicinal pill.

“Master, I’m alright. I just need a bit of rest! Please check on Junior Brother first. If I hadn’t insisted on sparring, none of this would have happened!” Peng Lei accepted the pill with a guilty expression.

“Rest for now. I’ll see how Yao Ye is doing.” With that, Liu Qing walked toward Yao Ye’s room.

Upon entering, he found Liu Xin looking pale, still tending to Yao Ye’s injuries.

Liu Qing waved to interrupt her. “Xin’er, go rest for a while. Leave this to me. Remember, don’t let anyone in. I’m going to attempt to guide the energy within Yao Ye, and I cannot be disturbed for even a moment!”

“Yes, Master. I’ll be right outside. Call me if you need anything.” Liu Xin stood and left, sitting cross-legged just outside the door.

Zhao Mu and Xiao Xiao came in carrying food. Liu Xin quickly signaled for them to stop. “Let’s talk in the courtyard,” she whispered. They set the food down and followed her outside. Zhao Mu couldn’t help asking, “How is Yao Ye? I never imagined he could unleash such a powerful attack!”

“We’re not sure yet. Master is treating him inside. He mustn’t be disturbed.” Still pale, Liu Xin cautioned them. “Senior Sister, have something to eat and rest for a while. Brother Zhao Mu and I will keep watch,” Xiao Xiao said gently, taking Liu Xin’s arm.

“Alright, I’ll rest for a bit. Thank you both for watching over things.” With that, Liu Xin smoothed her hair and walked back inside, while Zhao Mu and Xiao Xiao sat cross-legged by Yao Ye’s door.

Inside, Dean Liu Qing slowly placed his hands on Yao Ye’s back, gently channeling his own vital energy into the boy. The moment his energy entered Yao Ye’s body, it was shredded by the chaotic force within. Liu Qing gradually increased his energy, trying to draw the rampaging power out.

Sensing the new energy, the wild force followed its path, leaking out in a thin stream. When it entered Liu Qing’s own body, it triggered a frenzy in his own energy as well.

Drawing on his profound reserves, Liu Qing temporarily suppressed the turmoil within himself, though a trace of blood still escaped his lips. He quickly checked Yao Ye again, only to find that the energy he’d failed to withdraw in time had been devoured by the chaos within.

Yao Ye’s complexion grew even paler. Liu Qing carefully withdrew his power, helped Yao Ye lie down, and began pacing the room, utterly at a loss. At last, he stepped outside.

“Master! Grandfather!” Zhao Mu and Xiao Xiao called out at once. Liu Xin stopped her meditation and stood up. “Master, how is Yao Ye?”

“Don’t disturb him. Everything depends on Yao Ye himself now. I just attempted to guide out the rampaging energy in his body, but I was slightly injured in the process. His energy devoured mine and grew even stronger. How strange!” Liu Qing spoke with his head bowed.

“Master, are you alright? Grandfather, are you hurt?” Liu Xin and Xiao Xiao spoke in unison. Liu Qing tenderly stroked Xiao Xiao’s head. “I’m fine. All of you go rest. I’ll keep watch here.”

“No, Master. You, Senior Sister Liu Xin, and Xiao Xiao should rest. I’ll keep watch. If anything happens, I’ll notify everyone,” Zhao Mu protested.

“Very well. I’ll relieve you tomorrow,” Liu Xin replied. Watching Liu Qing, Xiao Xiao, and Liu Xin leave, Zhao Mu sat cross-legged by the door once again…