Chapter 22: The Puyan Warrior
A Dai silently stepped out of the tent and took a deep breath of the crisp air, yet he could not sort out the chaos in his mind. He found it increasingly difficult to understand what kind of person Xuan Yue truly was—alternating between cold and warm, sometimes throwing a tantrum at him like a spoiled young lady, and at other times seeming genuinely concerned for his well-being.
“Brother A Dai, hurry inside and get some rest; we have a long journey ahead tomorrow morning,” said Yue Hen, smiling warmly at A Dai.
The tent was small, much like Yuehen and Adai’s slender frames, making it feel rather cramped inside. Yuehen sat cross-legged to one side and said, “Brother Adai, how old are you this year?”
Adai lifted the hood of his cloak and replied, “I’m seventeen, Brother Yuehen. How about you?”
Yuehen said, “I’m two years older than you, nineteen this year. My sister is eighteen, so we can all be considered peers. What are your thoughts on our journey to the Death Mountains?”
Adai paused, shook his head, and said, “I just want to obtain a magic crystal to bring back for my teacher.”
Yuehen said, “Your relationship with Miss Xuanyue seems rather peculiar. How did you two meet?”
A Dai sighed and said, “Brother Yue Hen, don’t ask; it’s a long story. You should meditate, and I’ll begin my contemplation as well.” With that, he sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.
Seeing that A Dai did not wish to speak, Yue Hen helplessly shook his head and began cultivating his own battle qi.
After contemplating for a while, A Dai noticed that Yue Hen had already entered deep meditation. Only then did he shift to cultivating his Shengsheng True Qi. Since Xuan Yue did not want Yue Hen and the others to know about his martial skills, he could only let her have her way.
The night passed without further incident. Early the next morning, everyone set out again, heading toward the territory of the Puyan tribe. After a morning’s arduous journey, they finally arrived at noon at another city belonging to the Hongju tribe. This city was noticeably larger, with most of its residents being members of the Hongju tribe. At Xuan Yue’s persistent request, they purchased a spacious carriage and two fine horses to pull it. When it came time to pay, Xuan Yue insisted on contributing only fifty gold coins, even though the carriage alone cost one hundred gold coins. Yue Hen, seemingly quite wealthy, did not argue and covered the remaining amount. The worst off was A Dai; Xuan Yue, claiming that he had no use for money, confiscated all his belongings—naturally, funneling them straight into her own purse. After lunch, Wan Li took the reins, and they continued their journey.
With the carriage, their travel speed increased significantly. Two days later, they finally entered the territory of the Puyan tribe.
Although the carriage ride was somewhat bumpy, it was far more comfortable than walking. However, due to the constant jolting, Yue Hen and the others dared not sit in meditation to cultivate. With nothing else to do, they began chatting. After several days together, they had grown considerably more familiar with one another. A Dai and Xuan Yue learned that Yue Hen and Yue Ji, brother and sister, were originally children of a noble family from the Hongju tribe. Their household maintained strict discipline over them. Like Xuan Yue, they had secretly run away from home, returning only once or twice a year. Though still young, they already possessed three years of experience as mercenaries; the Moon Shadow Mercenary Group had been established by them just the previous year. Since the profession of mercenary was highly prevalent among the Hongju people, their parents, seeing that they had gained some reputation, no longer restricted their movements. Yue Hen’s Moon Shadow Sword Technique was inherited from his family, while Yue Ji’s archery skills were taught by her mother; both possessed considerable strength.
What surprised A Dai somewhat was that Xuan Yue had not boasted about his identity to Yue Hen and the others. He merely claimed to have studied light-element magic for several years under an unnamed mage. Over these past few days, Xuan Yue remained remarkably low-key. Apart from asking Yue Hen about various novel things across the continent, he said not a single word regarding his own origins.
“Xuan Yue, so traveling by carriage is actually this comfortable! This time, you’ve actually done something good!” Yue Ji remarked with a hint of sarcasm. Despite spending several days together, the relationship between Yue Ji and Xuan Yue had not changed at all; they remained constantly at odds, as if they had harbored a grudge against each other since forever.
Xuan Yue snorted and said, “You’re only realizing that now! Ah Dai, why are you standing so far away from me? I’m tired. Lend me your shoulder to lean on.”
Ah Dai was startled and quickly shuffled aside, saying, “Miss, men and women should not touch each other lightly. This isn’t proper, is it?”
Miao Fei chuckled and said, “Miss Xuan Yue, if he doesn’t want you to lean on him, I’ll let you lean on me instead. How about that?”
Xuan Yue shot him a glare and said, “You’re too skinny; I don’t want to lean on you at all. Ah Dai, hurry over here!” As she spoke, she scooted closer to Ah Dai.
The carriage was so cramped that A-Dai had no choice but to let her lean against him. Under the envious gazes of Miao Fei and Yue Hen, Xuan Yue rested her head on A-Dai’s shoulder and closed her eyes. For some reason, as soon as she leaned against his sturdy shoulder, drowsiness naturally overcame her, and within moments, she fell asleep.
Xuan Yue had fallen asleep, but poor A-Dai suffered; he sat rigidly, daring not to move, enduring Yue Ji’s peculiar stare while striving to maintain his balance.
As Xuan Yue drifted deeper into slumber, her arms wrapped around A-Dai’s arm, her face radiating contentment. Gazing at her serene sleeping expression and feeling the softness and warmth of her delicate body, a hint of gentle tenderness surfaced in A-Dai’s eyes.
By noon, the stifling heat made everyone feel drowsy, their minds clouded and blurred.
Suddenly, the moving carriage jolted to an abrupt halt with a sharp neigh, as if Wan Li had forcibly reined in the horses. The violent shaking roused everyone; amidst the tremors, Xuan Yue’s body slid involuntarily into A Dai’s embrace. Awakening from her drowsiness, Xuan Yue asked bewilderedly, “What’s happening?”
Fearing Xuan Yue might misunderstand him as taking advantage of her, A Dai quickly helped her sit upright and said, “I don’t know what’s going on either; it seems the carriage has suddenly stopped.”
Miao Fei had already leapt out, while Yue Hen and Yue Ji floated out gracefully, leaving only A Dai and Xuan Yue inside the carriage. A Dai said, “Miss, I’ll go down and check as well.”
Xuan Yue yawned and murmured, “I’m so sleepy; I still want to sleep. Your shoulder feels so comfortable. Don’t go; they should be able to handle it.” With that, she wrapped her arms around A Dai’s arm and closed her eyes again.
A-Dai had no choice but to concentrate his energy in his ears, listening intently to the commotion outside. It seemed there were many people out there. An unfamiliar voice shouted, “Who are you, and what business do you have in our Puyan tribe’s territory?”
Yuehen spoke gently, “Greetings, esteemed soldiers. We are members of the Yuehen Mercenary Company, heading toward the Tianyuan Clan. We merely seek passage through your noble territory along our route.”
The unfamiliar voice snorted and said, “I don’t care whether you are mercenaries or not. If you wish to go to the Tianyuan Tribe, change your route immediately and detour around our Puyan Tribe’s territory. You are not permitted to pass through it.”
A-Dai was startled inwardly. This Puyan Tribe is utterly unreasonable! Does this mean we aren’t even allowed to pass through their lands?
Yue Hen did not become angry despite the other party’s coldness. He continued speaking gently, “Brother soldier, please be accommodating. If we take a detour now, it will add at least ten days to our journey. We are all citizens of the Suo Domain Federation; could you do us this favor? We promise not to linger within your noble tribe’s territory and will pass through as quickly as possible. Would that be acceptable?”
“Hmph, I’ve seen many people like you. Don’t try to get chummy with me—who is your ‘brother’? Leave immediately, or we will force you out.”
Yue Ji’s voice rang out in anger, “You’re being utterly unreasonable! On what grounds do you forbid us from passing? We insist on going through; let’s see what you can do about it.”
The sound of golden wind arose; it seemed the opposing party had drawn their weapons. A Dai hastily shook Xuan Yue awake, saying, “Miss, it looks like a fight is about to break out outside. Please rest here while I go check the situation.”
Xuan Yue muttered discontentedly and lay back down on the carriage bench to continue her pleasant dream.
A Dai floated down from the carriage and hid to one side, peering outward. This was a tree-lined avenue with a very smooth road surface, surrounded by towering trees dozens of meters high, their dense foliage allowing sunlight to filter through only in scattered beams onto the ground. Before the carriage stood Yue Hen and his sister, Miao Fei, and Wan Li, aligned in a row. Opposite them was a group of approximately twenty light cavalrymen. They had just drawn the sabers from their waists, glaring fiercely at Yue Hen and the other three, exuding an aggressive demeanor.
Yue Hen raised his voice, “Everyone, we are legitimate mercenaries. Don’t you Puyan people have mercenaries too? Merely passing through your territory, yet you treat us this way? We of the Red Hurricane Clan are not so easily bullied.”
The leading knight snorted coldly and said, “Red Hurricane Clan? Besides a few clumsy mercenaries, what else does your clan possess? Today, let me witness your skills. Whoever among you can defeat the long blade in my hand, I shall allow to pass.”
His words completely ignited Yue Hen’s fury. Yue Hen spoke coldly, “Very well, then let me see what makes your Puyan clan so remarkable. Little Sister, all of you step back.” With that, he drew the long sword at his side and fixed his gaze upon the knight atop the horse.
The Puyan knight flipped off his horse. A Dai was astonished to discover that this knight was actually half a head taller than himself. Once dismounted, the knight immediately radiated an intense aura. Resting a great blade over four feet long upon his shoulder, he advanced toward Yue Hen step by step. With each stride, his imposing presence grew stronger, firmly locking onto Yue Hen.
Yuehen held his sword close to his chest, a grave expression on his face. He had never expected to encounter such a formidable master here.
“The Puyan clan’s Rock seeks your guidance. Behold my blade!” With a thunderous shout, Rock’s yellow battle aura erupted violently. Gripping his blade with both hands, he charged at Yuehen with a ferocious and relentless momentum.
A Dai’s heart skipped a beat, for the technique employed by Rock bore a striking resemblance to the cleaving strike from his own Tiangang Sword Art.
Yue Hen remained unfazed by the opponent’s imposing aura; tilting his silver sword diagonally, he pointed it directly at the incoming blade. With a soft clang, Yue Hen’s silver sword precisely struck five inches from the tip of the opponent’s blade. A flash of silver light forcibly deflected the long knife aside. However, due to the immense force behind Rock’s strike, Yue Hen was still knocked back two steps.
Seizing the advantage, Rock showed no mercy, launching three consecutive lightning-fast slashes toward Yue Hen. Fighting energy radiated outward so intensely that even A Dai, standing beside the carriage, could clearly feel the powerful gusts. Yue Hen’s strength was evidently inferior to his opponent’s; his body moved unpredictably as he deployed his Moon Shadow Sword Art to engage in a tactical duel. For a moment, fierce winds whipped through the air as yellow and silver figures continuously clashed and intertwined. While Yue Hen possessed far greater agility than his foe, his fighting energy seemed significantly weaker than Rock’s. Under Rock’s overwhelming pressure, he struggled desperately to hold ground; each collision between the silver sword and the long knife sent tremors coursing through his entire body.
With a loud clang, Yue Hen staggered backward three steps. A piece of the silver armor on his shoulder had been sliced off by the opponent’s blade, clearly putting him at a disadvantage.
The rock-blade tip angled disdainfully as he spoke, “I told you long ago that you couldn’t succeed, yet you refused to believe me. Leave our Puyan tribe’s territory immediately, or don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”
Yue Hen knew clearly that he possessed the greatest strength within his mercenary group; if even he couldn’t defeat their opponent, then there was absolutely no solution left.
Miao Fei and Wan Li both drew their weapons, positioning themselves protectively on either side of Yue Hen. Yue Ji had already nocked a silver arrow onto her bowstring, while the knights atop their horses had dismounted. Observing their agile movements, it was evident their capabilities were far from weak. In terms of momentum, Yue Hen and his companions immediately found themselves at a disadvantage.
“How annoying, disturbing my sleep! A-Dai, what are you standing here for? Let’s go see who’s being so audacious.” It turned out Xuan Yue had emerged from the carriage. With all the commotion outside, how could she possibly sleep inside? She had already been watching through the carriage gaps for quite some time; only upon seeing Yue Hen fall into a disadvantaged position did she finally step out.
Adai helped Xuanyue down from the carriage. Xuanyue rubbed her sleepy eyes and called out, “Yuehen, what’s going on? Who’s so blind as to block our path!”
Hearing Xuanyue’s voice, all the knights immediately turned their gaze toward her. A flicker of surprise crossed Yan Shi’s eyes. “A mage?”
Adai and Xuanyue walked over to Yuehen’s side. Xuanyue tilted her head up to look at Yan Shi and said in a delicate voice, “Why did you have to grow so tall? Now I have to look up at you.”
Yan Shi lowered his head and happened to meet Xuanyue’s breathtakingly beautiful face. Even with his steadfast resolve, he was momentarily stunned and murmured, “What does my height have to do with you?”
Xuan Yue snorted and said, “How do you plan to stop us? I heard everything just now. As long as we can defeat you, you’ll let us pass, right? A-Dai, teach him a lesson.”
A-Dai was stunned. “Me?” Seeing how Rock had performed earlier, he didn’t have the slightest confidence in winning.
Xuan Yue snapped irritably, “Of course it’s you! Do you expect me to go up there instead? Hurry up and deal with them so we can get on our way.”
A-Dai responded with a nod, stepped forward, and positioned himself in front of Rock.
Rock felt uncertain in his heart; he had never fought a mage before. He had only heard that mages were formidable, and he wasn’t sure whether he could handle one. Cautiously raising his long blade horizontally, he said, “Then come on.”
Behind A-Dai, Xuan Yue said, “Use the same skill you employed to split that wall that day. Let him see it.”
Although A-Dai didn’t quite understand why Xuan Yue no longer wanted him to conceal his martial arts, he still drew the Tiangang Sword from his back. Yue Hen did not stop him upon seeing this; he had long been suspicious of A-Dai’s heavy sword and saw this as a perfect opportunity to observe.
Seeing A-Dai’s Tiangang Sword, Rock’s expression turned to surprise, and a flicker of hesitation passed through his eyes. Nevertheless, he raised his own long blade.
A-Dai suddenly felt an inexplicable warmth surge through his entire body, revitalizing his spirit as if endowed with inexhaustible strength. A faint white light enveloped him; this was not his Sheng-Sheng battle qi, since he had not yet mobilized his energy. He couldn’t help but glance back at Xuan Yue, only to see her fiddling with her magic staff and making a playful face at him. Clearly, this white light was connected to her—most likely some form of supportive magic.
Yan Shi spoke in a low, grave tone: “Please, show me what you’ve got.” Still gripping his blade with both hands, he swung it down heavily toward A-Dai.
A-Dai paid no heed to such formalities. Though his combat experience was limited, he was thoroughly familiar with this kind of slashing attack. With a loud shout, he whirled his Tiangang Sword upward and slashed back at his opponent. His white battle qi flared brilliantly, striking first despite having been unleashed later. Amid a thunderous crash, Yan Shi’s long blade collided squarely with the Tiangang Sword, their clashing battle energies kicking up a small whirlwind of dust from the ground.
A-Dai sensed that his battle qi seemed far stronger than before. This wasn’t solely due to reaching the fifth level of the Sheng-Sheng Technique; a significant portion of the boost came from that white light which had appeared earlier.
Rock felt a tremendous force surge through his opponent’s sword, forcing him to step back. Renowned for his strength, he had never before been pushed back by any foe—especially not by a mage. Roaring in anger, he swung his long blade again, this time with all his might.
During his days in Stone Town, A-Dai had faced the crashing waves daily, practicing countless slashes and chops. The endless Sheng-Sheng battle energy within him flowed continuously into his arms as he struck once more. Clang, clang, clang—the sounds rang out repeatedly. Neither A-Dai nor Rock moved from their spots; they simply kept hacking at each other in a pure contest of raw power.
After more than a dozen clashes, A-Dai gradually gained the upper hand. After all, the inexhaustible nature of his Sheng-Sheng true energy prevented him from running out of strength. He also held an advantage in weaponry: his Tiangang sword was far heavier than Rock’s long blade. Finally, on the eighteenth collision, Rock’s long sword snapped under A-Dai’s strike. The Tiangang sword, radiating intimidating battle energy, surged straight toward Rock’s face. Startled, A-Dai realized he did not wish to kill. These repeated clashes had unexpectedly stirred in him a sense of mutual admiration for Rock. He understood clearly that without Xuan Yue’s magic, he might not have gained any advantage in sheer strength. Moreover, Rock had just fought Yue Hen earlier, expending considerable energy. With a sudden twist of his wrist, A-Dai stepped rightward with his right foot, barely managing to divert the Tiangang sword aside. It crashed into the ground with a thunderous boom. Forcing such a change of technique mid-attack placed an enormous strain on A-Dai’s body. His chest felt as though struck by a giant hammer; a sweet taste filled his throat, and he immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.
Rock stood frozen in terror. Never before had he felt death approach so closely. Gazing at the Tiangang sword buried halfway into the earth, he knew exactly what would have happened had that blow landed on his body. His fingers loosened, and the broken half of his long blade clattered to the ground.
Xuan Yue rushed to A Dai’s side and urgently asked, “How are you?”
A Dai coughed twice, drew the Tiangang Sword to support himself, and said, “I’m fine.”
Xuan Yue chanted softly, “O great celestial god! Lend me your divine power of compassion for all beings, and heal the wounds before us. Divine Healing Technique.” As she recited the incantation, a cluster of white light emanated from her magic staff; with a flash, it instantly merged into A Dai’s body.
A warm sensation immediately filled A Dai’s meridians. Since his Shengsheng True Qi already possessed a certain sacred aura, Xuan Yue’s light-element magic, upon entering his body, instantly ignited his innate vitality, bringing much comfort to his chest.
Letting out a long breath, A Dai nodded to Xuan Yue and said, “Thank you, Miss.”
The Puyan soldiers who had arrived with Rock dismounted one by one, positioning themselves protectively at his sides. Brandishing their sabers high, they looked fiercely aggressive, as if ready to strike at any moment.
A Dai raised his head and looked toward Rock, who remained stunned, seemingly unable to believe he had been defeated. “Big brother,” A Dai said politely, a faint smile gracing his lips, “I wonder if your words still hold weight. Could you now let us pass?” That final sword stroke had frightened even himself; he was genuinely relieved it hadn’t injured Rock.
Rock was roused by A Dai’s voice. An expression of embarrassment crossed his face as he addressed A Dai: “Brother, your skills are truly impressive. Thank you for holding back; I, Rock, admit defeat. May I ask, was the weapon you used the Tiangang Sword?”
Ah Dai nodded and said, “Indeed, it is the Tiangang Sword.”
A glint of joy flashed in Yan Shi’s eyes as he walked toward Ah Dai. Wan Li quickly stepped forward, positioning himself between Ah Dai and Yan Shi, and watched him warily, asking, “What do you intend?”
Yan Shi spread his hands; his previous arrogance had completely vanished. Speaking amicably, he said, “I mean no harm. I simply wish to exchange a few words with this brother.”
Xuan Yue leaned close to Ah Dai and remarked, “What is there to discuss? Ah Dai has already defeated you. Shouldn’t you let us pass now? Our time is extremely limited.”
Yan Shi glanced at Xuan Yue, then at A Dai, and said, “Brother, my name is Yan Shi. When I was young, I received a few days of guidance from Xi Wen, the eldest disciple of the Heavenly Gang Sword Saint. In a way, we belong to the same school. I truly bear no ill will. Since you are connected to the Heavenly Gang Sect, you must not be a bad person. You may pass through our territory.”
A Dai was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed, “So Big Brother Yan Shi is also from the Heavenly Gang Sword Sect! My uncle is too. My name is A Dai, and my Heavenly Gang Sword was taught to me by my uncle. Big Brother Yan Shi, then we’ll be on our way.”
Yan Shi chuckled and said, “How about this? Foreigners within and beyond the borders of our Pu Rock Tribe can hardly move a single step without difficulty. Let me escort you for a while.”
The sudden change left Yuehen and Yueji somewhat unable to adapt. Yueji snorted coldly, “Who knows what intentions you harbor? Once we enter your territory, aren’t we at your mercy?”
Yanshi, slightly angered, declared, “I swear by the honor of the son of the Puyan clan chief that I, Yanshi, have absolutely no deceitful intentions.”
Apart from A-Dai and Xuan Yue, the other four members of the Moon Scar Mercenary Group were simultaneously startled. They had never expected that this hulking figure before them was actually the son of the chief of the Puyan tribe, one of the six major races of the Suo Domain Federation.
Xuan Yue twirled her magic staff in her hand and said indifferently, “Who cares whose son you are? If you want to travel with us, then hurry up. Brother Yue Hen, let’s get on the carriage.” With that, she turned and walked toward the carriage.
“Brother A-Dai,” Yan Shi called out to A-Dai, who was about to follow Xuan Yue onto the carriage, saying, “Let’s ride side by side. There are some things I’d like to ask you.”
A-Dai turned his head to look at Xuan Yue. Xuan Yue glanced at Yan Shi and said, “Go ahead, go ahead. If your injuries get worsened from the bumping, don’t expect me to take care of you. Hmph.” Having said that, she boarded the carriage without another word.
Rock chuckled and ordered one of his men to give his mount to Adai, shouting, “Brothers, clear the path ahead!”
This was Adai’s first time riding a horse, and he couldn’t help feeling somewhat nervous. As soon as he mounted, the tall steed staggered slightly; Adai’s weight of over a hundred jin, combined with the heaviness of the Tiangang Sword, indeed made the load quite burdensome. Gripping the reins tightly and clamping his legs firmly against the horse’s belly, Adai wore an embarrassed expression, for his horse remained stationary, making no move forward whatsoever.
Observing Adai’s posture, Rock immediately realized he did not know how to ride. Smiling, he asked, “What’s the matter, Brother Adai? Is this your first time on horseback?”
Blushing, Adai nodded in affirmation.
Rock laughed and said, “It’s nothing to worry about. Riding a horse is actually quite simple; let me teach you a few tricks. Don’t keep your body so stiff—relax a bit. Lean forward slightly and gently tap the horse’s belly with your heels, and it will start moving. Yes, yes, just like that. Don’t pull the reins too tightly; loosen them a little, or the horse will feel uncomfortable. See? Isn’t this going well? When turning, lean your body in the corresponding direction while gently guiding with the reins, and the horse will follow your command. When you want it to stop, sit back slightly and pull both reins simultaneously—that’s all there is to it.”
Ah Dai followed Rock’s instructions and indeed managed to urge the steed beneath him into motion. It gradually accelerated, bouncing rhythmically with each stride, creating a rather marvelous sensation.
Moon Trace and the others had already boarded the carriage. As soon as they got on, Miao Fei couldn’t wait to ask Xuan Yue, “Miss Xuan Yue, why have we never heard before that Ah Dai knows martial techniques?”
Xuan Yue shot him a glare and replied, “Must we tell you about every skill we possess? Who said Ah Dai knows martial techniques? He simply has somewhat greater strength, that’s all.”
Yue Hen and the others had cultivated martial arts for many years. During the earlier exchange between A Dai and Yan Shi, the aura and power they displayed were far more than just greater physical strength; especially that faint white fighting qi, which was a hallmark of true martial masters. Yue Hen pulled back Yue Ji, who was about to ask a question, and gently shook his head at her. Miao Fei, finding no further interest, ceased his inquiries. Xuan Yue leaned against the seat beside them and fell asleep once more. For a time, silence returned to the carriage, broken only by the rumbling of the wheels and the crisp clatter of hooves striking the ground.
Within a short while, A Dai had already adapted somewhat to basic horseback riding maneuvers. With Yan Shi’s assistance, he could now keep pace beside him.
Yan Shi led A Dai at the very front, instructing his men not to follow too closely, before saying, “Brother A Dai, I truly thank you for holding back just now. Otherwise, alas…”
A Dai scratched his head and replied, “Brother Yan Shi, don’t speak like that. We bear no deep grudge or hatred toward each other. How could I possibly harm you? We truly only wish to pass through the noble territories.”
Rock nodded and said, “It’s all my fault for being too impulsive. However, we of the Pu Rock Clan have always harbored some hostility toward other races on the continent, which is why that earlier scene unfolded. But since you’ve inherited teachings from the Tiangang Sword Sect, there certainly won’t be any issues; the Tiangang Sword Sect is synonymous with justice! Oh, by the way, brother, take this.” Saying so, Rock pulled out a pill the size of a longan fruit from his robe and handed it to A Dai.
A Dai reached out to take it and asked, “Brother Rock, what is this?”
Rock chuckled and replied, “Brother, just eat it quickly. This is our Pu Rock Clan’s secretly formulated supreme healing elixir, the Mie Shang Dan; its efficacy is excellent. Just now, in order not to harm me, you abruptly changed your technique and vomited blood; your internal injuries must be quite severe. Once you take this, you needn’t worry—it will surely heal you within half a day.”
A Dai held the Mie Shang Dan up to his nose to smell it, then thought for a moment before saying, “Brother Rock, this Mie Shang Dan is extremely precious! It contains ingredients like Star Grass, Tendon-Smoothing Fruit, and Biluo Flower—all very valuable medicinal herbs. Are you really going to give it to me to consume?” Having spent a year alongside Goris, A Dai had long since become capable of identifying medicinal herbs merely by their scent.
Yan Shi was taken aback. “Brother, I didn’t expect you to know about medicinal herbs! Only the clan’s Seer knows the exact formula for the Wound-Extinguishing Pill, but the ingredients you mentioned do seem correct. You were injured because of me; take it. It will greatly help your wounds.”
A Dai nodded. “Thank you, Brother Yan Shi.” With that, he peeled off the wax coating of the Wound-Extinguishing Pill and swallowed it.
Yan Shi chuckled. “Brother, no need for such courtesy. To be honest, I truly admire your martial prowess. In all my years, few among my peers have ever been able to defeat me. You are the first. Before this, I was far too arrogant; indeed, there is always someone greater than oneself. Just thinking about your final strike still sends shivers down my spine.”
As soon as A Dai swallowed the Wound-Extinguishing Pill, a surge of warmth flowed into his dantian, instantly spreading throughout his entire body. An indescribable, comforting heat enveloped him, and the pain in his chest vanished completely. Stimulated by the pill’s potency, his Shengsheng true qi became even more concentrated. After regulating his breath slightly, A Dai said, “The potency of the Wound-Extinguishing Pill is truly remarkable; my injuries are almost fully healed. Brother Yan Shi, in truth, my strength does not surpass yours. It was merely that my Tiangang sword is heavier than your blade. Moreover, Miss Xuanyue might have cast supportive magic upon me, which is why I emerged victorious.”