Shen Qingyu was stepping out of Bai Xunli's room when he felt a chaotic aura at the back of the house. He was closing the door when it hit him.
A chaotic aura! A powerful one. Not good!
He dashed toward the source.
When he arrived, he saw his Shizun standing in front of Han Zhaofeng's wheelchair, channeling spirit energy into him, helping him breathe and calm down.
Han Zhaofeng was visibly struggling. His eyes were fixed on Gu Tianzhu, hands gripping Gu Tianzhu's upper arms like a lifeline.
Luo Heng stood nearby, looking anxious.
Not long after Shen Qingyu arrived, Xuan Tian and Ling Yu arrived as well, with Chen Zhaoyun close behind. They met on their way to the back of the house.
Upon arrival, Xuan Tian immediately noticed what was wrong. He could feel Han Zhaofeng slowly descending into qi deviation again. It hadn't been that long since the last time, and now his mind was in chaos again.
Xuan Tian instinctively positioned himself in front of Ling Yu, receiving immediate protests from her, but he didn't care. He said to Shen Qingyu and Chen Zhaoyun, "Don't come any closer. He's descending into qi deviation. Step back."
Gu Tianzhu paled, knowing he wasn't strong enough to stop Han Zhaofeng's qi deviation. He couldn't even tell his disciples to stay away without breaking his concentration.
"Luo Heng!"
Luo Heng snapped to attention. It was Xuan Tian.
"What happened?"
Before Luo Heng could answer, the wind picked up, and Han Zhaofeng's chaotic aura grew more powerful.
Luo Heng forced his way closer and explained what had happened.
"Under the Alliance? Has His Majesty lost his mind?" Ling Yu peeked from behind Xuan Tian's back. She hated being pushed behind him.
"I told you to stay behind me."
"You're injured!"
"Ling Yu!" Shen Qingyu stopped her from arguing further. She pressed her lips together, clearly disagreeing, but said nothing more.
Xuan Tian looked at the three men. "It's no use. Gu Zhenren won't be enough to stop Han Shengzun. He's only delaying it."
"What can we do, Shengzun?" Luo Heng asked anxiously.
"I know what to do!" Ling Yu ran back into the house, leaving the four men dumbfounded.
"At least she's out of harm's way," Xuan Tian muttered.
"Shengzun, I can't hold on much longer."
Gu Tianzhu's weak voice caught their ears. They turned to see his arms shaking, face pale, sweat dripping down.
Han Zhaofeng, on the other hand, had streaks of black qi in his eyes, his mouth twisting into a malicious smile.
Xuan Tian circulated his spirit energy and called Jing Xue.
Han Zhaofeng's chaotic aura, mixed with water from the waterfall, formed mists that began tearing the surroundings apart. Xuan Tian, Luo Heng, Shen Qingyu, and Chen Zhaoyun erected barriers, protecting themselves, but they were still pushed back as the wind and water roared.
Xuan Tian gritted his teeth. So, this is what it feels like... to be powerless.
The next moment, the pressure lifted. A larger, stronger barrier appeared, isolating Han Zhaofeng and Gu Tianzhu.
The four men exhaled in relief.
Jing Xue stepped into view beside them. "Sorry, I was late. I'm here now. I've isolated them."
"But it can't go on like this. If Han Zhaofeng fully corrupts, even with your strength, you won't be able to stop him."
"Iron Wall!"
Xuan Tian turned and saw Ling Yu, with Li Ran carrying Bai Xunli on his back, followed by Lin Qian, approaching quickly.
The others saw them too and waited.
Bai Xunli was conscious, though very weak, but her eyes were clear, staring at where Han Zhaofeng and Gu Tianzhu were.
"Han… Shizun? What is wrong with him?" Bai Xunli's voice was barely audible.
Xuan Tian understood what Ling Yu was trying to do, so he turned to face Bai Xunli and explained what happened.
Bai Xunli's eyes widened in shock.
"Qi… deviation?!" she whispered.
She saw Xuan Tian nod. "What… what do you want me to do?"
She continued, "What… can I do?" She didn't finish her thought, but Xuan Tian knew exactly what she meant. "In my weak condition, what can I do to help? I'm powerless."
"You can call him back. Hearing your voice might bring him back," Ling Yu said, afraid Xuan Tian didn't understand her intention.
Bai Xunli turned to Ling Yu. "I can…? My… my voice… can do… that?"
Ling Yu looked at Bai Xunli, her eyes full of determination. "We can certainly try."
Bai Xunli wasn't convinced, but she nodded. "Okay."
Li Ran put her down, and Lin Qian immediately held her, supporting her.
Ling Yu held Bai Xunli on the other side. Together, the three of them slowly approached Han Zhaofeng.
"Jing Xue, make sure your barrier protects them," Xuan Tian reminded Jing Xue.
"Got it, Ge." Jing Xue nodded.
When they were about ten steps away, Han Zhaofeng suddenly turned to the three women. His black streaked eyes, shocked Bai Xunli.
Han Zhaofeng's eyes flickered when they saw Bai Xunli.
Lin Qian noticed that, so she turned to Bai Xunli and nodded.
Jing Xue's barrier was the only thing separating them from the chaos around them. And it started to vibrate as well. They could all feel it.
Xuan Tian had to shout to be heard, "If you want to try, do it now! We do not have a lot of time!"
Bai Xunli nodded and tried to speak, "Han Shengzun…"
Her voice was weak and drowned out by the surrounding noise.
Bai Xunli tried again, "Han Shengzun."
Ling Yu shook her head, "It's not working. Captain Bai, you need to be louder."
Lin Qian shook her head, "She can't. She needs spirit energy."
She circulated hers, "I'm going to help you, Captain Bai."
Lin Qian gently channeled her spirit energy into Bai Xunli, who closed her eyes, feeling its warmth.
Her eyes snapped open, "Han Zhaofeng Shengzun, WAKE UP!"
Her voice, with the help of Lin Qian's spirit energy, was deafening.
Han Zhaofeng was visibly shocked and it disrupted his qi deviation process. His eyes cleared as he recognized Bai Xunli's voice and face.
"Xun…li…?" He whispered.
"Yes, Shengzun. It's me, Xunli." Tears fell from her eyes.