"The certainty is very high. Le Xuan's recovery should go smoothly," said a Healer Soul Master with confidence.
Hearing this, Xuan Lao finally relaxed a little. The situation was indeed much more optimistic than before.
"When will she wake up?" he asked anxiously.
"By tomorrow noon at the latest. But after she wakes up, she must not circulate Soul Power for at least one to two months. Her meridians are still too fragile. Forcing them may worsen her injuries," explained Zhuang Lao.
Xuan Lao nodded solemnly, carefully memorizing every word. Then, looking at Shi Yu, he asked somewhat awkwardly:"Shi Yu, could you… perhaps work a little harder and provide some blood every day? That way Le Xuan can recover faster."
Shi Yu refused flatly."No. We agreed once a week. If you drain me every day for ten days straight, I'll collapse before she recovers."
Zhuang Lao backed him up. "Once a week is most suitable. Too frequent treatment won't help."
Even Mu En spoke in support. "Yes, once a week."
With both elders agreeing, Xuan Lao could only sigh and let it go.
Shi Yu returned to his room to rest. The next morning, someone delivered a thousand-year-old Blood Nourishing Flower, a rare treasure that replenished qi and blood.
After checking the dosage, Shi Yu chewed it and swallowed. A warm current spread through his body, heat surging to his fingertips. Unlike most treasures, this flower required no refining—the effect would slowly nurture his blood and energy on its own.
After breakfast, he spent the morning reading as usual. At noon, just as he was heading to the cafeteria, he ran into a familiar figure.
Zhang Lexuan.
She was being supported carefully along the path—by Ma Xiaotao, whom Shi Yu had met once before.
"Senior Apprentice Sister," Shi Yu called out, jogging over.
The two turned to face him.
Ma Xiaotao's eyes carried faint displeasure—she hadn't forgotten that this was the one who killed Xu Sanshi, who once helped her suppress her evil fire.But Zhang Lexuan's gaze was filled only with kindness and gratitude.
"Going to eat?" Shi Yu asked as he caught up. He was heading toward the Inner Courtyard cafeteria as well.
"Yes," Zhang Lexuan replied gently. "You're going too? Let's go together."
Shi Yu smiled. He was alone anyway; two more companions were welcome.
As they walked, Zhang Lexuan spoke seriously:"I heard from the Teachers… if it weren't for your help, my recovery would have been far more troublesome. I'll remember this favor, and repay it one day."
Ma Xiaotao blinked, curious. "What help did he give you?"
But the matter of Shi Yu's blood was strictly sealed by Mu En. The fewer who knew, the better—it would only bring danger if revealed.
Zhang Lexuan simply shook her head, leaving Ma Xiaotao puzzled. Shi Yu understood instantly and gave a bright smile."No need for favors. I've already been repaid."
He had received compensation from the elders. It wasn't a free gift, so in his eyes, there was no debt between them.
But Zhang Lexuan didn't see it that way. "That was Mu Lao's compensation. I cannot take your help for granted just because of that."
Shi Yu waved it off. "Whatever you say." He didn't want to argue—it was pointless. If she insisted on owing him a favor, so be it.
Over lunch, Shi Yu asked curiously about Zhang Lexuan's trip to the Star Dou Great Forest.
Zhang Lexuan lowered her gaze, her tone filled with guilt."It was my fault. I provoked a Star Moon Dragon Wolf, and that led to the Ten Thousand Year Star Moon Dragon Wolf appearing…"
The mission had originally been to hunt a seventy-thousand-year-old beast—already a difficult opponent. But behind it lurked a much more terrifying existence.
"If not for the others fighting desperately to create an opening for me, I wouldn't be alive now."
Shi Yu gently comforted her. "You couldn't have predicted that. Don't blame yourself too much."
"Yes, Senior Apprentice Sister," Ma Xiaotao added, trying to soothe her. "This wasn't your fault."
Zhang Lexuan gave a faint smile but said no more.
At the cafeteria, Shi Yu went straight for the most expensive window, piling his tray high. Before, he would never have dared—each meal there was painful on the purse. But now, meals were free.
"It feels so good not to worry about money," Shi Yu muttered happily.
Zhang Lexuan and Ma Xiaotao got their food from the Inner Courtyard disciples' free window, then the three sat down together.
"You're eating too much energy-rich food. Aren't you afraid you won't digest it?" Zhang Lexuan teased.
"I'll spar after I eat. I'll burn it off," Shi Yu replied easily.
"Oh? Sparring? Do you want me to be your partner?" Ma Xiaotao smirked, her smile carrying a dangerous edge.
Shi Yu quickly waved his hands. "No need, Senior Apprentice Sister Ma Xiaotao. I wouldn't dare trouble you."He could already imagine being beaten into the ground.
"Oh? Then who are you fighting?" Zhang Lexuan asked.
"Jiang Nannan," Shi Yu said honestly. "We usually spar in the Outer Courtyard. Senior Apprentice Sister, would it inconvenience you to walk that far?"
"It's fine. Walking more will be good for me," Zhang Lexuan replied.
Shi Yu hesitated. "Won't it affect your rest?"
She shook her head. "It's uncomfortable lying down all the time. Watching a spar will help pass the boredom. Maybe I can even point out some of your problems."
Shi Yu thought it over. With her strength and experience, she might truly give him valuable guidance. Finally, he nodded. "Alright."
Ma Xiaotao excused herself soon after, leaving the two of them.
"I'll help you walk," Shi Yu said. Raising his hand, he manipulated his Space Power, forming an invisible hand of energy that supported Zhang Lexuan without touching her directly.
Both Zhang Lexuan and Ma Xiaotao (before she left) had shown surprise earlier at his fine control. For a Soul Grandmaster to wield such precise Space Power… it was extraordinary.
After the meal, Shi Yu accompanied Zhang Lexuan toward the Outer Courtyard.There was no physical contact, only the distant support of his Space hand—gentle and steady.
As they walked, Shi Yu chatted casually, weaving small jokes and light conversation.He was doing it deliberately—to ease her heart, to keep her from sinking into the shadows of that terrifying battle.
For the first time, a thin, delicate thread of fate quietly connected them together.