No sooner had Lingyue departed than Third Aunt stepped into the room. Gene could almost imagine how fiercely Lingyue had scolded her before leaving. The moment she entered, the older woman fell to apologies, her words tumbling over themselves. She admitted her prior faults, claiming she had spoken out of turn and, worse, allowed Feng Tianyu to come and anger him.
Gene, however, understood the underlying truth. Third Aunt had always looked down on him, subtly warning him not to grow too close to Lingyue. His sense of inadequacy had never been so sharp, but now, confronted with disdain, a flicker of resentment rose in his chest. He responded politely but vaguely, unwilling to engage in needless conversation.
Moments later, a soft knock came from the door. Third Aunt went to answer, returning shortly with a small square wooden box, no larger than a hand, stained a deep crimson. She carried it carefully to his bedside and opened it for his inspection.
Inside, nestled upon a layer of yellow silk, rested a milky-white pill, round and slightly larger than a hen's egg.
"This is the Huangzhi Rebirth Pill," Third Aunt explained, her voice formal yet reverent. "The Alliance Master has granted it. It is the finest healing elixir of the Soul-Guard Alliance." She tapped the thick wax seal of the pill with care, breaking it open. The true Huangzhi Rebirth Pill was only the size of a fingernail, golden and radiant, imbued with spiritual light.
She handed the pill to Gene, then turned to fetch warm water. But when she returned, she was startled to see that Gene appeared to have already swallowed the pill.
At least, that was what she thought. In truth, Gene had not ingested the medicine. He harbored a quiet resentment toward the Soul-Guard Alliance, unwilling to accept too many favors from them.
Lingyue had said her father would summon him three days later during the monthly council of the Soul-Guard Alliance. By then, Ji Lianyu would see him publicly and make whatever declarations he deemed appropriate. Three days was not enough for a full recovery, but he would be able to walk on his own. Lingyue had left him with her sincerity, but Gene still felt unworthy. Before her confession of feelings, he had never considered her as anything beyond a kind of guiding light.
Seeing Third Aunt's assumption that he had taken the pill, Gene played along. When she offered water, he drank politely, concealing his intent.
Having recently been chastised by Lingyue, Third Aunt approached him with a more deferential attitude, attempting to soothe any lingering dissatisfaction by offering mild praise. Gene, though still harboring some grievance, acknowledged her words politely, aware that she had cared for him meticulously during his unconsciousness.
Taking advantage of this calm moment, Gene asked about the general situation within the Soul-Guard Alliance. Third Aunt explained that the alliance spanned tens of miles, composed of a central manor and four surrounding peaks: east, south, west, and north. The central manor housed the Flame Arrow Sect, led by Ji Lianyu, both the sect master and founder of the alliance.
The surrounding peaks accommodated masters from the Ghost Cloud Sect, Divine Dao Sect, the Enlightened Sect, and the Severed Sect. Though the alliance comprised over ten thousand cultivators of diverse sects, all answered to the authority of Ji Lianyu.
When Gene inquired about the Reverse-Blood Guards' recent disturbances in the southern wastelands, Third Aunt could provide no details. She only mentioned that the alliance was protected by formidable arrays, preventing intruders from entering or finding their way.
He also asked if any new recruits had arrived from the four major cities—Yunyang, Mingzhu, Liuguang, and Luohan—but Third Aunt was unaware. The alliance's regulations were strict, and even attendants could not move freely.
Third Aunt proved adept at attending to him, and Gene found himself relaxing slightly. Lingyue's noble presence had been both intimidating and reassuring, but Third Aunt's quiet diligence allowed him a small reprieve.
Over the next two days, Lingyue did not appear. Third Aunt continued to provide meals and administer herbal tonics. By now, Gene's external injuries had healed seventy to eighty percent, but his internal wounds lingered, only thirty to forty percent restored. Breathing remained labored, and turning or walking caused sharp internal pain.
On the evening of the third day, another visitor arrived. The visitor remained outside, calling Third Aunt to speak with him. The voice was familiar: it belonged to the middle-aged man who had previously tried to persuade Lingyue—the second senior brother.
After he left, Third Aunt returned, informing Gene that he should rise early the next day, wash and prepare himself. At the first hour of Chen time, the Alliance Master would personally summon him to the Grand Hall of the Soul-Guard Alliance.
Having spent most of the past week confined to bed, Gene knew what Lingyue expected of him—but he had no intention of requesting marriage from Ji Lianyu. Such a request would be sudden, presumptuous. Though Lingyue had been deeply moved by his actions, Gene did not wish for her to regret her impulsive displays once she had regained composure.
The following morning, Third Aunt assisted Gene in washing and dressing. He refused the new clothes provided by the Alliance, wearing his old attire instead. Of the spare sets he had brought, two were worn and tattered, and one had been given to Lingyue. The set he now wore was the one Lingyue had washed and returned.
At the final hour of the Mao period, the second senior brother's voice came from outside, calling him to the Grand Hall to meet the Alliance Master.
Gene declined Third Aunt's assistance and stepped out alone. Waiting by the gate was a middle-aged Taoist, around forty, average in height and features, clad in a simple blue robe with white-soled boots. In his left hand, he carried a fly-whisk. Seeing Gene, the Taoist flicked the whisk, resting it against his right elbow, bowing slightly.
"Greetings, Infinite Heavenly Venerable. I am Tiantongzi, humble servant."
Gene coughed lightly, answering, "Greetings, Daoist. My name is Gene."
Observing Gene's labored breathing, Tiantongzi's brow furrowed. He stepped aside, gesturing Gene forward. "The Alliance Master awaits. Young hero, please proceed."
Gene nodded and respectfully returned the gesture. Tiantongzi inclined his head and led the way.
He walked at a moderate pace, enough for Gene to keep up, though each breath felt heavy. Gene had spent seven or eight days within the Soul-Guard Alliance without leaving this annex. Now, stepping outside, he took in his surroundings. The guest quarters were secluded, each courtyard private. Flowers bloomed outside the walls, bamboo grew before the gates, green bricks and azure tiles arranged neatly, exuding an understated elegance.
Seeing Gene struggle for breath, Tiantongzi's eyes narrowed. "Though the Alliance's Huangzhi Rebirth Pill is no immortal elixir, its effects are remarkable. How is it that it seems of no benefit to you, young hero?"
Gene caught the implication. Tiantongzi assumed he had ingested the pill and was exaggerating his weakness to garner sympathy.
Gene's hesitation to request martial techniques from Ji Lianyu only solidified. The members of the Soul-Guard Alliance largely believed him opportunistic, leveraging his relationship with Lingyue for advantage. They were biased. If that were the case, he would see Ji Lianyu without mentioning any demands—observe, gain insight, and leave quietly.