Li Meiyu's condition was worse than he expected. Her ankle was swollen; her clothes were torn; her breathing uneven.
She wouldn't survive alone.
"Drink this," Fengyu said gently, handing her water.
She hesitated before accepting. Her hands trembled as she sipped.
He observed her quietly. She wasn't weak—her aura hinted at a decent spiritual root—but exhaustion was eating her strength away.
She looked at him nervously. "Why did you help me? Most clan members act alone during the trial."
Fengyu smiled faintly.
"Because people aren't disposable."
Her eyes widened slightly, and another chime sounded.
[Li Meiyu – Favorability +10 → Total: 40]
Good progress.
She winced in pain. Fengyu crouched down. "Let me see your foot."
"It's fine—"
"It's not. Hold still."
He checked her ankle. Purple swelling. Not broken, but sprained badly.
"You can't walk like this. You'll die out here."
She bit her lip. "Then… what should I do?"
He glanced around. The forest was growing darker. Staying outside was dangerous.
He made a decision.
"I'll take you somewhere safe. But you must trust me."
Her eyes locked with his.
"I trust you."
Another gentle chime.
[Li Meiyu – Favorability +10 → Total: 50]
Reward Unlocked: Spirit Herb (Minor Purity Boost)
A tiny pill appeared in his hand.
He suppressed a smile. The system was insanely convenient.
"Eat this," he said.
She obeyed. Her aura brightened slightly.
Fengyu touched her shoulder and whispered, "Don't be afraid."
Then he activated the Sanctuary.
A bright light enveloped them.
When their vision returned, Meiyu gasped loudly.
"What… where…?"
They stood beside a shimmering lake under a violet sky. Gentle winds tugged at the water's surface; distant mountains glowed faintly.
"This… this is beautiful… This is a higher realm spiritual land!"
Fengyu nodded. "This is my secret. No one must know."
She swallowed. "I won't tell anyone."
A new panel appeared.
[Holy Tree of Blessings Evaluating…]
[Li Meiyu Favorability: 50 → Required: 70]
[Mark not granted yet]
Not yet. But soon.
She stared at him with awe. "Lin Fengyu… who are you really?"
He smiled softly. "Someone who will survive this trial. And someone who wants to help you survive too."
Her eyes trembled—this time with hope.
He guided her to the Holy Spring.
"Drink this. It will heal you."
She hesitated only briefly before drinking the glowing water.
Moments later, her swollen ankle shrank, bruising fading rapidly. Her breath steadied.
"I… I feel like I'm reborn…"
Fengyu nodded. "Good. Rest here. You're safe now."
She looked at him with gratitude that warmed the air.
"Thank you, Fengyu… truly."
A chime echoed.
[Li Meiyu – Favorability +15 → Total: 65]
Almost enough.
He let her rest in a small hut he built within the Sanctuary. As she slept, he stepped to the Holy Tree.
Its trunk glowed faintly.
"Host, she is close to the threshold. A little more trust, and she will receive the Divine Mark."
Fengyu exhaled.
The first follower. The first person he saved. The first seed of his future clan.
Tomorrow, her mark would be secured.
And then… the true building of his hidden lineage would begin.
---