Minutes later, Doctor Lu Cheng prepared to leave.
Your condition is critical," he said, his voice grave. "Your cultivation is unstable, and your lifespan has been severely shortened. Take this Vital Essence Pill—it can restore at least twenty years of your life. But heed my warning: your dantian is shattered. Attempting to use your Qi now could cost you your life."
Xinyi's eyes widened in shock. The doctor's words struck her like a hammer. Without another word, he turned and left.
Old Lady Shen placed a gentle hand on Xinyi's shoulder, offering what comfort she could. Xinyi's gaze, however, remained fixed on Wang Fang, who slept peacefully in her arms. Tears threatened to spill, but she fought to hold them back.
"What could drive you to risk yourself so recklessly… to the point of almost losing your life?" Old Lady Shen asked softly.
Xinyi looked away, unable to speak. Memories flooded her mind—every horrifying moment, every explosion, every death, every loss. Her body trembled uncontrollably.
Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Why… why did this happen to us? My sect… my people… all gone…" Her voice cracked, choked with sorrow.
She recounted the events of the past five days. "Five days ago… Elder Mu Ziyan… she self-destructed… even after her head was severed. It was that explosion that forced me to use my Qi to form a barrier. But it wasn't enough. I… I had to use my essence as well…"
Old Lady Shen's own composure faltered. Tears welled in her eyes. She bowed her head, overwhelmed by grief. Yet, Xinyi's words shifted the mood, carrying a quiet resolve amidst the despair.
"But it doesn't matter," Xinyi whispered, her voice steadier now. "At least my child is safe. With the years I have left… I will teach him. I will make sure he can protect himself."
Old Lady Shen glanced at Wang Fang, peaceful in sleep, and her eyes softened with admiration. "Such potential… such strength," she murmured.
Meanwhile, far across the West, rumors of the Eternal Flame Sect's destruction spread like wildfire. Whispers swirled about Wang Yun, the sect master. Some believed he had fled; others claimed he had been mortally injured, abandoning his disciples to die.
The Herald Disciple addressed the crowd, delivering the "official" account. "The sect has been destroyed. The sect master's whereabouts are unknown. He may have survived, but he abandoned his people to save himself."
From afar, Wei Jun observed the chaos, a dark smile curling on his lips. "Even if you have ascended, Wang Yun," he murmured, his voice icy, "it does not mean you can escape me. I have shattered your sect, destroyed your legacy, and taken everything you hold dear One day, you will return only to witness all you love reduced to ashes