Since the day Fairy Doctor awakened the Woeful Poison Body, life had once again returned to a peaceful and leisurely pace. Before anyone realized it, more than three weeks had passed.
Understanding that Xiao Hua and Zi Yan would not distance themselves from her, Fairy Doctor had taken to conversing with them, even when there was nothing particular to talk about. At this moment, she was chatting with Zi Yan, while Xiao Hua was absent, having left the valley to refine more tier-eight medicinal pills.
…
Boom!
"Aaaghhh!"
A sharp, agonized scream echoed through a cavern located deep within the inner region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
As the cry faded, a white-clad figure shot out of the cave at high speed. Beside her, a bloodied figure floated in midair, suspended by her spiritual energy.
"Sister Xue Yue… what's happening? I can feel my strength slipping away…"
The wounded figure groaned in pain, his voice weak and strained. He forced himself to look at the white-clad woman, whose delicate brows were tightly furrowed.
"Foolish child," Xue Yue's icy voice was laced with irritation. "You failed to endure the eighth trial, causing the entire test to end in failure. What you are experiencing now is the backlash. We warned you not to recklessly rush your cultivation, but you just had to make such a foolish decision…"
Xiao Hua let out a wry smile despite the pain. Her words were sharp, but he could sense the underlying concern beneath her cold tone. He knew she was scolding him out of worry.
"I'm sorry…" He struggled to utter the apology, his breath ragged. He understood that this was his own doing, and Xue Yue's anger stemmed from genuine concern.
"Hmph. At least you're aware of your mistake." Xue Yue snorted coldly and fell silent.
Right now, her priority was finding a place where Xiao Hua could safely recover. But once he healed, she had every intention of giving him a proper scolding.
Xiao Hua, sensing the impending lecture, remained silent. A faint, helpless smile tugged at his lips as he mentally braced himself for the storm that was sure to come.
"Anyway, there are multiple medicinal liquids which could help me with the injuries."
A wisp of Spiritual Strength spread from between his brows as he carefully controlled it, guiding the Mysterious Heaven Ring off his finger before passing it to Xue Yue.
"If possible… please prepare a medicine bath for me…" He murmured with great difficulty, his breath ragged, before his consciousness slipped away.
"Tch!" Xue Yue clicked her tongue in irritation, snatching the Mysterious Heaven Ring before increasing her speed. Though annoyance stirred in her heart, she had no choice but to prepare one for him.
Along the way, any magical beast that dared to attack her met a swift demise, their bodies freezing into icicles before shattering into frosty remnants. Wherever she passed, a trail of white frost marked her path, a silent testament to her overwhelming power.
With her speed and sharp perception, it didn't take long for Xue Yue to find a suitable cave.
Upon entering the cave, her gaze fell upon a slightly wide and deep pit, just large enough to accommodate Xiao Hua's body. With a wave of her hand, the medicinal liquids stored within the Mysterious Heaven Ring surged forth, filling the pit to the brim.
Gently, she lowered Xiao Hua into the medicinal bath, letting his body soak in the rich, healing liquid.
The moment his body was submerged, waves of dense medicinal energy rippled through the water before rapidly converging into him.
Raising her head, Xue Yue waved her hand once more. A thin layer of frost instantly coated the cave's ceiling before the rocky surface shattered, revealing the bright sky outside.
Without pause, she moved her hands, forming a rapid series of intricate hand seals. As the final seal took shape, a surge of energy erupted from her body, and a ray of milky-white light descended from the sky, striking the ground beneath her.
In an instant, countless streaks of milky-white light spread outward like lightning, etching intricate patterns into the earth. The glowing lines expanded at an astonishing speed, stopping only when they had fully encompassed the cave.
Then, as if responding to an unseen command, the crisscrossing beams of milky-white light began to intersect, forming a complex trajectory. In mere moments, a formation array took shape, enveloping the entire cave in a protective barrier.
The magical beasts in the vicinity trembled, instinctively sensing the powerful energy fluctuations surging from this place—a force that resonated with the very heavens and earth.
"Starry Heaven Absorption."
As Xue Yue murmured softly, the formation array flickered briefly before gradually dimming. This formation was designed to absorb the strength of the stars from the night sky, gathering it swiftly at its center.
At the heart of the array lay Xiao Hua. The purpose of this setup was to ensure that the Thousand Immortal Flame could absorb the star energy essential for his healing. Once night fell, the formation would automatically activate, drawing in the the energy of stars.
For now, there was no need to worry. Xiao Hua had refined hundreds of medicinal herbs and fruits that had already absorbed the essence of the stars, converting them into medicinal liquid, which she had poured into the pit.
As this thought crossed her mind, a dark-amethyst flame and an emerald-jade flame curled into existence. The two flames intertwined, forming a thin veil of fire that coiled around his entire body like a living barrier.
Xue Yue's heart eased at the sight. At this moment, both the Thousand Immortal Flame and the Life Execution Flame burned intensely, their energies rich and active. With their aid, Xiao Hua's severe injuries would recover much faster.
Her gaze fell upon him. His eyes remained tightly shut, his face deathly pale, almost devoid of any color. His breathing was faint—so weak it was barely audible. Right now, he was no different from a dying man.
The injuries Xiao Hua had sustained came from the Trial of Heavenly Punishment Lightning, a calamity not easily healed. Even with the support of the Thousand Immortal Flame and Life Execution Flame, restoring his physical body would not be an easy task.
Seeing Xiao Hua's body greedily devouring both the medicinal strength and star strength, Xue Yue finally let out a sigh of relief. The tension and worry weighing on her heart slowly eased.
With her expression slightly relaxed, she retrieved a few moonstones to illuminate the cave, realizing it had grown dark. Afterward, she sent a message to Zi Yan and Fairy Doctor, informing them of the situation.
Naturally, she chose to downplay the severity of Xiao Hua's condition, merely stating that he had suffered serious injuries rather than revealing the true extent of his critical state.
Now, all she could do was wait. No matter how long it took, she would remain by his side, ensuring nothing happened to him until he awakened.
The cave fell into complete silence as Xue Yue stepped back. Only the two flames continued to burn fiercely, their energy surging in an unrelenting dance.
Within the blazing inferno, Xiao Hua is like an undying phoenix, awaiting his moment of rebirth.
...
Day by day, the peaceful silence within the cave continued.
An unconscious Xiao Hua remained submerged in the cooling, soothing medicinal liquid, his body enshrouded by a veil of deep-purple and emerald-jade flames. The thin layer of fire flickered softly, guarding him like a protective cocoon while Xue Yue watched over him intently, ensuring his condition did not deteriorate.
Gentle streams of mild yet potent energy seeped into his body through countless pores, quietly circulating within. Bit by bit, the energy worked to mend his shattered veins and broken bones.
His severely damaged Qi Paths slowly regenerated, regaining their vitality. At the same time, the deep tears and wounds across his body gradually closed, while fresh blood swiftly replenished what he had lost.
The once pale, bloodless complexion that made him look like a dying man had now taken on a healthy hue. Even his weak, nearly imperceptible breathing had returned to normal. No longer did he resemble someone on the brink of death.
After a few more days, the injuries within Xiao Hua's body had completely healed. Not a single scar remained, and his body pulsed with renewed life force.
"It seems the boy's condition has stabilized. He should wake up soon…"
Xue Yue let out a soft sigh of relief before stepping away from the medicinal pit. She moved toward a chair and table made of icicle crystals, lowering herself onto the seat with elegant ease.
"At the very least, I have good news to share with the dragon girl and the little doctor when they return."
When she uttered those words, a faint movement stirred from Xiao Hua's resting place. Though the disturbance was barely perceptible, Xue Yue's sharp senses instantly picked up on it.
Her gaze snapped toward him.
There was no mistake—he was finally awakening.
Xiao Hua's eyes fluttered open, piercing through the darkness of his consciousness. The first thing he saw was a transparent ceiling of ice, with soft, diffused light filtering through. Turning his head slightly, he realized he was inside a spacious cave.
Lowering his gaze, he found himself submerged in a pit of medicinal liquid—clear, yet tinged with a faint shade of green.
Sensing a familiar presence approaching, he let out a soft sigh and offered an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry for making you worry with my reckless actions."
"As long as you're fine, that's what matters." Xue Yue's calm voice drifted over as she approached, coming to a stop behind him. "Now… let's begin with the scolding."
Xiao Hua's smile turned wry. He had expected concern, perhaps even relief—but the very first thing he had to endure after waking up was a lecture.
"Didn't my sister and I warn you not to underestimate the Trial of Heavenly Judgment Lightning or overestimate your capabilities?" Xue Yue's voice grew colder. "We specifically told you to be cautious of the final two trials—they grow even worse under certain conditions."
She crossed her arms, her sharp gaze locked onto him.
"You knew the trial would grow more difficult with each stage, yet you still judged the final two by the standards of the first seven. Instead of preparing accordingly, you relied on past experience instead of strengthening your physical endurance and resilience."
As she reprimanded him, Xue Yue discreetly sent a pulse of spiritual energy into his body, carefully probing for any hidden injuries or lingering aftereffects that might hinder his future cultivation.
Meanwhile, Xiao Hua chuckled inwardly. The contrast between her sharp scolding and her careful assessment of his condition was oddly amusing.
Yet, despite the warmth hidden beneath her cold demeanor, he still felt a bit awkward as her lecture dragged on without end.
After nearly two hours, Xue Yue finally ended her scolding—not because she wanted to, but because there were other matters to attend to.
Xiao Hua exhaled deeply, relieved that his ears were no longer under siege. If scolding could draw blood, he was certain his would be bleeding profusely by now.
"Fortunately, there's no hidden wounds and injuries." Xue Yue sighed in relief. "You've likely noticed it already, but your strength has dropped drastically—and it's been sealed."
Xue Yue paused for a moment. She continue speaking but her icy tone was slightly gloomy and heavy. "This is the consequence of failing the Trial of Heavenly Judgment Lightning."
Xiao Hua sighed, his expression grim yet composed. He had already expected this when he sensed that his cultivation had fallen to Dou Ling class. Within his lower abdomen, a strange and powerful seal emitting a quiet ripple of energy. He recognized it immediately—it was the seal that had locked away his strength.
Regardless, despite his calm exterior, a faint flicker of discomfort flashed through his eyes, betraying his true feelings.
"Since this is a seal, does that mean there's a way to remove it?" He turned to Xue Yue, seeking more information about his current condition.
"No, it's impossible to remove." Xue Yue shook her head. She glanced at him before letting out a quiet sigh. "You can only wait for time to slowly undo the seal. But from the looks of it, it wouldn't take too long."
"I see." Xiao Hua responded in an eerily calm manner.
Xue Yue raised a brow, her gaze sharpening. His lack of panic intrigued her—most cultivators would be devastated after suffering such a setback.
Sensing her curious gaze, Xiao Hua let out a light chuckle and said, "There's no need to panic. Even if my strength and soul power are sealed, that doesn't mean my life is in danger. As long as I'm not surrounded by dozens of magical beasts, I can still escape and survive."
He paused for a moment, the corner of his lips curling into a faint, self-mocking smile as he added, "This is entirely my fault. At most, I'll just take it as punishment for my reckless decision."
Not to mention, there were the Lightning Beasts. Even if Xiao Hua rarely called upon them, they wouldn't hesitate to lend him a hand if the situation demanded it. With all of this stacked in his favor, it was no wonder he remain composed.
Xue Yue shook her head helplessly but didn't refute his words. But she still couldn't help but worried about him. Even if his physical body and soul had reached an overwhelming level of strength before, that was before his current condition.
Failing to pass the trial had severely weakened him—not only was his cultivation realm sealed, but his physical body and soul had suffered considerable damage. She was certain he could feel it as well.
"I'm relieved that you understand," Xue Yue sighed softly, feeling satisfied with him admitting his fault. "To make sure you fully grasp the consequences of your reckless decisions, I won't intervene unless your life is truly at risk."
She paused for a moment before continuing, "Regardless, you haven't fully recovered." After thoroughly examining his condition, her tone carried a firm warning.
"Even if there aren't any hidden injuries, the lingering ones are much harder to heal and require time. If you push yourself too hard, you might worsen your condition—so don't overdo it."
Withstanding a few strikes from magical beasts was one thing, but if he ended up in a situation where he had to force himself beyond his limits, it could aggravate his injuries, triggering a severe backlash that would delay his recovery even further.
She gazed at him intently, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. Normally, Xiao Hua cultivated with a steady and cautious approach. But she knew why he had suddenly grown impatient—why he had recklessly pursued greater power.
Xun Er's departure.
Her absence had left him restless, pushing him to advance faster at any cost. Because of this, Xue Yue couldn't bring herself to scold him too harshly. But that didn't mean she wouldn't make him regret his recklessness.
"Anyway, once the seal gradually releases, your body will undergo a beneficial transformation." Xue Yue changed the subject with an exasperated tone, brushing aside her earlier thoughts.
"A beneficial transformation?" Xiao Hua raised a brow in confusion. "Didn't I fail the trial? How could I still gain any benefits?"
Xue Yue sighed, the corner of her lips twitching. "Have you already forgotten the reason you endured this trial in the first place?"
Xiao Hua let out an awkward chuckle, scratching his head in embarrassment. He understood her meaning.
Even though he had failed the eighth trial, it didn't change the fact that his body had endured and been tempered by its power. In other words, he was now stronger than when he had passed the seventh trial.
While the Trial of Heavenly Judgment Lightning was called a "trial," it was actually a preparation—a means to strengthening his body for the final three Heavenly Lightnings, which will descended simultaneously.
Xiao Hua lowered his head, staring at his hand. He opened and closed it slowly, feeling the unfamiliar sensation of his sealed strength.
A strange mix of weakness and restraint coursed through his body, a stark contrast to what he was used to. Turning back to Xue Yue, he finally asked,
"By the way, how long was I unconscious, Sister Xue Yue?"
"Around ten days. Those lasses have been worried sick ever since I informed them about your condition. Send them a message to ease their anxiety."
A faint yet helpless smile appeared on Xiao Hua's face. He knew that Zi Yan and Fairy Doctor would be deeply concerned—and had likely caused a ruckus over his condition.
Closing his eyes, he released his Spiritual Strength, allowing it to surge outward before spreading toward the small valley in the far distance. Moments later, his voice echoed within their minds, reassuring them that he was fine but still needed time to recover.
Once he confirmed that they had received the message and their worries had eased, he withdrew his Spiritual Strength and reopened his eyes, turning his gaze toward Xue Yue.
Rising to his feet, he glanced around the cave, only to be met with an unfamiliar formation array covering the entire space—with him at the centre of it. A hint of confusion flickered in his eyes as he sensed the dense star energy filling the cave, making it seem as if the entire chamber had been formed from the essence of the stars themselves.
Noticing his bewilderment, Xue Yue smirked slightly before explaining the formation's purpose. After finishing, the corners of her lips curled further, a hint of amusement flashing across her face.
"You should thank my sister for choosing the most suitable flames to help you survive the trial—even in failure. Otherwise, it would have taken much longer for you to wake up or never at all."
Xiao Hua's lips curled into a faint smile, not refuting her words. His expression softened, tinged with both melancholy and gratitude toward Lady Azure. He had truly missed her and instinctively wanted to check on her inside his spiritual sea.
However, before he could, a violent energy wave suddenly rippled through the air, followed by a thunderous lion's roar exploding across the sky, shattering his thoughts.
"This is…"
Xiao Hua murmured softly, his gaze shifting toward Xue Yue. A flicker of amusement and mild surprise danced in her eyes, as though she found the situation rather entertaining.
"That roar… it belongs to a Rank 6 Amethyst Winged Lion, doesn't it?" Xiao Hua inquired calmly. "Who would be foolish enough to provoke it?"
Xue Yue smirked. "That fool happens to be a woman you became acquainted with a few months ago."
Xiao Hua's brows furrowed slightly in confusion. He couldn't recall any female Dou Huang experts he was acquainted with. He was about to refute her claim when a certain face suddenly flashed through his mind.
"…The Sect Leader of Misty Cloud?"
"That's the one."
Xiao Hua's lips parted slightly as he turned his gaze toward the sky in the distance. Initially, he hadn't bothered to check who had provoked the Amethyst Winged Lion—after all, few possessed the strength to challenge such a beast.
But after hearing Xue Yue's words, he focused his vision, scanning the sky. His keen eyesight soon caught sight of a graceful yet formidable figure locked in battle—a woman exuding an elegant yet imposing presence.
A familiar aura washed over him. There was no doubt. He recognized her.
His eyes drifted around the cave, and a thought crossed his mind—Was this the very same cave where Xiao Yan had once recuperated after escaping the encirclement of the Wolf Head Mercenary Company?
But even as the possibility lingered, another question puzzled him. Why was she here now?
According to the novel, she shouldn't be fighting the Amethyst Winged Lion at this point in time. There should still be at least one more year before she even begins searching for the Amethyst Lion Birth Essence.
Something had changed.
While Xiao Hua was deep in thought, the battle above raged on. The sky trembled under the violent clash of energies, each collision echoing with muffled thunder.
The fierce struggle between the Amethyst Winged Lion and the Misty Cloud Sect Leader showed no signs of ceasing. The air was painted with streaks of vibrant green and deep purple, the lingering aftermath of their unleashed power. Even the once lazy white clouds, drifting aimlessly across the sky, were now stained by their colors.
Suddenly, another thunderous roar erupted, shaking the forest below. The deafening sound snapped Xiao Hua out of his contemplation, and his gaze instinctively swept over the dense forest.
The once-lively Magical Beasts, known for their relentless cries and territorial roars, had now fallen into a deathly silence. Their bodies trembled in fear, their instincts screaming at them to remain hidden until the battle above concluded. None dared to make a sound, lest they become collateral damage in the clash between two powerful beings.
"The weak always suffer in a battle between the strong." Xiao Hua sighed, casting a sympathetic glance at the frightened creatures before turning his gaze toward Xue Yue.
Sensing his stare, Xue Yue raised a brow in confusion. Then, as realization dawned upon her, an amused smirk tugged at her lips. "What? Don't tell me you actually want to go watch their fight in your current condition?"
Xiao Hua simply nodded with a faint smile. He knew his limits. With his strength sealed, even taking to the skies was impossible. Let alone stepping on the air—he couldn't even conjure a pair of Dou Wings or his Vibrant Wings in this state.
Attempting to do so would consume an immense amount of Dou Qi, and the backlash alone could be devastating.
Naturally, if he wanted to get closer to the fight, he needed assistance. And the only person who could help him… was standing right in front of him.
"Are you sure about this?" Xue Yue asked, sensing the anticipation and excitement in Xiao Hua's gaze.
Seeing his unwavering smile and firm nod, she sighed exasperatedly, shaking her head in resignation. She knew that once he had made up his mind, there was no changing it. Though slightly displeased with the situation, she ultimately relented.
"Fine. Let's go. I'll take control of your body during this time."
As she spoke, her ethereal form merged into his body. In an instant, a dense, icy-white frost energy surged forth, wrapping around Xiao Hua like a frigid cocoon.
A pair of vibrant wings unfurled from his back, and without hesitation, his figure transformed into a streak of light, shooting toward the battle in the sky.
Upon reaching a point less than a hundred meters from the clash, he came to a halt. Using the dense forest canopy as cover, Xiao Hua landed atop an ancient, towering tree, his sharp eyes locked onto the two combatants above.
High in the blue expanse, streaks of green and red intertwined, painting the sky in a mesmerizing yet chaotic display. Nearly half the skyline was consumed by their battle, creating a spectacular picture.
His gaze swept toward the enormous Magical Beast in the sky.
It was an enormous lion-type Magical Beast, its colossal frame stretching seven to eight meters in length. Its body was adorned with glowing amethyst-colored crystal veins, pulsing with a brilliant purple light that extended from its limbs to its wings.
Atop its forehead, a spiraling helix-shaped crystal radiated a fiery purple hue, pulsing ominously. A pair of large bat-like wings extended from its back, and with every powerful flap, scorching purple flames scattered in all directions.
Its sheer overpowering and furious presence weighed heavily on the land, causing the entire forest to fall into an eerie silence. Even the normally noisy Magical Beasts were reduced to trembling spectators, too terrified to make a sound.
However, when Xiao Hua's gaze shifted to the graceful figure battling the Amethyst Winged Lion, a soft yet exasperated sigh escaped his lips.
His voice was barely above a whisper, his words carried away by the wind.
"Yun Yun…"