The dragon’s remaining power struck Shen Yuan head-on, a blinding pillar of light engulfing him.
His bones cracked audibly under the strain, and blood spurted from his mouth as his body was hurled backward, slamming into the courtyard’s shattered ground.
The earth trembled, and another deep crater formed beneath him.
Silence fell over the sect as the light faded. The heavens grew still, the oppressive clouds dissipating as the tribulation concluded. The golden dragon had disappeared after attacking Shen Yuan.
Shen Yuan lay at the bottom of the crater, his body battered and broken.
His breathing was ragged, and his entire body trembled from the overwhelming strain. Yet, he was alive. Against all odds, he had survived the heavens’ final judgment.
Crimson Devourer, embedded in the ground beside him, pulsed faintly, its aura more refined and intense than ever.
The sword had absorbed a portion of the tribulation’s energy, its devouring capabilities growing stronger.
Shen Yuan forced himself to sit up, his movements slow and deliberate. Blood trickled from the corners of his mouth, and his vision blurred, but his gaze remained sharp.
He gripped Crimson Devourer tightly, the blade’s warmth reassuring him.
A faint smirk played at his lips as he muttered, “Looks like…I’m still alive, heavens.”
Above, Shen Yuxin and the others stood frozen, their gazes locked on Shen Yuan.
Tears welled in Huo Rong and Bing Rong’s eyes as they saw him rise once more. Shen Yuxin clenched her fists, a mix of pride and worry filling her heart.
Yue Xian, standing beside her, exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “That boy… he truly defies the impossible.”
Shen Yuxin’s voice was soft but filled with pride. “That’s my Yuan’er. Nothing—not even the heavens—can take him down.”
As Shen Yuan stood amidst the destroyed courtyard, the cherry tree nearby shimmered faintly, its scarred branches emitting a soft light.
But Shen Yuan’s gaze focused solely on the sky, his eyes burning with an unyielding resolve.
“I won’t forget this ‘favor,’ my dear heavens. I will pay it back one day, for sure.” His voice carried an icy chill as it spread across the courtyard.
“Let this be a reminder, heavens,” he murmured, his voice carrying across the silent courtyard. “No matter how many times you try… I will rise every single time.”
From above, Shen Yuxin, Huo Rong, Bing Rong, and Yue Xian descended hurriedly, their eyes locked onto Shen Yuan.
Concern was etched deeply into their expressions, each of them barely restraining themselves from rushing to his side.
As soon as their feet touched the ground, Huo Rong dashed forward, her voice filled with worry. “Yuan’er! Are you—”
“Stop,” Yue Xian’s calm but firm voice cut through the tense air. “Look at him. He’s barely standing, but his aura hasn’t stabilized until now. If you touch him recklessly, it might aggravate his injuries.”
Shen Yuxin nodded, her hands trembling despite her composed demeanor. “She’s right. Let me handle this. I’ll stabilize his Qi flow.”
Bing Rong stood frozen, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “He looks… he looks like he’s about to collapse…”
As the women approached cautiously, Shen Yuan’s legs buckled, and Crimson Devourer clattered to the ground.
Shen Yuan’s body swayed dangerously, his battered form on the verge of collapsing, but just then, a radiant pink light emerged from his sea of consciousness.
The light enveloped him as if embracing his very essence, catching him before he could hit the ground.
The brilliance dimmed gradually, revealing a figure that left everyone present utterly speechless.
Yue Lan stood gracefully, cradling Shen Yuan in her arms. Her beauty was mesmerizing, the very embodiment of allure and elegance.
Her long pink hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, its gentle glow adding a surreal charm to her presence.
Her pink eyes sparkled with a playful glint, yet held a depth that seemed to pierce through one’s soul.
Her milky-white skin was flawless, radiating an almost divine purity, contrasting sharply with her provocative attire.
The sheer gown clung to her voluptuous figure, accentuating her ample chest and narrow waist.
The high slits on both sides of her dress revealed creamy thighs and smooth hips, every inch of her appearance enough to ignite the deepest desires of any man.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Huo Rong was the first to react, her eyes widening in shock as her cheeks turned a deep crimson. “T-That’s… Yue Lan?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
She averted her gaze quickly but couldn’t help stealing glances. “Why is she dressed like… that?”
Bing Rong, normally composed, was equally flustered. Her cheeks burned as she glanced away, her voice unsteady.
“She… she’s more… um… radiant than I expected.” Her eyes flickered between Yue Lan and Shen Yuan, a mixture of embarrassment and awe on her face.
Shen Yuxin’s expression was a mix of surprise and disbelief. Her usual composure wavered as she took in Yue Lan’s appearance.
“So… this is Yue Lan,” she murmured, her tone filled with curiosity and an uncharacteristic hint of jealousy. Her gaze briefly dipped to her own chest before she quickly looked away, biting her lip. “She… certainly knows how to make an impression.”
All three of them had calmed down by now as they knew Yue Lan would take care of Shen Yuan.
Yue Xian, however, had a completely different reaction. Her sharp gaze fixed on Yue Lan, narrowing slightly as she assessed the newcomer.
Unlike the others, she wasn’t flustered but instead intrigued. “And who might this be?” Yue Xian’s tone was calm but carried a hint of curiosity and authority. “I don’t recall you mentioning such a… companion, Yuxin.” Her eyes briefly lingered on Yue Lan’s provocative attire before returning to Shen Yuxin.
Yue Lan, unaffected by the reactions, smiled warmly at everyone, her voice melodious and sweet. “Greetings,” she said, her tone carrying a playful lilt. “I am Yue Lan, Shen Yuan’s… closest companion. We’ve spoken before, but I suppose this is our first time meeting face-to-face.”
She tilted her head slightly, her pink eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced at Shen Yuxin. “And yes, I know I’m stunning, but you don’t have to compare, dear Yuxin,” she teased, her voice dripping with playful confidence.
Shen Yuxin’s lips twitched hearing her words, but she quickly composed herself, her tone calm. “You certainly have a bold sense of style.”
Yue Lan chuckled, her voice like the soft chiming of bells. “Bold? Perhaps. But wouldn’t you agree it suits me?”
She gently adjusted Shen Yuan in her arms, her expression softening as she looked down at him. “He’s been through so much. I couldn’t let him fall.”
Yue Xian crossed her arms, her sharp gaze lingering on Yue Lan. “You carry an air of immense power, yet your presence is… strange. What exactly are you to Shen Yuan?”
Yue Lan’s playful demeanor shifted slightly, her voice taking on a deeper, more sincere tone. “I am his guide, his partner, his anchor. What I am to him is beyond simple explanation. Suffice it to say, I am as much a part of him as he is of me.”
The profoundness of her words silenced Yue Xian for a moment, though her eyes still carried a flicker of curiosity. “Interesting.”