The Inner Body

"Treat the wounded first." Xia Fan swept his gaze over the scene, and his mood sank several degrees. Most of the others felt the same. Their reunion should have been a joyous occasion, yet the casualties had washed away much of that joy.

To prevent another enemy attack, Sainiya moved the Tree Boat into the deep-sea zone. They were now more than a hundred li from shore, and even turning back would take considerable time. During that time, the Baisha Ship drew alongside and docked with the Tree Boat. Once all the aftermath had been dealt with, everyone finally had a chance to sit down and exchange their respective accounts.

Xia Fan first gave a rough account of what had happened at the Western Pole. "Although the search for the Holy Son did not go smoothly, we found another person capable of lifting the corrosion. She is Princess Twilight of Natating, Hualin Stitch."

"She is a princess of The Empire?" The High Priestess's expression changed sharply. She looked toward the woman with hair the color of the sea, her eyes filled with hostility and wariness. "Lord Xia, how could you trust someone from The Empire and bring her aboard the Noah Tree Boat? You should know what they did to World Island!"

"Calm down first. Things are a little different from what you think." Xia Fan hurriedly reassured her. "Though she is from The Empire, she is also the emperor's prisoner."

"Allow me to explain." Hualin rose gracefully to her feet and bowed to Sainiya and the other Elves. "During the voyage, I heard of the changes that took place in Natating... I am deeply ashamed of the crimes Talius committed. In a sense, it was my yielding that led to this tragedy. If punishing or executing me can ease