ROAR—!!!
An enraged, frenzied roar thundered through the air, seemingly racing around near the temple.
Lin Qiye abruptly opened his eyes.
Scarlet moonlight streamed through the temple's open doorway and spilled across the dim hall. He stared dazedly at the red moon for a long time before slowly sitting up from the ground.
He could clearly feel that his body was much lighter than before. Though his muscles had not grown, every movement carried an unprecedented sense of strength. His skin seemed as though it had been washed by jade—smooth, warm, and resilient, like a masterpiece of supernatural craftsmanship.
Then he suddenly felt a warm, soft touch against his right palm.
"You're awake? How do you feel?"
Following the voice, he saw Jialan sitting quietly on the threshold beside him. The hem of her deep-blue Han robe spread across the ground like a folded fan, while her long black hair, tied with a red cord, swayed in the breeze alongside the wind chimes outside.
Beneath the red moon hanging in the dark sky, Jialan blinked rapidly, one hand clasping Lin Qiye's as worry filled her face.
"I'm fine... My head just still hurts a little." Lin Qiye shook his groggy head. "How long was I unconscious?"
"Ten minutes."
Merlin, draped in a mage's robe, slowly approached from afar. He scrutinized Lin Qiye for a moment, then nodded in satisfaction. "Mm, the seal is perfect. But your mind hasn't fully recovered from the impact of the Power of Faith yet, so you'll still have headaches and some dizziness."
"It's fine. It's not too serious." Lin Qiye sat on the ground and took two deep breaths.
"Is that so?" Merlin raised an eyebrow and sat down on the threshold before him. "Then I'll give you a few questions and see whether you're