Awakening from Her Bed, the Ninth Trial Delayed; A Year of Tempering, the Staircase Trial Complete

Inside the stone house at the Sacred Pillar Residence, the sea breeze blew through the window lattice, stirring the pale blue gauze curtains as they drifted over Lin Zhixia's sleeping face. Xiao Wu sat beside the bed, holding her hand and gently stroking the still-unhealed scar on the web between her thumb and forefinger. Her eyes were still red—ever since Lin Zhixia had fallen unconscious, she had barely left her side. Oscar's Recovery Sausages and Ning Rongrong's boosted Soul Power had been administered to Lin Zhixia in turns, finally restoring some color to her pale face.

"Mm..." A soft groan broke the silence in the room. Lin Zhixia's eyelashes trembled before she slowly opened her eyes. Above her was the familiar stone ceiling, while the unique Soul Power aura of Sea God Island lingered beneath her nose. There was also a warm touch against her palm—she turned her head and met Xiao Wu's delighted gaze.

"Sister Zhixia! You're awake!" Xiao Wu shot to her feet, her voice trembling with excitement. She was about to call for the others outside when Lin Zhixia gently caught her hand. "Don't rush..." Lin Zhixia's voice was still hoarse. She moved her arm, and the dull ache in her chest made her frown. "How long was I asleep?"

"A whole ten days!" Xiao Wu sat back down, her eyes reddening again, though she smiled as she spoke. "You have no idea. Third Brother and the others came to stand guard outside every day. Ma Hongjun even said he wanted to roast a Phoenix Flame Chicken to help you recover, but Sister Rongrong scolded him for it."

As they spoke, the door opened. Tang San, Ning Rongrong, and the others entered, surrounding Bo Saixi. The moment they saw Lin Zhixia awake, smiles bloomed across their faces.