The night was deep, the starry sky vast.
To receive news from Xi Haitang in time, and to obtain the antidote without delay, they had not dared go too far. They had merely left the town behind and found a secluded mountain valley to hide in.
While they waited in the valley, Niu Youdao sat on a rock beneath the cliff face, holding Silver Child in his arms without letting go.
Nor was it easy for him to let go. He had to help Silver Child balance the foreign demonic energy inside her and prevent her from losing control and turning into a demon.
Otherwise, if they caused a disturbance now, who knew what trouble it might attract.
Silver Child also clung tightly around his neck, unwilling to release him. She was in great pain and needed comfort. Holding Niu Youdao at least brought her some peace of mind.
Yet her ten fingers were beyond her control, and she had already clawed Niu Youdao's back to shreds.
Even after taking human form, she had not lost all her strength. Though Niu Youdao used his arts to ward her off, after enough time his back had still been clawed until his clothes were in tatters and blood ran freely.
Niu Youdao did not blame her in the slightest, nor did he show much reaction. He continued holding her, their necks pressed together as they clung tightly to each other. Every so often, he murmured by her ear, "Silver Child, it's all right."
He remained by her side, continuously soothing her with his voice. For Silver Child, enduring such torment, it did ease her suffering.
Seeing Niu Youdao's back scratched into a ghastly state, Yuan Gang spoke up and offered to take his place. After all, his skin was thick and his