The First Prince took the bowl of soup and carefully walked over to the King, intending to feed it to him. But the King refused to open his mouth. He still kept his head lowered, muttering under his breath.
"Father King, have some soup. You'll feel better after drinking it," the First Prince urged softly, his eyes reddening.
Lin Taichu stepped forward. "Your Highness, let me try." He took the bowl, gently lifted the King's head, scooped up a spoonful of soup, and brought it to his lips.
The King initially still refused to open his mouth, but when the steam from the soup drifted into his nose, he seemed to react slightly. His lips moved faintly. Seizing the chance, Lin Taichu fed the soup into his mouth, and the King swallowed it instinctively.
The bowl of soup was soon finished. The sorcerer stepped forward, took out a small Black Token from his robes, then closed his eyes and began chanting in a low, eerie voice.
As the sorcerer chanted, the King's body began to tremble slightly, and his complexion gradually changed from pale to somewhat rosy. His eyes were no longer vacant. Focus slowly returned to them as he looked around.
The First Prince watched Father King nervously, his palms slick with sweat.
After a while, the sorcerer stopped chanting, opened his eyes, and said to the First Prince, "Your Highness, the power of the talisman has been dispelled. The King will soon regain consciousness."
Everyone stared at the King, waiting for him to return to normal.
About half an incense stick later, the King finally spoke slowly, his voice weak. "I... where am I? What happened?"
"Father King! You're awake!" The First Prince rushed forward excitedly and threw his arms around the King, unable to stop his tears.