Inside the formation in the valley, Bi Fan sat cross-legged at its center, regulating his condition. With each breath, the energy within him grew steadier and more solid.
For some reason, Bi Fan felt that after being injured by the formation's energy, the power of the dragon blood essence within him had rapidly merged into his body. This had changed his spiritual energy, giving it a faintly contained, sharp and domineering quality. Even his cultivation had advanced from the very threshold of the Spirit Lord Realm to a firm foothold in the early stage.
The discovery surprised him. Could being injured speed up the absorption of the blood essence's power? But he didn't recall feeling this way before.
Still, Bi Fan had no interest in pursuing questions with no answers. As long as he knew this was beneficial and harmless to him, that was enough.
He continued tending to his condition for two full days before slowly opening his eyes.
Not many noticed the subtle fluctuations in the energy around him. Wang Shu, who was closest, sensed them quickly. He gazed steadily at Bi Fan with his large, slightly round eyes, a complicated look in his own.
Bi Fan smiled faintly and asked in a gentle voice, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Nothing..." Wang Shu hurriedly lowered his head, his face turning faintly red as he spoke awkwardly.
Bi Fan smiled. Knowing the youth was shy by nature, he said no more. Instead, he looked around, his gaze finally settling on the pale green barrier protecting them.
"Was this Xiao Xiao's doing?" he asked softly.
"Mm." Feng Xuanzhi nodded with a wry smile. "When we entered the formation, this barrier wrapped around us. That's why we weren't hurt by the formation's own energy. Otherwise, with