The three turned and ran, vanishing into the darkness.
Lu Chen stood where he was, staring in the direction they had disappeared, without moving an inch.
Yun Qingyue ran over and was just about to speak when she suddenly saw his face.
His complexion was as pale as paper.
"Lu Chen?"
Lu Chen swayed and dropped to one knee.
Yun Qingyue caught him, her voice trembling. "You..."
Lu Chen raised a hand, signaling for her not to speak.
He lowered his head and looked at his right hand.
The mass of black light in his palm had completely dimmed, leaving only a faint wisp.
That strike had drained the last of his strength.
If the Sixth Councilor had struck again, he would have died without a doubt.
But he had won the gamble.
The Sixth Councilor had been scared away.
He drew a deep breath, struggled to his feet, and looked toward the withered tree.
"Pick the fruit."
Yun Qingyue supported Lu Chen as they walked beneath the withered tree.
Up close, those golden fruits were even more enticing. Each was the size of a fist, giving off a faint glow. Fine, dense patterns could vaguely be seen on their skins, like the blood vessels of living creatures.
"So this is the Longevity Fruit?" Yun Qingyue murmured.
Lu Chen reached out and picked one.
The fruit was warm in his hand, like he was holding a ball of fire. He could feel the immense vitality contained within it—life essence refined to the utmost purity.
"Try eating one," Yun Qingyue said.
Lu Chen shook his head. "No rush. Put them away first. We'll talk after we get out."
He took several jade boxes from his robes and began picking.
One, two, three...
There were thirty-six in total.
He picked every last