Sunlight filtered in through the window lattice, falling along the edge of the bed.
Lu Chen lay still, staring at the wood grain on the ceiling beam as he listened to the faint sound of medicine boiling in the courtyard.
Yun Qingyue was not in the room.
He flexed his fingers, attempting to circulate his true essence. A sharp pain ran through his meridians, like a rusted blade scraping between his bones. The Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bones had dimmed until they were nearly imperceptible, while the mark on his right shoulder had retreated into the deepest recesses, leaving only the faintest fluctuation.
His early Longevity Realm cultivation had at least stabilized.
But only stabilized.
He closed his eyes and silently took stock of himself.
[System Notice: Current remaining lifespan—500 years. Physical condition: Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bones severely damaged; self-healing ability reduced to thirty percent of normal. Soul condition: Cracks in the Soul-Nourishing Jade Essence have yet to heal; the Dragon Soul Mirror mark has dimmed and requires nurturing. Total true essence: Sixty percent of peak; circulation is obstructed. Dragon Thunder Baleful Force fusion rate: 70%, but its power has greatly diminished. Dharma Form prototype: Can be activated, but the consumption is immense; not suitable for use at present. Godslaying power: Usable, at roughly forty percent of its peak strength. Black Godslaying power: Fusion state has been lifted; only vague insights remain.]
Thirty-five Longevity Fruits lay inside the Mysterious Yellow Creation Gourd.
He opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling beam.
Footsteps sounded outside the door, very light, as though someone were carrying something.
The door was pushed open.
Yun Qingyue entered carrying a bowl of medicine. Seeing that his eyes were open, she paused briefly, then walked over as if nothing had happened and placed the bowl on the