The Lingering Warmth of Defeat

Mu Jin finally let out a sigh of relief. She took out specialized Soul Power Healing Medicine from her Storage Soul Tool and handed it to her, watching as she applied it while softly comforting her. "Thankfully, they're only superficial wounds. Your foundation wasn't damaged. Facing an opponent with such a huge level gap, you dared to step in and hold him back right away. That was already very brave. Your teacher saw it all."

Nanmen Yun'er bit her lip and nodded gently. Her eyes were still red, but she did not cry. The tension in her shoulders visibly eased.

After comforting Nanmen Yun'er, Mu Jin slowly walked over to Wu Feng.

She did not rashly pat Wu Feng on the shoulder.

This proud girl was on the verge of an emotional collapse. Her entire body was taut like a fully drawn bow. Any sudden touch could become the final straw that broke her.

She merely stood quietly at Wu Feng's side, her voice even softer as she first asked after her physical condition, never mentioning words like "retreat" or "defeat," the ones that would hurt her most.

"Wu Feng, loosen your hand. Don't hurt yourself."

Wu Feng's entire body suddenly stiffened.

"Did that Ice Attribute chill injure your meridians?" Mu Jin's voice continued, gentle yet steady. "Is your Soul Power still circulating smoothly?"

Wu Feng's clenched fist loosened slightly, but she still refused to turn around or raise her head.

She only forced out a hoarse sentence from her throat, her voice trembling despite her efforts to suppress it. "I'm fine."

Mu Jin did not press further.

She gently raised her hand, her fingertips resting on Wu Feng's wrist as she examined the flow of her Soul Power.

Wu Feng's Fire Attribute Soul Power was still circulating steadily. It