Mu En and Xuan Zi flanked Jiang Che, each carrying him as they transformed into streaks of light. In moments, they were back on Shrek Sea God Island, heading straight into a residence set aside for healing.
The courtyard stood by the sea, quiet and elegant. It was usually reserved for important personnel recovering from injuries, but now the arrival of the group had cast a heavier air over the place.
Mu En carefully settled Jiang Che onto a soft couch, then gave a grave order. "Hurry and fetch Elder Zhuang. As fast as you can!"
Less than half an incense stick later, an old man with white hair and beard, dressed in a plain robe, hurried over. He was Elder Zhuang, one of Shrek Academy's most senior members and the finest physician in the Inner Court.
Elder Zhuang rarely concerned himself with the academy's daily affairs, devoting himself wholly to the study of healing Soul Masters. Even the Sea God Pavilion Elders were reluctant to disturb him without good reason; he had only hurried over after hearing that Jiang Che was gravely injured.
Seeing Jiang Che lying on the bed, drenched in blood and barely breathing, Elder Zhuang's brows knitted sharply. He hurried to his side and firmly pressed his aged palm to Jiang Che's chest.
He gently swept his Soul Power through Jiang Che's body, then let out a breath of relief and looked up at Mu En. "Don't worry, Elder Mu. The injuries aren't serious. They're all flesh wounds; his muscles and bones are unharmed, and his Soul Power foundation hasn't been damaged. He only fainted from excessive blood loss and exhaustion."
As he spoke, Soul Power slowly surged around Elder Zhuang. Nine Soul Rings rose steadily from beneath his feet—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black,