As night deepened, Elm Forest Alley returned to its usual tranquility.
In the Ning Family Courtyard's main hall, the oil lamp burned like a bean, its dim yellow flame flickering endlessly in the darkness.
Ning Chuan sat alone beside the square table. Though his face was still somewhat pale, his gaze remained clear and calm, without the slightest hint of fatigue.
He had skillfully handled the City Guard's questioning during the day, but Zhang Meng's hawk-sharp scrutiny, along with the invisible surveillance Zhao Qian Ting had subsequently increased, hung over him like swords above his head, reminding him that the crisis was far from over.
Though the Blackwater Gang had been destroyed, an even greater storm might already be brewing in the shadows.
"Strength—I must recover as quickly as possible and go even further!" Ning Chuan lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingertips. Feeling the faint pain still lingering in his meridians and the Soul Power that had recovered only fifty to sixty percent, his sense of urgency intensified.
His battle with Xiao Ran had seemed like a decisive victory won through the sword formation, but in truth, he had consumed a great deal himself. In particular, using the Megrez Sword intent to instantly kill the powerful enemy at the end had placed considerable strain on his meridians.
If not for the Azure Emperor Longevity Art's boundless vitality, along with the timely nourishment of the "Century Wood Marrow," his foundation would likely have been damaged by now.
Ordinary meditation and breath regulation could slowly restore him, but the pace was too slow to deal with the potential dangers before him.
What he needed now was a more efficient method.
With that thought, Ning Chuan took out the Ten Thousand Herb Appraisal from the Inheritance Bracelet. His spiritual power moved like