Inside the Time Temple, lights of every hue from the Origins of the Great Dao wove together.
Pangu, the Order Demon God, and Hongjun sat around Shichen. Power flowed from their fingertips into his body, nourishing his damaged Dao foundation.
After an unknown length of time, Shichen slowly opened his eyes and exhaled.
"Enough." He raised a hand to stop them.
"Keep going and your cultivation will suffer."
Pangu wanted to say more, but one look from Shichen silenced him. He scratched his head, withdrew his hand, and muttered,
"So what if it does..."
The Order Demon God said nothing. She withdrew her hand and only relaxed a little after confirming that his complexion had improved.
Hongjun brushed his sleeves and rose.
"Dao Venerable, since your injuries have improved, I'll go draft the academy's regulations. We can discuss them once you've recovered."
"Thanks for the effort."
Shichen nodded. Hongjun bowed again and slowly left the temple.
Pangu stood too and stretched until his joints cracked.
"I'll go get some rest, then. I really am a bit tired."
"Go on." Shichen waved him off.
The doors opened and closed, leaving only Shichen and the Order Demon God inside.
Silence settled over the hall. The Order Demon God spoke first.
"Are you really all right?"
Shichen looked at her and smiled. "I'm fine. My Dao Wheel only has a crack. Some time to recuperate will fix it."
The Order Demon God studied his eyes for several breaths. Satisfied that he wasn't putting on a brave face, she nodded.
"Then I'll head back too. Rest properly."
With that, she turned and left, disappearing beyond the doors.
Shichen watched the Order Demon God go, and the smile gradually faded from his face.
He looked down at his palm, slowly clenched it, then let it