Qian Renxue (47)

The threat of the abyss had temporarily been sealed away. The Tree of Life bloomed with vitality once more, pale gold patterns flowing across its white trunk in the faint light. At the very top of its crown, that pure white flower slowly opened, scattering gentle motes of light like Isis's final blessing. And yet the price of victory was heavy—Tang Wulin had less than ten years of life force remaining, his divine power had dissipated, and the Golden Dragon King Bloodline had been completely sealed. He had fallen from the divine altar back into the mortal world.

Qian Renxue held Tang Wulin tightly, her fingertips able to feel the faint trembling of his body and the way his warmth was fading. Her tears slid down silently, mingling with dust and blood before dripping onto the back of his hand. "Let's go home..." she repeated, as if those words were the only salvation left.

Bibi Dong stood to the side, a complicated glint flashing through her purple-black eyes. She raised a hand and gathered a wisp of Death Aura, not to attack, but to turn it into gentle energy that probed into Tang Wulin's body. A moment later, she withdrew her hand, her voice deep and low. "His life force is draining more slowly than expected, but it's irreversible. Ten years... perhaps even less." She did not continue. Turning, she looked toward the now-calm Abyss Gate. The gate still stood there, but it was wrapped and covered by the roots of the Tree of Life, giving off soft white light that formed a solid barrier. The roars and agitation behind the gate had been cut off, leaving only dead silence.

Dai Chengfeng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and walked to Tang Wulin's other side. "Can you