When the pool water finally settled completely, it was already dawn.
Han Tieshan leaned against the wall. Several shifts had already changed.
He had not left. Others rotated out, but he did not.
The color of the pool water had changed.
The pool, once filled to the brim with Marrow-Washing Divine Elixir, now held less than a third of its original volume. Its color was murky and dull, and the thinning concentration of spiritual energy was visible to the naked eye.
Wang Zongren had lost several full pounds over the past few days.
Every hour, he checked the test data once. After each check, he had to take a deep breath to keep his expression steady.
At that moment, he stood before the instruments again.
Staring at the newest set of readings.
"Commander Han."
Han Tieshan sprang away from the wall. "What is it?"
"The Dragon Essence signal in his body has disappeared."
"Disappeared? What do you mean?"
"It did not dissipate. It was completely absorbed. The entire curve has dropped to zero."
Wang Zongren's voice trembled. "That Dragon Emperor's Source within him—there is not even the slightest trace left now."
"Where did it go?"
Wang Zongren pointed to another curve.
It represented Li Zhengyang's own life energy.
Seven days ago, it had been so weak that it nearly clung to the baseline.
Now, it had shot up to the upper limit of the instrument's range.
The numbers on the display flashed because they had exceeded the machine's maximum measuring range.
"It broke the scale," Wang Zongren said dryly.
Han Tieshan abruptly turned to look at the pool.
The water was still murky, making it impossible to see what was below.
Four guards stood at the four corners, maintaining vigilance throughout.
The hall was so quiet that dripping water could