Loose Ends

After about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the black qi around the wound had dissipated, and there was scarcely any black left in the blood. Even the flesh had somehow begun showing signs of healing. Only then did Yan Chixia, his brow beaded with sweat, slowly withdraw his power. As the firelight within the precious pearl gradually faded, he let out a long breath.

The vitality contained within this pearl was truly rare. Now that the demonic poison had been expelled, it should not be wasted so lightly again. The remaining injuries could recover on their own.

The swordsman Xiahou beside him was in even worse shape. The moment he saw Yan Chixia stop, he swayed unsteadily and nearly collapsed headfirst onto the floor.

He had merely forced himself to hold on this long in order to protect the others.

The man in short clothes, however, was quick to read the situation. He hurried forward to support the swordsman and helped him sit down nearby.

By now, the color within that fire pearl had visibly dimmed, clearly showing that it had consumed no small amount of power.

Yet its effects were equally remarkable.

As the blood seeping from Zhiqiu Yiye's back turned a normal bright red, some faint color returned to his face, which had previously been pale as paper and tinged with a bluish-black hue upon closer inspection. His furrowed brow eased slightly, and even his breathing seemed steadier than before.

Seeing that the situation had indeed stabilized, Yan Chixia turned around and, without hesitation, handed the pearl back to its owner. Relief and gratification filled his face.

"This treasure truly works! With this, the demonic poison has almost been completely removed. The small remnants left behind can be purged in time with the