Zhan Peng made a faint sound as he woke from his deep sleep. Hearing him stir, Hu Xiaotian immediately came to his side and softly called his name. Zhan Peng slowly opened his eyes. Seeing the concern on Hu Xiaotian's face, he struggled to muster a faint smile. "My lord... I've failed you..."
Hu Xiaotian shook his head, holding back his excitement. "Zhan Peng, you did very well. Don't dwell on anything else. Fang Fang is still waiting for you to come home."
At the mention of Fang Fang, a smile appeared on Zhan Peng's face. He closed his eyes wearily and said in a weak voice, "Looks like I... I can still hold on..."
Hu Xiaotian laughed. Zhan Peng possessed a will forged of iron. Perhaps this escape from death would bring about a transformation that remade him from the bones outward.
Granny Shadow slipped quietly outside. The moment she saw Yan Nujiao at the door, her expression darkened. Yan Nujiao timidly approached her. "Master!"
"How is that wretched disciple?" Granny Shadow asked.
"Senior Sister won't eat or drink," Yan Nujiao said. "Her condition is very worrying."
Granny Shadow gave a cold laugh and fixed Yan Nujiao with a fierce stare, until she lowered her lovely head and clutched the corner of her robe in uneasy embarrassment.
"When did things start between you and him?" Granny Shadow asked.
Yan Nujiao's pretty face flushed scarlet with shame. "I don't know what you mean, Master," she whispered.
"Stop playing dumb with me," Granny Shadow said coldly. "I can tell you're no longer an untouched jade. I must have been a fool to raise two such unworthy disciples!"
Yan Nujiao had no answer. She could only lower her head even farther.
After scolding her, Granny Shadow's anger subsided somewhat, and her tone