The emerald-green life mark rippled through Ling's deathly still sea of souls like a stone cast into a tranquil lake. His soul essence had been dim and riddled with cracks like a shattered mirror, but nourished by Hashirama Senju's immense vitality and Asura's power, those cracks began to close slowly before their eyes. Its faded core once again shone with a faint yet unwavering azure light.
The natural energy crystals enveloping him seemed to answer some summons, pouring into his body with even greater force. They no longer forcibly sustained his life, but gently replenished and balanced it. A trace of color quietly emerged on Ling's long-pallid cheeks, like tender shoots in early spring. His long, shallow breaths gradually became steady and strong.
No one knew how much time had passed. Perhaps an instant, perhaps an eternity.
Deep within that vast sea of consciousness formed from pure water, a glimmer struggled through the heavy darkness.
Ling's eyelashes trembled ever so slightly.
Sakura, who had remained beside him and continuously monitored his condition with the Mystical Palm Technique, was the first to notice the tiny change. She abruptly held her breath, scarcely daring to believe her eyes, and whispered in a trembling voice, "They... they moved! Ling's eyelashes moved!"
Her cry struck like thunder, jolting everyone present.
Tsunade immediately stepped forward to examine Ling more carefully, relief and delight spreading across her face. "His soul essence has stabilized! It's still weak, but the constant deterioration has stopped! His vital signs are growing stronger, too... he's moving past the most dangerous stage!"
Naruto jumped straight up and rushed to the edge of the hot spring. Through the slightly thinner layer of blue crystals, he stared intently at Ling's face, his fists clenched white and his eyes filled with excitement and hope. "Ling!