Three months passed in the blink of an eye. Inside the Secret Chamber, Jing Wen sat quietly cross-legged, his aura far steadier than before.
He slowly opened his eyes. The weakness and dullness that had once filled them were gone, replaced by a gleam of resolve.
After three months of recuperating in seclusion, his injuries had largely healed.
Now, Jing Wen could freely circulate a portion of his spiritual power without worsening his injuries.
Though this was merely the tip of the iceberg compared with his strength at his peak, it meant he now had some ability to protect himself.
"It's time to leave!" Jing Wen murmured. His voice was soft, yet its resolute echo lingered in the Secret Chamber.
Although Jing Wen had always acted respectful and obedient before Steward Li, he had never lowered his guard.
Now that his injuries had eased somewhat, he weighed his options repeatedly. Only after confirming that he could get away did he decide to take his leave.
Jing Wen entered the Still Garden, intending to bid Steward Li farewell in person, only to learn that the steward was in seclusion and would see no one unless it was important.
Jing Wen was about to leave when Ge Hong hurried up to him.
"Brother Jing Wen!" Delight flashed in Ge Hong's eyes, then gave way to anxiety. "I've been looking everywhere for you these past few months, but there wasn't a trace of you. Where on earth have you been?"
Jing Wen remained calm. "I suffered cultivation deviation after carelessly taking a Blood Pill some time ago. I've been recuperating in seclusion ever since."
Realization dawned on Ge Hong, and he slapped his forehead. "So that's what happened! No wonder. I found several cultivators these past few months and wanted to bring you