By the time the Star-Pattern Boat cut through the waves into Magnetic Essence Harbor, dusk had dyed the sea orange-red. Han Li leaned against the rail with the Water-Magnetic Sword across his knees. After devouring Mo Yan's blood-fiend magnetic essence, the sword's magnetic patterns glimmered with a trace of dark red bloodlight, held firmly in check by the silver radiance of Star Magnetic Body Protection.
Zi Ling's Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flag fluttered at the bow. The Blood Star Tracking Pattern on its surface had transformed into a Purifying Light Pattern, and pale golden starlight enveloped the boat, shielding him from the scattered magnetic storm aftershocks along their return journey.
"Senior Brother Han, bear with it." Star patterns flowed over Zi Ling's fingertips as she pressed them against the Purifying Light Pattern acupoint on his back. Gentle spiritual power seeped into his meridians like a stream.
Han Li's throat bobbed as he swallowed back his surging blood and vital energy-the force of Mo Yan's self-detonation had not been fatal, but it had injured his internal organs. Every breath now tugged at a dull ache.
People were already waiting at the dock. Elder Meng of the Enforcement Hall hurried forward with two disciples. Seeing Han Li's pale face, he said urgently, "The Grand Elder ordered us to meet you. Come with me to the Pill and Artifact Hall for treatment!"
Steam wreathed the Pill and Artifact Hall's Soul-Nurturing Pool. The spiritual liquid within was mixed with powdered star magnetic jade marrow, a remarkably effective remedy for damaged meridians.
Han Li removed his outer robe and immersed himself in the pool. Zi Ling kept watch beside it, unfurling her Star-Illusion Maze Formation Flag to deploy a Mind-Calming Formation and block outside disturbances. Elder Meng handed him a bottle of Nine-Revolution Soul-Restoring Pills. "These