On hearing that Feng Chun had died after detonating his own dan foundation and that He An had been captured, Gu Qingzhou recalled how Feng Chun had sacrificed himself to save him. His whole body trembled helplessly, and tears filled his eyes.
"Brother Gu, do you think they'll kill Xiao An?"
Fan Dazhi asked, his face full of worry.
"No... Brother He An is a good man blessed by Heaven. This time, he'll surely turn disaster into good fortune..." Gu Qingzhou comforted Fan Dazhi, clenching his fists as he silently made up his mind.
If I make it back alive, even if I have to squander my entire fortune and beg His Majesty on my knees, I'll kill the Heavenly River and rescue He An, whatever it takes. If I fail, then at worst, I'll give this life back to Brother Feng Chun... I, Gu Qingzhou, have already lost one good brother. I cannot lose another!
The cool, clear glow illuminated his handsome profile, lending it an added solemnity.
"Brother Gu... they really won't kill Xiao An? Then will they cut off his hands and feet and torture him terribly?"
Still uneasy, Fan Dazhi scratched his head and pressed on anxiously.
"Dazhi... don't worry... He An will be all right."
Fang Yizhi's faint voice came from the darkness.
"Teacher Fang, you're awake?"
Fan Dazhi and Gu Qingzhou perked up. Both were injured and could barely move, so they slowly shuffled over across the floor.
Gu Qingzhou raised the luminous pearl in his hand. In its hazy, clear glow, Fang Yizhi's shoulder wound was covered in clotted blood, his face pale and his lips cracked, but some life had returned to his eyes.
With Fan Dazhi's help, Fang Yizhi struggled into a sitting position. Even that small movement disturbed his wound,