Once deprived of true qi, a cultivator would fall back into mortality with profound discomfort, worse than climbing out of buoyant water onto shore-more like a bird that had soared freely being forced to crawl along the ground.
Pei Ye had already grown somewhat accustomed to it along the way, but now, the moment he rose out of the Mindscape Realm, that sudden extra burden became so distinct again.
Pei Ye frowned, only to hear Black Cat sigh softly within his belly. "Ever I lament that this body is not mine."
"..."
Pei Ye lowered his gaze to him in silence.
"Your cultural education mustn't stop," Black Cat said.
"..."
Pei Ye was hardly in the mood to joke with him. Although this Immortal Hunter was certainly under close watch as well, he still enjoyed his light, powerful body, whereas Pei Ye truly felt miserable now.
Without true qi to restore his condition, Pei Ye struggled through his dizziness to make out his surroundings. Clearly, this was still a deep dungeon.
Not a sound penetrated from outside. The surrounding darkness was utterly still, and a dim little lamp burned in the chamber. Instinctively, he raised a hand to push against the floor and move toward it, only for an unexpected rigidity to strike. The chain of movement snapped, and he stumbled and fell flat on the ground.
Awkwardly using both his hands and face, Pei Ye propped himself up and looked down, panting. Only now did that strange stiffness take tangible form-he still wore a single layer of clothing, his hair loose and his feet bare, his shackles trailing on the floor, but his hands, starting at the forearms, were clamped fast in an intricate iron device. Dim artifact patterns flowed over it, and he could not bend his fingers