A wisp of refining power condensed into a fine needle and slowly probed into the sea of consciousness.
Deep within the dark sea of consciousness, Ling Zhantian's soul sat cross-legged.
That divine soul should have been solid as a real body, but now it was almost transparent, with hundreds of gray-black poisonous threads wrapped around its surface.
Some of the poisonous threads had already penetrated into the soul.
With each wriggling movement, Ling Zhantian's soul would ripple outwards, as if it might collapse at any moment.
Chu Yunfei controlled his refining power and approached the outermost poisonous thread.
The blue light had just touched it.
Hundreds of poisonous threads vibrated simultaneously!
Dozens of them directly abandoned Ling Zhantian's divine soul and turned to attack Chu Yunfei's divine sense that had entered the area.
"Town!"
Chu Yunfei gave a low shout.
The primal aura of the Myriad Poison Tyrant Body pressed into Ling Zhantian's sea of consciousness along with his divine sense.
The approaching poisonous threads froze instantly.
The Divine Cauldron's refining power seized the opportunity to spread out, engulfing them all and forcibly dragging them out of the sea of consciousness.
The remaining poisonous threads sensed something was wrong and began desperately burrowing into the depths of the soul.
Chu Yunfei did not remove them one by one.
The azure refining power rapidly spread out, forming a thin film that enveloped Ling Zhantian's entire soul.
Then, the cyan film tightened inch by inch from the outside in.
This method is more brutal.
Ling Zhantian's already damaged soul would also be affected.
However, if the delay continues and those poisonous threads completely merge with the essence of the soul, even if the Divine Cauldron of Heavenly Mandate can refine them, it will also extract Ling Zhantian's soul.
By then, the person will be completely beyond saving.
The blue light continued to shrink.
The gray-black poisonous threads struggled frantically, their shrill cries piercing Chu Yunfei's mind repeatedly.
Cold sweat quickly beaded on his forehead, and his face grew paler and paler.
The power of his soul was rapidly drained away, and even the finger that was touching Ling Zhantian's brow began to tremble slightly.
Xiaoxiao Dragon completely stopped joking around.
She was constantly aware of every change in Ling Zhantian's soul.
"Three inches to the left."
"Seven poisonous threads have penetrated the source."
"I saw it."
Chu Yunfei separated a wisp of his divine consciousness, condensed it into a sharp blade, and slashed towards that area.
Ling Zhantian's soul trembled violently.
Seven gray-black poisonous threads were forced out.
Two of them twisted on the spot, attempting to self-destruct and perish together with Ling Zhantian's soul.
The azure light suddenly closed in, enveloping them completely.
"Right shoulder, there's one more."
Chu Yunfei made his move again.
Time passed slowly.
One.
Ten.
One hundred roots.
When the last poisonous thread was peeled away from Ling Zhantian's brow, Chu Yunfei's entire arm trembled slightly.
The azure light coiled around the poisonous threads and quickly withdrew from the sea of consciousness.
The Divine Cauldron of Heavenly Mandate trembled slightly.
All the Soul-Devouring Nether Poison was compressed into a fist-sized mass of gray-black mist, suspended inside the cauldron, unable to escape.
Chu Yunfei did not refine it into its original essence for the time being.
Now is not the time.
He withdrew his finger and exhaled a long breath.
For a full three hours.
The Soul-Devouring Nether Poison within Ling Zhantian's body was finally completely removed.
However, the Emperor of the Great Qian Dynasty remained with his eyes closed on the dragon bed, showing no signs of waking up.
Chu Yunfei investigated again.
Ling Zhantian's internal organs and meridians were severely damaged, and his spirit was extremely weak.
Although the poison was gone, his body still lacked the power to awaken consciousness.
The result was the same as Chu Yunfei's previous judgment.
"From now on, we can only rely on those two kinds of pills to repair it."
Chu Yunfei withdrew his hand, but did not leave immediately.
A large amount of poisonous fog still lingers in the palace.
If these toxins are allowed to persist, given Ling Zhantian's current physical condition, he could still suffer secondary damage.
Chu Yunfei walked out of the inner hall and continued to activate the Divine Cauldron.
A bluish light, hidden beneath the dark gold patterns, flowed slowly.
The gray-black poisonous mist throughout the palace was drawn in, transforming into streams of air that surged into Chu Yunfei's body, eventually being sent into the Divine Cauldron.
The once dimly lit palace gradually became clear again.
The walls, floors, and stone pillars that had been corroded by toxic gas for many years were also revealed again.
Half an incense stick later.
The last wisp of poisonous mist disappeared.
Outside the array, Ling Xueyao immediately noticed the change.
The white jade pendant at Chu Yunfei's waist lit up.
The protective barrier surrounding the palace slowly parted, revealing a gap just wide enough for one person to pass through.
A figure walked out of the hall.
Chu Yunfei's face was pale, his robes were soaked with sweat, but his steps remained steady.
Ling Xueyao immediately went to greet her.
She stopped when they were only one step apart.
She had already raised her hand halfway, seemingly wanting to support Chu Yunfei, but after noticing Shen Qianyue was right next to her, she subtly withdrew it.
How are you?
Ling Xueyao asked in a low voice, "Have you inhaled any toxins? Do you feel any discomfort?"
Chu Yunfei chuckled softly as he looked at the undisguised worry on her face.
"It's just that the consumption of spiritual energy is quite high."
"You'll recover after a night's rest."
Shen Qianyue also came over.
This usually calm and taciturn old man appeared somewhat nervous at this moment.
"Young Master Chu, the poison in His Majesty's body..."
Chu Yunfei looked at the two of them.
"I have fulfilled my mission."
The four words fell.
Ling Xueyao's body trembled slightly.
All the disappointment, anxiety, and despair that had been building up in my heart over the years surged up at this moment.
Her eyes reddened, but she held back her tears.
"Father's poison... is it really cured?"
" The Soul-Devouring Nether Poison within the body and soul has been completely eradicated."
Chu Yunfei glanced back at the palace. "I've cleared away the remaining poisonous mist inside. Now, you won't be affected by the toxins when you go in."
Shen Qianyue's chest heaved heavily.
He solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to Chu Yunfei, and slowly bent his waist.
"Young Master Chu has shown me great kindness."
"On behalf of His Majesty and the Great Qian Imperial Family, I, Shen, thank Young Master Chu!"
Chu Yunfei raised his hand to support Shen Qianyue.
" Elder Shen, please don't thank me yet."
"Although the poison has been neutralized, His Majesty is still not awake."
The joy on Ling Xueyao's face vanished instantly.
"Why?"
"The poison has been completely removed, but his body cannot support the awakening of his soul."
Chu Yunfei explained, "His internal organs and meridians have been eroded for many years and require a fifth-grade pill to repair them."
As for the soul...
He paused for a moment.
"The damage is more severe than to the physical body; it requires at least one Rank 6 elixir capable of nourishing the soul."
Shen Qianyue quickly suppressed his excitement and regained his composure.
He pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "The Imperial City's Pill Pavilion has fifth-grade pills for repairing the five internal organs and meridians."
"As long as you can afford the price, getting your hands on it won't be difficult."
"Sixth-grade pills that can nourish the soul are extremely rare; even the Imperial City's Pill Pavilion might not have them."
Ling Xueyao gripped the golden slender sword tightly in her hand.
The poison has been neutralized.
Father is just two steps away from awakening.
No matter how many spirit stones those two pills would cost, or what price she would have to pay, she would not stop here.
"No matter the cost, I will find that sixth-grade pill."
Ling Xueyao looked at Shen Qianyue, her tone without the slightest hesitation.
"I will personally go to the Pill Pavilion first thing tomorrow morning."
"Perfect timing! Let's find a elixir to restore Elder Shen's foundation!"
"We'll discuss the matter of the Pill Pavilion tomorrow."
Chu Yunfei's voice was tinged with exhaustion.
"I've done all I can. The rest depends on whether you can find those two kinds of pills."
"You all go in first to check the situation. I need to find a place to recover my spiritual energy."
Shen Qianyue solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute.
"I will go and check on His Majesty first."
"Your Highness, Young Master Chu has expended considerable energy; he should not be overworked tonight. Please arrange for him to rest."
Ling Xueyao took out the jade tablet and activated the array.
Shen Qianyue strode into the palace and quickly disappeared into the depths of the long corridor.
Ling Xueyao remained where she was, her gaze fixed on Chu Yunfei.
His steps were relatively steady as he walked out of the formation, but his face was deathly pale, and his aura was much weaker than before he entered the palace.
"Can you still walk?"
Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Is Your Highness preparing to carry me back?"
The worry that had just risen in Ling Xueyao's eyes instantly turned into embarrassment and anger.
"He can still say things like that; looks like he's not going to die."
"I'm just worried you'll collapse on the palace path, and I'll have to find someone to carry you away tomorrow."
Though she spoke coldly, she had already walked to Chu Yunfei's side.
After a brief hesitation.
Ling Xueyao reached out and supported his arm.
A soft touch came through the sleeve.
Chu Yunfei glanced at her sideways.
Ling Xueyao still maintained a cool and aloof demeanor, but a faint blush had crept behind her ears.
"Her Highness the Princess personally helped me up; that's quite a high level of treatment."
"Shut up."
Ling Xueyao's fingers tightened slightly.
"Your face is so pale, and your breathing is unsteady. If it weren't for the fact that you helped Father Emperor detoxify, I wouldn't bother with you at all."
Chu Yunfei smiled and didn't expose her.
The two walked out along the palace path.
The palace was heavily fortified, isolating it from the outside world, and there were hardly any servants to be seen along the way.
It was completely dark by then.
The illuminating crystals on both sides of the palace wall lit up one after another, casting long shadows of the two people.
Ling Xueyao was clearly not used to helping others.
With each step Chu Yunfei took forward, his shoulder would lightly brush against her arm. Her movements became increasingly stiff, and although she tried to step aside several times, she ultimately did not let go.
A faint masculine scent lingered beside him.
Ling Xueyao stared straight ahead, but her breathing became slightly erratic without her realizing it.
If she distanced herself from Chu Yunfei, she wouldn't be able to support him.
But if they continued walking like this, they would be getting too close.
Chu Yunfei turned his head to look.
Ling Xueyao had already removed her veil, and her flawless face was now very close.
A faint, delicate fragrance wafts on the breeze.
It doesn't smell like cosmetics; it's more like a blend of the fragrance of medicinal herbs and natural body odor.
What spices does Your Highness usually use?
Ling Xueyao didn't look at him.
"I do not use spices."
"If you still have the energy to care about these things, then go on your own."
"That's body odor."
Chu Yunfei nodded thoughtfully.
Ling Xueyao loosened her grip on his hand slightly, and her voice turned cold.
" Chu Yunfei, this is the Imperial Palace."
"No one has ever dared to be so presumptuous in front of me before; you are the first."
"Your Highness, please rest assured."
Chu Yunfei said seriously, "I'm a tight-lipped person; I won't reveal this kind of secret."
Ling Xueyao finally turned her face away.
"What kind of secret is that?"
You smell wonderful.