59. Awakening

Heavy footsteps echoed through the damp, dark underground passage, each one carrying the exhaustion of surviving a catastrophe, yet also a sense of relief from the relief of a heavy burden. Ling Ye walked at the front of the group, carrying the unconscious Su Lin on his back. His back remained straight, but the cold sweat dripping from his forehead and his slightly rapid breathing betrayed his equally grim condition. Su Lin slumped limply against his back, his cheek pressed against the back of Ling Ye's neck, icy and devoid of any warmth. His ever-moving amber eyes were tightly closed, his long lashes casting a heavy shadow across his pale face, his lips so pale they almost blended in with his skin.

Lei Qing followed closely behind, his sharp gaze still scanning every corner of the passage like a searchlight, but his tense shoulders relaxed slightly. Though wounded, the battle-hardened captain's steps were steady and powerful. "Wu Guang is dead, and the greatest threat has been temporarily eliminated," his deep voice echoed through the passage, carrying a reassuring force. "But don't let your guard down. The Guichen Cult's pursuers are still here."

"Understood," Mu Lin replied. He walked beside Ling Ye, one hand still habitually pressed against his aching chest, but his complexion had improved considerably. After the icy mental pressure that had been like a maggot on his tarsal bones disappeared, he felt the shock in his internal organs slowly subside, and his breathing became much smoother. "Without that guy's mental interference, the air feels a little fresher." He tried to sound more relaxed, though his eyes were still filled with worry for Su Lin.

Xingchen walked beside Mu Lin, gently lowering his hood, revealing a slightly pale but no longer lifeless face. He took a deep breath and rubbed his temples, which still stung. His voice, though still weak, was much clearer: "That suffocating pressure... has indeed disappeared. My mental strength has recovered faster than expected. While it's still far from its peak, at least... my perception has recovered somewhat." As he spoke, his gaze fell on Su Lin, who was lying on Ling Ye's back, with a slight frown, clearly worried about the state of Su Lin's sea of ​​consciousness.

At that moment, a rapid, slightly stumbling sound of footsteps could be heard from the front of the passage, accompanied by heavy breathing. Lei Qing instantly raised his gun and took aim, while Ling Ye quickly moved to the side to protect Su Lin in a safer position.

A familiar figure burst from the shadows—it was Ah Yan! His flaming red hair was now stained with ash and dried blood, his combat uniform torn in many places, and his face was clearly fatigued and covered in scratches, but his golden eyes still burned with an unyielding flame. His pupils shrank sharply when he saw the team, especially the unconscious Su Lin on Ling Ye's back and Mu Lin and Xing Chen supporting each other.

"Captain Lei! Ling Ye!" Ah Yan's voice was hoarse and anxious. "I heard that huge explosion over there... I knew it was you. We broke free from those scoundrels and followed the trail all the way here..." He stepped forward quickly, his eyes sweeping over the group. Seeing Mu Lin and Xing Chen, weak but alert, he breathed a sigh of relief. Then, naturally, he reached out and took Ling Ye's place, supporting Xing Chen, who was in the worst condition. His other hand firmly held Mu Lin's arm. "Can you walk?" he asked, his voice still gruff, but his gestures betraying genuine concern.

Mu Lin steadied himself with A Yan's support and nodded, "I'm fine... just a little weak." Xing Chen also whispered, "Thank you, A Yan."

With Ayan joining the team, the team's progress suddenly became much more stable. Although Ayan himself was injured, his strong physique now became a strong support for the team.

"Turn left." Ling Ye's hoarse voice sounded again. He glanced at Mu Lin and Xing Chen who were supported by A Yan, nodded slightly to A Yan, and then continued to lead the way towards the narrower downward passage.

"Wait." Mu Lin suddenly spoke, his sharp eyes falling on a crack in the wall of the passage, where moisture was faintly seeping out. "The humidity here is abnormal. There might be a water source, or... something else."

Xingchen also stopped, closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, then pointed to an inconspicuous shadow area on the side of the passage. "The energy flow over there is a little special. It's very weak, but... very pure. It feels completely different from the filthy feeling of the Guichen Sect."

Following the direction indicated by Xingchen, Bai Yan quickly stepped forward, crouching down to carefully examine a small, inconspicuous patch of dark purple moss in the corner. "This is..." He carefully scraped off some moss, twisted it between his fingertips, and sniffed it. His eyes behind his lenses lit up slightly. "Dragon's blood moss! I didn't expect it to be here!"

Lei Qing looked around vigilantly and said in a steady voice, "What's the use?" He always maintained a fighting posture to ensure that the brief pause in collecting herbs would not bring any danger.

"Ancient records indicate that this type of moss usually grows where pure energy converges. It's extremely rare and has a powerful effect on promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and unblocking meridians." Bai Yan explained as he quickly and carefully collected the moss, his tone tinged with a rare excitement. "Su Lin's injury is primarily due to excessive overdrawn supernatural powers, which has led to severe stagnation in his meridians and reversed flow of Qi and blood. Conventional medicine is unlikely to be effective, but this dragon's blood moss may be able to work a miracle! Mu Lin, Xingchen, please help collect more, and be careful not to damage the roots."

Mu Lin and Xing Chen, with A Yan's help, steadied themselves and immediately stepped forward to help. With gentle yet precise movements, Mu Lin carefully peeled off clumps of dark purple moss and handed them to Bai Yan. Xing Chen, drawing on his restored mental perception, guided them to the plants with the highest energy concentration and quality. "Over here, these plants contain even more energy," he whispered, his fingers gesturing in several directions. A Yan stood vigilantly nearby, his gaze scanning both ends of the corridor to ensure the safety of the collection.

Guided by the survivor, Old Harry, they quickly found a relatively intact old duty room. The room wasn't large, but the walls were intact, and a rusted yet heavy iron door provided basic protection. Lei Qing entered first, meticulously scanning every corner of the room like a highly sophisticated scanner: the ceiling, the floor, the walls, even every vent. Once he confirmed it was absolutely safe, he stepped aside and motioned everyone in.

"It's safe here for now." Lei Qing carefully placed the sniper rifle against the door, within easy reach. "Mu Lin, Xing Chen, you're in better condition. Take turns guarding the door and pay attention to any movement at both ends of the passage. Bai Yan, hurry."

Ling Ye carefully laid Su Lin flat on a table covered with layers of clean clothing, having been cleared by everyone. His movements were as gentle as if he were placing a rare treasure, fearing that even the slightest vibration would aggravate his injuries. Su Lin lay unconscious, his breathing so shallow that the rise and fall of his chest was barely audible. His face, usually full of vivid expression, was now as pale as paper, his skin so transparent that the delicate pale blue veins beneath were visible. His soft black hair, damp with cold sweat, lay matted to his smooth forehead, making him look even more fragile. His long, thick eyelashes, like a butterfly with broken wings, rested quietly beneath his eyelids, obscuring a pair of amber eyes that always shone with alertness or warmth.

Bai Yan quickly crushed the dragon's blood moss he had collected, squeezed out the deep purple juice, and mixed it with a little precious drinking water to make a thick ointment. Then, he took out the cloth bag containing the silver needles he had carried with him, his expression solemn and focused.

"Help me steady him," Bai Yan said to Ling Ye, his tone unwavering. Ling Ye immediately stepped forward, kneeling on one knee beside the table. He extended his hands, firmly supporting Su Lin's shoulders and head. His fingertips turned slightly white from the pressure, his gaze fixed on Bai Yan's movements and Su Lin's face.

The first needle landed. A slender silver needle dipped in a little purple ointment was inserted precisely into Su Lin's chest, the Tanzhong acupoint. Half an inch into the needle, Su Lin's body trembled slightly, barely perceptible. The second needle, the Shenque acupoint. Bai Yan's technique was extremely fast, and the silver needle, carrying the medicinal power, penetrated deeply. Fine beads of sweat, with a slightly dirty color, immediately oozed out of Su Lin's forehead. The third needle, straight into the Qihai acupoint! The moment the needle tip penetrated, Su Lin let out a suppressed gurgling sound in his throat, his body suddenly arched, his head tilted, and with a "wow" he spat out a large mouthful of thick, dark red blood!

"Su Lin!" Ling Ye's voice was filled with tension and panic that he himself was not aware of. The hand holding Su Lin was as steady as a rock, but the veins on the back of his hand were already bulging.

After spitting out the blood clots, Su Lin's tense body suddenly relaxed. Although his face was still pale, the layer of deathly gray that covered it faded away at a speed visible to the naked eye. His breathing became steady and long. Although still weak, it was no longer as tenuous as before. He had obviously fallen into a deep, restorative sleep.

"Okay, the most dangerous juncture is over." Bai Yan breathed a long sigh of relief, carefully took out the silver needle, and wiped the blood from Su Lin's lips with a clean cloth. "The stagnant blood has been dissolved, and the heart and main meridians are temporarily unblocked. Next, it will take time and rest." His forehead was also covered with sweat. This acupuncture was extremely exhausting.

Lei Qing walked over and leaned over to carefully examine Su Lin's condition. He stretched out his rough fingers and gently felt Su Lin's carotid artery. Feeling the pulse that had become stronger, the lines on his resolute face softened slightly. He looked at Bai Yan and nodded, "Well done." Then he turned to Mu Lin and Xing Chen, "We must not let our guard down. Mu Lin, go get some water and be careful. Xing Chen, you have a strong sense of perception, so pay attention to any abnormalities in your mental power."

"Yes, Captain Lei," Mu Lin replied, picking up an empty kettle and walking quietly but steadily out of the room. Without Wu Guang's mental pressure, he felt his body recover much faster. Xing Chen silently walked to the door, leaning against the doorframe. He closed his eyes and spread his recovered mental energy like a fine spider web to both ends of the passage, intently sensing any possible energy fluctuations or signs of life.

Together, they moved the sleeping Su Lin to a simple bed in the corner of the room, carefully made with thick, old clothes and clean canvas. Mu Lin quickly fetched some clean water, soaked the corner of his clothes, and wrung them half-dry. Then, he sat beside Su Lin and gently and meticulously wiped his cheeks, neck, and hands, as if he were wiping a precious work of art, trying to erase all traces of battle and pain.

"His body temperature is still very low, and his qi and blood are severely depleted." Mu Lin whispered worriedly, feeling the temperature of Su Lin's forehead with the back of his hand.

Ling Ye silently opened his bag and pulled out one of his best-kept, relatively clean white undergarments. He carefully lifted Su Lin to his feet, letting him lean against his chest. Then, gently yet skillfully, he changed his tattered clothing, soaked with blood, sweat, and dust. When Su Lin's thin, pale upper body was exposed to the air, revealing the jarring purple bruises on his back and shoulder blades left by the terrifying backlash of his supernatural powers, Ling Ye paused abruptly, his pupils shrinking slightly. His fingers on Su Lin's shoulders unconsciously tightened for a moment. A chilling murderous intent and unspeakable heartache flashed in his eyes, but he forced them back.

"Let me see his spiritual state." Xingchen walked over, squatted down, and gently pressed his slender fingers between Su Lin's eyebrows, concentrating his perception. "The collapse of his sea of ​​consciousness has stopped... Although it is still a mess and full of cracks, the most dangerous storm has subsided. A gentle, vital force is slowly nourishing it... It's the effect of the dragon blood moss. His spiritual power source is not damaged. This is truly a blessing in disguise."

Lei Qing stood in the center of the room, like a stabilizing force. He looked around at the team members and gave orders: "We will rest here tonight. Mu Lin, you are careful and responsible for taking care of Su Lin. Xingchen, your mental perception is crucial, so you should pay more attention to the vigilance work. A Yan..." His eyes cast towards the door.

Ah Yan had been silently leaning against the shadows outside the door. Hearing this, he tilted his head slightly, his crimson eyes scanning the room in the darkness. Without saying anything, he simply clutched his weapon tighter and adjusted his stance. Like a silent and loyal guardian stone statue, he completely blended into the darkness outside the door, using his back to form the first line of defense for his companions in the room. This defense lasted until dawn.

Late at night, Su Lin briefly regained a vague sense of consciousness. With great effort, he pried open his heavy eyelids and saw, with a blurry vision, the shadowy figures of familiar figures surrounding him. His dry, cracked lips moved slightly, emitting a few broken sounds.

Ling Ye, who had been sleeping lightly, jolted awake and leaned over to his lips. "Supplies..." Su Lin's breath was weak, having almost exhausted the last bit of his conscious strength. "Mark them... in my space... for everyone... to use..." His fingertips faintly shone, creating barely perceptible ripples of spatial light.

As soon as he finished speaking, in an open corner of the room, accompanied by an extremely slight energy fluctuation, a pile of neatly stacked crates and packages appeared out of thin air, occupying a considerable space.

"...He was actually...still thinking about this at that time..." Mu Lin looked at the pile of supplies, then looked at Su Lin, who had fallen asleep again, his brows slightly relaxed as if he had put his mind at ease. His voice couldn't help but choke, his tone filled with indescribable heartache and emotion.

Lei Qing stepped forward and examined the supply boxes one by one. Inside were not only large quantities of compressed food, perfectly sealed drinking water, and various emergency medicines, but also clean bandages, disinfectants, and thick blankets for warmth. The variety and quantity far exceeded their expectations. "These supplies... couldn't have arrived more timely." Even the usually calm Lei Qing spoke with a hint of relief. With these, they could at least hold out for a long time, resting and recovering in peace.

For the next two days, time seemed to slow and calm within this makeshift safehouse. Thanks to the abundant supplies Su Lin had risked his life to secure, everyone's injuries were meticulously cared for and healed. Mu Lin meticulously wiped Su Lin's body with warm water several times a day, keeping it clean and regularly changing the bandages. Xingchen regularly used his mental energy to gently monitor Su Lin's recovery, channeling the vital energy of the dragon's blood moss to nourish the damaged areas. Lei Qing coordinated the overall situation, allocating supplies and establishing a security rotation to ensure the absolute safety of this small shelter. Ling Ye remained at Su Lin's side almost constantly, occasionally moistening his chapped lips with a cotton swab or smoothing his sweat-soaked hair. His silent presence radiated unwavering protection. And A Yan, like the most stubborn sentry, remained outside the door, entering only briefly to change shifts and eat, silently checking on Su Lin before returning to his post.

On the morning of the third day, when the first faint rays of morning light stubbornly penetrated the years of dust in the vents, streaking through the air with a few hazy beams of light, they happened to fall on Su Lin's face. His thick eyelashes, as thick as crow feathers, trembled slightly, as if awakened by the warm touch. Then, slowly, with a hint of confusion, he opened his eyes. His amber eyes, as if washed by clear water, though still with the weakness and haziness of recovering from a serious injury, were revitalized with vitality and brilliance.

Bai Yan, who had been resting with his eyes closed by the bed, was almost immediately awakened by the slight movement. He immediately leaned over, his voice carrying a barely perceptible agitation: "Don't move, take your time." He skillfully checked Su Lin's pulse and pupil reflex, and asked carefully, "You've been unconscious for three whole days. How are you feeling now? Are you feeling particularly uncomfortable anywhere?"

"Thirsty...for water..." Su Lin's voice was dry and hoarse, like an old bellows.

Ling Ye, who had been dozing against the wall, had already woken up. Upon hearing the sound, he immediately picked up the water bag that had been kept warm beside him, carefully lifted Su Lin's head, and put the mouth of the bag to his lips, allowing him to sip the sweet water slowly and in small sips.

"You're out of danger now," Bai Yan observed him swallowing and continued to check his physical condition. He finally breathed a sigh of relief and said affirmatively, "But you've overdrawn your energy too much this time. Your meridians and sea of ​​consciousness are severely damaged. You need to rest for a long time. Remember, for at least half a month, you must not use your supernatural powers at all. Otherwise, all your efforts will be wasted, and you may even risk permanent damage."

Upon hearing the news that Su Lin had awakened, the others in the room immediately gathered around. Mu Lin, with undisguised joy on his face, brought over the fragrant meat porridge that had been simmering in the residual heat. Xingchen also walked to the bedside and once again placed his fingers on Su Lin's forehead, carefully sensing the recovery of his spiritual world, a look of relief on his face. Even A Yan, who had been guarding outside the door, couldn't help but look back in. When his scarlet eyes met Su Lin's awake gaze, the sharpness of his eyes softened for a moment. Although he remained silent, the lines of his shoulders and back, which had been as tense as a rock, relaxed slightly.

Lei Qing walked to the bedside. His tall figure looked particularly reliable in the morning light. His usually serious and stern face now showed a rare genuine smile. He patted Su Lin's uninjured shoulder and said in a steady and powerful voice, "It's good that you're awake. Rest well and take care of yourself. Leave the rest to us for the time being."

Warm sunlight gradually filled the room, dispelling the days of coldness and despair. It gently enveloped Su Lin's face, still pale but no longer lifeless, even slightly tinged with color. He glanced around at the faces surrounding the bed, each filled with concern and fatigue, yet bearing a smile of relief. He weakly but distinctly curved the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile as warm as the rising sun.

At that moment, the heavy haze that had shrouded everyone's hearts for days seemed to be truly dispelled by the morning light and smiles. Although the road ahead was still full of thorns and unknown dangers still lurked in the shadows, at least they had once again joined hands, rescued their precious companion from the cold scythe of death, and ushered in a new life.

Ling Ye stood by the window, his gaze lingering on Su Lin's sleeping face, a faint smile on his face. The sunlight gilded his angular features with a soft golden edge. Then, he raised his eyes and gazed outward at the desolate yet resilient ruins outlined by the morning light. A flicker of unshakable determination flashed in his icy eyes. No matter what storms and hardships lay ahead, they would face them together and keep going.