The root of chronic illness
In the days following the earth-shattering events, Yaotian's encampment gradually returned to its former order, though a lingering heaviness and medicinal scent still permeated the air. Under Yang Yuhuan's continuous musical care and the unique medicinal formula left by Bian Que, Ming Shiyin's injuries stabilized. Although still unconscious, his life force was no longer like a flickering candle in the wind, but rather like a hibernating seed slowly reviving under thick snow.
After a few days of rest, Yi Xing's apparent weakness had subsided considerably, and his complexion was no longer so frightening. However, his inherent weakness—aversion to cold, susceptibility to coughing, and lack of energy—seemed to have not improved at all. That afternoon, after Yang Yuhuan routinely took his pulse, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she sighed softly.
Gongsun Li, who was standing guard to the side, couldn't help but ask, "Sister Yuhuan, Yixing's illness... even you and Master Bian Que working together can't cure it completely? Even Master's severe injuries were cured..."
Yang Yuhuan withdrew her hand, looking at Yi Xing's calm yet knowing expression, and softly explained, "The injury to the master, though so severe that it nearly caused his soul to be scattered, was rooted in the impact of external force, which damaged his meridians and internal organs, and shook his soul. It's like the destruction of the beams and pillars of a house, or the cracking of the walls. Although the damage is severe, it is still a 'tangible injury.' My music can nourish and repair it, and Bian Que's miraculous medicine can stimulate vitality. By treating the symptoms, there is a chance to recover."
Her gaze shifted to Yi Xing, tinged with pity and helplessness: "Yi Xing's illness stems from something congenital. It's not caused by external damage, but rather... a deficiency in the very essence of his life, like a building whose foundation is unstable and whose materials are flawed from the very beginning. My music can soothe his pain and alleviate his symptoms, and Bian Que's medicine may temporarily stimulate his potential, but it cannot make up for that innate deficiency, nor can it change the 'structure' at the very core of his life."
"A doctor can stitch up a wound, but cannot mend a congenital defect; a musician can soothe the soul, but cannot change the strings of destiny. Some boundaries cannot be crossed by will and skill."
Yang Yuhuan's voice was ethereal yet tinged with a sense of fatalistic melancholy, clearly articulating the boundaries of ability and the helplessness in the face of congenital defects.
Upon hearing this, Yi Xing showed little disappointment, instead revealing a faint smile: "Sister Yu Huan, there's no need to worry. I've long since gotten used to it. Being able to live, think, play chess, and be with everyone is already a blessing." He had long accepted his physical condition and devoted more of his energy to the art of chess and strategy, which required extreme mental concentration.
At this moment, Pei Qinhu, who had gone to Dali Temple to exchange information, returned with a small box sealed by Dali Temple and a sentence from Di Renjie.
"Lord Di said this was extracted from the fragments of the core crystal sphere that almost exploded. It was mixed in with the chaotic energy, and he felt it might be a bit unusual, so he asked us to take a look." Pei Qinhu placed the box on the table.
Gongsun Li leaned closer curiously: "What is it?"
Yi Xing gestured to open the box. Inside, lined with soft silk, were several extremely fine, almost transparent crystal fragments, nearly imperceptible unless viewed closely. They emitted a faint, warm, and pure milky-white glow, entirely different from the previous azure energy.
“This is…” Yang Yuhuan stretched out her fingertip and gently touched one of the fragments, feeling the faint but incredibly pure life force within it. Her eyes revealed surprise, “Such a pure crystallization of life energy…This is definitely not something that the destructive energy of ‘Night Ink’ could produce!”
Yi Xing also picked up a piece, placed it in his palm, and carefully sensed it. He pondered, "Indeed... this energy is gentle and full of vitality, completely incompatible with the coldness of the 'Soul-Separating Grass' and the brutality of the 'Void Realm'. How could it appear in the core crystal sphere?"
Just then, a cold, hoarse voice came from the doorway: "Parasite."
Everyone turned their heads and saw that Bian Que had reappeared there like a ghost, his deep-set eyes staring at the few crystal fragments.
“Parasitism?” Yi Xing repeated.
Bian Que stepped forward, picked up a fragment, and examined it carefully against the light: "Powerful life forms, when facing destruction or seeking transformation, sometimes condense a portion of their life essence into a 'seed,' seeking a suitable 'breeding ground' to parasitize, in order to be reborn or continue. This crystal... is very similar to the fragment of the 'source seed of life' recorded in the records."
He looked at Yi Xing, his gaze seemingly piercing through his body: "Your congenital deficiency is a defect and imbalance at the level of the origin of life. This 'source seed' contains the purest power of the origin of life, and theoretically... it is the only thing that can possibly make up for your congenital defect."
These words struck like a thunderbolt, exploding in everyone's hearts!
Compensating for congenital defects?!
Is there any hope for a complete cure for Yi Xing's illness?
Pei Qinhu and Gongsun Li instantly became excited, and even Yang Yuhuan's eyes shone with surprise.
“But… these are just fragments, and they come from that evil crystal sphere…” Gongsun Li hesitated.
“Therefore, it is incomplete and contaminated.” Bian Que put down the fragments, his tone still calm. “Using it directly is tantamount to suicide. We need to find a complete and pure ‘source of life’ and guide its fusion with a special method.”
Hope, barely ignited, was once again shrouded in shadow. Where is the complete source seed? And how can it be found?
Yi Xing stared at the tiny, warmly glowing fragment in his palm, a flame of longing—a flame unlike his usual calm acceptance—igniting in his eyes for the first time. This wasn't just about his personal health; it could be a crucial clue—why was the "Life Source Seed" at the core of the "Dark Night Ink"? How was this related to their plans?
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