C16 The Spiritual Seed Disappeared

After the tumultuous events at the Spirit Gathering Tower within Dragonflight Cloister, numerous questions remained unanswered.

How did the 'evil spirit' manage to break free and infiltrate the fourth and third floors? What truly transpired during the fierce battle on the third floor? Is the 'evil spirit' dead or alive? And if it perished, who was responsible for its demise?

These uncertainties haunted many, prompting a flurry of investigations. The incident's implications were profound, with the potential to reshape the political landscape of not only the Kisal Dynasty but also the entire realm of Foglaostein.

Amidst the turmoil, people pondered the personal gains and advantages that could arise from the situation.

The external commotion even rippled through the usually serene Dragonflight Cloister. Yet, for Xia Yi, these disturbances were irrelevant.

Regarded as the least significant individual in the affair, no one associated Xia Yi with the vanishing of the 'evil spirit.'

Having lost his 'Martial Spirit,' Xia Yi was seen merely as an incidental bystander to the chaos. Were it not for Yang Zhangzhen's heroic intervention, the once-celebrated prodigy might have become a mere memory.

Some even mocked the fall from grace of the once-renowned genius of Foglaostein, now reduced to seeking a 'Martial Spirit' in the Spirit Gathering Tower.

The Dragonflight Cloister buzzed with such gossip, but it did little to disturb Xia Yi's quiet convalescence at home, tenderly nursed by his sister, Xia Ye.

Hua Shi, the physician from Dragonflight Cloister, had assessed Xia Yi's condition, which mirrored Yang Zhangzhen's—both were in a state of collapse due to severe depletion of their vital energies. Rest and recuperation were all that was required. Consequently, Xia Yi's studies were put on hold until his recovery.

Recognizing Xia Yi's valor in safeguarding fellow students, the academy resolved to cover all costs for his medicinal treatments and related expenses.

Xia Ye entered with a bowl of medicinal broth as Xia Yi lay sprawled across his desk by the window, listlessly basking in the sunlight.

"Brother, it's time for your medicine." Xia Ye gently set the medicinal soup on the table and softly called out.

"Oh." Xia Yi gazed at the leaves dancing in the breeze outside the window, responding with a feeble voice.

He wasn't intentionally ignoring his sister; his current physical state was so frail that he could barely raise his voice.

"Actually, bring the soup over here. I'll drink it at this side," Xia Yi said languidly, too lethargic to move.

Contrary to her usual compliance, Xia Ye stood her ground, insisting that Xia Yi come over to drink the medicine.

"The desk is for reading, not for eating. Besides, Hua Shi has instructed you to be more active. You shouldn't let your weakness prevent you from moving at all..."

Xia Yi suddenly noticed that his typically shy and introverted sister tended to become quite talkative when looking after him.

Slowly, Xia Yi made his way to the dining table, obediently sat down, and finished the medicinal soup. He felt a warmth emanating from his dantian, spreading slowly throughout his body, as if restoring a significant amount of his vitality.

Feeling invigorated, Xia Yi immediately tried to sense his spirit seed, only to find a void within his consciousness. The spirit seed, just a bit larger than a sesame seed, was still missing.

Since the moment Xia Yi had opened his eyes, he realized that the slowly enlarging spirit seed had vanished! That seed was essential for a warrior's existence. Without it, a warrior could not exert the power of their 'martial spirit.' Even if he could be possessed by a 'heavenly realm's martial spirit,' without the spirit seed, the 'heavenly realm's martial spirits' would eventually deteriorate until they faded away with their host.

Now, without having acquired the 'martial spirit' and after a visit to the Spirit Gathering Tower, Xia Yi had also lost his spirit seed. It was a double defeat, a substantial loss indeed.

Xia Yi returned to his desk to soak up the sun, staring blankly at the leaves outside, whispering to himself.

"I used to be able to cast talismans and navigate the world with my skills. Now, without the spirit seed and no energy to draw upon, my talisman techniques are rendered useless. Am I destined to become a charlatan, skilled only in drawing worthless talismans?"

As Xia Yi was on the verge of despair, a knock at the door suddenly broke the silence. His sister, Xia Ye, answered, and moments later, Yang Zhangzhen, clad in simple attire, made his appearance.

Seeing Yang Zhangzhen brought back memories of their time at the Spirit Gathering Tower, and a spark returned to Xia Yi's eyes.

"Teacher Xia, enjoying some downtime, I see," Yang Zhangzhen said warmly, cheerfully greeting Xia Yi in the courtyard.

With considerable effort, Xia Yi propped himself up on his arms and managed a weak wave from where he lay with his head on the desk.

"You seem to be recovering quite well; you're already up and about. Does the academy provide better medicine than mine?" Xia Yi mused to himself, playfully teasing Yang Zhangzhen, whom he had once saved.

Yang Zhangzhen couldn't help but feel elated at these words. Guided by Xia Ye, he entered the house and approached Xia Yi's desk.

"Standing up is quite a struggle for me right now, so I'll remain seated," Xia Yi said frankly.

Aware that Xia Yi's condition was likely worse than his own, Yang Zhangzhen found a chair and sat down, still smiling. "I have a strong constitution and recover swiftly, hence I'm able to move around. You'll be back to your old self in no time," he reassured.

Xia Yi's thoughts turned to the spiritual seed he had lost, and a shadow passed over his face. Yet, he kept his troubles to himself and simply shook his head, remaining silent.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Zhangzhen got to the heart of his visit.

"I'm here to express my gratitude to you, Teacher Xia," he said, placing a package that resembled a medicine bag on the desk.

Xia Yi scrutinized Yang Zhangzhen with a slight squint, a surge of surprise in his heart. Had Yang Zhangzhen been conscious and witnessed him defeating the 'evil spirit'?

Feigning confusion, Xia Yi probed, "Teacher Yang, what brings this on? If anyone should be expressing gratitude, it should be me thanking you."

Xia Yi was alluding to the widespread rumor that Yang Zhangzhen had heroically saved him, Su Zizhi, Zhao Jingjing, and the others from being consumed by the 'evil spirit'.

Yang Zhangzhen shook his head, "Those are just wild rumors, Teacher Xia. Please don't take offense. I'm well aware that with my abilities, there's no way I could have killed the 'evil spirit'."

Xia Yi scoffed intentionally, "You don't actually believe you're here to thank me because I rescued you, do you?"

Yang Zhangzhen responded with ease, "I've entertained that possibility, but I'm more convinced that a master warrior saved us. Plus, I have this gut feeling that the 'evil spirit' isn't dead; it's just vanished from sight."

Inwardly, Xia Yi mused, 'Of your three statements, you only got the middle one right. It was indeed I, the master warrior, who saved you. It's just a pity that saving you didn't equate to saving myself in the end.'

"So, if you don't think I was your savior, why exactly have you come to thank me?" Xia Yi asked, genuinely intrigued.