C21 Safe and Sound

Shortly after Xia Ye left Su Zizhi's schoolhouse, she happened upon Yang Zhangzhen on her way home.

"I was just on my way to see your brother," Yang Zhangzhen remarked upon noticing Xia Ye's distressed expression. He shared with her the details of his conversation with the dean, reassuring her that there was no longer any need for concern.

Learning that the academy would soon release a statement clarifying the situation, Xia Ye's spirits soared, and a bright smile quickly spread across her face.

They made their way home, chatting and laughing, with Xia Ye skipping along joyfully. Bursting through the front door, she excitedly called out, eager to share the good news with her brother.

After calling out three times with no response from Xia Yi, the quiet of the courtyard was unsettling, with the birds' chirping piercing the silence.

Something was amiss, and both Xia Ye and Yang Zhangzhen sensed it.

Yang Zhangzhen listened intently for any unusual sounds while he and Xia Ye hurried into Xia Yi's room.

Upon opening the door, they found Xia Yi lying on the floor, unconscious, with the broken pieces of a medicinal soup bowl scattered around him.

"Brother!" Xia Ye exclaimed in shock, rushing to Xia Yi's side.

Yang Zhangzhen quickly surveyed the area for any signs of danger. Once he was certain they were alone, he helped Xia Ye lift Xia Yi onto the bed.

"Brother!" Xia Ye clung to Xia Yi's left hand, her voice trembling with sobs as tears filled her doe-like eyes, her expression betraying her utter panic.

Yang Zhangzhen conducted a swift examination of Xia Yi, his face contorting with concern as his brows furrowed deeply. His gaze was fixed on Xia Yi, who lay with his eyes shut tight, as if trying to diagnose him with just his eyes.

"Uncle Yang..." At a loss for what to do, Xia Ye looked to Yang Zhangzhen with eyes brimming with hope, desperate for him to deliver some reassuring news.

With a grim expression, Yang Zhangzhen bit his lip, hesitating for a moment before swallowing hard, his mouth feeling dry and bitter with worry.

"I can't detect a trace of spiritual energy in Xia Yi's body," Yang Zhangzhen said, his voice raspy with emotion.

Xia Ye's expression went blank, her eyes darting around in shock. She suddenly clutched at Yang Zhangzhen's arm, her voice tinged with boundless fear and anxiety. "Is my brother in any danger?" she asked urgently.

Feeling the urgent grip on his arm, Yang Zhangzhen let out a soft sigh, his heart heavy for the siblings' plight.

He gently patted Xia Ye's hand in reassurance, "His vital signs are stable..."

Yang Zhangzhen held back further words. For a warrior, being devoid of spiritual energy was akin to being dead. What was left unsaid hung heavily in the air.

Yet, upon hearing his assurance, Xia Ye collapsed to the ground, a look of relief washing over her. She relaxed completely, murmuring, "As long as he's okay, that's all that matters..."

Hearing her words, Yang Zhangzhen felt a lump form in his throat. What hardships had these siblings endured to make such a sentiment come from this young girl?

He stooped to help Xia Ye to her feet, speaking softly to ease her worries, "I'll invite Hua Shi to treat Xia Yi. Rest assured, Hua Shi is sure to heal his wounds."

Xia Ye's anxiety eased considerably. Grateful, she bowed to Yang Zhangzhen in thanks.

In the midst of their conversation, Xia Yi stirred on the bed, slowly coming to and opening his eyes.

Before he could take in his surroundings, Xia Yi heard a familiar, gentle voice.

"Brother!"

His gaze settled on his sister, Xia Ye, who had thrown herself onto him.

"Have you returned?" Xia Yi asked, a smile breaking through despite his weariness.

"Yes!" Xia Ye nodded emphatically, her voice quivering, "I'll never leave your side again!"

Xia Yi was caught between laughter and tears.

"Xia Yi," Yang Zhangzhen said, relief flooding him as he saw Xia Yi awake and alert.

Noticing Yang Zhangzhen, Xia Yi quickly sat up, eager to engage.

"Don't move; just lie down and rest for now."

Yang Zhangzhen and Xia Ye quickly urged Xia Yi to lie back down and take it easy.

Propped up against the headboard, Xia Yi's face was drained of color, his expression weary. Yet his spirit seemed decent, with no sign of defeat in his eyes.

Upon learning of Yang Zhangzhen's visit, Xia Yi expressed his gratitude with a sincere gesture, "Thank you, Brother Yang, for helping me once again. I'm at a loss for how to repay you."

Yang Zhangzhen responded earnestly, "Hey, do we really need to be so formal with each other?"

Xia Yi smiled, accepting Yang Zhangzhen's kindness.

"What exactly happened that made you faint?" Yang Zhangzhen inquired, following their brief exchange.

With a wry smile and a hint of self-mockery, Xia Yi replied, "Let's not talk about it. I did something foolish."

Both Yang Zhangzhen and Xia Ye looked on with curiosity.

Xia Yi continued sheepishly, "I was frustrated earlier and wanted to heal quickly. Not thinking straight, I took all the medicine Hua Shi had prescribed and the elixirs you brought me, Brother Yang, all at once. As a result, I felt an overwhelming energy filling me up, nearly bursting me open. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore and blacked out."

Hearing the full story, Yang Zhangzhen and Xia Ye couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and amusement. They had been so concerned because Xia Yi had done something so foolish.

Yang Zhangzhen gave Xia Yi a speechless look, finally sighing, "You were once a warrior of the Unification of Martial Spirit. How could you make such a basic mistake? Even if they're both supplements, taking them together is risky. How could you..."

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing he had touched upon a sensitive subject—the deep wound in Xia Yi's heart.

As expected, Xia Yi's expression darkened, and he managed a bitter smile, "Yes, I was once a second-grade warrior of the Unification of Martial Spirit, but now I'm less than a second-grade warrior, practically a broken man."

Yang Zhangzhen felt an urge to slap himself, while Xia Ye shot him a fierce glare.

"Bro, it's okay. You've still got me!" Xia Ye consoled her brother tenderly. Earlier that day, in front of Su Ziqi's school, she had resolved to always safeguard her brother.

Xia Yi felt a heartwarming glow. The most precious thing he had gained in this world wasn't the unique status of a 'Runemaster' or the triumphant completion of the 'Heaven's Descent', but rather the presence of his caring sister.

A contented smile spread across Xia Yi's face.

In the midst of his self-reproach for misspeaking, Yang Zhangzhen suddenly reassured them, "Rest assured, as long as you're in Dragonflight Cloister, anyone thinking of bullying you will have to think twice about the consequences!"

Xia Yi nodded in appreciation, then paused, sensing a deeper significance in Yang Zhangzhen's words.

After Yang Zhangzhen had briefly shared his experience with Dean Wu Liang, he gestured to Xia Yi.

"Xia Yi, Dean Wu Liang is curious if there's a continuation to the essay you presented in class?"

A thought struck Xia Yi. Could this be the condition for Dragonflight Cloister's protection?