The frost-mist still lingered in the chamber, but the storm had passed. Yue Xin sat quietly, her hand over her chest, as if afraid the glow of the newborn core would vanish if she let go.
Tian Lei stood, brushing the cold dust from his sleeve, and with a flick of his wrist a thin jade-bound book appeared in his palm. Its cover gleamed faintly, the characters for Nine Yin Heart Core Method etched in icy silver.
"This," he said, placing it before Yue Xin, "is the method I just guided you through. Not only the way to stabilize your physique, but also the cultivation technique born from it. Use this as your foundation from now on. What was once a curse will be your path forward."
Yue Xin stared at the book as though it were a dream made real. Her fingers trembled as she reached out, not daring to touch it at first. Finally, she pressed her hand to the cover, bowing her head. "…Thank you."
