On his bed, after taking the Burning Soul Pill, Zheng sat cross-legged, spiritual energy circulating around him, the air inside became dense.
Currently, inside Zheng's body, Qi erupted like a volcano, yet nothing about him changed. Having a higher cultivation base, he knew his breakthrough wasn't simple like those of lower cultivation realms.
Time passed quickly, yet he felt neither pain in his veins nor did a thin crack echo inside his body. Zheng didn't let it break his concentration; he guided the spiritual energy through his meridians.
Slowly, the Burning Soul Pill's effect dissipated, dissolving into his limbs, and the spiritual energy surrounding him disappeared; the air returned to its normal state.
He opened his eyes.
There wasn't disappointment on his face, only determination and hope.
He knew it was a gamble for him to try and break through using the Burning Soul Pill; he clearly knew that trying to break through using the Burning Soul Pill might just result in another failed attempt.
Zheng couldn't help but be content with it—the pills helped him stabilize his Qi and purify his body.
Many hours passed, and yet he did not move.
Slowly and gradually, the first ray of sunlight gleamed over the distant mountain peak.
After a long breath, Zheng finally withdrew his spiritual energy, stood up from his bed, and began to prepare.
Zheng's first sight as he stepped out of the Soaring Sea Sect was Master Ping along with Mei Chen waiting for him. Behind them were two wagons, lavishly decorated with silk curtains, each pulled by two horses, and dozens of bodyguards mounted on horses.
"Master Ping, Miss Mei Chen," Zheng greeted, his tone respectful. "I am honored to accompany you."
Master Ping slightly bowed his head. "Young Master Zheng, we really appreciate your help."
"The road ahead might get dangerous," said Mei Chen, her voice steady but respectful. "We prepared these men to escort us to the capital." She bowed her head as she pointed toward the crowd behind them.
A few silent moments passed before they approached the wagon.
"Very well, let us depart now. I look forward to our journey to the capital."
Mei Chen bowed her head again, this time with a small but assuring smile. "And I shall ensure to make this journey a memorable one."
With that, the three of them climbed into the wagon and began their journey to the capital.
Inside, the interior carried the scent of sandalwood and burning incense. The walls were painted with celestial patterns, the seating area was embroidered with dragons, and the roof was full of jade and gold accents, with windows veiled by crystal glass on both sides.
"Your healing hall has caused quite an uproar in the city," Master Ping said mildly. "I heard even the three core members acknowledged you."
"Master Healer Runquan was quick to accept, but…" Zheng smiled faintly. "Master Chou and Master He were quite skeptical."
"Haha… as expected of Master Runquan." Master Ping burst into laughter.
"There's a rumor that Elder Sun from the Heavenly Sword Sect challenged you at this year's tournament," said Mei Chen, curiosity in her voice.
"Healing is not the only thing I am capable of," Zheng replied calmly.
A brief silence followed.
Mei Chen turned toward him. "Elder Sun is strong enough to participate in the national tournament and make it to the stage level, not to mention he ranked second in the last tournament."
Zheng listened carefully, then chuckled.
"You speak highly of him, but I refuse to bow to a man like him."
"It's not…"
"I know you didn't mean that," Zheng said softly. "But I can't go back on the challenge."
Both Master Ping and Mei Chen were astonished by him—Zheng far exceeded their expectations.
The wagon continued forward, gliding through the city and finally crossing Lone State. Outside the city, everything seemed ordinary—a road paved through a tall and dense forest, the bright sun slowly climbing up the sky.
"How long will it take to reach the capital?" Zheng asked as he felt a sudden but overwhelming darkness. But before he could make out what it was about, the darkness disappeared instantly.
"All things considered, it will take several days to reach the capital," replied Mei Chen, as she had frequently traveled through the road.
"I'm afraid that we may not have such time."
"We couldn't get what you mean, Young Master Zheng," asked Master Ping, confusion all over his face.
"I… I don't know how to explain it, but suddenly I sensed darkness around us… it was for a few seconds, but it was strong…."
Panic began to creep in. "D-Do you mean something has happened to my grandfather?"
"I'm not sure… But we need to rush over."
"Faster… we need to move faster."
Through the veiled crystal window, Mei Chen ordered their escort to hurry and move as fast as they could.
The driver outside whipped the horses, and the bodyguards rode their horses at their limit. But no matter how fast they rode, their journey had only begun several hours ago.
As they ventured further from Lone State, the forest on either side of the road was quiet—no wind blew through it and no birds sang in that region. Yet they moved steadily through the eerie forest and reached the valley, far beyond the sight of Lone State.
"Halt!" the lead escort shouted.
"What's the problem?" Mei Chen was the first to ask among the three, anxiety clearly hanging on her face.
"Madam, the horses have been running non-stop since Lone State," said the lead escort. "They need to be fed… it will just take a few minutes, madam."
"Make it fast!"
"Young Miss Chen! Would you mind taking it easy?" Zheng said in a comforting tone. "I'm sure your grandfather is just fine."
"I hope so," replied Mei Chen, her voice low and her eyes teary. "I just hope grandfather can hold on until I reach him."
Tears slowly flowed down her face.
"If I lose him too… I'll be all alone in this world."
"He'll be fine… I promise."
Unbeknownst to them, at a distant cliff, a group of black-clad men kept their eyes on them.