A week drifted by like calm waves on a quiet lake, each day leaving a deeper mark on Mo Han's progress.

Since his return from the Inner Herbal Forest, he had confined himself to intense training within the secluded courtyard of his stone house.

Morning to night, the air around him echoing roars and howls of invisible beasts. Dust and leaves scattered whenever his Animal Spirit Art ignited, each surge of aura making the mountain tremble faintly.

Through relentless effort, Mo Han had mastered the first three stages of the art.

At dawn, the Golden Boar Spirit rumbled beneath his feet, its energy reinforcing his body until every strike carried the weight of thunder. By noon, the Silver Crane Spirit enveloped him — light, elegant, and swift as wind, giving his sword techniques impossible grace. And by dusk, the Iron Panther Spirit prowled within him, sharpening his reflexes, amplifying his killing intent into a terrifying aura that could make weaker disciples faint at his approach.

When he finally exhaled after a session, steam poured from his mouth, and the entire courtyard vibrated faintly. He opened his eyes — a flash of gold and silver dancing across them before fading.

"Three spirits harmonized," he murmured, satisfied. "The next step will be the fusion stage… but that will wait until after the tournament."

He straightened, brushing dust from his robe. Just then, a knock came at the gate.

Fatty Lambu's voice called from outside, cheerful as ever. "Brother! There's a message for you — and this one smells expensive!"

Mo Han walked over, opening the gate just as Fatty handed him a silk envelope sealed with a blooming rose.

"Wood Family," Mo Han said quietly, recognizing the crest instantly.

Fatty grinned. "Beauty's invitation, eh? You must be blessed by the heavens!"

Mo Han ignored the teasing, breaking the seal and unfolding the parchment. The delicate scent of rose perfume lingered faintly on the paper, the handwriting elegant yet firm:

'Honored Master Mo Han, my family has gathered the herbs and elixirs required for my sister's recovery, as you instructed. If your time permits, we humbly invite you to visit tomorrow morning. The Wood family will await you in gratitude.'

— Rose Wood.

Mo Han folded the letter thoughtfully. "So, she managed to gather everything…"

Chi Kai, overhearing from inside, leaned by the doorway. "Will you go?"

"Yes," Mo Han replied. "I promised to finish what I started."

---

The next morning...

Servants bowed as Mo Han's arrival was announced.

The same graceful servant woman who had once invited him led him through the courtyard. "Young Lady Rose has been awaiting you, Master Mo Han."

Inside the receiving hall, Rose Wood stood dressed in a flowing violet gown embroidered with gold thread. Her presence was gentle but dignified, her eyes soft as spring rain. When she saw Mo Han enter, her face brightened with visible relief.

"Master Mo Han," she greeted warmly, bowing slightly. "You've come. We've prepared everything you asked for — the herbs, the elixirs, even the spirit water from the northern spring."

Mo Han nodded politely. "Good. The treatment should begin without delay. How has your sister's condition been?"

Rose's expression dimmed slightly. "Still weak. She can move her eyes now, but her body remains unresponsive."

"Then let's not waste time," Mo Han said simply.

She gestured toward the inner chamber, her tone softening. "Please, follow me."

The room where More Wood lay was warm, perfumed faintly with the scent of spiritual herbs. Sunlight poured through gauze curtains, scattering across the white silken bed.

More Wood lay upon it — a woman of breathtaking beauty, her skin pale as snow, her hair cascading like dark silk. Though her body seemed frail, her features were serene, her closed eyes fluttering as if in dream.

Mo Han approached, his gaze calm, professional.

"She's conscious," he murmured, sensing faint spiritual fluctuations. "Her meridians are no longer broken — that's good. The spirit channels just need to be awakened."

Rose Wood stood beside him, her hands clenched together nervously. "You can do it, can't you?"

"I can try," he said, rolling his sleeves up.

He instructed the servants to bring the arranged materials — jars of spirit marrow ointment, vials of fire lotus dew, and powders made from the herbs he had prescribed. As they prepared, unseen by them, a faint figure lingered far beyond the manor walls — Tang Zin, cloaked in black, watching from a distant rooftop. Her eyes narrowed.

Inside, Mo Han began the process.

He seated himself beside the bed and placed his hands gently upon More Wood's shoulders. His palms glowed faintly gold, then silver, his dual aura flaring softly as he guided the medicinal essence into her meridians.

Streams of energy flowed from his hands into her body, tracing the broken paths, repairing them with delicate precision.

More Wood's lips parted as her breathing deepened, her once-stiff limbs trembling faintly.

Rose gasped softly, clutching her chest. "She's responding!"

"Not yet," Mo Han murmured, his voice calm and steady. "It's the body remembering movement — she must feel warmth before she can feel strength."

He shifted the flow, pushing stronger waves of energy into her lower dantian, cleansing blocked aura points. Sweat formed on his temples as the process demanded balance — too much power and her body would collapse, too little and it would fail.

Minutes turned to hours.

Finally, a faint cry escaped More Wood's lips — her fingers twitched, her eyelids fluttered open, and she blinked weakly.

"Sister…" Rose whispered, rushing forward.

More Wood's gaze moved slowly, her lips trembling. "Rose…?"

Tears shimmered in Rose's eyes.

Mo Han exhaled, his energy fading as he released the final pulse of aura. "It's done. She can move, but she'll need weeks to recover fully."

Rose turned to him, tears spilling freely. "You've done what no one else could, Master Mo Han. My family owes you everything."

Mo Han shook his head lightly. "Don't thank me yet. Keep her nourished with the herbs for three weeks. I'll visit once more to stabilize her meridians."

Rose hesitated, her eyes glimmering with unspoken gratitude. "You truly are extraordinary. Every time I see you, you seem… brighter."

Mo Han looked at her, surprised by the sudden softness in her tone.

She smiled faintly, stepping closer — too close. Her voice dropped. "When my sister recovers, the Wood family will owe you a great debt. But I…" She paused, her gaze lingering on his face. "I wish to thank you personally."

Mo Han blinked, unsure how to respond as her perfume — faint rose and warmth — brushed against him.

Before he could speak, she leaned forward just slightly, her words a whisper. "Promise you'll come again soon."

He nodded slowly. "I will."

Rose stepped back, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Then I'll wait for you."

As Mo Han turned to leave, Rose's eyes followed him until the door closed.

Outside, on the distant rooftop, Tang Zin's expression darkened into fury.

-

Tq guys!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.