Qi Xuansu was struck in the chest by the Xuan Jade that Madam Qi had thrown at him. The force contained within the jade did not repel him; instead, the jade itself sank into his chest like a stone sinking into the sea, disappearing completely.0

Following his body’s absorption of the Xuan Jade, Qi Xuansu’s vision darkened, and he fell backward.0

Fortunately, Zhang Yuelu was right beside Qi Xuansu. She quickly reached out to catch him, cradling him in her embrace as he fell.0

Before losing consciousness, Qi Xuansu’s final thought was, How soft.2

Qi Xuansu slipped into a dream. In his sleep, he once again arrived at the same old place. The familiar scenery was unchanged. This time, he felt less fearful and more at ease.0

It was still the same towering, black mountain.0

Without hesitation, Qi Xuansu climbed the rugged path to the mountain’s summit.0

The summit was as it had...0