Chapter 106: Has Something Gone Wrong?

"Gather your breath in your dantian and exhale the turbid air through your mouth."

Following Elder Fu's instructions, Ling Xiao exhaled, a faint wisp of grayish vapor escaping his lips, leaving him feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

Li Rui had been watching closely, finding the process truly marvelous; he had never before seen energy cultivated in such a way. However, Elder Fu soon called Li Rui over to assist.

"Prince Rui, when I apply the needles again, please help Lin Li by pinning down Ling Xiao's shoulders. Ling Xiao has some martial arts training, and I fear Lin Li alone will not be able to hold him."

Elder Fu explained his reasoning to Li Rui. Knowing Ling Xiao possessed some strength, he realized Lin Li might struggle to restrain him, and he warned that the coming process would be excruciating.

"Understood!" Upon receiving the order, Li Rui and Lin Li took their positions on either side, each pinning one of Ling Xiao's shoulders.

"Young Master Ling Xiao, I am about to apply the needles. This time, the pain may be even more intense than the sensation of needles piercing your fingertips. There is no need to endure it in silence; feel free to cry out—it will help you through it."

Seeing that the two men were ready and holding Ling Xiao firmly, Elder Fu turned back to address him. Knowing Ling Xiao would be the one experiencing the ordeal most acutely, he felt it necessary to ensure he was mentally prepared.

"Please proceed, Elder Fu!" Ling Xiao said, his face calm and resolute as he braced himself.

"Very well." Elder Fu retrieved needles of half an inch and two inches in length, holding them in his left hand.

Gathering his focus and channeling his qi, Elder Fu reached out, swiftly locating the acupoints and deftly twisting the silver needles into the skin. The movement was so rapid that Ling Xiao had not yet felt the pain before the needles were already in place. Elder Fu stood before him, quietly observing his reaction.

Gradually, Ling Xiao's complexion shifted—from pale green to white, then from white to crimson. His face was now flushed deep red, his features contorted in a struggle as he fought the toxins within his body.

"Aaaah..." Ling Xiao felt the blood and qi in his body churning, while waves of energy, like wandering dragons, seeped into his skin.

The two forces seemed to clash within him, causing his body to writhe and struggle in agony, as if trying to escape from his own skin. His hands clawed uncontrollably at his own flesh.

Li Rui and Lin Li exerted all their strength to hold him down. Finally, after a wild, thunderous roar, Ling Xiao spat out a mouthful of black blood and fell still.

Outside the door, Zhang Xiaolan had been kicking stones to pass the time. Startled by Ling Xiao's roar, she snapped out of her boredom, rushed over, and pushed the door open.

"Ling Xiao! How is he? Did something go wrong?" she asked anxiously. Looking inside, she saw Ling Xiao sitting in the tub, eyes tightly shut with blood at the corner of his mouth, while Li Rui and Lin Li supported him.

"Lanlan, it is alright. Ling Xiao was just venting some energy; it is nothing to worry about," Li Rui said, sensing her concern.

"Indeed, Miss Zhang, there is no need for alarm," Elder Fu added, having already removed the needles. He checked Ling Xiao’s pulse and other symptoms, confirming all was well before turning to reassure her. "Young Master Ling Xiao has merely fainted for the moment. Let him soak in the medicinal decoction for another half-hour, and he will be ready to come out."

"Thank you, Elder Fu!" Zhang Xiaolan felt a surge of relief and quickly expressed her gratitude.

"Lean him back against the side of the tub. The water temperature is dropping; Lin Li, pour the remaining medicinal broth from the pot into the tub."

"At once!" Lin Li obeyed, pouring the hot decoction into the tub.

Li Rui and Zhang Xiaolan carefully adjusted Ling Xiao so he was semi-reclined against the rim. Zhang Xiaolan, ever thoughtful, fetched some clothing and tucked it beneath him to cushion his weight against the hard edge.