After leaving Zuowang Valley, Ling Feng encountered Fang Wentong leading a military unit when passing through Luohe City.
It turned out that Fang Hai (a former member of Ling Feng's squad whom he'd rescued from Du Lang) and two other Northwestern Army elites had returned to the fortress and reported everything about Wuji Cave Heaven to their superiors.
Only then did Commander-in-Chief Han Li realize the demon clan's large-scale mobilization was to send their geniuses into Wuji Cave Heaven for a grand opportunity. Once these talents matured, they would become formidable enemies of the Tianbai Empire.
Moreover, if they succeeded in bringing back the Lingxu Spring, it could create even more experts. In another decade, a new generation of demon clan elites would emerge, multiplying the empire's defensive pressure.
But it was too late then. Those demonic geniuses had already entered Wuji Cave Heaven as planned.
With demon forces still camped outside the fortress, sending large troops to blockade Zuowang Valley was impossible. Thus, Fang Wentong had been dispatched with only a hundred elite soldiers to provide support near the valley.
Unfortunately, they encountered Elder Xuan Snake, suffering heavy casualties before retreating to Luohe City to regroup.
This explained why Ling Feng met Fang Wentong in Luohe City.
"General Ling! You've finally returned!"
Fang Wentong, still bearing injuries, rushed forward excitedly upon seeing Ling Feng and Wang Chuanjia.
"General Fang, what happened to you?" Ling Feng noticed Fang's arm in a sling, clearly seriously wounded.
"Just minor injuries. General Ling, what happened after you entered Wuji Cave Heaven? Did the demons successfully take the Lingxu Spring? And General Cao..."
Fang Wentong fired off a barrage of questions. Ling Feng smiled wryly, "Let's discuss the details back at the fortress. There's no need to blockade Zuowang Valley anymore. I believe the demon army outside our walls will withdraw within days."
"I... alright."
Fang Wentong nodded and immediately ordered his troops in Luohe City to return to the fortress.
...
Several hours later, Ling Feng's group finally arrived at the fortress. After delegating all explanations to Wang Chuanjia, Ling Feng inquired about Li Bufan and the others before immediately returning to his temporary quarters.
Having spent seven days in Wuji Cave Heaven, Li Bufan's group should have emerged from the Ancient Tower Grove by now.
Upon entering his tent, Ling Feng went straight to Tuoba Yan's quarters, finding Mu Qianxue there as well.
Tuoba Yan sat cross-legged on a cushion cultivating, while Mu Qianxue anxiously wiped sweat from her forehead with a towel, unable to do much else.
"Big Brother Ling! You're finally back!"
Mu Qianxue rushed over upon seeing him. "Please check on Sister Yan'er! She suddenly fell ill two days ago, and none of the military physicians could diagnose it."
"Alright."
Ling Feng quickly approached Tuoba Yan. He didn't need to think twice to realize it had to be the Heart-Devouring Red-Dust Gu acting up again.
Although most toxins had been cleared, his prolonged absence had taken its toll.
Placing a hand on her back, Ling Feng channeled elemental qi to assess her condition, then sighed in relief.
Fortunately, Tuoba Yan's cultivation technique could temporarily suppress the gu poison. Otherwise, a full outbreak would have reignited the nearly-cleared toxins, making complete eradication far more difficult.
"Once I master spiritual consciousness techniques, I should be able to fully cleanse these residual toxins," Ling Feng thought silently.
Gently supporting Tuoba Yan's shoulders, his heart ached seeing her weakened state. Clenching his fists, he said solemnly, "Sorry Yan'er, this is my fault."
Her condition had flared up simply because of his absence. Now that he'd returned, the gu poison gradually subsided. Though still weak, the excruciating "heart pain" had faded.
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Tuoba Yan bit her lip, realizing she was leaning against Ling Feng. She struggled to sit upright, insisting, "I'm better now."
"Still stubborn at a time like this!"
Ling Feng produced a set of golden needles, his expression stern. "I'm administering acupuncture now. Cooperate and don't move around!"
Seeing Ling Feng's mix of anger and concern, Tuoba Yan felt a sweet warmth in her heart. Softly, she murmured, "Mm-hmm..."
Before long, Ling Feng used the Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion to steady Tuoba Yan's chaotic energy. Bit by bit, the tension eased from her face as her breathing returned to normal.
"Sister Yan'er is finally okay."
Mu Qianxue exhaled in relief, smiling brightly. "Big Brother Ling, your medical skills are truly amazing."
"It's nothing." Ling Feng put away the needles. "Qianxue, you've worked hard these past days. Go rest."
"I'm alright."
Mu Qianxue bit her lip, secretly wishing she'd been the one taken ill so Ling Feng would care for her so attentively.
Like back in Heavenly Forest when he'd tenderly treated her wounds.
To Ling Feng, it had just been treating a patient. But since then, Mu Qianxue hadn't been able to erase him from her thoughts.
"Qianxue, thank you."
Though usually quiet and reserved, Tuoba Yan could tell these past few days that Mu Qianxue was genuinely kind and truly cared for her as a companion.
From her, Tuoba Yan experienced friendship she'd never known during her Wangduan Mountain days.
Raised by Elder Hei Yu as merely a tool for power struggles, she'd never known warmth until following Ling Feng away from Wangduan Mountain.
This was why part of her didn't want the Heart-Devouring Red-Dust Gu completely cured.
She'd grown accustomed to Ling Feng's presence, to that quiet caring.
"Everyone should rest now!"
Ling Feng helped Tuoba Yan lie down, then escorted Mu Qianxue back to her tent before finally relaxing.