Lan Yin picked up the Phoenix Blade and placed it on his lap, his hands constantly rubbing the hilt as he tilted his head back, still immersed in the longing he just felt—for Lan Miu.
I sat quietly to the side, waiting. Once Lan Yin's emotions calmed, I checked the time again—it was already 11:13.
"Later, I finally felt that I had mastered the technique of repairing the Phoenix Blade. I found a deserted place and broke the blade. Although it nearly caused a disaster, fortunately, I managed to mend it. But this time, Qingyuan, it's different."
I nodded.
At that moment, I thought about how the overflowing flames might hurt everyone, but Lan Yin seemed to read my mind.
"Don’t worry, Qingyuan. This life-risking method is meant to be used at times like this. Once we confirm that monster is truly dead, I’ll find a way to repair the Phoenix Blade. Even if I can’t, Zhu Tang should be able to help. As long as he helps control the flames, I’ll manage to fix the blade."
I nodded again. The closer it got to midnight, the heavier the pressure felt. Just as Lin Rui said, hoping everyone would come through unscathed was impossible.
"Qingyuan, it’s alright. Those guys have all been through countless battles and survived by the skin of their teeth. There are no more reliable allies than them."
"By the way, where did Zhu Tang go?"
At that moment, Lan Yin stood up and looked toward the doorway.
"Qingyuan, you should step outside. Someone is here to see you."
I made a sound of acknowledgment. Lan Yin removed the red veil at the door, and I saw Mason Yu standing there, looking awkward and unsure whether to enter or leave. I walked out, and the red veil closed behind me.
"What’s wrong? Do you need something?"
Mason Yu nodded, his clear eyes looking at me.
"Qingyuan, you have the Serpent Seeker Altar inside you, right?"
I nodded immediately. I had almost forgotten about it. Then I briefly explained the situation with Felix Fan to Mason Yu. With a thought, I felt an itch at my neck, and a black snake appeared. Mason Yu raised his hand.
"Come here."
The black snake slithered up Yu Mingxuan’s arm and entered his body.
"You’d better not mess around, kid. Otherwise, Ethan Zhang, don’t blame me for not helping you and getting you killed."
A voice sounded—it was the Spirit Snake. It appeared right on my right shoulder.