The pot simmered, sending up clouds of fragrant steam. I tasted it—the flavor was just right. Rachel Lan’s body was weak, still burning with fever.
Having spent so much time together, I had occasionally and discreetly checked on Rachel Lan’s health.
Though her body was formed of Yin energy, the most peculiar thing was the bottomless power of the Vermilion Bird within her.
"What are you doing?"
Rachel Lan opened her eyes, glaring at me coldly. I smiled, crouched down, and pointed toward the kitchen.
"The meat porridge is almost ready. If you feel a bit better, come and have some."
Rachel Lan yanked off the damp towel from her forehead and sat up.
"This little thing won’t kill me. I’ll keep going, Ethan Zhang."
I nodded.
I know. Don’t worry. No matter how many times it takes, I’ll stop you.
Rachel Lan stared blankly at me, silent, then walked into the kitchen. She served herself some congee from the pot, blew on it, and began to eat.
Anxiety, unease, fear, anger—all kinds of negative emotions churned in Rachel Lan’s body. After the Desire Ghost appeared today, in that instant, I felt a bottomless sadness. It was my fault.
After she finished eating, Rachel Lan yawned—it was almost morning. She got ready for bed while I started cleaning up.
"That snake—what kind of poison did it use?"
Just then, Rachel Lan asked me. I looked at her and shook my head.
I’m not sure. All I know is that stuff causes a temporary instability in spiritual abilities.
Rachel Lan went upstairs to sleep. I sat quietly on the sofa. After tidying up, I brewed some tea for myself and drank.
I calmed myself, leaning back on the sofa, exhausted. Tonight’s confrontation with Rachel Lan made me realize many things. I had to face all this, the relentless pressure. I’d grown a lot, gained much, and lost much.
I found myself missing everything back in the apartment block. Back then, even though I was always entangled with strange events, I was happy.
Soft footsteps approached. I looked up—Rachel Lan, dressed in pajamas, was coming downstairs.