Chapter 957: Stealing the Fire
Once freed from the demonic fire’s influence, Qi Xuansu’s body regenerative abilities began to take effect again. The sword wound in his abdomen quickly started to heal.
Within moments, the flames surging from Qi Xuansu’s orifices gradually went out. The charred marks upon his body flaked away like scabs, and his appearance slowly returned to normal.
Qi Xuansu struggled to his feet, and Zhang Yuelu immediately came forward. Though she said nothing, her worry and concern were clear as day.
Seeing this, Qi Xuansu forced himself to say, “I’m fine.”
As he spoke, his face still flickered between light and dark. Though the flames in his orifices had disappeared, the dying embers continued to release wisps of black smoke.
Had it been anyone else facing what he just endured, survival would have been unlikely. But Qi Xuansu was different. His cultivation at the Wuliang stage was just one reason. More importantly, he possessed the Longevity Stone Heart, which was the pinnacle achievement of the Daoist outer elixir faction. It was built for immortality, so marrow cleansing and rebirth were considered trifles to it. So long as Qi Xuansu did not die instantly, he would always have a sliver of hope for survival even if given the barest chance to breathe. It was this very principle that had allowed Madam Qi to save the dying Qi Xuansu once before with the Longevity Stone Heart.
The demonic fire’s nature was stubborn and malignant, like a bone tumor. Though Izanagi’s strength had greatly diminished, his rank far exceeded Qi Xuansu’s. So even though the demonic fire was powerless against the Heavenly Preceptor, it was more than enough to overwhelm Qi Xuansu.
Fortunately, the Heavenly Preceptor had intervened, helping to suppress it.
With the Longevity Stone Heart and the Heavenly Preceptor’s aid, Qi Xuansu had the confidence to utter the words, “I’m fine.”
However, Qi Xuansu still felt a lingering fear. Had he faced Izanagi alone, without Zhang Yuelu’s intervention, the outcome would surely have been disastrous.
This was where Qi Xuansu showed a lack of fairness. Clearly, it was the Heavenly Preceptor who saved him, but he credited Zhang Yuelu with the greatest merit.
However, on deeper thought, Zhang Yuelu played a crucial role. At the critical moment, she had not panicked but instead used her full strength on a gamble to summon the Heavenly Preceptor, thus giving Qi Xuansu a chance of survival.