A stream of imperceptible, refreshing energy flowed through his limbs, subtly refining and enriching his spiritual essence. The sensation of his cultivation rising at a palpable pace was indescribably pleasurable.
The advancement of one's cultivation is not an overnight affair; it is the result of accumulated effort over time, akin to water wearing down stone. Such progress is usually elusive, only perceptible during the fleeting moment of a breakthrough.
Yet, for Yang Fan, this process was uniquely different.
At that moment, he felt his cultivation soar to the pinnacle of the Initial Spirit Concentration stage, teetering on the edge of a potential breakthrough into the Intermediate Spirit Concentration phase. With each passing instant, the sensation of his power escalating was akin to a rush unlike any other, a high that was truly intoxicating.
The time slipped away, and Yang Fan basked in the blissful exhilaration of his rapidly elevating prowess. For an ordinary cultivator, the improvement he experienced over the course of one hour would typically require a year or more of uninterrupted training, devoid of any hindrances.
Yet, compressing the achievements of a year into a single hour allowed him to relish a remarkable and swift advancement in strength. If other cultivators were to learn of Yang Fan's situation, envy would surely engulf them, perhaps even extinguishing their own desire to cultivate.
As moments trickled by, Yang Fan savored the delightful sensations coursing through him, becoming slightly addicted to this state of bliss.
Suddenly, he realized his progress had reached the apex of the Initial Spirit Concentration stage, and if he persisted just a bit longer, he might very well break through into the Intermediate phase. However, at that precise moment, the vibrant energy of the Immortal Hongjue that he had infused into Hu Fei surged back, flowing with unprecedented fluidity.
**The treatment is complete!**
Yang Fan let out a soft sigh, retracting his hand slowly, lingering on the faint aftertaste of that remarkable sensation.
"Is it over?"
Hu Fei exclaimed with uncontainable joy, leaping to his feet in an instant. He began to stretch his limbs, and tendrils of faintly glowing, rosy lightning danced around him.
"Your injuries have healed, but I wonder where that adversary of yours is," Yang Fan said, attempting to probe subtly.
From Hu Fei's earlier words, it was evident that the person who had injured him had also sustained serious wounds, possibly rivaling his own. If he could learn that person's whereabouts and offer treatment, Yang Fan was certain of his chances to ascend to the Intermediate Spirit Concentration stage.
"I... I don't know. He... he said he would return in a month," Hu Fei recalled.
"Humph! Next time... I'll flatten him!" Hu Fei gritted his teeth, his fury palpable.
Yang Fan felt a twinge of disappointment and asked, "What brings you to the capital?"
"Escaping... running away!" Hu Fei replied without a second thought.
"Then why choose to come to the capital of all places?" Yang Fan inquired, genuinely perplexed.
Their first encounter had been within the millennium tomb, where they both miraculously survived. Later, they met again near the Xiuyu Pavilion under Hu Fei's assumed identity as Shi Qianhan. Now, after traversing countless miles to arrive in this distant capital, encountering him again felt too coincidental to be mere chance.
Yang Fan found it baffling, for there was another individual, Yang Yu, the young master of the Yang family, whose fate seemed inexorably intertwined with his own, destined to be a rival. Whether due to the Wenting Conference, the consequences of their conflicting backgrounds, or grievances from past generations, it was clear that reconciliation was impossible between them.
In contrast, Hu Fei bore no such enmity toward Yang Fan; rather, he exhibited a commendable sense of loyalty and gratitude.
"I... I heard it's bustling and lively here, and I only knew... about this place," Hu Fei said with an air of vexation.
"Oh, I see. It appears we are indeed fated," Yang Fan mused quietly, stifling a chuckle. It dawned on him that aside from the area surrounding the Yang family's estate, Hu Fei had only heard tales of the capital's grandeur and prosperity, compelling him to come.
"Indeed... quite a twist of fate!" Hu Fei exclaimed, his enthusiasm rekindled. He quickly added, "Last time you saved me, and this time you helped me again. From now on, if anyone dares to bully you, just let me know, and I'll lend a hand!"
"I... I owe you two favors now," Hu Fei said earnestly.
"Ha ha." Yang Fan hadn't expected this brash yet endearing side of Hu Fei, whose demeanor was often more abrasive and fearlessly reckless.
"Alright, you've made a promise. If I ever need backup in a fight, I'll call on you," Yang Fan replied with a grin, thinking to himself that Hu Fei could indeed serve as a formidable ally.
"Count on it! I love a good brawl!" Hu Fei declared, puffing out his chest with bravado.
Just then, a voice called out urgently, "Yang Brother... come quickly to help!"
Turning to see Cheng Yunfei sprinting toward him with a panicked expression, Yang Fan asked, "What's the matter?"
"Miss Xi Xuan has been injured by your friend here. If a divine-grade healer doesn't arrive within three days, her life could be in jeopardy..." Cheng Yunfei spoke rapidly, anxiety etched across his face, as though he could hardly wait to drag Yang Fan away.
"I... I didn't know he was your... friend," Hu Fei said, a hint of embarrassment creeping in, clearly feeling somewhat guilty.
"It's fine. I'll go check it out," Yang Fan said calmly, making his way to the pavilion where he had previously conversed with Xi Xuan.
"Ah! This is bad! The calamity has come!" The two seasoned Qi Refining apothecaries, currently assisting Xi Xuan, turned pale with alarm and wariness as Hu Fei approached.
Yet unexpectedly, Hu Fei wore a somewhat sheepish expression, offering them a nervous grin.
"Elder..."
The two apothecaries, filled with trepidation, exchanged anxious glances with one another. Not long ago, Hu Fei had presented himself like a vengeful spirit, but now his demeanor seemed completely transformed. Thus, the sight of his smile struck fear into their hearts.
"Stay calm," Yang Fan said as he stepped in front of Xi Xuan, addressing the two elderly apothecaries, "You two step aside; let me take over."
"What?" The apothecaries' expressions darkened at his words, seemingly misunderstanding his intent.
"Do you want to find trouble?" Hu Fei's brow raised as he lifted a hand, where a disturbing aura of thunderfire flickered ominously in the air above his palm.
"Ah! Yes, yes..."
The two apothecaries were horrified, retreating hurriedly as they sensed the overwhelming power emanating from Hu Fei.
At that moment, they understood that Yang Fan had likely healed this calamity incarnate, and the bond between the two was evidently extraordinary.
"Apothecary, please..." Xi Xuan opened her bright eyes, her voice a faint whisper, tinged with weakness and pallor. "Yang... I won't be courteous any longer!"
Yang Fan placed his hand gently upon Xi Xuan's delicate shoulder, infusing her with life force that flowed like gentle spring rain.
In a brief span, he grasped the situation fully.
Xi Xuan had been struck by Hu Fei's palm, which, although wielded without full force, bore the formidable might of lightning and fire. The damage inflicted was catastrophic, injuring her internal organs severely, and her own cultivation techniques could not heal such grave wounds. She could only watch helplessly as her life energy waned.
"Fortunately, Miss Xi Xuan reacted swiftly and consumed a life-preserving elixir before commencing immediate treatment. Had it been any other cultivator, they might well have met their demise..." Yang Fan remarked calmly, his thoughts racing. **How could Hu Fei strike without restraint? He didn't even hold back against a lady, nearly costing her life.