Lestes ventured deeper into the mist, heading toward its core. Before long, he noticed a faint glow emanating from the centre. The light stirred something within him, a strange sense of familiarity and an ominous feeling. Though tempted to investigate further, his cautious instinct stopped him.
He suspected that the mist was something he had encountered long ago, before his slumber, and the faint light likely came from another soul residing within Ning Waner's consciousness. His intuition proved correct. The soul was indeed powerful, though not as strong as his own at his peak, in his current weakened state, he knew confronting it would be reckless.
Reluctantly, Lestes withdrew his soul from the mist and returned to his body. Opening his eyes, he glanced at Ning Waner with a look of surprise. She, noticing his expression, felt uneasy and confused.
'How has she lasted this long?' Lestes wondered. Ning Waner appeared delicate, but the soul within her had been steadily devouring her own. The fact that she was still alive meant she had incredible willpower and tenacity. Without it, she would have been consumed long ago.
Ning Waner, feeling his intense gaze, grew uncomfortable. 'Why is he staring at me like that?' she thought nervously.
Breaking the silence, Lestes said, "I've examined your soul. The mist within it isn't harming you. On the contrary, it's protecting you."
His words shocked Ning Waner and the others. Confused, Ling Xing Yue asked, "What do you mean? If the mist isn't hurting her, then what is?"
Lestes met their bewildered gazes and explained, "The mist is shielding her soul from another presence—a powerful soul within her. This other soul is trying to take over her body and devour her soul to sustain itself. The pain Ning Waner has been feeling is from her soul being torn apart as it's slowly consumed."
He added, "The relief she felt recently is likely due to my yang qi healing some of the damage to her soul."
The revelation left them stunned. A second soul? One that was actively trying to devour Ning Waner's? Fear and panic clouded their faces as they grappled with the enormity of the situation.
Ling Xing Yue clenched her fists, trying to steady her nerves. 'If it comes to it, I'll fight this soul myself,' she resolved.
Lestes, sensing her thoughts, said firmly, "Don't even think about it. You cannot fight this soul. Without the mist's protection, Ning Waner wouldn't have lasted a single breath against it. That soul belongs to a powerful cultivator, someone far beyond your understanding. Good thing, it's currently in the dormant state. If you provoke it, you'll only succeed in waking it, that would be catastrophic."
Their fear deepened. The soul's strength was far beyond anything they could comprehend, and its existence likely meant it was not from the Spirit Realm but from the 'Immortal Realm', a terrifying thought.
The weight of this understanding crushed their spirits. They felt powerless, like insects before a storm, their fear mirrored in their pale faces.
Lestes sighed, seeing their despair. "Stop fixating on the other soul," he said sharply. "The more you dwell on it, the weaker your will becomes, and the easier it will be for that soul to devour you, Ning Waner."
He paused, then added, "But it's not hopeless. I can't destroy the soul, but I do have a way to preserve your life. However..." His eyes narrowed. "It's a gamble, and I don't know if you'll dare to take the risk."
Hope flickered in their eyes, though it was tinged with hesitation. Ling Xing Yue broke the silence, her voice steady. "Tell me the way."
Lestes looked at her and said bluntly, "Accept my slave seal."
The words struck like a thunderclap. Shock and anger flashed across their faces. For them, becoming someone's slave was no different from death.
Lestes didn't explain further, knowing they wouldn't yet grasp the benefits of being bound to him. They wouldn't hesitate to accept if they understood his true strength at his peak.
Ling Xing Yue, however, began to assess the situation. If Ning Waner refused, her fate was sealed—she would die. But if she accepted, there was a slim chance that Lestes could save her. Could he be from the Immortal Realm? she wondered. If so, he might have the power to fight that soul. But as he said, it's a gamble. And slavery might be worse than death. Is it worth the risk?
Before she could decide, Ning Waner spoke up, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. "I agree."
"Wan'er" Ling Xing Yue was shocked.
"Master, don't need to think much, I have made you worry enough. I don't want you to be worried anymore. I know you won't stop searching for a way out. Thank you for everything you have done master if fate allows. I will repay you someday" Ning Waner joined her hand and bowed to Ling Xing Yue to thank her. She didn't give Ling Xing Yue any chance and looked at Lestes and said "Please! I'm ready"
Ever since Ning Waner was poisoned, Ling Xing Yue had done everything she could to find a cure for the poison. She almost lost all her assets and, what's more, she was in debt. Although she hadn't told Ning Waner, Ning Waner understood her master.
Ling Xing Yue raised Ning Waner since her childhood. Her master had cared for her with great affection, almost like a mother would for her daughter. Over time, Ning Waner came to deeply love and respect Ling Xing Yue, seeing her as more than just a teacher, she was family. Ning Waner didn't want Ling Xing Yue to worry more about her.
"Waner, master, understand. Be at ease" Ling Xing Yue said in a soft voice.
"Are you sure? There is no turning back." Lestes warned her that once she accepted the slave seal Lestes would never Let her go.
"I'm sure," Ning Waner said with determination.
Lestes bit the tip of his finger and dropped a drop of blood on Ning Waner's glabella. The drop of blood was absorbed into her soul and formed a seal. Ning Waner felt as if something had shackled her soul but at the same time a comfort.