A New Awakening
Xiao Feng slowly opened his eyes, the world spinning around him. His body screamed in agony, every muscle sore, and his skin burned with pain. He gritted his teeth and tried to sit up, but a surprising weight on his right side made him pause.
Turning his head, he saw Su Mei sleeping soundly, her head resting against his shoulder. Her face was pale, and her clothes were torn and bloodstained. Despite her disheveled appearance, she clung to him like a lifeline.
"What the hell happened here?" he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse.
He looked around and saw the destruction that surrounded them. The once-dense forest was now a barren wasteland. Trees were reduced to ash, the ground was scorched black, and the air still carried the faint metallic tang of blood and qi.
System Notification
[System Notification: Host attempted to merge light and dark energies, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. The impact caused severe injuries to both Host and Host's partner, Su Mei. The surrounding area was also destroyed. If not for Su Mei's immediate treatment, Host would have died.]
Xiao Feng stared at the notification, processing the information. A slow, almost sinister smile spread across his face.
"She saved me... even while injured herself. How... interesting."
The system wasn't finished.
[System Notification: Host has successfully merged light and dark energies, resulting in the creation of a new technique: Astral Manipulation. However, due to its immense power and potential to disrupt the balance of this world, it has been locked. Usage will only be allowed once Host meets specific criteria.]
Xiao Feng chuckled, though it hurt to do so. "A technique I can't even use? What's the point?"
Concern for Su Mei
Despite his frustration, his attention turned to Su Mei. Her face was peaceful, but the dried blood and bruises on her body told a different story. He frowned, his silver eyes narrowing.
"She looks like she's been through hell," he muttered. "System, what's her condition?"
[System Notification: Su Mei's injuries are severe but not life-threatening. Immediate treatment is still required to prevent complications. Recommend Host gather specific plants and leaves to create a medicinal ointment.]
Xiao Feng nodded, determination sparking in his gaze. "Alright, show me what I need."
The Healing Process
The system guided him to nearby patches of vegetation, highlighting the specific plants he needed. Despite the pain wracking his body, Xiao Feng pushed through.
He collected the glowing leaves of the Moonlight Ivy, the thick stems of the Crimson Root, and the pungent petals of the Sage Blossom. The system directed him on how to crush, mix, and heat the ingredients into a paste using the remaining embers of the destroyed forest.
By the time he returned to Su Mei's side, the ointment was ready.
Tending to Su Mei
Xiao Feng knelt beside her, his expression unreadable. He looked down at her injured body, the faint rise and fall of her chest reassuring him that she was alive.
"She saved my life," he murmured. "Guess I owe her this much."
He gently tore the fabric of her clothes to expose her wounds, his movements careful not to wake her. His fingers moved deftly as he applied the ointment to each injury, watching as the concoction seeped into her skin, accelerating the healing process.
For a moment, he paused, staring at her serene face.
"You're stronger than I thought," he whispered. "Putting my life before yours. Foolish, but admirable."
Once he was finished, he tore pieces of his own tattered clothing to wrap around her wounds, creating makeshift bandages.
A Moment of Reflection
Xiao Feng leaned back against a charred tree trunk, his body still aching. His mind replayed the events leading up to the explosion. The feeling of light and dark energies merging, the raw power coursing through him, and the catastrophic aftermath.
He clenched his fists. The creation of Astral Manipulation was a victory, but the fact that it was locked irritated him.
"This world better be ready," he muttered, smirking. "Because once I unlock that technique, there won't be anyone or anything that can stop me."
Su Mei Wakes
Hours later, Su Mei stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she winced as a sharp pain shot through her body. She sat up slowly, her eyes scanning the area until they landed on Xiao Feng.
"You're awake," he said casually, his tone nonchalant.
Su Mei's gaze softened when she saw the makeshift bandages covering her wounds. She touched one of them and noticed the faint, soothing warmth of the ointment beneath.
"You... treated me?" she asked, her voice quiet.
Xiao Feng shrugged. "You saved me first. Just returning the favor."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly masked her embarrassment. "Don't do something so reckless again. You nearly killed us both."
He smirked, his silver eyes glinting mischievously. "Where's the fun in that? Power doesn't come without risk, Su Mei."
She sighed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
A Silent Pact
Despite her frustration, Su Mei felt a growing sense of admiration for Xiao Feng. He was reckless, arrogant, and unpredictable, but he was also someone who didn't hesitate to repay kindness with kindness.
As the two sat in silence, the forest slowly began to recover. The charred remains of trees whispered in the wind, and faint signs of life returned to the desolate area.
Su Mei glanced at Xiao Feng, her heart conflicted. "Who are you really, Xiao Feng?" she thought to herself.
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng stared into the distance, his mind already planning his next steps.
"Let's see what this world has to offer next," he murmured, a wicked grin spreading across his face.