Lin Tian's journey led him and Zhao Yue away from the Zhao estate and toward the Azure Valley, a remote region famed for its mystical herbs and healing springs. Lin Tian's body still bore the strain of his recent battles, and the Dragon's Eyes revealed the residual Abyssal energy that clung to his wounds.
"We need to find someone who can purify this," Lin Tian said, his voice steady but strained.
"I've heard of someone," Zhao Yue replied hesitantly. "The villagers talk about a woman named Su Lan who lives deep in Azure Valley. They say she's a healer, but also a recluse. No one knows much about her."
"Then she's exactly who we need," Lin Tian said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "The best secrets are always guarded."
The journey to Azure Valley was arduous, the terrain unforgiving. By the time they reached Su Lan's residence, a quaint wooden cottage surrounded by vibrant flora, Lin Tian was on the verge of collapse. Zhao Yue knocked on the door, her urgency barely contained.
The door opened to reveal a striking woman in her late twenties with flowing black hair and emerald-green eyes that seemed to see straight into one's soul. Her expression was calm, almost indifferent, but her gaze lingered on Lin Tian, assessing him.
"You're poisoned," she said flatly, her melodic voice carrying a hint of authority. "Come inside."
The interior of the cottage was simple yet filled with the scent of herbs and incense. Su Lan directed Lin Tian to sit and began preparing a concoction of crushed herbs and glowing liquid.
"You're not an ordinary man," she said as she worked. "Your aura is unlike anything I've ever seen. Who are you?"
Lin Tian hesitated, watching her carefully. "I'm someone trying to reclaim what was stolen from me."
Su Lan raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Fair enough. Drink this," she said, handing him a steaming bowl. "It will hurt, but it's the only way to cleanse the Abyssal energy."
Lin Tian took the bowl, the bitterness of the liquid hitting him immediately. Pain erupted through his body, and he clenched his fists, refusing to cry out. Zhao Yue watched with a mixture of worry and awe.
As the pain subsided, Lin Tian opened his eyes to find Su Lan studying him with a rare smile. "You're stronger than most. That poison would've killed an ordinary man."
"Thank you," Lin Tian said sincerely. "You've saved my life."
"You owe me nothing," Su Lan replied, her voice softening. "But if the Abyssal Order is after you, then you'll need more than healing. They don't give up easily."
Lin Tian met her gaze. "I don't intend to give them the chance."