The invasion ended as abruptly as it began. Sect elders sealed the rift, but not before three outer disciples lay dead. Ling Feng knelt beside Su Mei's unconscious form—her body restored, but her skin pale as moonlight.
Elder Wu materialized beside him. "You've bound her life to yours. A dangerous gamble."
"I didn't have a choice," Ling Feng said, though guilt gnawed at him. The system's corruption ticked upward: **[26%]**.
"There's always a choice," the elder replied, tossing him a scroll. "This contains a suppression ritual. It will slow the curse… for a price."
**[New Quest: "Elder Wu's Bargain."]**
**[Learn the "Soul Anchoring Ritual" (Forbidden Grade).]**
**[Cost: 10% of Host's Lifespan.]**
Ling Feng's jaw tightened. *In games, debuffs can be cured. I'll find another way.*
But Su Mei stirred, her voice frail. "Do it."