Chapter 27: Lower 1, Return Journey

Chapter 27 Part 1 Return Journey

Ling carried the unconscious Xiaoyao through the shadows of the abandoned factory. Behind him came the roars that rose and fell of Pseudohumans, which seemed to sense the escape of their prey and were surging in from all directions.

The golden halo of "Celestial Breath" was particularly conspicuous in the darkness, but it also became a target for the Pseudohumans to pursue. Ling's right leg wound was torn open, blood soaking through the temporary bandage; every step felt like walking on knife blades.

Xiaoyao's head lolled on his shoulder, his warm breath brushing against Ling's neck—at least he was still alive.

Ling grit his teeth, hoisted him higher, and continued forward.

---

The off-road vehicle was hidden in the bushes outside the factory. Ling carefully placed Xiaoyao in the back seat, then staggered into the driver's seat.

He grabbed his communicator: "Ma Mianren, I found Xiaoyao."

The communicator was silent for a few seconds: "Is he... still himself?"

Ling glanced at the unconscious Xiaoyao through the rearview mirror. The Tianxiao Stone still hung around his neck, glowing faintly in the morning light.

"Not sure." Ling's voice rasped. "Have the medical team on standby."

The engine roared, and the off-road vehicle surged into the dawn mist.

---

The underground medical room of Supernatural Company had been converted into a temporary quarantine area. Xiaoyao was strapped onto a specialized restraint bed, his limbs bound with restraints, while Alice was injecting a sedative into his arm.

"Infection level 37%, not too high yet," she said, staring at the scanner, "but it's strange... his consciousness seems to be resisting the Pseudohuman's corruption."

Ling stood at the observation window, his knuckles pressed against the glass: "Can he be saved?"

"Theoretically impossible," Alice frowned, "but Xiaoyao's constitution is special; he seems to be stabilizing his psyche on his own."

Ling's gaze fell on Xiaoyao's face. Even in his coma, his brow was furrowed, as if fighting something unseen.

"Give me a set of protective gear," Ling suddenly said.

---

The air inside the protective gear was stuffy and heavy. Ling sat by the hospital bed, took off his gloves, and gently touched Xiaoyao's wrist.

"You better wake up soon," he murmured, "or that bag of coffee will expire."

The man on the bed gave no response.

Ling's fingertips moved down and grasped the Tianxiao Stone. The stone was hotter than usual, as if responding to his touch.

"You said you'd go to Egypt with me to see the pyramids," Ling said softly. "Liar."

Just then—

Xiaoyao's fingers suddenly twitched.

Ling abruptly stood up, the protective gear making a harsh scraping sound. The man on the bed slowly opened his eyes; his pupils were still an eerie, solid black, but the corner of his mouth curled into a familiar smile:

"Senior... you talk a lot more."

---

Alice's scanner emitted a sharp alarm: "Infection level is dropping! This is impossible!"

Xiaoyao blinked, his black pupils gradually receded to reveal his original amber color: "...Water."

Ling grabbed the water cup, moving so fast he nearly knocked it over. He brought the straw to Xiaoyao's lips, watching him take small sips as his Adam's apple bobbed.

"Remember... our first mission?" Xiaoyao's voice was weak but clear. "You threw away all my candy."

Ling's hand froze: "They tasted bad."

"Liar," Xiaoyao chuckled lightly, "you secretly picked one back up."

Outside the observation window, Ma Mianren stomped a hoof onto Alice's shoulder heavily: "Arrange a double room for them."

"Huh?"

"Don't waste medical resources." Ma Mianren turned and left, the tip of his tail wagging happily.

Alice: "Nice one!"

Shouldn't have saved these two troublemakers!