Bonds of Darkness: Swordmen's Redemption

Chapter Eleven: Recovery and Revelation

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Image Art Source: Pixiv Artist "SJAMKI" or "68005289 / Pixiv Art Code "109805728"

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Jingliu's strength was gradually returning, thanks to the combined efforts of Dan Feng's miraculous healing arts and Baiheng's nurturing presence. They prescribed her to take it easy, advising against any training. Initially, the pale-haired woman seemed on the verge of retorting, but she quickly realized the necessity of the break.

Ying Xing sat in a corner of the room; his gaze fixed on Jingliu with deep interest. He bombarded her with questions about the power she had manifested. However, the others quickly told him to be quiet and let her rest, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what had transpired during her mission.

"Ying Xing, she needs rest, not an interrogation," Baiheng scolded gently, and she lightly smacked the back of Ying Xing's head, chiding him about the situation.

Dan Feng's hands, adorned with intricate tattoos that pulsed with energy, hovered above Jingliu's form, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"She's right. Healing is as much about rest as it is about magic," Dan Feng added. Then, his curiosity getting the better of him, he turned to Jingliu and began firing questions like a child seeking to drink in all knowledge. "Tell me, Jingliu, what did Gogma look like? Did it have tree-like wings? Did it breathe acid?"

Jing Yuan deadpanned and looked at Dan Feng, saying, "Dan Feng, you're acting just like Ying Xing." This playful accusation made the blacksmith smirk in content, while Baiheng couldn't help but hold back a giggle.

Jingliu, sitting on her bed, observed the exchange with a small smile, grateful for the camaraderie and warmth of her friends.

"Cough Jingliu, we must know what happened during your mission before rumors spread," Dan Feng said, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

It was during this time that Jingliu decided to share her dreams and memories with her friends. She recounted her battle with Gogma and the vivid flashbacks that had haunted her. She also mentioned Gogma's connection to the abyss, a force that was shrouded in mystery.

"I faced Gogma, and I think I glimpsed the truth behind the abyss. Gogma's power is connected to it, and I'm not sure what it truly is," Jingliu explained.

Baiheng's expression grew serious as she considered Jingliu's words.

"If it's not something we know, then what could it be? And why did Gogma come here?" Baiheng pondered aloud.

Dan Feng, his brow furrowed in thought, chimed in.

"Perhaps these memories hold the key to understanding not only Gogma's power but also how to help Y/N," Dan Feng suggested.

As the group listened intently, they realized that these memories held crucial clues to understanding the ancient dragon's power and, perhaps, a way to save Y/N.

-Timeskip-

Six months had passed since Jingliu's recovery, and during this time, Dan Feng had become obsessed with unraveling the mysteries of the green gem. He consulted ancient texts, sought advice from wise elders within Xianzhou Luofu, and even embarked on a journey to a secluded monastery known for its profound wisdom.

Dan Feng's relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to experiment with the gem, initially startled by the sheer power it emanated when he used his healing abilities on it. The aura surrounding the gem was undeniably tinged with darkness, but he discovered that it held a surprising array of benefits. When exposed to his healing arts, it displayed the ability to mend not only wounds but also heal small animals, rejuvenate ailing plants, and more. Astonishingly, there seemed to be no drawbacks or consequences from these experiments. It filled him with hope that this gem could be the key to changing the fate of his race, potentially even saving them from the looming threat of the Denizens of Abundance.