Rebirth of MC Chpt 102 - 202 (unedited translations)

Chapter 141: Sword spirit Liu Ying

After Long Zhanye and Huo Zaiyuan recount everything that happened in the middle of their mission to Long Haotian and the Head priest, the two elders' expression deepens in thought.

"There's also this." Taking out that black talisman, Huo Zaiyuan places it down before the Elder priest. "This is something Mingxi and his squad acquired after running into zombies controlled by that 'Sorcerer's cult'. I did a little bit of research with them and discovered it resembles the charm for expelling the dead, but the rune's end has been altered."

"Hmm...this rune is indeed the charm for expelling the dead used by those who practice the art of "overtaking corpses" with a bit of alteration. On top of that, the ink used for this talisman is saturated with evil energy. I will need to take it back to study it closely." The Elder Taoist priest's eyebrows draw together as he places the black talisman securely in a wooden case. "I will also settle this matter of the temple's library being robbed. Little Yuan, you don't look too good. You have to rest properly."

"Un, then I will trouble Master with this matter." Huo Zaiyuan nods.

"Grandfather, Head priest, I will return with little Yuan first. Please notify us when there's any new information," Long Zhanye says as he gets up from the chair.

"Sure. Go back and rest."

When the two men walk out of the command centre back to the dormitory, they spend the entire journey in thoughtful silence. Long Zhanye's expression is hard, so deep in contemplation that he doesn't notice when the youth originally keeping pace gradually falls behind.

"Zhan...Zhanye..."

Huo Zaiyuan's voice is no louder than a whisper, but Long Zhanye's keen ears hear it all the same. Even though he is still lost within his mind, his body subconsciously stops and turns.

Only to startle out of his thoughts when Huo Zaiyuan sways, then collapses.

"Little Yuan!" Long Zhanye's arms wrap around Huo Zaiyuan's body before it could meet the hard ground.

Huo Zaiyuan stares wordless up at the man cradling him close, a hand cupping his cheek, mouth calling his name frantically and anxiety plastered across his face. Try as Huo Zaiyuan might to keep his eyes open, his eyelids feel too heavy and slowly flutters close. Strength fleeing his body, Huo Zaiyuan surrenders to the darkness.

~~~

With no tension in his entire body, he is extremely comfortable and cosy. But just as he feels as though the darkness will swallow him whole, rays of silver light break through the shadows...

As he slowly regains consciousness, Huo Zaiyuan registers two voices conversing softly. His eyelids unhurriedly open, and the first thing he sees is Long Zhanye sitting at the bedside, looking at him with a face full of worry. On the other end stands Qin Jun, holding his medical kit in hand.

"Sleeping prince, you've finally awakened. If you continue sleeping any longer, eldest brother Long would have torn me apart." Seeing him stir, Qin Jun flashes him a bright smile. "Little Yuan, haven't I told you countless times before? If you are tired, then rest properly. Too much accumulation of stress and exhaustion is not good for your body."

"I'm fine, only exerted a bit too much spiritual energy, that's all. A little nap, and I'll be back to normal," Huo Zaiyuan mumbles in reply. He moves to sit up, but his body feels strangely heavy and stiff, incapable of making his muscles work the way he wants them to. It is as though steel plates and rods have been inserted into him when he had been unconscious. His body sways, then topples to the side.

"Don't force yourself. If you fall ill or become injured again, the one whose heart will hurt is me." Immediately moving to support Huo Zaiyuan by hugging him to his chest, Long Zhanye sighs and his brow furrows, tenderness smouldering in his eyes.