Lin Moyu chose not to use the teleportation formation. Gao Yang’s condition was even worse than when Han Dong’er had been poisoned, his body simply unable to withstand the tearing forces of teleportation. Left with no other option, Lin Moyu carried him and took to the skies, though he had to fly slowly. He enveloped Gao Yang in his power, shielding him from the freezing winds as they headed toward Xiajing Academy. But before they could leave Xihai City, a figure rose into the sky to block their path. “Flying above cities is prohibited by imperial decree.” The speaker was a soldier clad in military uniform. Judging by the military badge on his shoulder, he was a five-star lieutenant. Lin Moyu didn’t waste words. He simply revealed his own military badge, placing it on his shoulder. The purple godly general badge gleamed with noble brilliance in the night, its three stars particularly conspicuous. Lin Moyu grunted, then said, “Step aside. I’m on urgent business.” Xin Dong didn’t dare delay. The difference in their ranks was vast. He quickly moved aside. Lin Moyu resumed his flight toward Xiajing Academy, Gao Yang still in his arms. Xin Dong had just exhaled in relief when Lin Moyu suddenly stopped again. Because of Gao Yang’s injuries, Lin Moyu could only fly at about 100 kilometers per hour. With 2,000 kilometers between Xihai City and Xiajing City, the journey would roughly take 20 hours. He would have to pass over numerous cities and potentially encounter more obstacles. Moreover, having Gao Yang endure 20 hours in that condition wouldn’t be easy. Lin Moyu turned to Xin Dong, “If I remember correctly, doesn’t the garrison have flying warships?” Xin Dong replied, “Yes, but they’re not in Xihai City. They’re stationed with the provincial legion.” Lin Moyu ordered, “Go now. Deliver my command and bring back a flying warship.” Though not as advanced as those of the Dragonkind, the human race’s flying warships were more than sufficient as means of transport. A godly general’s order was the highest authority in the military. Xin Dong obeyed without hesitation. He understood the situation the moment he heard Lin Moyu’s command. Using the military’s teleportation formation, he reached the provincial legion, and soon a flying warship rose into the sky, heading toward Xihai City. With a faint smile, Gao Yang said, “Moyu, you’re becoming more and more awesome.” Lin Moyu replied, “No matter how awesome I am, I’m still your classmate. Once you’ve recovered, I’ll send you to Xiajing Academy. You’ll become a powerful class user too.” Gao Yang was touched, a glimmer of hope stirring in his heart, “Can someone like me really get into Xiajing Academy?” “If I say you can, then you can.” Lin Moyu replied firmly. Lin Moyu believed his word alone could sway the academy. Special exceptions had been made in history, and he was willing to pay any price to get Gao Yang admitted. Ten minutes later, a warship appeared in the night sky. Lin Moyu boarded it with Gao Yang. As a three-star godly general, he automatically became the highest-ranking officer onboard. The ship’s defensive shield—usually reserved for wartime—extended, shielding them from the winds. The warship surged toward Xiajing Academy at top speed. At this pace, they would arrive in under an hour. En route, Lin Moyu contacted Shu Han. He needed to meet with Medicine God Shu. When it came to treating injuries, no one in the human race surpassed Medicine God Shu. Moreover, Medicine God Shu was acquainted with a God-level Healer. If he made the request for help, it would be far more effective than Lin Moyu doing it himself. Regardless of the cost, Lin Moyu was determined to save Gao Yang. An hour later, the warship halted just outside Xiajing City. Xin Dong reported, “Sir, we can’t go further. In peacetime, provincial warships aren’t allowed to enter the capital.” Lin Moyu nodded, “Thank you for your service.” Xin Dong quickly shook his head, “It’s an honor to serve you, Godly General Lin.” Lin Moyu gave him a brief nod, then took off with Gao Yang, flying directly toward Xiajing Academy. As they entered Xiajing City’s airspace, guards intercepted them. Flight was strictly prohibited over the capital—except for godly generals. Godly generals, among the Shenxia Empire’s highest-ranking officers, shared equal status with God-level powerhouses. They enjoyed many privileges, one of which was unrestricted flight over cities. Lin Moyu flew unhindered and landed at the entrance of Xiajing Academy. Shu Han was already waiting and led him directly to Medicine God Shu’s residence. Medicine God Shu had already received Shu Han’s message and was waiting inside. Meng Anwen was there as well. Lin Moyu had informed him in advance, and Gao Yang’s condition had intrigued him. Lin Moyu pushed the wheelchair forward and greeted them, “Greetings, Teacher. Greetings, Medicine God Shu.” Gao Yang’s face was flushed with excitement. He had just met living legends: the sole Medicine God of the human race and the fabled Serene God. It was more than he had ever dared to dream. In that moment, he felt a deep sense of contentment, as if he could die without regret. Lin Moyu recounted everything that had happened, word for word, just as Gao Yang had described it, without a single error or omission. After listening carefully, Medicine God Shu and Meng Anwen began examining Gao Yang. His severed legs had long since healed, leaving only scarred remnants. According to Gao Yang, they had looked that way since the injury. After a thorough inspection, Meng Anwen murmured, “On the surface, nothing seems wrong.” As he spoke, a beam of light shot from his fingertip and landed on Gao Yang. Gao Yang’s health surged. Then, just like before, his health plummeted, as if a stone falling off a cliff. Medicine God Shu took out a potion and had Gao Yang drink it. His health spiked again, only to collapse moments later. “This is truly strange.” Meng Anwen said, frowning. Medicine Shu added, “It’s like there’s a bottomless pit inside him. No matter how much health we restore, it vanishes instantly.” Meng Anwen nodded, “At this rate, it could drain him dry in the blink of an eye. But then, why hasn’t it? Why is he still alive?” “Could it be… that it’s taking its time?” At that moment, Meng Anwen lifted his head and locked eyes with Medicine God Shu. Both had reached the same conclusion. Medicine Shu said, “If that’s the case, then let’s lure it out.” Meng Anwen smiled, “Agreed. Let’s see exactly what we’re dealing with.” A flash of light appeared in Meng Anwen’s hand, and a tall tower materialized in midair. The Shenxia Tower shimmered, casting a radiant beam that enveloped Gao Yang. Lin Moyu sensed something stirring—Gao Yang’s soul trembling, on the verge of being drawn out. But since Gao Yang wasn’t dead, the soul resisted separation. Then Medicine God Shu produced another potion and offered it to Gao Yang, “Sleep, child. When you wake, everything will be fine.” After taking the potion, Gao Yang trembled slightly, his eyes fluttered closed, and then even his breathing ceased. To any observer, he appeared dead. If Lin Moyu hadn’t been able to sense his soul still present, he might have believed it too. “This potion places him in a state of suspended animation.” Medicine God Shu explained. Lin Moyu nodded, “Understood.” Barely ten seconds after Gao Yang entered suspended animation, a strange force suddenly surged forth. The moment it appeared, it lunged at Gao Yang’s soul, seeking to devour it just as it had consumed his health. But Meng Anwen had been waiting. With a low shout, the Shenxia Tower emitted a resonant hum and pulled Gao Yang’s soul free. His soul, translucent and no larger than a fist, drifted out under the tower’s glow and flew into its interior. Then, another entity emerged. It was no bigger than a palm, shaped like a dog, but with a grotesque, feral face and an illusory form. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽 “Stop!” Meng Anwen commanded. A second beam of light shot from the Shenxia Tower, freezing the creature midair. The “little dog” shrieked and writhed, but its struggles were useless against the tower’s power. Though Lin Moyu didn’t recognize the creature, he sensed it was the source of Gao Yang’s affliction. This was the culprit. Medicine God Shu stepped forward, eyes narrowing, “What is that? I’ve never seen anything like it.” He moved to investigate, but Meng Anwen barked, “Old Shu, don’t go near it!” Startled, Medicine God Shu halted, “Serene God, do you know what it is?” Meng Anwen’s expression darkened, “If I’m right… that’s a Soul-Devouring Beast. They’ve returned.” At those words, Medicine God Shu’s face turned grim.