"Abbot, how did you find me?" Zhang Yang asked in surprise.
He had just rescued Han Xiyao, and the abbot of Lingtai Temple had arrived so quickly.
The speed was quite astonishing.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple clasped his hands together and bowed.
"Amitabha, this humble monk is ashamed. It was only recently that I sensed Han Shizhu's whereabouts."
"Zhang Shizhu, how did you rescue Han Shizhu?"
"I exchanged her for a token with Qin Shengnan," Zhang Yang replied truthfully.
Upon hearing this, the abbot of Lingtai Temple's heart stirred, and he continued.
"You mean Han Shizhu is still in Qin Shengnan's hands? This..."
"Zhang Shizhu, you seem to be injured?"
Suddenly.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple noticed a hole in Zhang Yang's clothing.
The shape of the hole was a clear palm print.
"It's nothing. I was ambushed. The opponent was Qin Shengnan's accomplice, likely a master of the True Essence realm," Zhang Yang shook his head and replied.
"True Essence realm? If that's the case, then this humble monk seems to understand," the abbot of Lingtai Temple said with great surprise.
He knew more about the intricacies of this matter.
He thought to himself that He Ao had indeed not lied to him.
They were truly well-prepared!
"No wonder this humble monk couldn't sense Han Shizhu's location for so long. It turns out someone in the True Essence realm was interfering. If that's the case, it's not surprising," the abbot of Lingtai Temple remarked.
Hearing this, Zhang Yang finally understood.
His doubts about the abbot of Lingtai Temple diminished considerably.
It explained why he hadn't heard from the abbot for the past few days.
And now that he had just rescued Han Xiyao, the abbot had followed.
It was likely that the True Essence realm master had some means of concealment.
Getting back to the matter at hand.
Thinking of Han Xiyao's current condition, Zhang Yang quickly asked.
"Abbot, you know Xiyao's condition better than I do. She has a persistent high fever. Is there any way to bring down her fever?"
"Let this humble monk examine her first."
The abbot of Lingtai Temple did not reply but walked towards Han Xiyao.
He placed two fingers on Han Xiyao's wrist, ankle, and forehead.
After a slight examination, he pondered for a moment.
His pale eyebrows furrowed deeply.
"Is her condition very bad?" Zhang Yang asked anxiously.
"Alas... Amitabha," the abbot of Lingtai Temple sighed, then said.
"Han Shizhu's condition is very grim. She has likely suffered a backlash from the Dragon Vein."
"Dragon Vein backlash? What does that mean? Does the Abbot have a solution?" Zhang Yang asked nervously.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple's expression was grim, and Zhang Yang's heart grew tense.
In truth.
Zhang Yang had never been interested in anything about Dragon Veins or not.
He just wanted Han Xiyao to be well.
If not for Han Xiyao's connection to the Dragon Vein.
Zhang Yang would not have wanted to get involved in the turmoil of Jiangnan City.
"Han Shizhu's situation is rather peculiar. It seems those who captured her discovered something."
"They likely attempted to forcibly sever or transfer the Dragon Vein from Han Shizhu to someone else, which triggered the Dragon Vein's protective consciousness."
"Furthermore, with the recent excavation of the Dragon Vein throughout the southern part of Jiangnan City."
"As the Dragon Vein is nearing its maturity, it naturally sensed this and must have emitted an aura of anger."
"Therefore, the triggered self-protective consciousness contains a malevolent element, leading to Han Shizhu's current state."
As he spoke.
As if to prove his words were true, the abbot of Lingtai Temple.
A wisp of True Qi appeared on his fingertip, and he pressed it onto Han Xiyao's forehead.
Boom!
Suddenly.
A terrifying energy reflected from Han Xiyao's body.
A lifelike blue dragon shadow directly tore apart the abbot of Lingtai Temple's True Qi.
This...
Zhang Yang's eyes widened, as if he understood something.
"Is this the power of the Dragon Vein? It's protecting Han Xiyao?"
"Indeed, precisely. The Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City and Han Shizhu are mutually beneficial. When those who captured Han Shizhu tried to sever their connection, the Dragon Vein sought to protect Han Shizhu."
"Thus, it fed the Dragon Vein's power back into Han Shizhu's body prematurely. However, it is precisely this that has made matters so dire..."
"The Dragon Vein is not yet mature, and its released power is immense and carries a violent nature. Han Shizhu's physical strength is insufficient to receive the Dragon Vein's boon, so she cannot bear it."
"This is why her body is in this condition."
The abbot of Lingtai Temple explained in great detail, and Zhang Yang listened intently.
For some reason.
Zhang Yang felt something was amiss, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.
Even though the abbot of Lingtai Temple had personally demonstrated it.
However...
Zhang Yang still wanted to try it himself.
Instantly.
A wisp of True Qi appeared between Zhang Yang's fingers, attacking Han Xiyao's ankle.
As expected...
Just like the situation with the abbot of Lingtai Temple earlier.
A blue dragon qi emerged from within Han Xiyao, tearing apart Zhang Yang's True Qi.
"Abbot, what should we do now?" Zhang Yang asked after verifying.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple somewhat guessed Zhang Yang's suspicion.
However, being a seasoned elder, he.
Naturally, he wouldn't point it out directly, but instead explained.
"Amitabha, the best solution at this moment is to transfer the link between Han Shizhu's body and the Dragon Vein."
"Although... this would ruin over ten years of preparation by us, the guardians of the vein, but..."
"My Buddha is merciful. This humble monk cannot sacrifice Han Shizhu's life for the future of the guardians."
"Transfer it? Didn't Qin Shengnan and the others try that? But it didn't seem to work." Zhang Yang frowned.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple chuckled and shook his head.
"Heh, of course, they couldn't. If they could, then anyone could have ulterior motives regarding the Dragon Vein."
"Zhang Shizhu, no one in this world understands the Dragon Vein better than we, the guardians."
"Then who should I transfer it to?" Zhang Yang asked.
"Given the current situation, you, Zhang Shizhu, are the most stable choice. Not to mention your good character, and our existing relationship is not bad."
"Compared to transferring it to someone else and letting them possess the Dragon Vein's abilities, this humble monk would rather forge a good relationship," the abbot of Lingtai Temple said.
Transfer it to myself?
Zhang Yang fell into thought, feeling somewhat strange.
Although he had spent some time with the abbot of Lingtai Temple.
He didn't actually know much about the abbot's character.
Was he truly so selfless, willing to give him the almost mature fruit unconditionally?
Just to exchange it for a good relationship with him, this...
Zhang Yang silently noted this down and looked up to ask.
"Abbot, what is your confidence level? Will Xiyao be harmed by this?"
The abbot of Lingtai Temple pondered for a moment, as if carefully considering.
However.
He recalled his cooperation with He Ao yesterday.
"This humble monk has a hundred percent confidence, and Han Shizhu will not suffer any harm."
Hearing this.
Zhang Yang had no further hesitation.
He was completely helpless regarding Han Xiyao's current condition.
Although he harbored some doubts.
Zhang Yang believed that the abbot of Lingtai Temple would not plot against Han Xiyao.
Otherwise, why would they go through such a roundabout way to do all this?
"Alright, then I'll trouble the Abbot." Zhang Yang said.
"Good, let's begin now," the abbot of Lingtai Temple nodded.
Immediately.
Zhang Yang sat cross-legged beside Han Xiyao.
Han Xiyao, being unconscious, could only remain lying down.
"Amitabha, Zhang Shizhu, this humble monk is about to begin. Are you ready? This process might be a bit painful."
The abbot of Lingtai Temple said.
At the same time.
To transfer the Dragon Vein link, he had specifically changed into his abbot's kasaya.
Zhang Yang didn't know the significance of this.
"I'm ready, we can begin," Zhang Yang replied.
As long as Han Xiyao was alright, he was willing to do anything.
Boom!
Instantly.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple clasped his hands together and chanted Buddhist scriptures.
An energy different from True Qi emanated from his body.
At the same time.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple, wearing the kasaya, was enveloped in golden light.
Then.
When his hands touched Zhang Yang and Han Xiyao.
That aura, different from True Qi, instantly connected the two.
Zhang Yang, who was meditating cross-legged.
Seemed to be able to feel Han Xiyao's heartbeat.
Even.
He could hear Han Xiyao's thoughts.
However, her voice was very faint, and Zhang Yang couldn't hear it clearly.
Vaguely.
It sounded like "Don't... apologize?"
Before Zhang Yang could think further, a strong, domineering, swift, and violent surge of energy poured into his body.
This...
Instantly, a sharp pain spread from Zhang Yang's body outwards.
Hiss~
Zhang Yang gasped.
The painful sensation the abbot of Lingtai Temple had mentioned had arrived.
But he had to grit his teeth and endure it.
Transferring a Dragon Vein was surely not that simple.
Otherwise, Qin Shengnan would have succeeded in their attempt to connect with Han Xiyao's Dragon Vein long ago.
The painful sensation lasted for nearly half an hour.
From beginning to end, Zhang Yang gritted his teeth and endured.
Gradually, Zhang Yang could finally hear Han Xiyao's thoughts clearly.
"Don't agree, I'm sorry!"
That's right.
It was these seven words.
After hearing them, Zhang Yang felt very strange, not knowing what they meant.
He tried to communicate with Han Xiyao.
But Han Xiyao's condition seemed very poor.
She kept repeating these seven words.
She couldn't hear Zhang Yang at all.
Could it be that the prolonged fever had caused hallucinations in her mind?
Zhang Yang thought to himself.
Since communication was impossible, he would wait until Han Xiyao woke up.
Everything was proceeding very smoothly.
A blue gas circulated along Zhang Yang's meridians.
This was the aura of the Dragon Vein's connection.
Once this blue gas circulated through all of Zhang Yang's meridians, the Dragon Vein transfer would be complete.
However...
Would things go so smoothly?
Of course not.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple, who was performing the transfer outside, had a serious expression.
He had been closely monitoring the changes in Han Xiyao and Zhang Yang.
Seeing the blue gas within Han Xiyao gradually decrease, and the transfer nearing completion.
A hint of hesitation appeared in the abbot of Lingtai Temple's eyes.
As if questioning himself, should he really do this?
What if.
He Ao's prediction was wrong, or Zhang Yang couldn't withstand it.
Then things would become even more unpredictable.
But...
It had to be said.
The conditions offered by He Ao were too tempting.
If successful, the future glory of the guardians.
Would certainly not be inferior to the re-emergence of the Five Dragons of China.
After a moment of silence.
The blue gas within Han Xiyao had almost completely depleted.
The blue gas was about to close within Zhang Yang's body. Once it connected with the vital point within Zhang Yang's body.
Then...
There was not much time left for the abbot of Lingtai Temple to think.
He quickly made a decision in his heart, preparing to directly sever Zhang Yang's connection with the Dragon Vein.
However, in the next moment.
An astonishing scene unfolded before him.
Zhang Yang's body suddenly exhibited a strange reaction.
When the blue gas was about to enter Zhang Yang's True Qi nexus, the True Qi within Zhang Yang's body suddenly became turbulent.
A repulsive energy began to surge.
Zhang Yang's True Qi directly forced the blue gas out.
Then, it pressed forward relentlessly.
Step by step, it drove the blue gas out, preventing it from existing within Zhang Yang's body.
This...
Zhang Yang was also somewhat puzzled.
He wanted to stop the turbulence of his True Qi, but found that his True Qi simply wouldn't obey him.
What was going on?
The abbot of Lingtai Temple's expression was also exceptionally complex.
Zhang Yang's body also contained something peculiar.
Could this be the will of heaven?
Even heaven was aligning with their intentions, guiding him to follow He Ao's plan?
While the two were at a loss, a rumbling sound emanated from Zhang Yang's body.
With a boom.
The blue gas, which had been stripped for transfer, returned entirely to Han Xiyao's body.
Similarly.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple, as the transfer recipient, suffered a severe backlash.
He spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered backward.
At this moment, Zhang Yang also opened his eyes.
Seeing that Han Xiyao was unharmed, he then walked towards the abbot of Lingtai Temple.
"Abbot, what happened?"
The abbot of Lingtai Temple coughed a few times, steadied his breathing, and said.
"I'm fine, it's just... what is inside you that repels the Dragon Vein so strongly?"
Zhang Yang fell silent.
He vaguely suspected it was due to the "Carefree Immortal Scripture."
However, this was Zhang Yang's secret, and he would never reveal it.
"I don't know."
Seeing Zhang Yang shake his head, the abbot of Lingtai Temple became even more perplexed.
The Dragon Vein of Jiangnan City was no ordinary Dragon Vein.
What was inside Zhang Yang's body.
That made the Dragon Vein afraid and shrink back.
This...
However.
Fortunately, things had not deviated from their plan.
The abbot of Lingtai Temple had no intention of letting Zhang Yang connect with the Dragon Vein in the first place.
The reason for doing so.
Was precisely to make Zhang Yang completely believe that only this could save Han Xiyao.
And now that Zhang Yang harbored a secret, it further convinced the abbot of Lingtai Temple.
He Ao's words were correct, and their success rate was high.
Then...
The guardians would surely stand at the pinnacle.
"Cough, cough." The abbot of Lingtai Temple coughed out two more mouthfuls of blood.
Then, he walked towards Han Xiyao.
After a thorough examination, he sighed again.
"Alas... if it's not your issue, then it must be the Dragon Vein's own problem. Perhaps the Dragon Vein has been with Han Shizhu for over ten years."
"Suddenly changing the Dragon Vein's host, and it disagrees, thus leading to the failure of the transfer."
Zhang Yang also walked towards Han Xiyao and found that she was still suffering from a high fever, his expression filled with anxiety.
"Now that the transfer has failed? What should we do?"
The abbot of Lingtai Temple fell silent, then replied.
"If the transfer fails, then there is only one other method: to find the Dragon Vein as soon as possible."
"Let Han Shizhu approach the Dragon Vein directly to receive its feedback, thereby changing her physique."
This...
Find the Dragon Vein as soon as possible?
This was not a significant problem.
The southern regions of Jiangnan City, after days of continuous excavation.
Had gradually approached the Dragon Vein. It was expected that the Dragon Vein would manifest within a day or two.
Han Xiyao's current condition should still be bearable.
However...
After finding the Dragon Vein, there was still another issue.