Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 946 Gathering in the Inner Court
"That matter..."

Inside the pharmacy, Ding Hui's voice came through the heavy wooden door, carrying a hint of scrutiny.

She seemed to pause for a moment, and the brief silence made Zhuge Shi, who was anxiously waiting outside the door, skip a beat.

Immediately, Ding Hui's slightly languid yet undeniable voice rang out again: "Just wait, meeting will naturally be no problem."

Her tone rose slightly, as if she were weighing her options, "However, I must bring my husband with me."

"Of course! Doctor Ding has considered everything thoroughly!"

Zhuge Shi quickly agreed, fearing that Ding Hui might change her mind.

As long as it can facilitate a meeting, bringing Fang Yu along would actually make her feel more at ease—the two of them are one.

"In addition..." Ding Hui's voice carried an unyielding tone, "I have some important matters to attend to here, and I need some time."

Although she was eager, upon hearing this, Zhuge Shi was not impatient at all; instead, a surge of joy instantly seized her heart!
The seal left by the Seventh Prince has finally shown a glimmer of hope of being broken.

She had been troubled by the sealing matter for some time now, and it would be a lie to say that she wasn't worried and anxious. But now, she felt much more at ease!

Because Zhuge Shi believed in the abilities of those two, if they could work together, her rock-solid seal would no longer be a problem! The day she could break through the seal should not be far off!

Overwhelmed by immense hope, Zhuge Shi felt much lighter, and the fatigue and anxiety of the past few days vanished.

Even when he looked at Linghu Xiang, who had been silent and aloof, he found her expressionless face somewhat more pleasing to the eye.

"If there's nothing else, don't bother me." Ding Hui's voice carried a clear sense of dismissal, reaching through the doorway.

"Yes! Yes! Doctor Ding, please go ahead with your work!" Zhuge Shi almost held her breath, her face full of a fawning smile, and responded repeatedly, quickly and respectfully closing the door.

Only when the door was completely sealed shut and the faint clanging sounds of Ding Hui turning over herbs or utensils could be heard from inside did she finally breathe a long sigh of relief.

My previously tense nerves relaxed considerably.

The excitement of breaking through the seal surged in her chest.

Her gaze shifted and landed on Linghu Xiang beside her, whose severed hand was extremely conspicuous.

In high spirits, Zhuge Shi smiled warmly and said, "Sister Linghu, you've been watching me practice swordsmanship for so long, have you gained any insights into it?"

Linghu Xiang's hand unconsciously stroked the cold scabbard of the sword at her waist, her voice as calm as a deep pool: "...I am skilled with the sword."

The previous observation had indeed touched her; the extremely high level of skill contained in the other person's sword intent had secretly shocked her, and she had benefited greatly from it.

But that was all; she was well aware of the gap in their levels of understanding and never dared to have any improper thoughts.

Unexpectedly, Zhuge Shi's smile deepened, her tone carrying a condescending gentleness: "Oh? So you are a kindred spirit. I wonder if you could broaden my horizons? Perhaps you could even offer me some guidance, little sister."

This sounds humble, but it actually reflects absolute confidence.

Her swordsmanship was already several levels higher than Linghu Xiang's. If she hadn't been trapped by the seal, Linghu Xiang wouldn't even have had the right to watch.

Therefore, if Zhuge Shi wanted to instruct Linghu Xiang on swordsmanship, it would be as easy as instructing a child.

However, Zhuge Shi was not exactly a kind-hearted person.

She offered to give guidance, partly to probe Linghu Xiang's background and assess how much effort would be needed to "protect" this person whom Fang Yu had specifically instructed in the event of potential chaos.

Secondly, it's always good to build positive relationships.

Linghu Xiang is related to Fang Yu and lives in the same courtyard as Ding Hui. Maintaining a good relationship with Fang Yu is crucial for seeking Ding Hui's help to break the seal in the future.

It's important to understand that Fang Yu and Doctor Ding are practically inseparable, so pleasing either side is crucial.

Linghu Xiang was suspicious and couldn't figure out the true intentions of the woman in pink.

But she had personally witnessed Zhuge Shi's dazzling swordsmanship, and that level of refinement was something she could only aspire to but never reach.

If one could receive even a few words of guidance, perhaps one could glimpse a breakthrough opportunity in the swordsmanship that has become exceptionally difficult due to the loss of a finger.

The missing fingers gave her an indescribable sense of awkwardness and a dull, aching discomfort when she held a sword.

What was once smooth and powerful is now always shrouded in a distorted shadow.

After a moment's hesitation, desire overcame her wariness, and she slowly nodded: "I shall obey your command."

"Keng!"

The sword light flashed like mercury spilling onto the ground!
Linghu Xiang lightly touched the ground with her toes, her figure rising like a startled swan!
The sword moved with him, instantly transforming into a silver screen shrouded in cold light!

A sharp gust of wind swept across the courtyard, and a few withered leaves, stirred down by the airflow, drifted down to her side. The moment they touched them, they were silently sliced ​​in two, the cuts as smooth as a mirror! This ruthlessness and precision were enough to show that she was no ordinary person.

Even Zhuge Shi, who was used to seeing profound swordsmanship, couldn't help but secretly admire it in his heart.

He does indeed possess a solid foundation and has developed his own unique style.

But in her eyes, the swordsmanship was flawed in every way. From the foundation of the power generation and the transformation of the body movements to the subtle details of the connection between sword moves, there were many things that could be improved, like ink spots on a blank sheet of paper.

"Just give me some advice to build a better relationship, so that she'll follow my instructions and not run off and cause me trouble in the future..."

Zhuge Shi's thoughts raced, and with a light tap of her slender fingers, she began her "meticulous" guidance.

Although these were just minor, peripheral issues, such as "sinking three inches deeper here to gather power," "the wrist should be slightly softer when the sword tip deflects," and "steps follow the body's advance, not the body chasing the steps' retreat," to Linghu Xiang, they were like a sudden enlightenment!
Each insight opened a new window for her, allowing her to see her familiar swordsmanship from a completely different perspective, and some of the stagnation that had plagued her for many years suddenly became clear!
Especially the subtle adjustments to finger grip strength and coordination!
The awkwardness of losing her fingers and the lack of leverage are Linghu Xiang's biggest inner demons right now.

Zhuge Shi's seemingly casual words, like precise needles, pierced her greatest sore spot.

Changing the habitual way of holding a sword is extremely difficult; every adjustment is accompanied by the protest of the bones and muscles and the pain of a clumsy sword stroke.

But in the midst of these continuous, subtle adjustments, she began to feel a new and peculiar sense of smoothness slowly growing within her!

It turns out that restoring the finger isn't the only way!

This adaptive adjustment made her swordplay lose some of its former smoothness, but it also subtly gained a more powerful and ruthless quality, and her footwork became even faster and more unpredictable after the adjustment!

"If I received such guidance when my fingers were intact..."

A bitter thought flashed through Linghu Xiang's mind, but she quickly suppressed it.

Compared to those comrades who have been completely ruined by their injuries, this is an incredible opportunity! We must seize it!

He barely managed to practice a basic sword technique to the end.

Sheathed his sword and stopped.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Linghu Xiang's forehead, and her chest rose and fell slightly.

She turned around abruptly and looked at the pink-clad figure leisurely pointing her out from under the eaves. The long-standing wariness and vigilance in her eyes dissipated, replaced by a heartfelt gratitude and amazement!
In just half an hour, Zhuge Shi's few words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, allowing her to see the path to rebirth after her swordsmanship was damaged!
"Thank you for your meticulous guidance, Lord Zhuge!" She held her sword, bowed deeply in a solemn martial arts salute, her tone full of respect. Zhuge Shi smiled gently, casually waving her hand as if brushing away a speck of dust: "You still have a long way to go. Your foundation needs further refinement, and you must persevere in your arduous practice!"

"Yes!"

Linghu Xiang responded respectfully, her attitude having changed from initial indifference and aloofness to deference.

Sunlight fell on the courtyard, where one person practiced swordsmanship while another offered guidance; the previously tense atmosphere had strangely become harmonious.

However, this harmony was soon shattered by an uninvited guest.

"Miss Linghu! And this one...?"

At the corner of the corridor, Song Zhenrong, with the careful support of Diao Xiaohui, managed to walk out.

His face was still sallow, his back was unable to straighten, and every step he took seemed unusually heavy, clearly indicating that he had not yet recovered from his serious injury.

Diao Xiaohui was unusually obedient and compliant at this moment, as if she were a completely different person.

She struggled to support her brother's swaying body, her expression and movements restraining her former lawless behavior.

Seeing her like this, Song Zhenrong felt both gratified and worried.

This almost deliberate obedience was nothing like the cunning sister Song Xi he remembered.

However, in the chaotic capital, even pretending to be "sensible" is better than causing trouble.

This is not a safe place. Here, Song Zhenrong can no longer protect Song Xi's safety or clean up her messes as he used to.

"Zhuge's Poems"

The woman in pink elegantly uttered her name, but her gaze, like an invisible thread, lightly swept across Diao Xiaohui's delicate yet expressionless face.

In the courtyard, apart from himself, whose aura fluctuated due to the seal, the aura of this girl whose body had been reconstructed was the most subtle yet powerful.

Beneath a calm exterior, Zhuge Shi remained wary of Diao Xiaohui.

"So it's Miss Zhuge! I'm so grateful for everyone's kindness and care these past few days."

Song Zhenrong took a breath, solemnly pushed away Diao Xiaohui's support, and bowed deeply to Zhuge Shi with difficulty, "She is simple and honest, and not good with words. As her elder brother, I thank all our benefactors on her behalf!"

This bow was sincere and heartfelt, and the etiquette was impeccable.

However, Zhuge Shi merely nodded slightly, her cool gaze not lingering on him for long, as if he were nothing more than an insignificant breeze.

A martial artist who is seriously injured and whose foundation is damaged is not someone Fang Yu instructed to take care of, so he is not worth her any extra attention.

Song Zhenrong, used to being looked down upon, gave a wry smile that seemed to come naturally. He then turned to Linghu Xiang and asked with concern, "Miss Linghu, are you practicing swordsmanship? We just escaped death and are severely injured. We should rest and recuperate."

This concern made Linghu Xiang subtly purse her lips; she was neither used to nor comfortable with the other person's care.

However, since they had been imprisoned together and shared life and death, they still had a bond.

"Captain Song, you're too kind. You're the one who should be resting in bed." Linghu Xiang sheathed her sword, looked at Song Zhenrong, and softened her tone.

"I've come to express my deepest gratitude to Doctor Ding and Young Master Diao for saving my life..."

Song Zhenrong's gaze fell on the tightly closed pharmacy door, filled with deep gratitude and lingering fear.

"If it weren't for Doctor Ding's miraculous skills and Young Master Diao's strong support, my little sister... she would probably already be..."

He couldn't say the rest, but the relief in his eyes was undisguised.

He accepts Diao Xiaohui's current state with equanimity.

As long as his sister is alive and can still call him "brother," that's enough.

As for the hidden dangers of Diao Xiaohui's body after the modification, and the reality that she seems to be inseparable from Doctor Ding's care, in his eyes, they are just minor problems that need to be solved together after the reunion.

The real boulder weighing on his heart was the matter of killing the Lord of the Foolish Underworld!
As a member of the Foolish Underworld, he knew better than anyone the terrible consequences of this crime!
Although Fang Yu offered a guarantee, promising them safety in the area, this promise seemed so weak and powerless in the face of the undercurrents in the capital and the colossal forces of the Foolish Underworld.

The officialdom is deeply entrenched. Once the highest levels of the Yudifu (the underworld) are determined to hold those responsible accountable, how can a few of them possibly resist?

He kept urging himself to escape: Escape! He had to get out of the capital as soon as possible!

Even becoming a wanted criminal and wandering the world is better than staying here waiting to be caught or even die! He dared not say this outright, but could only hope that Fang Yu's mission was to resolve this catastrophic disaster.

"Young Master Diao has gone out on business."

Linghu Xiang gestured towards the door, then her gaze sharpened as she looked at the pharmacy door. "As for Doctor Ding... he's still inside the pharmacy refining medicines. He must not be disturbed!"

This warning seems somewhat superfluous.

Song Zhenrong had long regarded Ding Hui as a deity, and that respect came from the depths of his bones, even more so than he had shown to Diao Xiaohui.

Without Ding Hui's miraculous healing hands, little sister Song Xi would have long since passed away.

"Don't worry, don't worry, I understand."

Song Zhenrong nodded repeatedly, "Then... let's wait here for Doctor Ding to come out."

He suppressed his anxiety, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of weariness.

Seeing that the two had also joined the waiting group, Linghu Xiang said no more.

She resumed her stance and continued her sword practice.

Watching Linghu Xiang practice swiftly and fiercely under the sunlight, Song Zhenrong was filled with admiration and shock. Although her movements were still somewhat unnatural and sluggish due to her severed finger, she was already showing a strong recovery momentum. The way she controlled her power was even approaching her peak state before she lost her finger.

He himself had also lost a finger and knew the difficulties involved, so he also had the idea that when Doctor Ding came out, he would shamelessly ask him for some advice on how to recover.

Just as he was secretly pondering the subtle adjustments in the force exertion of Linghu Xiang's sword technique—

"Sink your right shoulder slightly by half an inch, and pull your left foot back a third of the way!"

Zhuge Shi's lazy yet precise pointing voice rang out once again.

Song Zhenrong turned his head in surprise and looked at the pink-clad woman leaning against the pillar in the corridor.

Her eyes were deep and penetrating, as if she could see through the very fabric of every sword move.

Such authoritative and effortless guidance is something no ordinary martial artist can do!
Song Zhenrong began to have serious doubts about his own perception: "Could it be... that this woman is actually a hidden master? But why is her aura so ordinary?"

(End of this chapter)