Kai lay against the broken log he had been thrown into, a mix of disbelief and relief washing over him. He was surprised to be alive, but even more astonished by the sudden appearance of Snow, Igni, and Yinying. The spirit beasts were a sight to behold, their forms radiant with victory. Igni and Snow roared out in triumph, their voices echoing through the forest, while Yinying, perched on Igni's back, joined in with her high-pitched yips, a melodic counterpoint to the powerful roars of her companions.
As the spirit beasts celebrated their hard-fought victory, Kai's gaze drifted to his shoulder, where a jagged branch still protruded, a painful reminder of the battle. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for what he knew he had to do. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he reached for the branch with his good arm, his heart racing as he prepared to pull it out.
With a slow, deliberate motion, he grasped the branch and began to extract it from his shoulder. A groan of agony escaped his lips as he felt the sharp edges scrape against his flesh. Blood began to gush from the wound, warm and sticky, as he began to pull the branch free.
Finally, with a final tug, he threw the branch aside, watching it land in the dirt with a dull thud. He pressed down on the wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood, but the effort only brought more discomfort.
The triumphant celebration of the spirit beasts came to an abrupt halt as they heard Kai’s groans of pain. Their joyous roars faded into concerned silence, and they turned to see him struggling against his injury. In an instant, all three of them rushed over to his side, surrounding him with their protective presence.
Igni lowered his massive head, his fierce eyes filled with worry, while Snow sniffed at the wound, his expression a mix of concern and determination. Yinying hopped closer, her small form radiating an aura of urgency as she looked up at Kai, her high-pitched yips now replaced with soft whines.
Kai could see the worry etched on their faces, and despite the pain coursing through him, he felt a swell of gratitude for their concern. “I’m okay,” he managed to say, though his voice was strained. “Just a scratch. I’ll be fine.”
But the spirit beasts were not convinced. They exchanged glances, their instincts telling them that they needed to help their friend. Igni nudged Kai gently with his nose, as if urging him to stay still, while Snow positioned himself protectively at his side, ready to defend him from any further harm.
Yinying, sensing the urgency of the situation, sprang into action. Her four tails flicked with vibrant energy, each movement a dance of determination. With a focused intensity, she drew upon the shadows that enveloped them, weaving them into a protective barrier that obscured their presence from any lurking threats. The air around them shimmered as the darkness coalesced, creating a sanctuary amidst the forest.
Kai watched in awe as the shadow fox worked her magic, her graceful movements as she used her power and skill. “Thank you, Yinying,” he whispered, his voice filled with deep appreciation for her unwavering support.
“Snow, grab my sword for me,” he instructed the wolf, his tone urgent yet steady.
Snow’s ears perked up at the command, his keen instincts kicking in. With a swift nod, he darted off into the mist, his form a blur as he navigated through the dense underbrush. Moments later, he returned, triumphantly carrying Kai’s sword in his mouth by the handle. With a gentle thud, he dropped the weapon at Kai’s feet, the blade gleaming even in the dim light.
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“Good boy,” Kai murmured, a grateful smile breaking through the pain. He reached for the sword, feeling its familiar weight in his hand.
Next, he pulled out his old ember sword sect robes—garments he had kept, remnants of a past he had intended to leave behind. He sliced the fabric into strips with his sword.
Using his good hand and his teeth, he began to wrap the strips around the wound on his shoulder, wincing as he pressed the fabric against the raw flesh. The makeshift bandages were rough, but they would have to suffice for now. He focused on the task, each movement deliberate as he secured the fabric tightly, trying to staunch the flow of blood and stabilize the injury.
Kai reached into his storage ring, retrieving a small vial of medicine he had taken with him from his shack. The vial glimmered in the muted light, its contents a vibrant emerald green that seemed to pulse with life. Although the medicine was only tier three, he felt confidence; it would be sufficient for his current needs.
He had a single dose of tier ten medicine stashed away for emergencies—situations where he was teetering on the brink of death—but he was reluctant to use it unless absolutely necessary. The thought of wasting such a precious resource weighed heavily on his mind, and he resolved to save it for a more dire moment when his survival truly hung in the balance.
With a steady hand, Kai popped the cork from the vial. He raised the vial to his lips, the cool glass against his skin a brief comfort before he tilted it back and drank deeply. The liquid flowed smoothly down his throat.
As the medicine took effect, he could feel a stinging sensation spreading through his body, intensifying the pain radiating from his shoulder. The emerald liquid worked quickly, knitting together the torn flesh and staunching the flow of blood. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to take his mind off from the pain. It was very painful, but his resilient willpower kept him from screaming.
The medicine would effectively halt Kai's bleeding, but he knew it would take time for him to regain his strength and mobility. For the next few hours, he would have to endure the discomfort and pain, a necessary trial before the healing properties of the potion could fully take effect. He steeled himself for the wait, knowing that patience was as vital as any remedy.
As he lay there, he opened his eyes and turned his gaze toward Yinying and Snow. The two spirit beasts were close by, their expressions a mix of unwavering loyalty and deep concern. Yinying’s violet eyes sparkled with a blend of worry and determination, while Snow stood tall and vigilant, his ears perked and alert to any potential threats. Their presence was a balm to his spirit.
“Now then, what are you three doing here? Did you follow me?” Kai asked, his gaze fixed on the trio of spirit beasts before him. The question hung in the air, a mix of curiosity and disbelief coloring his tone.
Snow barked in affirmation, his tail wagging with enthusiasm. It was true; the three spirit beasts he had released from the stables had chosen to follow him ever since that fateful moment.
“But why?” Kai continued, his brow furrowing in confusion. “You’re free now. You didn’t have to follow me. You could have gone anywhere you wanted.” The thought of their loyalty both warmed his heart and puzzled him. He had expected them to seek their own paths, to explore the world beyond the confines of the stables.
In response, Snow and Yinying began to whimper softly, their eyes glistening with an unspoken bond. It was as if they were trying to convey a simple yet profound message: “Where we wanted to be was with you.” Their expressions spoke volumes, filled with a loyalty that transcended words.
Kai felt a rush of emotion at their response. The realization that they had chosen to stay by his side, despite the freedom they now possessed, filled him with gratitude.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me.” He reached out a hand, gently resting it on Snow’s head, feeling the warmth of his fur beneath his palm. Yinying nuzzled against his leg, her presence a comforting reminder of their shared journey. Even the large tiger, Igni, started to lick the side of Kai's face as a display of affection.
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