Chapter Twenty-One: The Pain Relief

Chapter Twenty-One: The Pain Relief

Lucas's eyelids trembled lightly, revealing the intense internal struggle he was experiencing.

After a brief moment, he opened his tightly shut eyes and stared intently at the pill in Eli Mason's hand, his gaze filled with fervor.

Eli didn't say anything more, placing the pill into Lucas's mouth and watching as he swallowed it dry. Then, he gently removed the silver needles one by one from Lucas's body.

Once all the needles were removed, the pill's effects began to manifest. Lucas's pale face flushed with an unnatural redness, gradually turning crimson. His body started to twitch again, his limbs shaking, and he let out low groans of pain.

It was clear that Lucas didn't want to lose face in front of Eli, so he tried to suppress his voice, but the excruciating pain made him cry out.

Lucas's cries grew louder, his body shaking more violently. It took a long time for his shouts to gradually diminish and finally stop.

His face began to regain its normal color, and his body ceased trembling. It seemed he had endured the most painful phase.

Lucas slowly sat up, crossed his legs, and began meditating to regulate his breathing. Eli found a clean rock nearby and casually sat down, watching Lucas recover his energy.

After about the time it takes to eat a meal, Lucas suddenly opened his eyes, drew the long blade beside him, and leaped up. With a swift motion, the blade's gleaming edge was at Eli's throat.

"Give me one reason not to kill you!" Lucas's eyes flashed with cold light, full of murderous intent.

"I just saved your life. Isn't that reason enough?" Eli's expression didn't change, only a slight twitch of his eyebrows revealed his subtle tension.

Lucas's face softened a bit, but he still glared at Eli with fierce eyes.

"I knew before I saved you that you might kill me to keep your secret. I just didn't expect you to act so quickly," Eli finally let out a bitter smile, his face showing a hint of self-mockery.

"Even though I knew saving you was asking for trouble, I couldn't stand by and do nothing, having learned medical skills," Eli sighed.

Lucas looked slightly embarrassed, moving the blade a bit away from Eli's neck, but not completely removing it.

Eli secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his tone becoming more composed.

"You don't need to worry about me revealing your secret. I'm not a talkative person, and if you still don't trust me, I can swear an oath. You can see I have no martial skills, and if I break my word, you can easily kill me," Eli calmly suggested.

"Swear an oath then," Lucas responded decisively.

Only then did Eli completely relax. Although he had observed Lucas's demeanor before treating him, believing him to be neither ungrateful nor cruel, he couldn't be certain. If Lucas had turned out to be a treacherous person, Eli would have had to use his last resort for self-defense.

With this thought, Eli subtly moved his fingers away from a hidden iron tube in his sleeve.

After Eli solemnly swore an oath, Lucas finally sheathed his long blade.

Eli touched his neck, feeling a shallow cut left by the sharp edge, slightly sticky with blood. He also felt a chill down his back, indicating he had broken out in a cold sweat.

"That was close! I need to be more cautious. No more taking risks to help others unless I'm sure of the benefits and have complete assurance," Eli thought, a bit shaken.

"No more playing the hero without enough reward and certainty," he resolved bitterly.

This first experience of risking his life to save someone led Eli to develop the habit of only acting when there was something to gain, abandoning his original simplicity. Though he didn't become a villain, he was far from being kind-hearted.

"You saved my life and promised to keep my secret. I, Lucas, owe you a great debt. If I'm alive, you can come to me for help with anything. If it's within my power, I'll assist you," Lucas said sincerely after gathering his belongings and stood before Eli, revealing his name and making a promise.

"I doubt I'll need your help, but you seem to have plenty of your own troubles, don't you?" Eli smiled faintly, posing a question in return.

"How do you know?" Lucas was taken aback, surprised.

"Anyone can see it. You, an ordinary protector disciple, outshining many hall masters, elders, and even the sect leaders' favorite disciples, are bound to have a tough time!" Eli pointed out sharply.

Lucas's face darkened, remaining silent for a while.

"I don't want to interfere with your matters, nor can I, but I can help ease the pain caused by the Draw Marrow Pills," Eli offered.

"Really?" Lucas's spirits lifted, the gloom on his face replaced with joy. It was clear the pills' pain tormented him greatly.

"Why would I lie?" Eli gave Lucas a sidelong glance. He indeed had a formula to alleviate pain, something he had developed during his free time specifically for Zack. It significantly reduced the body's sensitivity to pain and was very effective.

"This is wonderful! Truly wonderful!" Lucas exclaimed, rubbing his hands together excitedly, looking eagerly at Eli.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I don't have the medicine now. I'll need to return to the Mystic Gate to prepare it," Eli explained.

Lucas looked a bit embarrassed, having just threatened Eli with a blade and now asking for his help.

"Come to the Mystic Gate entrance at noon tomorrow. I'll bring the prepared medicine to you. Doctor Mo isn't home now, and I can't let outsiders into the valley freely," Eli said slowly.

"Alright, I'll be there on time. Thank you so much, brother," Lucas quickly agreed, afraid Eli might change his mind.

"My name is Eli Mason, a personal disciple of Doctor Mo. You're highly skilled; just call me Brother Eli," Eli quickly introduced himself, preferring to avoid overly familiar terms.

Lucas nodded, acknowledging Eli's introduction. "Thank you again, Brother Eli. I won't forget this favor."

Eli nodded, feeling a sense of relief. He had taken a risk, but it seemed to have paid off. Lucas's gratitude and promise were valuable, and Eli knew he might need such an ally in the future.

As Lucas departed, Eli watched him go, contemplating the events that had unfolded. The Mystic Gate was a place of both opportunity and danger, and he would need to navigate it carefully.

With the sun setting, casting long shadows over the landscape, Eli headed back to the sect. The path ahead was uncertain, but he felt more prepared to face whatever challenges awaited him.

Returning to his quarters, Eli found himself alone in the dimly lit room. The silence was broken only by the faint sounds of the night. His thoughts drifted to the intense confrontation earlier. The adrenaline rush, the close brush with death, and the unexpected bond formed with Lucas stirred something primal within him.

He stretched out on his bed, the cool fabric brushing against his skin. As he lay there, his mind wandered to more intimate thoughts. The close proximity to danger had heightened his senses, making him acutely aware of his own desires. He thought of the women in the sect, their beauty and allure. The memory of a fleeting touch, a shared glance, or a subtle smile lingered in his mind.

Eli's thoughts grew more intense, imagining the warmth of a woman's body next to his. The idea of finding comfort in another's embrace, of feeling the soft curves and hearing the soft whispers of passion, became an enticing escape from the harsh realities of his world.

His mind wandered to Samantha, a fellow disciple known for her striking beauty and sharp wit. He remembered the times their paths had crossed, the way her eyes would light up when she laughed, the subtle flirtations that passed between them. The thought of her beside him, her body close to his, made his heart race.

Eli shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He knew that such distractions could be dangerous, but the allure was hard to resist. He resolved to focus on his training, but the seed of desire had been planted, and he knew it would be a constant companion.

The next day, as promised, Eli prepared the pain relief medicine for Lucas. He worked meticulously, ensuring that the concoction was potent and effective. As he ground the herbs and mixed the ingredients, his thoughts occasionally drifted back to Samantha and the tantalizing possibilities.

At noon, Lucas arrived at the Mystic Gate entrance. Eli handed him the medicine, explaining how to use it. Lucas's gratitude was evident, and he once again promised to repay Eli's kindness.

With their exchange complete, Eli watched Lucas depart, a sense of satisfaction filling him. He had made a powerful ally, and the bond between them had been strengthened. As he returned to his duties, Eli couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

The Mystic Gate held many secrets and challenges, but Eli was ready to face them head-on. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but with friends like Lucas and the tantalizing possibilities that lay ahead, he felt more alive than ever.