Chapter 27: The Paralysis

Ethan watches in horror as Li Na writhes in pain on the ground, paralyzed from the neck down. He remembers the attack by the acid ant and realizes that it must have caused some irreversible damage to her spine.

He immediately rushes to her side and tries to help, but he knows deep down that there may be nothing he can do. He takes out the healing herb that Master Jin had given him and administers it to Li Na, but to no avail. The paralysis remains, and Ethan feels a sense of despair wash over him.

Master Jin arrives and assesses the situation, his face grave. He tells Ethan that the damage to Li Na's spine is too severe, and that there may be no cure for her paralysis.

Ethan is devastated. Li Na had become more than just a training partner to him. They had grown close on their journey to the Immortal Realm, and he had come to see her as a dear friend and companion.

Master Jin assures Ethan that he will do everything in his power to help Li Na recover, but Ethan can sense the underlying sadness in his master's voice.

As the days pass, Ethan stays by Li Na's side, doing everything he can to make her comfortable and ease her suffering. He talks to her, reads to her, and tries to keep her spirits up, but he can tell that her outlook is grim.

Ethan feels a growing sense of anger and frustration. He can't accept that Li Na will be paralyzed for the rest of her life. He starts to research any possible cure, scouring ancient texts and seeking advice from other immortals.

But as the weeks turn into months, Ethan begins to realize that there may be no cure for Li Na's paralysis. He must come to terms with the fact that she may never walk again, and that he will have to find a way to move on without her by his side.