Imperfect Evolution

As time passed, Flender's attempts to reason with Sheng Jun proved futile. Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun's relentless pleas and futile attempts to break through the protective barrier intensified as Bai Chenxiang's condition deteriorated. With each convulsion and spurt of blood, his desperation grew, fueled by the sight of her suffering. Even as he exhausted all his strength and skills, including his powerful Phoenix Nirvana ability, he continued to pound the barrier with bloodied fists, his eyes fixed on Bai Chenxiang's writhing form.

Witnessing Ma Hongjun's anguish and determination, Sheng Jun was overwhelmed with guilt and regret. He had underestimated the depth of Ma Hongjun's feelings for Bai Chenxiang, realizing now the extent of her importance in his brother's heart. As he watched helplessly, he could only pray for Bai Chenxiang's survival, knowing that if she didn't make it, he knew Ma Hongjun well enough to understand that he wouldn't be able to forgive himself.

With a heavy heart, Sheng Jun reminded himself of the reasons behind his decision. He knew that stopping the process now would only lead to further complications, this was the only way.

As he observed Bai Chenxiang's bloodied figure, Sheng Jun remained composed. He had anticipated this outcome and had taken precautions by having Zane, Saixi, and the others form a protective barrier. This barrier was crucial in preventing Flender and Ma Hongjun from intervening and potentially disrupting the absorption process.

After all, the differences between this situation and the previous instances involving himself and Ma Hongjun back then is clear. At that time Flender had limited understanding of their abilities, and their spirit rings only exceeded the limit by a small margin. Additionally, their healing factor played a significant role, and their practice of the Heavenly Dao Sutra had improved their physiques.

However, Bai Chenxiang's circumstances were different. Flender and Ma Hongjun were well aware of her capabilities, she doesn't have the large vitality Ma Hongjun had in order to help her heal herself, and her physique was even less impressive than the average Agility Attack System Spirit Master, especially without the training in Heavenly Dao Sutra. Knowing this, they would have intervened even at the slightest sign of distress.

With these thoughts in mind, Sheng Jun remained steadfast in his decision, despite the heart-wrenching scene unfolding before him.

Flender, realizing the futility of trying to reason with Sheng Jun or attack the protective barrier, addressed Sheng Jun with a heavy voice. "Sheng Jun, since you've permitted this, you must have other means to aid her, right? Even with the Heavenly Dao Sutra and two Heavenly Treasures, I fear her chances of survival won't exceed 30%" Flender expressed his concern, casting a glance towards Ma Hongjun, who continued to futilely strike the barrier nearby. Flender had long been aware of Ma Hongjun's feelings for Bai Chenxiang and understood the depth of his emotions. Having experienced love himself, Flender knew the agony of watching someone you cherished choose another, not to mention them dying right in front of you.

Sheng Jun could only shake his head solemnly in response to Flender's inquiries. Flender, witnessing Sheng Jun's gesture, felt a mixture of frustration and helplessness. Though he was tempted to reprimand Sheng Jun sharply, he restrained himself and instead offered silent prayers for Bai Chenxiang's safety.

As the hours passed and a new day dawned, Bai Chenxiang showed no signs of waking up; in fact, her condition seemed to deteriorate further.

Meanwhile, a loud noise erupted nearby, catching Flender's attention. He narrowed his eyes in surprise at the sight he saw with his Predatory Eyes. "A beast tide? Why would there be a beast tide right now?" he questioned aloud.

Hearing Flender's observation, Sheng Jun silently nodded to himself. The reason he had bought Flender with him here had finally arrived. He had received a call not long ago from Qinyu, who was monitoring Liu Erlong. She had reported that Erlong's urge to unleash her destructive powers had overcome her, sending her into a berserk state.

While this development had occurred earlier than anticipated, it was still within an acceptable range of his plans.

An ear-splitting dragon roar echoed through the air, causing Flender to freeze momentarily with panic and worry seizing his heart. He felt torn between staying with his disciple to offer silent support and rushing to rescue the woman he loves. After a moment of inner turmoil, he opted to remain with his disciple for the time being.

Observing Flender's trembling form, Sheng Jun couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse in his heart. Redirecting his focus to the girl seated in meditation, he noticed that her hair had now taken on a predominantly ice-blue hue, with only a hint of its original purplish color remaining.

As time passed, both Flender and Ma Hongjun's faces grew increasingly pale with worry. Their anxiety reached its peak when Bai Chenxiang suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed to the ground. Sheng Jun's heart sank as he rushed to her side, fearing the worst. He quickly assessed her condition. However, to his relief, he found signs of life and immediately entered his Martial Soul Possession state while feeding Oscar's sausages to her.

After a tense period, Bai Chenxiang finally regained consciousness. Sheng Jun signaled to Zane and the others to lower the protective barrier. Ma Hongjun wasted no time in rushing to her side, enveloping her in a tight embrace. He pleaded with her not to endanger herself like this again, expressing his fear of losing her, and confessed his love for her again and again, as if fearing that there wouldn't be other chances to do so.

Bai Chenxiang's face lit up with a radiant smile as she returned Ma Hongjun's embrace, her eyes shining with happiness. However, her expression suddenly turned pale, and she began to tremble uncontrollably. "Hongjun...It's cold" she whispered, her voice trembling, as a chill emanated from her breath. As Ma Hongjun's clothes and skin came into contact with hers, they began to freeze.

As Bai Chenxiang's voice trembled with cold, a tear formed in her eye, only to freeze into a solid object as it fell. Sheng Jun's heart sank as he realized that her evolution into top-tier Martial Soul had indeed failed or to be more precise it has become Imperfected version of top-tier Martial Soul. Despite knowing the slim odds of success, he had held onto hope for a miracle. Now, faced with the reality of the situation, he felt a sense of defeat and urgency.

Flender, sensing the gravity of the situation, voiced his concern. Sheng Jun then explained the plans he had devised with Bai Chenxiang to attempt the evolution of her Martial Soul to a top-tier one.

Naturally, he omitted the true motive behind her agreement, choosing to allow her to disclose it to Ma Hongjun herself when she deemed fit.

As he grappled with the disappointment of the failed evolution, Sheng Jun resolved to find the Immortal Herbs to fix Bai Chenxiang's imperfect Martial Soul, with all his might.

Upon hearing Sheng Jun's explanation, Flender couldn't help but scold both him and Bai Chenxiang for their recklessness. Ma Hongjun, who had entered his Martial Soul Possession to warm Bai Chenxiang, also joined in the scolding after a while.

After the scolding session, Flender patted Sheng Jun's shoulder, urging him not to engage in such risky endeavors in the future. Sheng Jun nodded hesitantly, inwardly hoping that such situations would not arise again.

…

"Xiao Jun, I trust you can bring Xiao Hongjun and Xiao Chenxiang back to Shrek Academy" Flender requested urgently. Sheng Jun nodded confidently in response, knowing full well what his Teacher was planning to do.

Observing Sheng Jun's affirmation, Flender spread his wings and flew off in a certain direction with great speed.

"We should continue on our way as well" Sheng Jun declared to everyone present, leading the group out of the Great Star Dou Forest.

…

Inside the carriage, a heavy silence hung in the air, permeating the atmosphere with awkwardness and tension. Suddenly, Ma Hongjun's voice broke the quiet, his tone filled with vulnerability as he addressed Sheng Jun. Tears welled up in Ma Hongjun's eyes as he spoke, expressing his fear and anguish over the recent events.

"Brother Jun" Ma Hongjun began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I was scared just now...I felt the hopelessness I once felt…I thought I had lost someone important to me yet again, without being able to do anything about it" Tears streamed down his face as he continued, pouring out his heart. "Promise me you won't do that again" he pleaded, his voice choked with emotion.

Without hesitation, Sheng Jun readily agreed to Ma Hongjun's plea. After all, Ma Hongjun and Bai Chenxiang were now officially together, and Sheng Jun couldn't bear the thought of risking her life anymore lest his little brother experience loss once more if it failed.

Upon hearing Sheng Jun's promise, Ma Hongjun's tense expression softened into a smile of relief. Feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over him, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, cradling Bai Chenxiang in his arms.