249: New life and vows

That uncertain, hoarse call seemed to Transmigrate through eternal time and space, gently striking Li Ao's heartstrings.

The rosy light inside the secret chamber gradually receded, and the massive energy tide slowly subsided. The Physical Body, molded from spiritual essence, was completely infused with a Soul, radiating astonishing vitality and brilliance. She slowly sat up, her movements still slightly stiff and unfamiliar. Lowering her head, she looked at her fair, slender hands, her eyes filled with novelty and a trace of unbelievable daze.

"Xian'er..."

Li Ao's voice carried a barely noticeable tremor. He stepped forward, crouched down, and locked his gaze onto those newly opened bright eyes, as if wanting to deeply engrave this recovered face into the depths of his Soul. A thousand schemes and ten thousand dangers all became worth it at this moment.

Xiao Yi Xian raised her head, shifting her gaze from her hands to Li Ao, who was close at hand. The familiar features, the deep eyes, and the almost overflowing affection and relief contained within them caused the fragmented memories in her residual Soul to rapidly reorganize and become clear. The eruption of the Calamity Poison Body, the despair before her consciousness sank, and the deeply buried feelings she never had the chance to express... all surged into her heart like a tide.

Crystal tears unexpectedly slipped from the corner of her eyes. They were not tears of sadness, but of extreme joy and emotion.

"It's me... I'm back." She choked out, extending her slightly trembling hand to gently stroke Li Ao's cheek. The real touch finally assured her that this was not a dream, nor an illusion born of a residual Soul's obsession. "Thank you... Li Ao."

All words seemed pale at this moment. Only their interlocking gazes and the warmth of their fingertips conveyed the surging tidal waves in their hearts.

Medusa, watching this scene from the side, had a hint of softness appear in her cold snake eyes. Although she and Xiao Yi Xian had not spent a great deal of time together, having gone through life and death together, they had long since acknowledged each other. Seeing her Rebirth now, Medusa also felt relieved. She quietly stepped back half a pace, leaving the space for the two who had reunited after a long separation.

After a long while, Xiao Yi Xian noticed Medusa on the side and offered her a shallow smile mixed with gratitude and apology: "Senior Medusa, thank you too."

Medusa nodded slightly in response.

Li Ao helped Xiao Yi Xian slowly stand up. The Fusion of her new Physical Body and Soul still required time to adjust. Her Aura was still somewhat unstable, but her Foundation was incredibly solid. The Calamity Poison Body that had originally troubled her had now transformed into an internalized, controllable Chaos Poison Body Origin, hidden within her body. Not only was it harmless, but it would become a great aid on her future cultivation path. Her cultivation, under the immense medicinal power of the ninth-grade bodhi great reversion pill, stabilized directly at Peak Dou Zun, just one step away from the Half-Saint level!

"How do you feel?" Li Ao asked with concern, transferring a trace of pure Half-Saint power into her body to help her regulate her slightly chaotic Aura.

"Very good, better than ever before." Xiao Yi Xian felt the powerful strength surging within her body and the sense of freedom from being completely unshackled. A bright and captivating smile bloomed on her face, like a rainbow after the rain. "It's just... I still need some time to adapt to this new body and power."

"It doesn't matter, we have all the time in the world." Li Ao squeezed her hand, his tone firm.

The three walked out of the secret chamber, and Yao Yan, who had been waiting outside, immediately stepped forward to greet them. When he felt the immense vitality, the stable Soul, and the Peak Dou Zun cultivation level emanating from Xiao Yi Xian, even though he was mentally prepared, he was still shocked again. Changing fate in a Heaven-Defying manner, perfect Rebirth, and even benefiting from the misfortune... such methods were truly divine!

"Congratulations, Your Excellency Li Ao, and congratulations to this young lady on her Rebirth!" Yao Yan offered his sincere congratulations, his attitude even more polite than before, carrying a trace of reverence. Being able to refine a Ninth Grade Pill, resurrect the dead, and personally achieve a Half-Saint Breakthrough in a short time—the potential and strength Li Ao displayed were enough for the entire Medicine Clan to treat him with the highest protocol.

"Thank you, Senior Yao Yan, for providing this precious location." Li Ao cupped his hands in thanks.

Just then, a gentle and ancient thought descended. It was the Will of the Medicine Ancestor.

"The joy of new life is truly commendable. Li Ao, you have fulfilled your promise, and the Medicine Clan will not break its word. You have resolved the major hidden danger of the Nirvana Illusionary Domain for our clan. The Medicine Clan will remember this favor. From today onward, you shall be a Guest Elder Grand Elder of my Medicine Clan, with status equal to the Clan Chief. You may mobilize some of the Medicine Clan's resources and peruse all of the Medicine Clan's ancient texts, excluding the core Legacy. Within the Medicine World, seeing you is like seeing this Ancestor."

As the voice fell, an ancient token, emitting a rich medicinal fragrance and special spatial fluctuations, slowly flew toward Li Ao. The front of the token was engraved with the ancient character "Yao" (Medicine), and the back bore the two characters "Taishang" (Grand Elder).

The Medicine Clan Guest Elder Grand Elder Token!

This was the highest honor and authority ever granted to an outsider by the Medicine Clan in its history! Even the leaders of the Pill Tower might not receive such treatment. Yao Yan watched from the side, his heart surging. He knew that from this moment on, the destinies of Li Ao and the Medicine Clan would be more closely linked.

Li Ao accepted the token without declining. He knew the responsibility behind this authority and understood that this was part of the Medicine Clan's investment in him. He needed this power to cope with the challenges of the future.

"Thank you, Senior Medicine Ancestor, and thank you, Medicine Clan." Li Ao solemnly put away the token.

"The matters here are concluded. You may leave on your own. If you have need, hold this token, and the power of the Medicine Clan is yours to mobilize." Having said this, the Will of the Medicine Ancestor slowly dissipated.

Li Ao looked at Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa beside him. Both women gave him looks of trust and support.

He took a deep breath, his gaze seemingly penetrating the barrier of the Ancestral Shrine and looking toward the Central Plains. The goal of resurrecting Xiao Yi Xian was achieved, his strength had advanced to Half-Saint, and he had established a solid alliance with the Medicine Clan. It was time to deal with the unfinished matters.

The threat of the Hall of Souls, the undercurrents of the ancient clans, and the ultimate mysteries concerning the "bridge of the other shore" and the "Guiding Ancient Palace"... He slightly clenched his fist, and an invisible Aura naturally flowed out, causing the surrounding space to ripple faintly.

A new journey was about to begin.