Chapter 2456: Ice Phoenix (2)
Yun Lintian's mind alighted upon the Tree of Life, the sacred tree that resided within his Divine Core, its branches reaching into every corner of his being, its roots drawing upon the boundless energy of the universe.
Yun Lintian reached into his Divine Core, his consciousness merging with the Tree of Life, drawing upon its boundless life force. He channeled the energy through his meridians, guiding it towards his fingertips, where it pulsed with a vibrant green light.
He gently placed his hand upon the Ice Phoenix's chest, his touch light as a feather, yet imbued with the potent energy of the Tree of Life. The green light flowed into her body, spreading through her meridians, revitalizing her weakened organs, nourishing her fading life force.
He invoked the Great Law of Life, his understanding of its profound principles guiding the flow of energy, mending the fragmented strands of her soul, restoring the delicate balance of her being.
As the life force flowed into her, the Ice Phoenix's breathing deepened, her pulse strengthened, her skin regaining a hint of its former warmth. Color returned to her pale cheeks, and a faint smile touched her lips as if she were dreaming of a world beyond the icy confines of her slumber.
Yun Lintian continued his efforts, his focus unwavering, his determination fueled by the glimmer of hope he saw in the Ice Phoenix's reviving form. He poured his heart and soul into the healing process, his own life force intertwining with hers, creating a bond of shared vitality, a symphony of life resonating within the frozen chamber.
Hours passed, the silence broken only by the soft crackle of the ice and the gentle rhythm of the Ice Phoenix's breathing. Yun Lintian remained steadfast, his energy flowing into her, his spirit nurturing hers, his will bolstering her own.
Finally, two days later, Yun Lintian felt a shift in the Ice Phoenix's energy. Her life force, once a mere flicker, now burned with a steady, albeit weak, flame. Her breathing was deep and even, her pulse strong and steady. Color bloomed in her cheeks, and a serene expression graced her delicate features.
He withdrew his hand, his heart filled with relief. He had stabilized her condition, preventing her life force from fading completely. But as he delved deeper with his divine sense, his brow furrowed with concern.
And then, it struck him.
A simple, yet profound realization.
The Ice Phoenix was a creature of Yin, her essence cold and pure, her power rooted in the icy forces of the universe. He, on the other hand, was a being of Yang, his essence warm and radiant, his power drawn from the fiery heart of the Primordial Sun God.
What if... what if the key to healing the Ice Phoenix lay in the union of their opposing energies, in the harmonious balance of Yin and Yang?
Upon realizing this, Yun Lintian hesitated. The path presented before him was one of intimacy, of merging his very essence with hers. While he was aware of the current situation, he was unwilling to violate her unconscious state, to take advantage of her vulnerability. He wrestled with his conscience, his desire to heal her battling against his respect for her autonomy. He knew that time was of the essence, that her soul was hanging by a thread, but he couldn't bring himself to cross that line, to take such a liberty without her consent.
As he hesitated, a wave of icy energy surged through the chamber, the temperature plummeting drastically. The Ice Phoenix's form trembled, her breathing becoming shallow and erratic, her life force flickering dangerously.
Yun Lintian's heart clenched with fear. He could sense her soul struggling to hold on, her essence on the verge of dissipating completely. He realized that he had no more time to hesitate, no more room for doubt.
He had to act now, even if it meant violating her unconscious state, even if it meant taking a step that could not be undone. He had to save her, even if it meant sacrificing his own principles, his own sense of honor.
"Forgive me," Yun Lintian whispered, his voice heavy with regret. "I have no other choice."
With a heavy heart, he steeled his resolve. He would do what he had to do, even if it meant forever bearing the burden of his actions...