Yancheng Compound
Li Guanqi was sitting in a luxury car, holding a device to collect saliva residue from a mineral water bottle.
Soon, she placed the device into a tube, gently shook it, and as the car came to a stop, she handed the tube to the driver in front, instructing him to send it for testing.
Although Su Cheng had seemed fine these past few days, she couldn’t shake off a strange feeling, so she decided to run another test.
After dinner, she waited for the results.
She was also waiting for Su Cheng’s response—an answer to her invitation to visit her home.
But after a long wait with no news, she stepped out of her house and began strolling around the compound.
Suddenly, a luxury car appeared. Just as she thought the results had arrived, she noticed the license plate didn’t match. The car passed by her, and in the backseat sat a young woman she recognized.
It was her senior, Gu Ruoxue.
Gu Ruoxue also lived in the compound, but in the administrative area. They would occasionally bump into each other and exchange greetings.
At that moment, a car slowly stopped at the Li Family Estate. A middle-aged man stepped out, holding the test results.
Her gaze instantly focused, tightly fixed on what he held in his hands.
Soon, the man placed the test report in her hands and walked away.
She stood at the entrance, staring at the results, unable to react for a long time.
Because this test result was exactly the same as the last one!
Not a single deviation.
……………………………………
Ji Family Mansion
Ji Qingyi was watching the day’s weather forecast, with two women in long maid dresses standing behind her. Both were expressionless, like dolls, making it impossible to guess their inner thoughts.
At that moment, the weather forecast ended, and one of the maids pressed the remote control to turn off the TV.
"Has Ji Yuewu not returned yet?"
Ji Qingyi glanced at the two of them and asked.
One of the maids shook her head and replied, "Miss, she was tied up with some matters earlier. She is currently on her way back and should arrive at the mansion in about two days."
Hearing this, Ji Qingyi stood up and walked toward the study.
"How is Su Cheng today?"
"Miss, from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, his yang energy lacks the balance of yin energy, so his yang energy surges uncontrollably, temporarily enhancing his bodily functions. However, this can only last for a very short time. Once it dissipates, it will be the end."
One of the maids spoke, her voice still cold and mechanical.
The other maid added, "From a medical perspective, this is a final rallying of strength. The body mobilizes its remaining potential for a last struggle in the face of death. The adenosine triphosphate stored in cells, not yet completely depleted, rapidly turns into adenosine diphosphate, releasing a large amount of energy to supply the organs and tissues. It’s like the moment before a candle goes out, when the flame briefly becomes exceptionally bright and dazzling."
Ji Qingyi paused for a moment upon hearing this, then asked, "How long can this last?"
The maid bowed her head respectfully and replied, "Depending on the individual’s constitution, it can last from a few hours to several days."
Ji Qingyi pondered for a while and said, "I understand. You may leave now."
"Yes."
The two maids bowed and exited the room.
In the study, Ji Qingyi leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on the book in her hands, lost in thought.
The doctor had previously said that even if Su Cheng survived this period, he would merely be lingering on his deathbed.
But now, his physical condition had returned to normal, even healthier than before, which puzzled her.
The investigation results were exactly as she had suspected.
A final rallying of strength—this meant Su Cheng had given up on treatment and was making a last stand against his illness.
Though it was akin to a futile struggle, she hoped he could hold on until the end of the competition.
Now, Su Cheng’s heart seemed to have died, but his body could still maintain signs of life. This was the wonder of human beings.
"What is it that you truly want?"
Ji Qingyi murmured softly, looking out the window, her expression slightly somber but not overly sorrowful.
………………………………
Dojo
It was nearly nine o’clock when Su Cheng stepped out of the private dojo, relieved to see that everyone outside had already left.
He returned to the training area and took out the Bluetooth music player he had bought that day, connecting it to his phone.
He was about to begin his specially designed training, free from external distractions.
He placed the Bluetooth music player beside him and clicked play on his phone.
Instantly, the player emitted the bustling noise of a marketplace, causing him to frown deeply. He then picked up the bow and arrow on the ground and began practicing.
This time, he focused entirely on his breathing, exploring its rhythm and finding its pattern.
He was completely absorbed in his breathing, as if nothing else existed.
Until—
The music player suddenly emitted the sound of nails scratching a chalkboard…
This instantly broke his concentration. He froze for a moment, feeling a surge of frustration, and his breathing became erratic.
But soon, he adjusted his state and continued focusing on his breathing.
Gradually, even though the sound of the chalkboard scratching still existed, he could no longer hear it. In this state, he slowly entered a hazy, trance-like condition.
He was only aware of his breathing, oblivious to everything else…
Then—*thud*
The sound of an arrow hitting the target startled him.
He snapped back to reality and saw the arrow embedded in the center of the target. His face showed a mix of shock and disbelief.
What had just happened?
He hadn’t intentionally aimed, yet the arrow had hit the bullseye.
"Is this what they call the spiritualization of archery?"
Su Cheng’s face showed an incredulous expression. This was the first time he had achieved something like this.
There were three stages in archery.
The first stage was control over muscles and limbs—being able to hit the target.
The second stage was control over the mind—being able to hit the target with every draw of the bow.
The third stage was the harmony of body and mind—being able to hit the target even with closed eyes.
He had clearly reached the second stage.
"Indeed, I am a once-in-a-generation archery prodigy!"
Su Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, then drew the bowstring again, focusing once more on his breathing.
In this moment, he learned to let go effortlessly in his breathing. He even felt as if he wasn’t breathing at all, as if all external sounds had faded away, beyond his perception…
Until—
The music player emitted: "Iku~ Iku~ Dame yo, yamete~ yamete~"
*Thud*
He missed the target, his breathing became more erratic, his heart beat faster, and his face flushed red.
"I’ve failed."