Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1386 - 620: Pillar (2)

Guards were in place around the location of the Soothing Spirit Pillar.

Just a cursory glance revealed their auras to be steady and calm, far beyond that of ordinary individuals.

Monk Quan Heng encountered a halt but displayed no signs of haste. He first glanced back at Ding Hui, who followed him, then cupped his hands towards the guards and spoke.

"Amitabha, the ceremony is drawing near. I wish to inspect the Soothing Spirit Pillar a few more times to ensure the ritual proceeds smoothly. I request your understanding."

The guards exchanged glances, a hint of hesitation coloring their expressions.

Monk Quan Heng continued, "Should Master An find this inconvenient, I shall seek permission from the Family Head and depart."

With that, Monk Quan Heng prepared to leave with Ding Hui in tow.

Yet, Ding Hui had only managed a brief look.

Despite their prior agreement for a mere glance, how could Ding Hui possibly be content with such a fleeting observation?

Firmly planting her feet, she refused to budge.

Even from a distance, the Sky-reaching Pillar exuded an aura of magnificence and intricate design; its exterior alone was a testament to its construction!

It was no wonder whispers suggested this object might be an artifact; it certainly possessed that distinct quality.

"Master Ding..."

Monk Quan Heng tugged at Ding Hui once more, recalling their recent agreement. This was a clear breach of their understanding!

Since Ding Hui remained immobile, Monk Quan Heng also stood his ground, causing the guards, despite their initial placidity, to sense that something was amiss and grow suspicious.

"Master Quan Heng, and this lady is...?"

As the question was posed, the surrounding guards subtly began to encircle the pair.

Just as their movements solidified, a voice commanded from behind them.

"Allow them entry."

Every face present shifted; their actions immediately ceased as they turned with deference, responding.

"Yes, Third Elder!"

The An Family's Third Elder, An Haian, a figure of considerable age and renown; Ding Hui had indeed heard of him while navigating Thunder City. However, this was their first encounter.

His aged visage, marked by wrinkled skin, failed to capture Ding Hui's interest.

Like a captivated moth, her sole desire was to approach the Sky-reaching Pillar, to meticulously examine its every detail, tracing each line, and uncovering its history and mysteries.

"Lord An, I am merely conducting a routine inspection..."

Monk Quan Heng began to explain, but the Third Elder cut him short.

"Proceed with your inspection."

Having spoken, the Third Elder turned, his gaze now fixed upon the Soothing Spirit Pillar.

Boom!

Another thunderous clap echoed, and streaks of lightning danced across the surface of the pillar.

The Third Elder stood in close proximity to it, resembling an admirer contemplating a masterpiece, observing in quiet contemplation.

"Your master should have been present."

The Third Elder spoke again. By this moment, both Monk Quan Heng and Ding Hui had arrived near the Soothing Spirit Pillar.

So close!

So close!

Ding Hui's breathing grew shallow, her spirit alight with excitement.

The words of the elder beside her failed to register.

Such magnificence! Such awe!

Instinctively, Ding Hui reached out, intending to touch the pillar...

Snap!

Her outstretched hand was immediately caught by the Third Elder.

"Lord An!"

Monk Quan Heng's countenance shifted dramatically.

"It is indeed rare to witness Master Quan Heng exhibiting such nervousness."

The Third Elder offered a slight smile before releasing her hand. "Refrain from touching it; the consequences could be fatal."

Monk Quan Heng faltered, recalling his own prior contact with the Sky-reaching Pillar, an instance where the Third Elder had not intervened.

However, comprehension soon dawned upon him.

The difference lay in their respective strengths.

While Master Ding possessed exceptional medical skills, her inherent strength... was evidently not significant.

The Soothing Spirit Pillar, perpetually charged by thunder, posed a fatal risk to individuals whose constitutions were not robust enough; mere numbness would be a benign outcome.

This implied that through that brief, instantaneous contact, the Third Elder had accurately assessed Master Ding's physical capabilities, explaining his certainty.

"Greetings, Lord An. I am merely observing and shall not touch it," Ding Hui replied with a smile.

The Third Elder then turned his attention back to Monk Quan Heng.

"And this young lady is...?"

"An acquaintance of mine."

"Master Quan Heng, the An Mansion is not a venue for casual sightseeing."

The Third Elder's brow furrowed slightly; accompanying Monk Quan Heng was a woman who was demonstrably unrestrained and rather unmannered.

Were it not for her association with Master Quan Heng, such an impetuous individual would have been dismissed long ago.

"My companion here can provide assistance in the ritual."

Upon learning of the pillar's intended repair, the Third Elder ceased his inquiries, merely remarking, "Ah, then keep a close watch on her. Ignorance is not the primary concern; it is recklessness that breeds danger."

With his statement made, the Third Elder turned to depart. However, after taking a few paces, he appeared to recall something and turned back.

"By the way, Master Quan Heng, things outside have been quite chaotic lately. Don’t go out before the ritual begins."

Monk Quan Heng clasped his hands together.

"Amitabha, everything is at Lord An’s discretion."

The Third Elder nodded and this time truly departed.

Monk Quan Heng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and looked again at the troublemaker Ding Hui, who was already engrossed in studying the Soothing Spirit Pillar.

He even saw Ding Hui stretch out her hand again to touch the Soothing Spirit Pillar.

"No!"

Monk Quan Heng’s expression changed, but before he could speak, Ding Hui’s hand had already touched the Soothing Spirit Pillar.

As soon as she touched it, it seemed to stimulate the Soothing Spirit Pillar, which instantly emitted streaks of electricity that rapidly flowed and surged through the pillar, channeling into Ding Hui’s ice crystal-like arm and into her body!

"Hiss—"

Ding Hui straightened up at once, but before Monk Quan Heng could come to her rescue, she had already withdrawn her hand herself.

"So that’s what it feels like..."

Looking at her blackened ice crystal hand, Ding Hui remarked, "A moment later and I could have died here."

She could hear the intense pounding of her heart; if it weren’t for her modified body, she might not have been able to withstand such an electric shock.

"Are you alright?"

Monk Quan Heng asked worriedly.

"I’m fine."

Ding Hui stroked the injured blackened right hand and looked at the Soothing Spirit Pillar as if it were a novel toy, filled with curiosity and a desire to explore.

"Not an artifact, but very complex, extremely complex..."

She muttered to herself.

"Master Quan Heng, and... Divine Doctor Ding."

A voice suddenly sounded from behind them.

Before they could turn around...

"Master!"

"Master!"

"Master!"

The An Family, Family Head!

At this moment, both Ding Hui and Monk Quan Heng’s expressions changed subtly as they exchanged glances.

"How come you didn’t mention you brought a guest, Master Quan Heng? I’ve long admired the renowned Divine Doctor Ding."

"..."

"..."

Both Ding Hui and Monk Quan Heng fell into silence.

Finally, Monk Quan Heng braced himself, turned, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said, "Amitabha, Lord, I just..."

"Just what? Master Quan Heng, there’s no need to be nervous. Our An Mansion warmly welcomes Divine Doctor Ding."

Ding Hui also turned and respectfully said, "Lord An..."

"To see is to believe. Divine Doctor Ding is indeed so young and beautiful, quite an astonishment. In the past, not inviting Divine Doctor Ding as a Guest Elder to our An Mansion was a true oversight."

Unexpectedly, the Family Head of the An Family appeared rather amicable.

But both Ding Hui and Monk Quan Heng were well aware of the formidable power and influence of the person in front of them in Thunder City.

"Let’s talk elsewhere; would you kindly oblige us?"

The two had no room to refuse.

Ding Hui reluctantly looked back several times, casting more glances at the Soothing Spirit Pillar before following the Family Head of the An Family away.

After the three left, the guards present finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But in the next moment, everyone’s nerves tightened again because...

"Lord Duan!"

"Lord Duan."

"Has Lord Duan come for something?"

The location of the Soothing Spirit Pillar was forbidden ground in the An Family. However, there was one outsider in the An Family who could freely enter and exit this place.

That person was Lord Duan before them!

Lord Duan’s status in the An Mansion was unquestionable!

Lord Duan said nothing, only directed his gaze along the direction Ding Hui and the others had left, the expression beneath his black robe complex.

"Ding Hui... long time, no see."

...