Sky Star

Chapter Twelve: Recuperation

After the ferocious beasts were defeated, a tranquil silence settled over the blood-stained forest like a delicate veil. Yet, the thick scent of blood and charred remains still lingered in the air, a sharp and pungent reminder of the brutal battle that had just taken place. Like two trees barely standing after a violent storm, Xiao Chen and Ling Xue forced their exhausted bodies to stay upright as they began checking the injuries of their comrades.

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, making the leaves whisper as if mourning the wounded, like a grieving poet composing a lament. Xiao Chen’s brows furrowed deeply, his eyes filled with sorrow, resembling a guardian tending to an injured fledgling. Kneeling, he carefully helped a severely wounded teammate sit up, channeling the power of the stars into his palm, attempting to stabilize the man’s injuries. His voice was low but firm, murmuring, “Hold on, brother. We’ll be home soon—just like a ship finally reaching the harbor.” The injured soldier, barely clinging to consciousness, blood trickling from his lips, managed a faint smile and whispered weakly, “Brother Xiao, with you here, I’m not afraid… You’re our guiding anchor.”

Ling Xue, too, was tirelessly tending to the wounded. She retrieved precious medicinal herbs from the fragrant pouch at her waist, her delicate hands moving with the gentleness of a spring breeze brushing over blooming flowers. As she applied the medicine and bandaged wounds, strands of her hair fell over her pale face, giving her an ethereal look, as if shrouded in mist. Even while tending to them, she comforted the group in a soft but resolute voice, “Don’t panic. The pain will soon pass. The fact that we’re alive is our greatest victory. Right now, we are like seeds that have endured the harsh winter—we are on the verge of a new beginning.” Her words, warm and reassuring like the sun in early spring, dispelled the fear lingering in their hearts, comforting them like the crackling warmth of a hearth on a cold night.

Once their wounds had been treated, the group leaned on each other for support, trudging back toward their camp. Along the way, brittle leaves and broken branches crackled underfoot, sounding like weary sighs, as if the very earth was mourning their suffering. The heavy clouds above slowly dispersed, and rays of light pierced through the sky with great effort, casting a faint glow on their bloodstained and dust-covered figures. Their silhouettes, outlined by the golden light, appeared solemn and heroic—like a painting woven from pain and perseverance.

Upon their return, they were met with cheers and warm embraces, yet beneath the celebration was the deep sorrow of those mourning their fallen comrades. The joy of survival was like the surface of a lake, hiding the currents of grief flowing beneath. Without pause, Xiao Chen headed straight for the command tent. Before he could even sit, an officer rushed in, his expression grave. “Lord Xiao, our battle has left our supplies nearly depleted—medicine, food, and other provisions are running dangerously low. Some of our tents were also destroyed during the beast horde’s assault. Our reserves… they are like a dried-up well.”

Xiao Chen raised a hand to stop him, his gaze unwavering, as firm as a mountain. “Prioritize the wounded. We’ll figure out the rest together.”

Hearing this, Ling Xue had already formed a plan in her mind, like a strategist confidently preparing for battle. After a brief rest, she gathered a few trusted allies and ventured back into the forest to collect medicinal herbs and any usable resources. Danger lurked in every shadow—poisonous mists hung thick in certain areas, while venomous spiders and savage beasts lay hidden in the undergrowth. Yet, Ling Xue showed no fear. Moving with the grace of a swift deer, she wielded her mystical arts to dispel the poisonous fog and fend off lurking threats. Before long, she returned with a basket full of medicinal herbs, carrying it as if it were a treasure chest brimming with hope.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chen organized the uninjured soldiers, leading them in repairing tents and reinforcing their defenses. The scorching sun hung high overhead, sweat pouring down their faces, soaking through their clothes, yet none of them uttered a single complaint. Their hands never stopped moving—digging, chopping, hammering—each motion brimming with the determination to rebuild, just like diligent bees constructing their hive.

With everyone working together, the camp gradually came back to life, like a recovering patient regaining their strength. The wounded slowly healed, new tents stood tall once more, and the supplies steadily replenished. As Xiao Chen and Ling Xue surveyed the restored camp, their eyes were filled with relief, much like farmers admiring a bountiful harvest. However, they both understood—this moment of peace was but a fleeting illusion, the calm before the next storm. The darkness they fought against would not simply vanish. A new battle could erupt at any moment, lurking beneath the seemingly tranquil surface like an unseen undercurrent.

Seizing the opportunity during this rare respite, Xiao Chen gathered the soldiers and began sharing the insights he had gained from their battle with the beasts—new techniques, improved tactics. In the training ground, fists struck the air with force, and starry light flickered as the soldiers followed his every move with intense focus, imitating each strike with unwavering determination—like devoted disciples pursuing their faith.

Ling Xue, standing at his side, softly explained her own understanding of mystical arts. Ice shards and wind blades shimmered in the air as she demonstrated her skills, guiding the others with precision and patience, like a wise mentor unlocking the doors to knowledge.

Through this period of recovery, their strength had not only been restored but had grown. Their bonds as a team became even stronger. Like a phoenix reborn from flames, they quietly awaited the next challenge, ready to soar once more in defense of the Celestial Dominion. No matter how treacherous the road ahead, they would not retreat—not even half a step. Like fearless warriors charging into battle, they stood unwavering in the face of the storm.