Soon, a wisp of dark Qi was pulled down from the massive cloud above and was swallowed by Gao Zhen just like earlier.

This time, however, she was already prepared and didn’t stop her breathing technique midway. She kept on it as the dark Qi soon reached her Qi pool.

Noticing the bottom of the Qi pool filled with Yi Chen’s innate Qi, it was instantly attracted to it and rushed straight towards it, preventing it from going berserk like last time.

As a result, just like before, the black wisp of Qi was soon absorbed, turning one of the several wave-like roots black.

The whole process took no more than five minutes this time, and as Gao Zhen continued on with the breathing technique without stopping, another wisp of black Qi was soon pulled down from the sky.

The process kept repeating itself, and during this period, both Gao Zhen and Yi Chen ensured that it was carried out without any problems.

Hours passed slowly, but the two kept at it without a break and wisp after wisp kept getting absorbed by Gao Zhen.

Yi Chen, who had his hand firmly placed on Gao Zhen’s back all this time, could clearly feel a wet sensation on his hands.

Despite the freezing temperature, Gao Zhen was completely drenched in sweat after repeating the procedure for several hours.

It was evident by this how exhausting it was for her. However, without complaining even a little, she kept her eyes tightly shut and continued repeating the process.

’...I need to be patient. Rushing things now might not be good for her.’ Yi Chen thought to himself, seeing her condition.

A few seconds later, sensing that the black Qi that was within her Qi pool had fully been absorbed, he pulled away his hands and said, "Let’s end it for today, as hurrying now won’t solve our problems."

"Y-Yes..."

Gao Zhen nodded while breathing heavily. Now that she was back to breathing normally, it was evident that practising the breathing technique wasn’t without strain.

With each absorption, her mental exhaustion also mounted.

Yi Chen nodded, hearing her words, and soon the two of them made their way towards his tent.

The warm flames started crackling once again, and sitting around it, the two of them began their dinner.

"How long do you think it will take to change your spirit root completely?" Yi Chen asked curiously while taking a bite.

Gao Zhen frowned a little at this question and, after thinking over it a little, answered, "If the pace remains constant, then I should be able to do it in one month...though I can’t say for sure right now."

"I understand..." Yi Chen nodded in understanding while looking back towards the crackling flames.

’Looks like I won’t be able to participate in the entrance test...’

He thought, while letting out a deep breath. The main reason why he had come to the Jade City was to give this entrance test and enter the Heavenly Azure Dragon Sect.

So, being unable to give the test because of his circumstances, he couldn’t help but find the situation both regretful and ironic.

He sighed as a bitter smile traced his lips.

"Young Master Chen..." Gao Zhen said, pulling Yi Chen out of his thoughts.

Seeing that she had his attention, she continued, "...Thank you for saving my life again today. Without you, I might have ended up grievously injured, if not dead."

Hearing her words, Yi Chen just smiled softly and said, "You don’t have to think I owe you anything, Madam Gao. I’m responsible for protecting you, while you’re responsible for ensuring we get out of this place.

Therefore, what I did today was only natural, so you need not feel overburdened by it and just keep doing what you are doing."

He did have the option of making her feel that she owed him something. However, he felt that in the long run it would develop bitter sentiments.

’I have no idea how long it will take to leave this place...so it’s best to make it known that we both share equal positions in this to resolve future conflicts.’

Yi Chen thought to himself. Even though in his heart he knew that with only Gao Zhen being capable of cultivating the Abyssal Blackglacial Art, her position was far superior to his.

"I’ll keep Young Master Chen’s words in mind." Gao Zhen smiled warmly and continued on with her dinner.

A few moments later, she nodded towards Yi Chen with a smile and soon left for her tent.

While walking, the previous smile on her face had disappeared, and her expression had turned thoughtful.

’Just why...’

Although she had just accepted Yi Chen’s words earlier, she still knew what he told her wasn’t entirely true.

’With his swordsmanship already at that level...he doesn’t need to rely on any martial techniques to deal with the ice monsters from earlier. He could just defeat them using his Qi blade...’

"Though...if he did that, it would be difficult for me to survive..." she softly muttered to herself.

She was unable to gauge what was going on in his mind and felt that he was deliberately keeping things from her. However, she still felt grateful towards him.

’After what I’ve done, it’s only natural for him not to trust me fully...’ she thought as her tent grew nearer and nearer.

’...Moreover, if I were in his position, I wouldn’t even care if he were to die,’ She chuckled mockingly at herself before entering her tent.

Meanwhile, Yi Chen was currently sitting cross-legged inside his tent, with his eyes closed.

’Two months, huh...I don’t know how long it will be before I’m out of this place, but I must make sure that the time spent here is not in vain.’

With that thought, he immersed himself in his cultivation with a determined heart. It was a couple of hours after midnight that he finally decided to call it a day and went to sleep.

The next day, they followed the same routine, which went more smoothly than yesterday’s, as Gao Zhen was well rested.

Finally, the third day arrived, and the countdown neared its end.