"As long as there's hope!" Chen Tao sniffed, pressing down on the redness in her eyes.

She forced a smile at Lin Qi, "You don't understand my brother's temperament... Even if there's one in ten thousand chance, he'll muster the courage to give it a shot. But if he were sentenced to death, he would probably be completely disheartened."

Chen Tao bowed deeply to Lin Qi, "Senior Sister Lin, great kindness and virtue are beyond repayment. In the future, if you summon me, I will do my best..."

Lin Qi quickly stopped her, "Alright, stop saying so much. Things haven't been settled yet, don't thank me so hastily!"

She also mentioned about acupuncture techniques by the way.

Chen Tao is now full of energy, her eyes sparkling as she looks at Lin Qi, "Shall I call the doctor over to have a look?"

"No, I'll give it a try."

Chen Tao didn't ask why, and nodded without a word.

Lin Qi took the initiative to explain: “This set of acupuncture points needs to be practiced by those in the later stage of foundation building.”

Even a doctor in the later stages of foundation building wouldn't want to idle around in this deserted city.

Fortunately, Lin Qi had gone over all the acupuncture points on her body when she was learning the Five-Wheel Blood Condensation Technique.

This set of acupuncture points just needs to be needled step by step.

Lin Qi finished speaking and then turned to Chen Tao, asking, "How is it going on your end? Has Master Yang made things difficult for you?"

Chen Tao was taken aback and looked at Lin Qi, "How did you know?"

Lin Qi smiled and didn't continue talking.

Just like that old goat with the beard, there must be plenty of people who don't like him.

Chen Tao's meek and submissive appearance wouldn't catch his elder's eye.

She doesn't like both her and Chen Tao, the difference is only in the degree of difficulty.

Chen Tao looked at Lin Qi, who was smiling without speaking. He sighed, “Master Yang said that this year there are not many cultivators sent to the desolate city. They have already assigned you and Luo Shidi. If they split again, it wouldn't be possible. Fortunately, they chose you, with the highest cultivation level, as the new captain.”

Lin Qi raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.

This little old man may be petty, but he knows his limits when it comes to doing things.

If he appointed Chen Tao as captain on a whim, this team would disband in no time, and there would be trouble in Heishui Town as well.

"And?" Lin Qi raised her eyes and looked at Chen Tao.

"Master Yang said that according to the rules, they could send my elder brother back to the sect for treatment, but…"

Chen Tao bit her lip, "I've decided to keep him here to take care of."

Lin Qi raised her hand and patted her shoulder, "I understand. You prepare, I'll be giving Captain Chen acupuncture later."

Chen Tao let out a sigh of relief.

When Chen Tao went out to borrow silver needles, Lin Qi also sighed.

Chen Bo's status, even if sent back to the sect, wouldn't be eligible for good treatment resources.

He's completely lost his cultivation due to this injury, with no future in sight. The only one by his side is a younger sister whose cultivation level is just at the initial stage of foundation building. He has no support system and if he goes to the sect, not only will they not treat him, but he might even be bullied.

Within a sect, it's like a small world. Those without power, influence, or ability will only be oppressed, and their final outcome will be a silent and unnoticed demise.

Chen Tao's choice is the right one.

Lin Qi went over the acupuncture points in her mind. When Chen Tao brought the silver needles, she began to give Chen Bai acupuncture to exorcise the evil spirits.

After a set of acupuncture points was applied, Lin Qi's internal spiritual energy was drained by half.

Chen Tao exclaimed in surprise, “The evil spirit on my elder brother has really decreased!”

Lin Qi twisted her wrist. Acupuncture was indeed a meticulous craft, requiring extremely high control over spiritual energy. Her first time administering the needles took a whole hour.

"If it works, then it seems like we can bring Senior Brother Chen back to Heishuitown first."

Lin Qi now became the squad leader, Heishui Town is under her jurisdiction.

It's been almost an hour and a half since Chen Tao returned, the rain outside is still pouring. Lin Qi doesn't know how things are going in Heishui Town, it couldn't be good.

And Luo Ci said this rain was man-made, she always felt uneasy.

Lin Qi gave Chen Bai acupuncture twice throughout the night. After Chen Bai's body was purged of evil qi, the efficacy of the medicine also took effect.

He came to his senses completely that night and was able to move again.

Lin Qi looked at the heavy rain that didn't seem to be stopping any time soon. She decided to return to Heishuitown overnight.

Chen Bai and Chen Tao both agreed.

Chen Bai said firmly, "Even if I can't help right now, I won't hold you back. Things in Heishui Town are urgent, go quickly!"

Chen Tao also nodded: "Sister Lin, you go first. When Big Brother is better, I'll rush back to Heishui Town immediately! You're the captain now, and the team can only be stable with you."

Lin Qi and the former captain Chen Bai sought advice on water conservancy management and left swiftly.

Heavy rain lashed down, a stark contrast to the blazing sunshine of yesterday. Tonight, the air crackles with a biting chill that seeps into your bones. There isn't a soul in sight on the deserted streets.

As I passed by the houses, I could still faintly hear the residents cursing the awful weather.

Lin Qi flew all the way with his sword, and in half a quarter of an hour, he saw the Blackwater River where the water surface was crazily rising.

The sky was overcast with clouds, not a single star could be seen.

The surging black river water was thick as ink, churning violently, as if a powerful force were about to overturn it.

The sword shadow flowed like a beam of light, and just as it seemed about to pierce the river surface, Lin Qi's heart suddenly surged with a sense of crisis.

She unsheathed her sword and swerved without hesitation.

Raindrops were shielded by the protective barrier, and sword light slid through the air, leaving a trail of afterimages. It veered to the edge in a nearly distorted posture.

At the same time, a loud roar echoed from the river surface, as if the entire river had churned over.

A large sheet of water was overturned, drenching people from head to toe.

The water contained a sharp, frigid energy that pierced straight through Lin Qi's protective shield.

Lin Qi said nothing, drew his sword in one swift motion. The sword qi was sharp and powerful, transforming into invisible blades that shattered the cold air instantly.

When the sword fell, Lin Qi raised his head and looked forward, a look of astonishment in his eyes.

A giant black fish leaped from the water, cleaving a massive fissure in its surface. Its huge body, wide as a mountain, surged out of the gap, its chillingly cold eyes locking onto Lin Qi's gaze across the distance.

In an instant, killing intent surged!

The black-headed fish wagged its tail and shook its head, creating massive waves that transformed into a water dragon surging towards Lin Qi.

The water droplets falling from it pierced through the void, transforming into icy blades that were unstoppable.

A powerful sense of oppression came from all directions, a net of heaven and earth was suddenly set!

In an instant, Lin Qi was surrounded.

Her gaze was resolute, her sword held firm as she stared down at the massive fish ahead. The teardrops in her pupils magnified like icy blades, and she could almost see the chilling malice they contained.

Sword follows the heart, the two instruments sword intent sweeps out!

Imposing and powerful, the sword qi was sharp and piercing, as if it would tear apart heaven and earth along with the torrential rain.

The Two Instruments Diagram spun and gradually transformed into two giant swords, one blood red and the other a deep blue. They carried with them a powerful sword intent, shattering every attack in their path.

The dewdrops in the air, like icy blades, seemed to freeze mid-air for a moment.

As the two swords flashed, Lin Qi smiled.

Isn't this blacktip shark looking down on her?