The procedure began several hours later.
Ester did not allow anyone near Jian Li until her circulation was stable enough to endure seven seconds without the root. She prepared the infirmary as though she were expecting a war inside a single body. Three containment circles were drawn around the bed, Jian Li's main meridians received silver needles, and small heated plates were positioned over her chest to prevent her heart from slowing too much when the cold was removed.
Damon remained seated beside the table, watching everything.
Mu Qing's transparent sword lay in front of him.
The Heshan triangle remained inside an open box.
The guardian's fragment rested over a white cloth, silent ever since Mei had explained the true purpose of the challenge.
Jian Yue paced back and forth.
"Stop," Ester said.
He stopped.
"Your nervousness is irritating me."
"She is my sister."
"Exactly why you should stay quiet."
