C43 The Unconscious Wang Sibo

It's no surprise that the system imposed limits on the attribute points for each level of cultivation. Without such restrictions, Zhou Jibo might not have withstood the repercussions of haphazardly assigning points.

Upon reaching the Innate Stage, Zhou Jibo felt a sense of ease wash over him. He also needed to master the martial skill he had recently acquired.

Zhou Jibo picked up the Earth Rank, top-grade Blood Stripe Sword, examining it closely before channeling his true essence into the blade. Instantly, the sword erupted in a brilliant display of spirit light.

Simultaneously, he understood the effects of the runes and formation etched into the top-grade Earth Rank Blood Stripe Sword.

By infusing it with true essence, he could activate the sword's formation, which had several key benefits:

Firstly, the Blood Stripe Sword could effortlessly penetrate the true essence defenses of other cultivators within the same realm.

Secondly, it could slice through stone and wood with ease.

Thirdly, as long as the formation remained intact, the Blood Stripe Sword was indestructible, capable of withstanding most attacks from enemies.

The ability to transmit and amplify true essence wasn't a result of the formation but an inherent power of the low-grade Earth Rank Blood Stripe Sword. This top-grade version had significantly enhanced that power.

Zhou Jibo was confident that he now stood unrivaled in Icefair City. Having just entered the Innate Stage, it was unlikely he'd find many equals.

With his focus honed, the spirit light of the Blood Stripe Sword dimmed. Zhou Jibo opened the door, ready to refine his swordsmanship.

To his surprise, several people were gathered at the courtyard entrance.

Why was she here?

Ninghe, Zhou Youqing, Zheng Fanshuang, and Wang Xuelan were engaged in conversation by the gate.

Wang Xuelan looked particularly distressed, her eyes swollen and red from crying.

Zhou Youqing and Zheng Fanshuang were offering words of comfort, while Ninghe peered curiously toward Zhou Jibo's room.

"The Young Master has concluded his cultivation for the day!"

Ninghe spotted Zhou Jibo as he emerged and called out to him.

Zhou Youqing, Zheng Fanshuang, and Wang Xuelan turned their attention to him. Upon seeing Zhou Jibo, Wang Xuelan broke down into sobs.

"Zhou Jibo, you have to help me—my grandfather is dying!"

Startled, Zhou Jibo responded, "What happened?"

Wang Xuelan was in tears, struggling to articulate her words.

Zhou Jibo turned to Zhou Youqing and Zheng Fanshuang for an explanation. Zheng Fanshuang quickly filled him in: Two hours earlier, Wang Xuelan had arrived at the Zhou residence with the comatose Wang Sibo, pleading for Zhou Jibo's aid.

Since Zhou Jibo was in the midst of his cultivation, the Zhou family hadn't summoned him immediately. They administered Detoxification Powder and Bleeding Control Powder to Wang Sibo and summoned a physician, but to no avail. Wang Sibo remained unconscious, his condition unchanged.

Thus, Wang Xuelan found herself waiting anxiously at the entrance to Zhou Jibo's courtyard, with Zhou Youqing and Zheng Fanshuang by her side offering comfort.

After hearing the situation, Zhou Jibo questioned Wang Xuelan, "Where was Master Wang injured? What caused his injury? And why didn't you seek out Yan Yuanlu at the Myriad Treasure Auction House or ask for assistance from the Glorious House?"

Choking back tears, Wang Xuelan revealed the details, "A few days ago, my grandfather and Yan Yuanlu visited Osobron Mountain to inspect an iron mine. Shortly after the mining began, they discovered a natural cave. The contents of the cave remain unknown, but its discovery has already claimed several miners' lives."

"Later, my grandfather and Yan Yuanlu led a group of Warriors into the cave to investigate. Only they returned. Yan Yuanlu rushed off to inform the Myriad Treasure Auction House, while my grandfather and I stayed behind in Icefair City."

"Over the last few days, my grandfather's complexion grew progressively worse. Yesterday, he collapsed suddenly. Who in Icefair City has the power to save him? You're the only one who can!"

Zhou Jibo nodded decisively. "Okay, I'll have a look."

He felt a certain fondness for Wang Xuelan; an ally in the Soul Separation Stage was precisely what he needed at the moment.

With Zhou Jibo's agreement, Wang Xuelan quickly approached, grasping his hand and leading him urgently toward the Zhou family home.

There, in the courtyard, stood Zhou Kaile, Zhou Chulang, Zhou Zhenbo, and others.

A white-haired physician with a medicine box emerged from the room and briefed Zhou Kaile and the others on the situation. "I've never seen such robust vitality in my entire career! This Warrior still clings to a thread of life, but without regaining consciousness soon, I fear he won't last much longer."

Wang Xuelan let out a startled cry, gripping Zhou Jibo's hand tightly.

Zhou Jibo gently patted her hand, signaling her to stay calm.

"What exactly is afflicting the patient?" Zhou Jibo inquired of the doctor.

"There are no visible wounds or internal damage. He appears unharmed, yet his pulse is deep, as if he's bleeding out from an unseen injury. His vitality is draining away rapidly," the doctor explained. "Were it not for his extraordinary vitality, he would have perished long ago."

"Have you determined the cause?" Zhou Jibo pressed.

The doctor shook his head in regret. "Forgive my inability, but I'm at a loss for the cause."

"If I were to employ Golden Needle Acupuncture to forcibly stimulate his latent abilities, could that rouse him temporarily?" Zhou Jibo ventured another question.

The doctor's expression turned to one of astonishment. "You're versed in medical arts as well? Golden Needle Acupuncture is an exquisite and rare technique, which I've yet to witness. However, I doubt its efficacy. Without identifying the root cause, awakening his potential will be futile."

Zhou Jibo nodded, choosing to remain silent.

With that approach deemed ineffective, he knew he had to explore other options.

Zhou Zhenbo escorted the doctor from the Zhou residence, and Zhou Kaile remarked, "That's the second doctor at a loss. What exactly is wrong with Master Wang?"

He harbored some doubts: With Master Wang unconscious, why did his granddaughter seek out Zhou Jibo's assistance? Were they that closely connected?

Zhou Jibo and Wang Xuelan stepped into the room, where only two maids and Wang Sibo were present.

"How is my grandfather doing?" Wang Xuelan asked Zhou Jibo in a hushed tone.

"Don't worry. Let me examine him," Zhou Jibo reassured her.

As he checked the pulse, Zhou Jibo's brow furrowed in astonishment. Wang Sibo's body held only a faint trace of vitality, rendering him even frailer than the average person.

Given the current situation, it won't be long before he succumbs completely.