"The two old men carried ancient weapons, as if they came from the earliest days of history. This indicated that the passage of time in this realm was entirely different from anywhere else. Not only their weapons, but also their garments and clothing appeared strange, making the contrast clearly noticeable."
Liang Yi cast a sidelong glance at the two figures slowly approaching, contemplating inwardly. "And another thing I can hardly believe the Goddess of Restoration is powerless in combat. She seems so dignified. It's hard to imagine she possesses no martial skills whatsoever. But unexpectedly, she truly lacks any fighting power… or perhaps, she's merely hiding her true strength."
Liang Yi turned her body to glance behind her, toward where Xin Tingting had stood a moment ago. Her eyes widened slightly. "Where did Xin Tingting go? Wasn't she hiding behind that cactus just now? Surely she didn't get so scared of those two old men that she ran far away?"
Liang Yi lowered her gaze, though that still seemed the most reasonable explanation. If not that… then what else could it be?
Meanwhile, Xin Tingting wore a tense expression as she gazed down at the baby boy in her arms, visibly torn. She let out a soft sigh, trying to decide what to do with the child. Deep down, she knew her grandfather could easily purge this poison, but there was no way to reach him right now. He wasn't at home like usual, and returning to him was nearly impossible at this moment.
To make matters worse, Xin Tingting couldn't rely on the dimensional gate. The butterfly that served as the key to different realms only activated in places where a magical artifact was hidden. It couldn't be used according to her will at this time.
When she tried summoning it again, the butterfly remained completely silent as if it had its own will and refused to respond. She furrowed her brow deeply. Anxiety flooded her. If I can't return to Grandfather, what should I do with this baby boy, whose breath is already faint?
"If I can't meet Grandfather, there's only one path left. This baby boy must truly be blessed. Even though fate has thrown him into this dire situation, it brought him to this realm almost as if it knew I would be here. And I, as the Goddess of Restoration, can save him. I'm just uncertain if doing so will have any unintended consequences. But… this is the only way to preserve his life. Perhaps meeting me is his stroke of fortune."
Xin Tingting murmured to herself while gazing at the innocent child in her arms. She pressed her lips together slightly. Such a handsome and noble baby she could never let him fade away all alone. He had to live on. Though they were strangers, she felt a strange, mysterious connection with him. It was elusive and unclear, leaving her confused and wary.
She quickly suppressed those strange personal feelings and raised her hand, summoning golden starlight that swirled gently around the baby boy, lifting him slightly from her arms. She slowly closed her eyes, composed and still, as four radiant golden wings began to gently unfold behind her.
She opened her eyes pure and sky-blue, flawless and luminous as golden light radiated from her body. Her brow tightened slightly, and a glowing golden sigil appeared on her forehead, shining from within her graceful figure. She slowly stretched her arms out. At that moment, the golden wings began to detach, bit by bit, from her back.
Her brow furrowed in pain. Her eyes dulled with sorrow. A sharp, stabbing agony spread through her back like thorns piercing to the bone. It wasn't just physical it pierced her soul.
She clenched her teeth and suppressed a cry. But her body trembled weakly. Her every breath grew heavier, as though the thread of life was unraveling. The anguish of being torn from something so precious consumed her heart.
These golden wings had been part of her since birth. They were not just beautiful ornaments they were part of her body and spirit. She had cherished them as her own life. They had been with her for years, her power and her symbol of identity.
But now... that beloved part of her was about to be lost forever. Pain surged through her body and spirit as though her heart was being torn into shreds. She had never imagined she'd be separated from her wings with no hope of reunion. The once-unbreakable bond was now severed irreversibly.
They were her treasure something she had guarded for years. Never had she believed she would part from them.
But now, the baby boy before her mattered more. She gazed at him with determination. Even though her heart ached to give them up, she was willing to sacrifice her most precious possession to save him. She knew that once her wings left her, nothing would ever be the same.
Yet still, she chose to act. Her expression brimmed with resolve. She was willing to give up everything, even a part of herself so long as this baby boy could live. Her hands trembled. A mouthful of blood spilled from her lips as she nearly collapsed. The golden wings her second life had finally detached from her.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, soft and quiet like a spring drizzle. She bit her lip harder.
She gasped as though her strength was waning. The golden wings that had separated from her gently floated downward. With a sweep of her hand, Xin Tingting sent them forward to the baby boy. The wings encased him gently, then glowed with soft golden light that spread into his tiny body. Instantly, the deadly poison was forced out dark smoke-like wisps emerged and disintegrated. The venom could not withstand such divine power and vanished completely in a blink.
"It worked. The poison is gone!" Xin Tingting allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Her heart stirred with quiet joy. She had succeeded in saving the baby boy's life. Her breathing was light, but her relief was immense. However, the cost to her body was steep. Blood trickled from her back like a stream.
Her golden wings were vital. Without them, her body's balance would falter. She'd grow physically weaker. She understood this risk, but believed that saving a life was worth far more.
As long as he could live again, she would give up anything without hesitation. For her, that was worth more than anything.
The golden wings slowly faded away after transferring their power to him. His body regained vitality. His once pale lips now had a soft pink hue, his skin regained its glow, and his large eyes opened eyes full of charm even in infancy. He was truly adorable.
His body had now grown into that of a full six-month-old baby. It seemed to be a result of the power he had just absorbed. That energy would allow him to grow faster than a normal child though gradually. His physical growth would stop once he reached the appearance of a five-year-old. He could not grow beyond that, as it was the limit of the golden wings now fused with him.
Xin Tingting quickly used her powers to restore her own strength. A moment later, she turned her eyes to him. He had now clearly developed into a six-month-old. He blinked at her, though his vision was still a bit blurry. All he could see was a girl with shining golden hair, blurred and hazy due to his young age.
Xin Tingting smiled at him and crouched slightly to get a better look at him. "You owe me a great debt. When you grow up, you'll have to repay me… by becoming the man of a beauty like me."
She tossed her hair proudly in front of the baby boy. He blinked rapidly at her in wide-eyed innocence, babbling in protest as if unhappy with her words.
"You don't have the right to argue! And I'm this beautiful when you get a little older, you'll definitely fall for me, just wait and see! Haha!" Xin Tingting laughed playfully, then added,
"I'm just teasing. A beauty like me wouldn't fall for someone younger. Even if you are handsome."
"Ahh~!!" Xin Tingting suddenly shrieked the baby boy was completely naked before her eyes. The cloth that had wrapped him had unraveled. Now that he had grown, it could no longer contain his larger form and had come loose on its own.
She quickly covered her eyes in a fluster but changed her mind and swiftly picked up the cloth to cover him. After a few deep sighs, she summoned golden starlight from her palm and transformed the white cloth into a simple, elegant white outfit. Yet even clothed, his charm still radiated brilliantly.
"Oh, never mind. Whatever I say, you wouldn't understand anyway you're just an innocent baby. I'll help you find proper clothes later. But first, I should introduce you to Liang Yi. I wonder how she's doing. Let's go find her." Xin Tingting said as she lifted the baby boy gently with both arms. She reached up with one hand and softly brushed a fine golden hair from his forehead.