A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5440

The blush on Jared's face darkened, climbing from rose to a deep scarlet.

Being caught sleeping with the disciples from the Herb Sect was nothing, since it was strictly business. He did it to cultivate. Yet that was not what mortified him.

What mortified him was kissing Yuliana.

Onneas saw the new shade of red and her smile bloomed even brighter.

"You should stay and rest in the Celestial King Palace. If you're looking for a woman, Isabel can keep you company. She's still a virgin," Onneas suggested.

Isabel's head snapped down, cheeks flaming a soft rose. She glanced at Jared. Judging from that look, Isabel had witnessed his vigor as well.

"No," Jared said, shaking his head. "The people of level six are waiting. I can't abandon them."

He turned to leave.

"With your current condition, you can't even cross the void passage, let alone save them. Take your time to recover. If you could block my attack, I'll agree to visit level six," Onneas said.

The firmness in her promise finally broke through. Jared exhaled, nodded once, and allowed himself to stay in the Celestial King Palace.

The Meditation Chamber of the Celestial King Palace brimmed with spiritual energy so dense it seemed to swirl in visible currents. Glacial jade marrow paved the floor, soothing the soul. In every corner, dragon-oil incense spiraled upward, steadying thought and breath.

Seated cross-legged upon a jade platform, Jared absorbed the healing pills Onneas had provided. Spiritual energy flowed through his damaged meridians, merging with the pure spiritual energy on level eight that flooded the chamber. Bruised flesh re-knit, torn channels mended, and power gathered with a speed that bordered on the miraculous.

Three days slipped by quickly.

At dawn's first ray, gold sunlight spilled through the lattice windows. Jared's eyes flew open. Dragon runes flickered in his irises, then vanished.

His meridians were mended, his Draconian bloodline more refined than before. His cultivation had returned to Earthly Immortal Realm Level Two and already pressed toward Level Three.

His strike cracked like lightning, but Onneas only tilted her frame. The branch tapped the sword lightly.

A crystalline sound rang out. A gentle yet tyrannical force flooded up Jared's arm. His fingers went numb, and the Dragonslayer Sword almost tore free of his grasp.

Borrowing that rebuff, he skidded back several paces across the flagstones, awe tightening his chest. Onneas' speed had blurred beyond the limits of his sight.

Before balance returned, he lunged again. His sword moved like a dragon soaring or a snake slithering.

No matter the ferocity, Onneas met every stroke with that fragile branch. She floated like willow fluff, always a finger-width away. Not once did his sword edge brush a single thread of her robe.

"Too slow. Your strength is not concentrated."

Her tone held faint instruction. The branch flicked. The Dragonslayer Sword spun off to the side again. "Use the Draconian bloodline. You have not drawn on its might."