The backlash from forbidden shadow arts came faster than expected. After leaving the ruined cabin, Shen Ye's condition deteriorated sharply. His face went from pale to a near-translucent gray-white, his lips blue-purple, his breathing growing more and more ragged. More frightening still, black lines began appearing on his body—like veins stained with ink, spreading from his neck up to his cheeks. "Shen Ye, hold on..." Lu Xingchen supported him as they stumbled through the woods, voice tremblin...