The original team of twenty-eight men had been reduced to twelve. Yet, they marched on, their spirits unwavering despite the hardships they had endured. They had faced incredible dangers, encountered legendary creatures, and learned valuable lessons from their Master. The journey had been arduous, but the breakthroughs they each experienced strengthened their bodies and deepened their commitment to their cultivation.
With hearts full of determination, they pressed on, ready to confront any challenge that lay ahead. The trials of Mystic Mountain had not only tested them but also prepared them for even greater challenges in their quest for immortality.
Upon her return to Camp Phoenix, Ling Li stepped into the laboratory, her eyes widening at the scene before her. Mushu spotted her and signaled for silence, understanding Ling Li’s desire to observe unnoticed. Ling Li was eager to see what was unfolding without the fanfare of her arrival.
Shi Min stood nearby, looking haggard with his unkempt hair and unshaven face, a deep contrast to his usual clean and strict demeanor. He was meticulously examining four human androids standing before him, which he had skillfully accomplished.
"Do you feel any discomfort? You should start experiencing sensations on your human side by now," Shi Min inquired with a tone of professional concern.
"Yes, Grand Master, I feel almost normal," the android responded, its voice tinged with an unusual blend of mechanical precision and human warmth.
"Grand Master, we don’t know how to thank you for giving us another chance at life," the second android added, gratitude evident in its tone.
"Grand Master, can we still... you know, do it?" another android hesitantly asked, drawing curious glances from those nearby.
Shi Min chuckled heartily, understanding the question. "I did my best to restore everything. We can only know if it’s working if you try it."
Ling Li couldn’t help but interject with a playful tone, "You just recovered, and you’re already thinking about that? Brat!"
Laughter erupted, and the gathered team turned to greet Ling Li warmly.
"Supreme Commander, it’s so good to see you again!"
"Supreme Commander, welcome back."
"Mom, you’re back," Shi Min said, his face lighting up with a rare smile.
Ling Li approached, her gaze sweeping over the group. "Son, I can’t believe you actually made them. But this news must be kept secret. They need new identities, or they’ll be targeted beyond imagination."
"Yes, Mom. I understand. Don’t worry. Dane and Wusheng are working on hyper-silicone masks for their new faces," Shi Min explained.
"Madam, I requested a Korean KPop face!" Dr. Erick exclaimed with a hint of mischief.
Ling Li laughed heartily. "That’s very you, Dr. Erick."
"Madam, how could you recognize me with my face all bandaged?" Dr. Erick, one among the androids, asked, puzzled.
"How could I not recognize you? You’re Dr. Erick, Dave, Froilan, Andres, and Dr. Norman," Ling Li identified them effortlessly, pointing to each in turn.
"Madam, you are truly awesome!" came the unanimous chorus, their voices filled with admiration.
Mushu chuckled softly, thinking, ’She is far more awesome than they know.’
Ling Li’s heart swelled with pride. "I’m happy that you’re all well! Welcome back, all of you!" she declared, her voice ringing with genuine warmth and relief.
Turning to Shi Min, she said, "Shi Min, congratulations," but then she suddenly staggered and lost consciousness.
"Mom!" Shi Min cried out in alarm.
"Madam!" Mushu echoed, his voice thick with worry.
"Supreme Commander!" The four human androids unanimously called out in shock.
Shi Min and Mushu rushed to her side, and Shi Min caught her just before she hit the ground.
"Mushu, to the main infirmary!" Shi Min ordered, his voice steady despite his racing heart. He swiftly carried Ling Li in his arms and ran towards the main infirmary, which had all the important advanced medical equipment they produced. Dr. Erick and Dr. Norman followed closely behind. The rest of the team remained, ensuring they didn’t disrupt the urgent proceedings.
In the main infirmary, Shi Min gently laid Ling Li on the sick bed and immediately took her pulse, his face a mask of concentration. As the seconds ticked by, the worry on Shi Min’s face transformed into a relieved grin.
"Mushu, check her pulse. See if I’m not mistaken," Shi Min instructed, his voice tinged with newfound anticipation.
Mushu, nervous yet hopeful, felt for Ling Li’s pulse. His eyes widened, and a broad smile spread across his face. "It’s a happy pulse, Grand Master," he confirmed.
"Dr. Norman, draw some blood for thorough testing. Dr. Erick, please get the ultrasound machine," Shi Min commanded as he tenderly brushed strands of hair away from his mother’s face.
"Our family is getting bigger, Mushu!" Shi Min exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement.
"Yes, indeed, Grand Master," Mushu replied, his own joy evident.
Dr. Erick returned with the ultrasound machine, and Dr. Norman took the necessary blood samples. Shi Min personally performed the ultrasound, his heart racing with anticipation. As the image appeared on the screen, a wide smile broke across his face.
Dr. Norman returned with the blood test results. "Her sugar and hemoglobin levels are low, which probably caused her collapse," he reported to Shi Min.
Shi Min rubbed his temples, knowing his mother’s physique very well, and was deep in thought. ’How could she have such low levels of hemoglobin and sugar?’ Shi Min wondered. ’Unless she used her skills excessively without realizing she was pregnant. But when could it have happened? Where did she go? Did she visit Paps and fly all the way here?’ His mind raced with possibilities.
"Give her some nutrients," Shi Min instructed the two doctors, ensuring they took immediate action. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel·fire.net
Moments later, Ling Li’s eyes fluttered open, and she saw Shi Min standing beside her. Seeing his mother awake, Shi Min signaled Mushu and the rest to leave them alone.
"Son, what happened?" Ling Li asked, her voice weak but curious.
"Mom, you lost consciousness. I know you very well, and losing consciousness is the last thing that should happen to you," Shi Min began, his voice a mix of concern and frustration. "Tell me, where did you go?"
"Son, I was tired and didn’t get enough rest," Ling Li replied, trying to downplay the situation.