Chapter 1013 - Not a Possibility (1/2)
Despite his injuries, Ma Zhi Wu seemed to hear Nian Hong Fang's voice. His eyelids fluttered and he finally cracked his eyes open again, looking at him in a daze.
Nian Hong Fang reached out, cupping his cheek. ”Zhi Wu …”
Ma Zhi Wu continued to look at him, only slowly seeming to understand what was going on. ”Xiao Fang.” He wanted to raise his hand and also touch his face but he didn't have any strength left. He could only look at him, trying to make sure that he was alright. Seeing the tears streaming down his lover's cheeks, felt useless. He wasn't even able to comfort him. ”I'm sorry.” His voice had sunken to a whisper, almost inaudible in the room.
Nian Hong Fang kissed his forehead, his lips lingering on his skin for a moment, and shook his head. ”No, don't say that. It wasn't your fault. I'm just glad that you're back. Let's … Let's stitch you back together, alright? Just like always!”
Ma Zhi Wu hummed weakly and then closed his eyes. In the end, it had worked out. He had been able to return, to see him one last time. Just as he had wanted to. At least that wish had been granted.
Nian Hong Fang clung to him for a moment longer before he took a shaky breath and wiped the tears from his cheeks. Then he turned to his Master. ”Master, tell me what I can do to help.”
The Grandelder looked from his disciple's distraught expression to his lover lying on the table and almost wanted to sigh. What he could do to help … There really wasn't anything. And if he did go to do something, then he might lose out on the last precious hours he would have with Ma Zhi Wu. He didn't want that for him.
He reached out and patted Nian Hong Fang's shoulder, giving him a small smile. ”Right now, the best you can do for him is to stay at his side. Don't worry about anything else. Your martial brothers and sisters and I will take care of everything else.”
Nian Hong Fang nodded and then grabbed a chair, pulling it over to sit down next to Ma Zhi Wu. He continued to hold his hand, leaned down to him, and quietly whispered, promising him about all the things they would do as soon as he got better.
There was a faint smile on Ma Zhi Wu's lips as if he was still able to hear him.
The Grandelder watched them for a moment and then ordered the other disciples standing around to go and prepare more pills and potions. He did not know if it would be enough as all of them would need some time to get done and he wasn't quite sure if the ones they had at hand would be enough to save him until then. Anyway, his injuries were grave. Much graver than any he had ever seen that did not result in death. He would still try though.