In his room, Ning Chen was the picture of misery.

What on earth was wrong with his body?

The doctors said he was strong and healthy, with vitality to spare.

So why did getting near Lone Stride feel like a knife turning in his heart?

Feng Qizheng saw how troubled he looked and couldn't hold back. "How about I find you a few more masters with real Daoist powers and give it another shot?"

Ning Chen glared at him. "What? Haven't been conned enough yet?"

Pan Yucheng said, "I have a theory. What if it's getting near animals that makes it feel like a knife turning in your heart? Not just Lone Stride."

Ning Chen thought about it. It made sense.

He hadn't gone out these last few days, and he hadn't ridden Diaochan either... The only animal he'd been near was Lone Stride.

"Come on, to the stables!"

Ning Chen and the others went to the stables.

Ning Chen walked up to Diaochan. She was eating her fodder, and when she saw him, she nuzzled him affectionately with her head.

Pan Yucheng and the others watched Ning Chen intently. "Well?"

Ning Chen felt around his chest and shook his head. "Nothing. Doesn't hurt at all."

Pan Yucheng muttered, "Now that's really strange."

When they got back from the stables, Feng Qizheng went and found a dog... After that they tried cows, sheep, the lot. Nothing happened with any of them.

Ning Chen was completely baffled. Why was he fine around every other animal, when Lone Stride alone made it feel like a knife turning in his heart... It was goddamn uncanny.

"Forget it, forget it... Let's get some rest. Tomorrow we'll go to the Great Beginning Pavilion to pick up Little Xixi, and the day after, we leave for the Wu Kingdom."

The doctors said there was nothing wrong with him. Worst case, he'd just stay away from Lone Stride for the time being.

He'd originally meant to go get Xiao Yanxi today, but this strange affliction of his had held him up.

Early the next morning.

Ning Chen…