"Your most important task right now is to rest and recover," Roland said earnestly. "Today's battle was a victory, but it came at a great cost. The fourth round of the competition will move quickly, and if you want to continue advancing, you need to ensure you're in peak condition."
Rowan nodded. He could feel that while his surface injuries had healed, the flow of his internal rule energy was still unbalanced. It would take more time for his body to fully recalibrate.
"Dr. Erin recommends at least twenty-four hours of rest," Roland continued. "During this time, do not use any rule abilities. Let your body recover naturally."
"I understand," Rowan replied, then turned to Hank and Thorin. "I'll be sure to watch your matches tomorrow."
Thorin grinned. "Don't push yourself. Your body comes first. But if you come, I promise I'll put on an even more spectacular performance for you."
Hank remained his usual quiet self, only nodding slightly, though concern flickered in his eyes.
Roland checked the time. "It's late. You need rest. We'll leave for now and check on you in the morning."
Rowan nodded, fatigue pressing down on him. Dr. Erin had arranged a special recovery room for him larger than the standard resting chambers, equipped with energy stabilization devices and vital-sign monitors. The walls were a soft blue, and the ceiling had embedded lighting capable of simulating natural sunlight, creating a calm, serene atmosphere.
"This room was specially designed to help rule controllers recover faster," Dr. Erin explained. "Energy-stabilizing crystals are embedded in the walls to absorb chaotic external fluctuations and maintain a pure environment. The ceiling lighting automatically adjusts in brightness and tone based on your vital signs, helping you reach an optimal state of rest."
Rowan was assisted to the bed by staff and lay down slowly. Though his body had been repaired inside the treatment chamber, weakness remained. Even attempting to mobilize a trace of rule energy sent sharp pains through him.
"Do not attempt to use any rule abilities," Dr. Erin warned sternly, noticing his hesitation. "Your rule meridians are still recovering. Forcing them now would only cause more serious damage."
Rowan nodded in understanding. "I will follow your instructions."
"Good," Dr. Erin said, a satisfied smile on her face. "I've prepared three medications for you: the Energy Balance Serum, the Meridian Recovery Elixir, and the Mental Strength Restorative. Take each every four hours until tomorrow morning. If you feel unwell, contact me immediately using the bedside communicator."
She pointed to three bottles on the nightstand, glowing faintly in blue, gold, and purple, each radiating a subtle energy wave.
Once Roland, Thorin, and Hank confirmed Rowan was settled, they reluctantly left, promising to visit after the competitions and keep in touch through the communicator.
Alone at last, Rowan felt an unprecedented exhaustion and calm. The tension of the battle and the pressure of fusing rule energies had finally subsided. Every cell in his body seemed to cry out for rest.
Following Dr. Erin's instructions, he first took the Energy Balance Serum. Its icy blue liquid was cool to the tongue but became a gentle warmth inside, like a soft stream washing through his chaotic energies. The golden Meridian Recovery Elixir carried a faint metallic bitterness, yet as it circulated, it automatically sought out and repaired his damaged meridians. The purple Mental Strength Restorative smelled fragrant and cleared his mind, loosening the tight grip on his spirit.
As the medicines took effect, waves of soothing warmth flowed through him. He closed his eyes, trying to empty his thoughts and let his body restore itself naturally.
Yet the battle scenes kept replaying in his mind. Especially that moment when he fused Mort's fire energy with his own metal energy to create the Tai Chi Crystal. The sensation was indescribable, as though a new door had opened, revealing deeper truths about the world of rule energies.
"Metal and fire, seemingly opposed, yet fundamentally connected," Rowan murmured, drifting back to that extraordinary instant.
Immersed in his memories, something strange occurred. The small box on the nightstand, containing the Tai Chi Crystal, began to emit a faint light. Gold and red flickered alternately, almost as if responding to Rowan's thoughts.
Curious, he reached for the box. The moment his fingers touched the crystal, a peculiar energy wave surged into his body, resonating with his chaotic rule energies.
Astonishingly, this resonance did not aggravate his injuries. Instead, it seemed to reorganize his internal energies, making them more orderly. Rowan could clearly feel the metal rule energy flowing more smoothly, and his damaged meridians accelerated their repair.
"This is…?" Rowan exclaimed, staring at the crystal. "It's helping me recover?"
Guided by intuition, he didn't put it down. Placing the crystal gently on his chest, he closed his eyes, focusing on the interaction between it and his body's energies.
A miraculous sight unfolded. The crystal's light intensified, gold and red intertwining into a unique energy field that enveloped his entire body. Under its influence, the chaotic energies inside him began self-adjusting, forming an entirely new flow.
This flow was unlike any metal rule practice he had experienced more efficient, more harmonious. It felt as though he had discovered an optimal energy pathway, one that utilized the stabilizing traits of metal energy while incorporating the vitality of fire energy.
As time passed, Rowan entered a meditative state unlike any other. In this state, he seemed to perceive the essence of rule energies more clearly. Metal was no longer just control over matter, but mastery over the very structure of substance. Fire was no longer merely heat and flame, but a principle of energy transformation and release.
As the essence of these two rules intersected in his mind, a new understanding emerged, transcending single-rule limitations and pointing toward a higher path of energy fusion.
Hours later, Rowan awoke from this profound state. To his astonishment, dawn was breaking. Soft morning light spilled through the curtains. Though he had meditated the entire night, he felt no fatigue, only vitality and energy.
Even more remarkably, his rule energies were fully balanced, and his damaged meridians nearly fully restored. Under normal circumstances, such recovery would have taken three to four days, yet he had achieved it in a single night.
Rowan looked down at the Tai Chi Crystal on his chest. Its glow was softer than last night, as if it had fulfilled its purpose.
"Amazing," he whispered. "This crystal is more than a fusion of two energies it embodies the principles of energy integration itself."
At that moment, a knock sounded on the door. Dr. Erin entered for her morning check. Seeing Rowan awake and in such good condition, she was visibly surprised.
"Good morning, Rowan," she greeted. "It seems you rested very well. Let's check your recovery."
She scanned him with a compact device, her eyes widening as the data appeared.
"This is impossible," Dr. Erin said in disbelief. "Your meridian system is fully restored, and your energy balance has returned to normal. Normally this would take three to four days, yet you did it in one night."
Rowan hesitated, then explained the effect of the Tai Chi Crystal. Hearing how it had accelerated his recovery while glowing through the night, Dr. Erin's expression shifted from surprise to deep contemplation.
"I've never seen anything like this," she admitted. "But theoretically, it is possible. The crystal you created may not be just a simple fusion of two rule energies. It could have formed a new energy type with self-regulating and balancing properties. When in contact with its creator, it may recognize you and actively assist in repairing your damaged systems."
Rowan nodded. "Indeed. While meditating, I sensed the energy in the crystal resonating with mine, rearranging the flow of my rule energy."
Dr. Erin pondered. "This could be a major discovery. A fusion product of different energies capable of healing its creator has immense potential for medical application."
After further examination, Dr. Erin confirmed that Rowan's injuries were essentially healed. With just half a day more rest, he could resume normal activities.
"However, I still recommend monitoring for a full day. Do not use your rule abilities yet," she cautioned. "Though the data shows normal recovery, this is unconventional. There could be unknown risks."
Rowan agreed. "I'll follow your advice. But may I watch my brothers' matches?"
Dr. Erin considered. "You may, but do not overexert yourself or use any rule abilities. I will assign a medical attendant to accompany you, just in case."
Grateful, Rowan prepared to watch the matches. He felt an unprecedented lightness and clarity, as though he had undergone a rebirth.
He carefully stored the Tai Chi Crystal in a pocket close to his body. What had seemed an accidental creation not only saved his life but might also open a completely new path in his cultivation.
As Rowan finished preparing, his communicator rang. It was Roland, updating him on schedule changes. Roland and Hank's match would take place in the morning, while Thorin's was pushed to the final afternoon slot.
"Our matches are about to begin," Roland said. "How are you feeling? Do you need another day to rest?"
"I've mostly recovered," Rowan replied, excitement barely contained. "Dr. Erin approved me to watch, but I won't use any rule abilities and will stay in a rested state."
"Recovered this quickly?" Roland's voice held surprise. "Dr. Erin estimated at least three to four days."
Rowan briefly explained the Tai Chi Crystal's mysterious effect and the new understanding he had gained during meditation.
"Truly remarkable," Roland marveled. "This crystal's value far exceeds our expectations. After the competition, we need to study it thoroughly."
"No problem," Rowan replied. "I'm ready. I'll head to the spectator area to wait for you."
Escorted by a medical attendant, Rowan left the medical wing and ran into Thorin, who had come to check on him.
"Rowan!" Thorin exclaimed in delight. "You're out? Fully recovered?"
"I'm basically healed, so I came to watch your matches," Rowan explained.
Thorin's eyes widened in shock. "Recovered in a single night? That Tai Chi Crystal is incredible!"
"It really is," Rowan said with a smile, patting Thorin on the shoulder. "By the way, your match is this afternoon. Who's your opponent?"
"A controller from the Morning Star Empire specializing in light energy," Thorin said seriously. "He reportedly mastered the Light-Electric Transformation ability, which can counter my Thunder Domain to some extent."
Rowan nodded. "Light-Electric Transformation is tricky. It converts your lightning energy into light, weakening your attacks. But you and Hank have been studying the complementarity between light and electricity. You might be able to use that principle to turn his attacks to your advantage."
Thorin's eyes brightened. "Of course! I can't believe I didn't think of that. If we can apply the energy complementarity during combat, we might convert his light attacks into our own strength and reverse the outcome."
The two discussed strategies as they headed to the spectator area. Though Rowan appeared fully recovered, he still felt subtle fatigue from the battle and unconventional recovery process. Thorin noticed and slowed his pace, frequently checking on him.
"Don't worry," Rowan reassured him. "I really am fine. Dr. Erin has assigned a medical attendant. If anything happens, they'll handle it immediately."
Thorin relaxed slightly. "Good. But remember to stay rested and don't overdo it."