<b>Chapter </b><b>635 </b>


    “With my current ability, I can only purge about eighty percent of the poison. If you want itpletely removed, you’ll need to gather a set of very rare ingredients,” Aurelius said.


    “What kind of ingredients?”


    Aurelius pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket and handed it over. “Here. If you can gather every herb listed here, there may be a chance to cure your brotherpletely.”


    Caitlin took the handwritten list. Names like Moonshade Herb, Silverthorn Root, Ashen Moss, Bloodvine Petals, Starfall Lotus, Frostleaf Fern, Ironbark Resin, Eclipse Orchid, and Celestine Powder filled the page<b>. </b>They were rare, but at least conceivable to obtain. Yet the final name stood out–utterly unfamiliar.


    “Aurelius, these others we can try to find, but thisst one, ‘Vitalis Crystal‘… what is it?”


    Sebastian leaned in for a look, but he too had never heard of it.


    Even Alicia frowned. “Master, what exactly is Vitalis Crystal?”


    Aurelius drew in a long breath and spoke slowly.


    “Vitalis Crystal, also called the Shard of Life, is the most critical element in this form. Only with it as the guiding catalyst can the poison be removedpletely. Without it, the other herbs will do little good.”


    Caitlin whispered the name to herself, her brows knitting tight.


    “Shard of Life… I’ve heard that somewhere before. I just can’t remember where, or who said it.”


    Her chest tightened with frustration, memory dangling just out of reach.


    Alicia pressed, “Then where do we even find something like that?”


    Aurelius fell silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his tone was grave.


    “I’ve only ever seen mention of it in ancient texts. To obtain it… one must seek the lostnd.”


    At once, images flickered in Caitlin’s mind. She recalled that night in the hotel back in A–country, her mother’s voice echoing. Her mother had spoken of the codex’s map, pointing to an ancient and hidden kingdom–Antis. She had said it was there the Shard of Lifey buried. A relic of immense power, able to give sight to the blind, health to the sick, and long life to the old.


    Could the Shard of Life Aurelius spoke of be the very same her mother had once described?


    “I know it! I remember now! I finally understand!”


    She blurted the words out three times, her face bright with realization.


    Sebastian quickly asked, “What do you know?”


    “I remember what my mother told me. Back then I thought it was just a wild story and brushed it <b>aside</b>. <b>But </b>now… the Shard of Life she spoke of must be the same one Aurelius just mentioned.”


    Sebastian’s eyes widened. “You’re saying she knows where it is<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Caitlin nodded.


    “That’s incredible!” Zeke stepped forward. “Then tell us where. We’ll go find it right away.”


    But Caitlin shook her head. “It’s not that simple. This will take nning, maybe even caution. We can’t just rush in.”


    She held back from revealing the connection between the Yun’s Aromatic Codex and the Shard of Life. The fewer who knew, the better–spreading it could only bring more trouble. She’d need to talk privately with Sebastian, make a careful n before moving forward.


    Her words lit a spark of hope, but also painted a picture of countless new obstacles ahead.


    Sebastian saw in her eyes that she had something she couldn’t say. He didn’t press her.


    For now, James could be transferred home. There was no need to keep him in the hospital. Sebastian arranged for him to be moved back to DanCa Estate.


    Since Aurelius had rarely traveled to the US, Zeke and Alicia decided to treat him well and keep him as their guest for a few more days. Caitlin too invited him to Vanderbilt Manor another day as an honored guest. The old man, unable to refuse such warmth, agreed.


    With Aurelius in Zeke and Alicia’s care, and James settled at DanCa Estate, Caitlin and Sebastian turned their attention to visiting Molly and Wendy’s mother, Reba.


    In the hospital, Molly had woken a couple of days earlier. Her injuries had been severe, but thanks to timely surgery, her recovery now only required rest.


    Her parents and family visited often, but the one who stayed with her the most was Simon. His face was haggard, his beard unkempt. Molly’s heart ached just looking at him.


    “You’re working surgeries all day, and stilling here at night. Look at you, you’re running yourself into the ground,” she scolded gently, raising a hand to touch his face.


    Simon caught her hand and pressed it against his cheek, his voice low and earnest. “I don’t care. As long as you’re all right, I can rest easy.”


    That was the scene Caitlin and Sebastian walked into–a tender moment between the two.


    “Oh dear, did we just walk in at the wrong time?” Caitlin teased, stepping in with a bouquet of flowers.


    “Simon, Molly,” Sebastian greeted warmly as he followed her in. “How are you two holding up?”


    “When did you get back?” Molly asked, delighted. After waking, she had heard her brother and sister–inw had gone abroad to find Aurelius. Seeing them now filled her with relief.


    <b>7:34 </b><b>Sat</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>13 B


    “Last night,” Caitlin said. “We didn’t want to wake anyone.”


    Simon rose to his feet. “So you found him?”


    “We did,” Caitlin nodded.


    “Then James will be all right?”


    “He’s much better, but we still have a ways to go,” Caitlin admitted, then added, “By the way, how are things with your family? Has your mother been discharged?”


    “She has. And the police have closed the case. They confirmed it was an ident. My actions were deemed self–defense. They won’t be pressing charges.”


    At the mention of his family, Simon’s expression dimmed.


    Caitlinforted him softly, “It’s over now. What matters is she wasn’t hurt too deeply. The rest will heal with time.”


    Simon nodded. “Actually, about what we discussed before–sending my mother abroad for treatment–I reached out to a friend. He agreed readily, and Wendy and I have already talked it over.”


    “Have you set a date?”


    “Yes. Next Wednesday. Wendy will go with her and stay with her overseas for a few years.”


    “You mean Wendy’s really decided to leave the country?”


    “She insisted. She wants to be with my mom. And honestly, I’d worry about leaving Mom alone overseas. With Wendy there, she’ll be cared for. I’ll visit whenever I can. Two years isn’t forever.”


    The room fell silent for a moment. Finally, Sebastian said, “If that’s settled, then let me handle the travel arrangements. I’ll make sure their flight is secure and they arrive safely.”


    “Thank you,” Simon said sincerely.


    “No thanks needed. We’re family,” Sebastian replied.


    After checking in on Molly, Caitlin and Sebastian left the hospital. But Caitlin’s heart was troubled.


    On the way back to Vanderbilt Manor, she turned to her husband with a frown. “If Wendy breaks things off with Benjamin… and now she’s going abroad… doesn’t that mean it’s really over between them?”


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