Family members crowd around Leon, who survives only on external breath. The healer identifies Shiftbane and says Leon can be saved only if half the poison is shared; otherwise he won't last a year. A woman says she knows Absorption Skill and has one herb that can detoxify a person; she offers to use it on Leon. The healer warns his acupuncture needs intense focus and risks a fatal backlash, and vows to guard her. Mavis then declares she'll clear the family's disgrace publicly and steps out, leaving the risky cure—and Leon's fate—unresolved.