1181 NL steps on the stage and his body starts to dry up. SL tells him not to go as the situation is more dangerous than their previous battle, but he thinks curing her is worth the risk. The Pagoda Master appears in human form, telling them he’ll destroy it if they don’t collect their prize, but each step they make towards it will cause them to age until there’s nothing left but bone.
1182 SL hugs NL to stop him, but he persists since SL only has a month left without it. Touching her acupuncture point, he immobilizes her, recalling RY had warned him getting the RBBG came at a cost and continues walking. SL is remorseful over fighting with NL and allowing YX to injure her (chapters 975-982).
1183 There are 10 stairs between NL and the RGGB. NL climbs them one by one, only slowing down when he reaches the 8th, and stopping at the 9th where an overwhelming force causes him to sweat and struggle. SL and ZiY tell him to retreat rather than force himself, but he continues since it’s the last step. They cheer, until they realize something and look at NL in shock.
1184 On the platform of the 10th step, NL starts to age rapidly, with each step bringing him closer to death. He presses on, thinking it’s worth saving SL, and ages 10 years with each step – 30, 40, 50 – slowly transforming into a shrivelled, white-haired skeleton with 3 steps left. BY and ZiY cry, while SL tells him she’ll be with him no matter what. NL takes another step, feeling his organs and vitality at their limit.
1185 NL grabs the box with the RBBG, and ZiY cheers. SL has broken the acupuncture seal, and runs towards NL’s arm. NL uses the last of his strength to give the RBBG to SL, telling her to live, but she cries and throws it aside, telling him she’ll die along with him.