Chapter 184 No Antidote

Chapter 184 No Antidote

Wang Sumo pushed open the door and entered the room, just as Lu Wenqu asked, "Why is it so lively outside?"

"The Four Heroes of Meizhou sent wine to various inns, and everyone was saying how generous they were. Other sects also sent dinner and charcoal to keep warm. It's quite a lively place," Wang Sumo said truthfully.

Sending wine~

Lu Wenqu clearly had a craving for alcohol.

Having suffered such a serious injury, he couldn't even have a little bit of alcohol.

Fang Rushi had a bad temper to begin with, and he was given a severe scolding for the slightest action he took.

While Huo Ling was being treated, Lu Wenqu's craving for alcohol flared up again.

Duan Wuheng, quick-witted, said, "I'll go get you a pot!"

He couldn't calm down; he was either pacing back and forth in the corridor, unable to sit still for a moment, or trying to pry open the window of the next room. Wang Sumo called him back, and they came into this room together.

Wang Sumo was afraid that he would disturb Fang Rushi and Meng Huizhou in their efforts to detoxify Huo Ling.

Originally, Duan Wuheng was quite bored, but just then he heard Lu Wenqu say that he wanted to drink. Since it was inconvenient for Lu Wenqu to show up, Duan Wuheng "whooshed" downstairs.

Anyway, it's better than letting him stay in the house and get restless.

"How is it?" Old Master Weng asked.

Wang Sumo shook his head: "There's still no movement. Yutang is watching outside. I brought Duan Wuheng back, and he's over there peeking through the window and against the wall."

Lu Wenqu laughed upon hearing this.

In the entire Bazhenlou restaurant, only Duan Wuheng would do these things; he definitely has the mind of a child.

On one side was a lively martial arts tournament, and on the other side was Huo Ling, who was undergoing detoxification. It would be good for Duan Wuheng to find something to do.

Lu Wenqu looked down at the three white tiger cubs who had just finished drinking.

Because a large group of fish and horses had changed their names, making them too difficult to remember, Wang Sumo finally compromised and renamed the three white tiger cubs Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon, and Black Tortoise, which were somewhat easier to remember.

Lu Wenqu didn't show his face much along the way, spending most of his time with the three little ones. Now, after the old man and Jiang Yutang, he was the one who was most familiar with the three little ones, the kind who would look at him cutely when their names were called.

Lu Wenqu's injuries had not fully healed, and he was also afraid that someone would chase after him on the way, so Wang Sumo asked him to stay at the Bazhenlou for a while longer.

It just so happens that He Lingyun is also coming to the martial arts tournament.

There are some things that I should perhaps tell He Lingyun.

He also took the opportunity to ask He Lingyun to inquire about Master Huo's whereabouts.

Grandpa Weng had been at the window, leaving a crack to look outside, and he had also taken a pen and a few sheets of paper to write and draw.

Wang Sumo had just seen Grandpa Weng writing and drawing, so he stepped forward and asked from behind, "Grandpa, what are you writing and drawing?"

"Let's see which sects have come and which haven't," Old Master Weng said without hiding anything.

Wang Sumo was slightly surprised: "You remember it so clearly?"

Grandpa Weng looked at her, thought for a moment, and said truthfully, "I always feel that this martial arts tournament is a bit strange. Girl, after Huo Ling's poison is cured, you take them away from Meizhou first. I will come to chase you away later."

Grandpa Weng couldn't give any specific details.

But his years of experience in Zhenhu Division and the imperial court told him where trouble was likely to occur.

Wang Sumo understood the subtle expressions on everyone's faces in the Eight Treasures Restaurant. Old Master Weng would joke around, but he would also show worry in his eyes, like now.

Wang Sumo leaned closer: "Grandpa, nothing really happened, right?"

Grandpa Weng handed her a piece of paper with the names of various martial arts sects written on it.

Wang Sumo looked through them one by one, and there were so many sects that she had never even seen before...

Although Bazhenlou doesn't get involved much in the affairs of the martial arts world, she still knows a little about these sects.

Where did all these things come from?

As he looked downstairs, Old Master Weng continued, "This bunch of rabble who have only recently been nominally affiliated with the Zhenhu Division have all come here to discuss how to handle the disaster relief grain and even to elect a martial arts alliance leader. Don't you find something strange about that?"

"Yes," Wang Sumo realized, "the sect has only just been established, they haven't even gotten close to the disaster relief grain issue..."

Grandpa Weng pointed it out: "I saw it, they all have invitations in their hands."

Wang Sumo: "..."

Old Master Weng sighed softly: "Either they're here to make up the numbers for the martial arts alliance leader, or they're here to cause trouble in the handling of disaster relief grain."

Wang Sumo looked at him. She could understand him coming to make up the numbers for the martial arts alliance leader, but what about causing trouble for the disaster relief grain?

Grandpa Weng said leisurely, "Shouldn't the leader of the martial arts alliance be highly respected, virtuous and talented, and possess unparalleled martial arts skills?"

Wang Sumo nodded, "Of course."

Grandpa Weng sighed softly and continued to guide him: "If he is slightly inferior in one or two of these aspects, wouldn't he need some talking points to help people elevate him to this position?"

Wang Sumo suddenly understood: "Grandpa, are you referring to the theft of the disaster relief grain?"

Grandpa Weng nodded: "Now that the west is suffering from disaster, the relief grain has been repeatedly obstructed, and the involvement of martial arts sects has brought shame to the martial arts world. If someone can turn the tide in this matter, and even win a good reputation among the people, the disaster victims, and the imperial court, do you think they can or cannot take the position of martial arts alliance leader, even if they lack certain qualities?"

Wang Sumo sighed, "Of course they can do it. There are many respected elders in the martial arts world, and even more with unparalleled martial arts skills. There are also quite a few with both virtue and talent. But there is only one who can solve the problem of stolen disaster relief grain and restore the reputation of the martial arts world."

Grandpa Weng said softly, "That's it then. That's why I'm staying to see who's putting on this good show. People who can do these things don't easily push themselves onto the stage. What's the point of having so many sects? Like waves on the beach, one layer after another pushes onto the shore, so they're not so conspicuous, right?"

After finishing his sentence, Old Master Weng shook his head: "It's been so many years since we've seen such a mess. Someone is colluding with the Zhenhu Division. Look at today, they're sending wine, inviting us to dinner, and even providing charcoal for heating. What a harmonious martial arts world!"

Yes, the martial arts world is a very deep pool.

One must be of high moral character and prestige, possess both virtue and talent, and have unparalleled martial arts skills. If one or two of these aspects are slightly lacking...

Just as Wang Sumo was thinking this, Duan Wuheng pushed open the door and complained with a pout, "There are too many people. Luckily, the four heroes of Meizhou brought enough wine. It took a long time to squeeze in. They saw that I was a child, so they gave me this small pot. Here, that's all."

Duan Wuheng handed the small wine pot to Lu Wenqu.

Lu Wenqu had just unscrewed the wine flask, preparing to take a sip.

He hadn't touched alcohol in a long time, and it was the perfect time for his craving to drink.

Even so, Lu Wenqu still paused subconsciously when he put the wine pot to his lips.

It's like an instinctive reaction.

The Tianxiang Sect is skilled in making incense and also in making poisons, so the body will be on guard against things that it has not yet become aware of.

Lu Wenqu subconsciously thought of this.

But this wine was sent by the Four Heroes of Meizhou, it shouldn't be like this...

Lu Wenqu chuckled, probably because he had been abstaining from alcohol for too long and his body had become subconsciously sensitive to the smell of alcohol.

Just as Lu Wenqu was about to take another bite, Jiang Yutang pushed open the door and entered.

Lu Wenqu immediately hid the wine pot. Previously, Fang Rushi had instructed Jiang Yutang to keep an eye on him, and if he secretly drank, Jiang Yutang would report him.

Right now, it seems like they've been caught doing something legitimate.

Lu Wenqu politely smiled to hide his embarrassment.

Jiang Yutang took it all in, but for now, Lu Wenqu's craving for wine was a minor matter. Jiang Yutang looked at Wang Sumo and said, "Huo Ling is fine with this."

Wang Sumo and the others were stunned.

Instantly, Duan Wuheng reacted first and rushed out from Jiang Yutang's side.

Wang Sumo and Grandpa Weng also followed.

Only Jiang Yutang and Lu Wenqu remained in the room.

The wine in Lu Wenqu's hand seemed particularly out of place, so Lu Wenqu quickly put it down, or rather, kicked it away.

Jiang Yutang glanced at him, said nothing more, and closed the door to go next door.

Lu Wenqu sighed to the three white tiger cubs, "We were so close to getting the drink."

Looking at the wine stain on the ground, I can't very well drink from it!

Lu Wenqu had no choice but to give up.

Judging from Jiang Yutang's appearance just now, Huo Ling's poison should have been cured...

That's good.

Then Uncle doesn't need to worry so much, and Ling Yun doesn't need to feel so guilty.

Lu Wenqu felt a warmth in his heart.

Then I looked down at the wine stains on the ground. At times like this, I really should have some wine in my hand to celebrate. What a pity...

*

From the next room, Duan Wuheng rushed up: "Huo Ling!"

But Huo Ling didn't open her eyes.

Duan Wuheng exclaimed in surprise: "He..."

"The poison has been neutralized, but the person is still unconscious," Bai Cen said gently.

Duan Wuheng was finally relieved.

"How is it?" Wang Sumo asked with concern.

Fang Rushi wiped her sweat and gave her a disgruntled look, which Wang Sumo understood.

That is, when Fang Rushi doesn't know how to express her feelings, she will habitually give other people, especially those she knows well, a "not happy" look.

But actually, it's a feeling I don't know how to express: I tried my best, I accomplished this, and, well, I'm a little tired...

Wang Sumo stepped forward and whispered, "Thank you for your hard work, Doctor Fang~"

"Hmph!" Fang Rushi responded as expected.

But Wang Sumo knew that some people were relieved.

"Uncle-Master," Bai Cen said, worried about Meng Huizhou.

Meng Huizhou waved his hand, indicating that he was indeed a little weak, but it was alright. The poison was very strong, but it had all been neutralized. He had been worried that Huo Ling might wake up midway, so he had given her medicine to sleep until the next morning, but she was fine now.

The old man also reached out to take Huo Ling's pulse. Not bad, her pulse was now steady.

During this period, Fang Rushi has been adjusting Huo Ling's medication, and Huo Ling has been lively and energetic every day with Duan Wuheng, and her pulse is no longer as weak as before.

Once the poison was neutralized, the old man could feel that his pulse was smooth and strong.

"Huo Ling is fine." Taking the old man's words as a piece of advice put Ding Bo at ease.

The old man looked at Zhao Tong, who understood. The old man had already examined it; now, he would use his internal energy to examine it further, thus confirming the findings.

Soon, Zhao Tong smiled and nodded: "It is indeed very good, but I'm afraid I'll have to sleep until tomorrow morning."

Uncle Ding couldn't help but laugh.

Grandpa Weng and Jiang Yutang exchanged a glance, and a knowing smile appeared on their faces. Grandpa Weng was slightly taken aback, suddenly feeling that Jiang Yutang resembled someone...

*

The inn was still noisy at night, and Wang Sumo and Lu Wenqu were together.

Bai Cen went to take care of Meng Huizhou, while Old Master Weng and Uncle Ding stayed with Huo Ling. Duan Wuheng also insisted on staying with Huo Ling. Fang Rushi, in a good mood, wandered off somewhere on her own. Old Master Weng seemed to have something to say to Jiang Yutang. Zhao Tong, worried about Bazhenlou and the horses, went downstairs to check on them.

So Wang Sumo came to see Lu Wenqu.

"Is Huo Ling alright?" Lu Wenqu asked with concern.

Wang Sumo nodded: "Yes, we've examined her several times. Once the poison is cured, Huo Ling will get better and better."

Lu Wenqu suddenly said with emotion, "Su Mo, thank you."

Wang Sumo chuckled, "Why are you thanking me? I didn't save you. I didn't help you at all."

Lu Wenqu laughed and said, "If it weren't for you, if it weren't for Bazhenlou, how could these people have ended up together?"

If these people don't band together, where will Huo Ling find a cure for the poison?

“That makes sense,” Wang Sumo readily accepted.

Lu Wenqu couldn't help but laugh again. The journey to Bazhenlou was never boring, largely because of Wang Sumo.

After laughing, Lu Wenqu lowered his eyes again and said calmly, "Tomorrow is the martial arts tournament, and Ling Yun will be coming. I'm thinking about how to tell him this so that he'll believe me..."

Although Lingyun was on good terms with him, her words to him were always filled with respect and affection for her elder brother. How could He Lingyun possibly trust him when He Huai'an wanted to kill him?

"I will not let him be in danger again..." Lu Wenqu whispered.

The door was suddenly pushed open, and Fang Rushi was the person outside. Wang Sumo and Lu Wenqu were both startled.

"Fang Rushi..." Wang Sumo was interrupted by Fang Rushi before he could finish speaking. Fang Rushi rarely spoke so incoherently: "I know, I know how to cure Bai Cen's poison, I know! It's so simple, it turns out it was all a long and complicated process!"

Wang Sumo stood up in surprise: "You mean Bai Cen's poison?"

Fang Rushi nodded excitedly: "I know how to solve it!"

*

Inside the house, everyone was there except for Duan Wuheng and Ding Bo, who stayed next door to look after Huo Ling.

Fang Ru knew that others would have a hard time understanding, so he faced Bai Cen and Meng Huizhou, and the person he was mainly telling was Meng Huizhou!

"...Do you understand? Bai Cen's poison survives by absorbing the martial arts techniques he possesses. We've been searching for an antidote, but like Huo Ling's poison, which has two pathways—one through the meridians and the other through the blood—we must find two extremely cold and potent medicinal herbs simultaneously and force them into the meridians and blood to expel the toxins."

“Bai Cen’s condition is far more complex. We’ve discussed it, and we don’t know how many pathways the toxins have entered Bai Cen’s body, so we don’t know where to start. But the poison in Bai Cen’s body feeds on the cultivation techniques he possesses. In other words, all other pathways, or anything else, are just a smokescreen. The method to detoxify is actually very simple, there’s only one!”

Fang Ru pointed to Bai Cen's chest and said confidently, "By circulating his own internal energy, we can cripple all his martial arts. The toxins parasitizing his body will disappear automatically when they have nowhere to attach themselves."

Fang Rushi was certain: "Bai Cen, by crippling all your martial arts, this poison will be cured. As long as you don't practice the martial arts of your fellow disciples, these toxins will not reappear. However, the moment you start practicing your original martial arts again, these toxins will reattach to your body!"

After Fang finished speaking, everyone was stunned.

Especially Bai Cen and Meng Huizhou.

Wang Sumo put her hand to her lips, her mind in turmoil. Wasn't this self-rejection mechanism the same method Luo Song used to prevent those who had cultivated the "Longevity Scripture" from cultivating the Silver Dragon Jade Belt and Ninefold True Qi again?

He Huai'an, or rather Lian Xu, used the same method as Luo Song to poison Bai Cen.

As long as Bai Cen retains the Silver Dragon Jade Belt and the Ninefold True Qi, the poison Lian Xu administered will continue to follow him unless he cripples his martial arts. However, if Bai Cen cripples his martial arts, then no one in the martial arts world will be able to use the Silver Dragon Jade Belt and the Ninefold True Qi again...

Lian Xu's plans were flawless!

Bai Cen also looked blankly at Meng Huizhou and Wang Sumo.

After a moment, Bai Cen said in a deep voice, "I will not cure the poison..."

[Author's Note]

It's past four in the morning, I'm about to vomit blood, ahhhhhh!