Meanwhile, Qi Guze was in another corner of the study, holding a map and carefully marking the possible locations where the shadowy figure might appear. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.
The two were almost inseparable, discussing countermeasures together. Whenever the night was quiet, they would gather together, either in the study or in the courtyard, to discuss the various possible scenarios in hushed tones.
One morning, Xu Yuehuai rushed to Qi Guze's side, her face filled with barely concealed excitement: "Aze, I've found a way! In the 'Secret Manual of the Path of Medicine,' there is an ancient acupuncture method that might be able to awaken the Ghost Doctor!"
A hint of surprise flashed in Qi Guze's eyes: "Really? That's great! We have to try it right away."
The two hurried to the dungeon. The fake ghost doctor was imprisoned in a dark, damp cell. Upon seeing them, he gave a mocking smile: "What's wrong? Are you feeling sorry for me being locked up here?"
Xu Yuehuai sneered: "Heh, who would care about a foreigner like you? We're here to save the real Ghost Doctor."
The fake ghost doctor's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: "Actually, we are all the same. It's just that a thousand years ago, due to some events, our ancestors were scattered to different places. There's nothing wrong with us returning."
“Return?” Xu Yuehua interrupted him. “Your aim is plunder, that’s called invasion! But I am the one prophesied to save this world.”
The fake doctor chuckled dismissively: "Don't talk nonsense. The savior isn't you, it's the man beside you. He's the savior in the prophecy."
Xu Yuehuai didn't want to waste any more words with him. She took a deep breath and signaled Qi Guze to get ready.
She took out silver needles and slowly walked towards the fake doctor. The silver needles gleamed coldly in the candlelight. Xu Yuehuai's technique was swift and accurate, each needle hitting the fake doctor's specific acupoints.
However, when the last needle was inserted, the fake doctor did not change at all.
Xu Yuehuai's face turned pale instantly. She reluctantly checked the position of each silver needle, but could not find any oversights.
Qi Guze gently patted her shoulder: "Don't be discouraged, we still have time. If this method doesn't work, we'll find another one."
Xu Yuehuai nodded, "Yes, I won't give up."
When the two left the dungeon, it was already late at night. The moonlight shone on them, as if they were wearing a layer of silver armor.
Afterwards, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze studied the *Secret Canon of Medicine* and the *Record of Heavenly Secrets* even more diligently. They tried various methods, sometimes failing, sometimes making discoveries. Meanwhile, the fake ghost doctor quietly awaited their arrival in the dungeon, his eyes seemingly filled with some kind of expectation.
When the night was still and quiet, Xu Yuehuai would sit alone at her desk, repeatedly studying those two precious books. Her heart was filled with worry about the Ghost Doctor and uncertainty about the future, but she knew she couldn't give up.
Qi Guze often practiced his sword in the courtyard, and his swordsmanship became increasingly fierce, as if he wanted to cut off all his troubles.
...
In the dark and damp dungeon, the torches on the stone walls flickered with a faint light, adding to the eeriness and mystery of this confined space.
With heavy steps, Xu Yuehuai arrived at the dungeon once again.
The fake ghost doctor huddled in the corner, his face pale and his body thin, his eyes empty and lost. When Xu Yuehuai approached, he slightly raised his head, as if waiting for something.
Xu Yuehuai said softly, "I'm here to give you acupuncture and medicine."
The fake doctor didn't respond, but silently stretched out his arm, allowing Xu Yuehuai to administer acupuncture. As the silver needles pierced his skin, a look of pain appeared on his face. Then, he suddenly screamed, and his body began to tremble violently.
Xu Yuehuai nervously observed his reaction, clutching the medicine bottle tightly in her hand.
After a while, the fake doctor's trembling gradually subsided, and his eyes regained a sliver of clarity.
"Your Highness," he said with difficulty, "kill me!"
Xu Yuehuai looked at him in shock, "What's wrong with you? Why are you saying such things?"
The Ghost Doctor gave a bitter laugh. "I'm being tortured every moment. Even if you save me, I'll end up crippled. Rather than living like this, you might as well give me a quick death."
He gripped Xu Yuehuai's hand tightly, trying to strangle himself.
Xu Yuehuai's hands were trembling, but she firmly grasped the Ghost Doctor's hand, "No, you must have a way to survive, don't give up."
The Ghost Doctor shook his head helplessly. "It's no use, really no use. My body is already depleted. If this continues, even if you don't kill me, I won't be able to break free. I can only live under his control, with his body being controlled by him. You can't even imagine the pain I'm in."
"I'm going to find Aze, let's figure out a solution together." Xu Yuehuai turned to leave, but was suddenly stopped by the fake ghost doctor.
"Your Highness, wait!" The fake ghost doctor's voice was urgent and weak. "There's no time, he's coming back soon. Kill me now!"
Xu Yuehuai didn't turn back, but quickened her pace. She knew in her heart that the "he" the fake ghost doctor spoke of was the mysterious person controlling the ghost doctor's body. She had to find Qi Guze as soon as possible and come up with a solution.
When Xu Yuehuai returned to her room, Qi Guze was already waiting there. Seeing Xu Yuehuai's anxious expression, he immediately went up to her and asked what was wrong.
Xu Yuehuai told Qi Guze in detail what had happened in the dungeon, "We must save him."
Qi Guze said, "Okay, let's think of a solution together."
Immediately, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze studied the "Secret Manual of Medicine" day and night, trying to find a way to cure the fake ghost doctor. They constantly experimented and adjusted the prescriptions, and each failure made them more determined to find a new solution.
Meanwhile, the fake ghost doctor in the dungeon was also struggling against the mysterious power within his body. He constantly reminded himself to stay alert and not become a puppet of the mysterious man. Whenever the mysterious man tried to control his body, he would fight back with all his might.
Another day, deep in the dark dungeon, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze nervously surrounded the dying Ghost Doctor.
After days of tireless efforts, they finally found the legendary prescription, which may be the only hope to save the ghost doctor's life.
Xu Yuehuai carefully picked up the medicine bowl; the liquid gleamed mysteriously under the dim light.
She gently blew on it to make sure the liquid wasn't too hot, then slowly dripped it onto the Ghost Doctor's chapped lips.
As the medicine flowed in, the Ghost Doctor's originally pale face gradually regained some color, and his eyes became brighter.
But at this crucial moment, a strange laugh came from the Ghost Doctor's mouth. The laugh was cold and mocking, as if it came from the depths of hell.
"Do you really think you can save him? How ridiculous!" the fake ghost doctor said mockingly, his voice echoing in the empty dungeon with an indescribable eeriness.
Xu Yuehuai straightened her back. "We won't let you succeed!"
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