Chapter 52

Chapter 52

After returning to Cangwu Town, Qin Hongdao first took the trio back to the private residence for them to rest. Then, she went out to gather spirit herbs.

This time, there were still quite a number of spirit herbs to be collected—nearly four hundred species. Despite searching the entire town and using some connections, several were still missing.

Although Cangwu Town was backed by Cangwu Mountain and had a large flow of spirit herbs, due to its remote location, it couldn't compare with the variety found in the larger cultivation cities on the Central Continent.

With no other options, Qin Hongdao had no choice but to return to Ning Yuzhou and discuss whether they should leave Cangwu Town for other major cultivation cities. If not for the fact that this place was too far from Crimson Heaven Sect, Qin Hongdao would have already taken her junior brother back to the sect. With the sect's resources, gathering these spirit herbs wouldn't be difficult.

Ning Yuzhou reviewed the spirit herbs she had collected and then replenished the missing ones.

In reality, Ning Yuzhou knew how many Qin Hongdao could collect. A few days ago, he and Wen Qiao had already visited all the spirit herb shops in Cangwu Town, so they were well aware of what was available there.

Thus, his treatment plan was based on the spirit herbs currently available in Cangwu Town.

If not for the fact that the variety of spirit herbs in Cangwu Town was insufficient, he wouldn't have used such a complicated method to suppress Sheng Yunshen's poison, requiring multiple treatments.

The surprised Qin Hongdao and her junior brother looked at them. "You have them?"

Recalling the Seven-Leaf Tongue Spirit Mushroom and Crimson Blood Spirit Fruit that Ning Yuzhou and the others had procured the day before, Qin Hongdao found himself at a loss for words. He couldn't help but feel that these two individuals were shrouded in mysteries from head to toe.

Though Seven-Leaf Tongue Spirit Mushrooms and Scarlet Blood Spirit Fruits aren't exceedingly rare high-grade spiritual herbs, finding them both at once isn't an easy task.

Ning Yuzhou and the other party didn't possess high cultivation, and they hailed from the remote Southern Mystic Region. From any angle, they didn't seem like individuals who could possess such an extravagant spirit herb.

Ning Yuzhou smiled gently. "We've just returned from our training on Cangwu Mountain, and these are the gains we made there."

In fact, they were all exchanged for the Blue Spirit Pill and the monsters from Cangwu Mountain.

After staying on Cangwu Mountain for over two months, they had traded with monsters for quite a number of spirit herbs, such as Crimson Star Flowers, Seven-Taste Tongue Spirit Mushrooms, and Scarlet Blood Spirit Fruits – all of which were relatively rare and precious. However, it was the White-Bellied Wolf Spider that retrieved these valuable herbs through plundering. Despite its mediocre combat strength, the spider's venom was exceptionally potent, paralyzing many monsters, making it easy to snatch away spirit herbs.

Although these spirit herbs were scarce and precious, Wen Qiao had plenty of them in their space. Whenever they collected any rare herb, she would first accelerate its growth, gathering seeds in the process. Apart from cultivating a few in their spirit herb field, she would scatter the rest of the seeds onto the spirit field when needed, promptly fostering their growth.

The Qin siblings, unaware of this inside story, were deeply moved by their kindness. They were unwilling to accept these gifts for free and insisted on purchasing them at a price 30% higher than the market rate.

Moreover, once they could fully suppress the poison within Sheng Yunshen's body, they vowed to express their gratitude in another significant way.

Following this, Sheng Yunshen continued his medicinal bath.

This time, the medicinal bath would take a longer duration of twenty double hours. After giving the necessary instructions, Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao decided not to stay and attend to some personal matters first.

With Qin Hongdao's victory in the noon battle, there was no need for concern about their safety. Hence, he didn't insist on them staying behind.

***

Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao returned to the inn at Reed Willow Lane.

Aside from the Shadow Hunters discreetly gathering information, the Covert Scale Guards were all obediently staying within the inn. They were fortunate that Mu Shan's group had been so fixated on avenging Wen Qiao, preventing any confrontation between the two parties.

"Master, Lady, you're back."

The Covert Scale Guards were thrilled to see them return unharmed.

Shadow Hunters who were aware of Ning Yuzhou's return also appeared, reporting the news from Cangwu Town to him.

After today's events, nobody in Cangwu Town dared to provoke Wen Qiao or Ning Yuzhou anymore. Their perception of the duo had undergone a dramatic shift. Not only because Wen Qiao was ruthless enough to make even the junior disciple of the Qingyun Sect suffer a major defeat, but also due to Qin Hongdao's open protection of them and Ning Yuzhou's exceptional alchemy skills.

In a nutshell, Cangwu Town now held an excellent impression of Ning Yuzhou, largely because of that supreme detoxification pill.

Few alchemists were as generous as him, treating top-grade spirit pills as mere trifles. As long as someone was willing to buy, he would sell without hesitation.

Such a magnanimous and skilled alchemist naturally drew favor, with public opinion swaying in their direction. On the other hand, Mu Shan's reputation had been thoroughly tarnished. If not for the fact that no one dared to provoke the Qingyun Sect, this incident might have already spread beyond the region.

None of this came as a surprise to Ning Yuzhou.

He dismissed the Quanlin Guards, leaving only Quanshu behind. After giving him some instructions and several storage bags, he sent him off to make arrangements.

Wen Qiao sat quietly by his side. Once Quanshu had left, she asked, "Yuzhou, you sent the Quanlin Guards to the Heavenly Pill Valley first. Are you planning on heading there next?"

The Heavenly Pill Valley belonged to the Danmeng, and every Five Cities Alchemy Conference was held there.

Ning Yuzhou nodded and replied, "The Heavenly Pill Valley isn't far from Cangwu Town. It's where the Five Cities Alchemy Conference takes place, and it's also a large alchemy shop that gathers many spirit pills and medicinal herbs from across the Holy Martial Continent. Qin Hongdao and the others are likely to head there as well."

Upon hearing this, Wen Qiao slightly bowed her head, not asking how he knew Qin Hongdao's plans.

A while later, a Quanlin Guard entered to report that Wang Xiuyuan had arrived.

Ning Yuzhou raised an eyebrow and invited Wang Xiuyuan in.

When Wang Xiuyuan entered, he saw Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao. Although he felt a bit awkward inwardly, he didn't show it on his face and congratulated the couple with a joyful expression.

Ning Yuzhou smiled and said, "I wonder where this happiness comes from."

Wen Qiao held Wen Tuttu silently, gazing at him with her clear black eyes that seemed to reflect everything, leaving no secrets hidden.

Wang Xiuyuan's face stiffened as he couldn't help recalling how he had stayed out of the trouble that Mu Shan and her group had caused for Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao at the Hu'an Inn the previous day. At that time, he had indeed decided to abandon Ning Yuzhou, believing that they had no chance of redemption after offending Qingyun Sect's Mu Shan.

A wise man wouldn't put himself in danger, let alone provoke a sect that the Wang family couldn't afford to offend.

It wasn't worth offending Qingyun Sect for an alchemist whose future accomplishments were unknown.

Little did he expect that Ning Yuzhou actually knew Qin Hongdao, the senior sister of Crimson Heaven Sect.

Qin Hongdao despised evil and injustice, especially those like Mu Shan who twisted right and wrong and bullied the weak. It was no surprise that she would stand up for Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao against Mu Shan. Moreover, since Ning Yuzhou had been invited by her to treat Sheng Yunshen, Qin Hongdao wouldn't tolerate any bullying from Mu Shan.

As expected, with Qin Hongdao's protection, not only did Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao come out unscathed, but they also humiliated Mu Shan.

In fact, Wang Xiuyuan had also witnessed today's duel.

Upon witnessing Wen Qiao mercilessly pummeling Mu Shan, Wang Xiuyuan found it hard to believe. Despite her delicate appearance, the young lady's punches landed with brutal force, even more terrifying than that of a body cultivator.

It was baffling how such delicate, tender fists could pack such a punch.

After witnessing Wen Qiao's display of violence and then Ning Yuzhou selling premium detoxification pills on the spot, Wang Xiuyuan couldn't help but feel regret. If he had known that the two would be fine, he wouldn't have chosen to remain uninvolved. Instead, he would have offered his full assistance, banking on the bond forged through adversity to ensure Ning Yuzhou's future loyalty to the Wang family.

Unfortunately, life had no undo button, and Wang Xiuyuan's regret served no purpose. He steeled himself and approached, hoping to mend their relationship.

Wang Xiuyuan's skin was thick enough, and he quickly composed himself. He began recounting the events of the day and said, "I've heard that the disciples of the Qingyun Sect hastily left Cangwu Town this evening, perhaps returning to their sect."

Ning Yuzhou responded with a casual hum.

"May I ask what plans you, Young Master Ning, have in store?"

Ning Yuzhou replied, "We'll first assess the situation with Young Master Sheng. Since Miss Qin has entrusted me with helping him, I naturally must do my utmost."

Due to Mu Shan's outburst, news of Sheng Yunshen's poisoning had already spread. Qin Hongdao saw no point in hiding it anymore. Anyone with a keen interest in her activities during her time in Cangwu Town would uncover the truth about Sheng Yunshen's poisoning. There was no need to keep it a secret.

This also made it clear to others that Ning Yuzhou was assisting Sheng Yunshen with treatment, and he was Qin Hongdao's benefactor. Anyone who wished to harm them would need to consider their own capabilities first.

Wang Xiuyuan's gaze flickered, and he asked with concern, "May I ask how Young Master Sheng is faring now?"

Ning Yuzhou replied coolly, "I've only managed to temporarily suppress the poison. To completely detoxify him, I'm afraid even I am powerless."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiuyuan didn't doubt Ning Yuzhou's words.

Even the two Xuan Rank Alchemists from Cangwu Town were useless, let alone a Huang Rank Alchemist like Ning Yuzhou. Even if he could refine top-grade Spirit Pills, they would still be of a lower grade.

Although Wang Xiuyuan wanted to mend his relationship with Ning Yuzhou, the latter's indifferent attitude left him at a loss on how to proceed. In reality, Wang Xiuyuan was an adept schemer with a flexible personality and careful actions. However, in front of Ning Yuzhou, his usual tactics seemed ineffective.

From this, it was evident that Ning Yuzhou was already aware of Wang Xiuyuan's decision back then, but simply chose not to address it directly.

This realization made Wang Xiuyuan regret his actions even more.

After chatting for a while longer, Wang Xiuyuan finally showed his good sense and got up to leave.

If he didn't leave now, would he have to be asked to go? Despite Ning Yuzhou's warm and friendly demeanor, Wang Xiuyuan sensed a subtle hint to depart.

Seeing him finally leave, Wen Qiao released a sigh of relief, her slightly furrowed brows smoothing out.

"Ning Yuzhou, doesn't Ah Cuo like him?" he asked with a smile.

Wen Qiao replied coldly, "I don't like him. He's very annoying! He's fickle and lacks integrity!"

Although she understood Wang Xiuyuan's choice, why did he need to come and pretend to mend the relationship after making his decision? Wouldn't it be better for both of them to remain distant, like strangers?

How could there be such an easy bargain in the world, wanting to protect oneself while still benefiting from others?

Ning Yuzhou found amusement in the annoyance on his young wife's face. This was the first time Ah Cuo had so clearly expressed her dislike for someone, which was somewhat novel to him.

Of course, discovering that Ah Cuo disliked other men made him even happier.

"Well then, we won't have any more dealings with him," Ning Yuzhou said softly.

Wen Qiao acknowledged with a soft 'hum', her expression easing. She ate a premium spirit pill and then fed one to Wen Tutan, finally feeling at ease.

***

Twenty hours later, Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao returned for another visit.

Since Ning Yuzhou hadn't come, Sheng Yunshen obediently soaked in the tub, the water still dark and reeking of a foul stench. The bumps on Sheng Yunshen's face had largely disappeared, leaving behind fainter marks than before.

With the grotesque bumps gone, his features became more distinct, revealing a handsome young man with a sunny smile that easily won people's affection.

The Qin siblings, Qin Hongdao and his sister, gazed eagerly at Ning Yuzhou.

After examining Sheng Yunshen, Ning Yuzhou smiled and said, "Not bad, the remaining toxins have been reduced by half. It can be suppressed for two months. Another treatment will lower it to a third, and you won't need to worry for the next six months. If an antidote isn't found within those six months, the poison will recur."

The recurrence would result in a return to that earlier, demonic appearance.

At the thought of the agony during a toxin outbreak, even the resolute Sheng Yunshen trembled slightly with fear.

Qin Hongdao pondered for a moment and asked, "Mr. Ning, if the poison were to recur, would it be harder to suppress than the previous two times?"

"Yes, it's best to take the Second Stage Dark Yin Pill as soon as possible to neutralize the poison," Ning Yuzhou replied seriously.

Qin Hongdao pursed her lips, nodding gravely. "In that case, I would be grateful if Mr. Ning could provide me with a list of the ingredients needed for the Second Stage Dark Yin Pill. I'll send word back to our sect to prepare them in advance."

Ning Yuzhou naturally agreed.

He fetched paper and ink, then dipped his brush once more to write down the formula for the Second-Stage Dark Yin Pill, passing it to Qin Hongdao.

Qin Hongdao had expected to see the ingredients needed to refine the Second-Stage Dark Yin Pill, but she was surprised to receive the pill formula instead. "Young Master Ning, this is..."

"This is the formula for the Second-Stage Dark Yin Pill," Ning Yuzhou said with a smile. "Thank you very much for taking care of my wife and me. As a token of appreciation, I'll give you this pill formula."

Alchemists treasured their formulas dearly and rarely shared them. The formulas that circulated outside were usually for common pills without much value. Qin Hongdao had never even heard of the Second-Stage Dark Yin Pill, so she knew it was a precious formula Ning Yuzhou had kept. Yet, he was actually giving it away to them.

Given Crimson Heaven Sect's influence, there were certainly many pill formulas within its ranks, and other forces often offered more to curry favor. However, Ning Yuzhou wasn't like those who sought to please Crimson Heaven Sect. She hadn't really done much for them, and although she was straightforward, she wasn't naive. After these few days of interaction, she could tell what kind of person Ning Yuzhou was.

He was a man with deep thoughts and strategies; even if she hadn't shown up, he would have likely resolved the conflict with Mu Shan on his own.

Help in times of need was always harder to come by than kicking someone when they were down. Ning Yuzhou's gesture greatly increased Qin Hongdao's admiration for him.

Qin Hongdao said solemnly, "Young Master Ning, Miss Min, from now on, you two will be my benefactors, Qin Hongdao. If you ever encounter any trouble in the future, feel free to seek me out. As long as it doesn't involve doing something immoral, I, Qin Hongdao, won't hesitate to help."

With a passionate expression, Sheng Yunshen declared, "And me! You saved my life; from now on, my life belongs to you, and I'll be at your service anytime."

Qin Hongdao's face darkened as he chuckled and scolded, "Nonsense."

Sheng Yunshen chuckled and scratched his head, "I'm not good with words, so please don't mind me."

Ning Yuzhou smiled too. "Both of you are too kind. I can't accept such high praise."

Then, Qin Hongdao carefully examined the formula for the Second Transformation Dark Yin Pill and asked, "Mr. Ning, is the spirit herb that grows in the Netherworld the Thousand-Year Heart-Eating Grass?"

Ning Yuzhou replied, "Yes. This Thousand-Year Heart-Eating Grass grows on decaying bones like a flower on a corpse. It's extremely potent; it can eat away at one's heart and bones. If you come into contact with it, you must take precautions."

Both Qin Hongdao and Sheng Yunshen gasped. "If the Heart-Eating Grass is this toxic, then the poison that counters it must be even more potent, right?"

Recalling how one of the poisons that had inflicted Sheng Yunshen was from the Netherworld, Qin Hongdao felt furious and despised whoever would use such a deadly toxin.

She hoped she wouldn't catch that person, or they wouldn't have an easy time.

After saying this, Qin Hongdao suddenly thought of something and asked, "I wonder what plans Mr. Ning and Miss Min have for the future?"

Ning Yuzhou said, "I've heard that the Danmeng is holding a pill gathering in the Heavenly Pill Valley. My spouse and I were thinking of going to witness the spectacle."

A smile graced Qin Hongdao's face. "My junior apprentice brother and I were also discussing a trip to the Heavenly Pill Valley to search for materials for the Second Pivot Profound Yin Pill. It just so happens that the spiritual herbs needed for the final treatment can be found there as well. In that case, we might as well set off together; it'll be good to have company on the journey."

Ning Yuzhou naturally wouldn't decline such an offer. With a martial expert like Qin Hongdao as their escort, the journey would be much safer.