Shao Pingbo said, "With Misty Pavilion's reach into every crack and crevice, is there really no way at all?"
The shopkeeper said, "If there were a way, you would have said so long ago. Would you need to keep asking me the same thing over and over? Let me assess the situation before weighing what to do. I'll notify you when there is news." With that, he started to leave.
"Sir." Shao Pingbo stopped him again. It was rare for them to meet, and with a chance to seek guidance, he naturally wanted to learn as much as possible. He asked, "You mentioned Ximen Qingkong earlier. I have yet to thank you for your help last time. Please allow me to offer my thanks here. One day, I will surely repay you with all my strength!" After bowing in thanks, he added, "However, Jin Kingdom spies reported that Ximen Qingkong vanished after being poisoned. It is quite puzzling. Do you know whether he is dead or alive, or where he is?"
The shopkeeper said, "Isn't there a Ghost Doctor disciple in Qi Capital?"
Shao Pingbo said, "Sir means that the Ghost Doctor's disciple lent Ximen Qingkong a helping hand?"
The shopkeeper shot him a sidelong glance. "Speaking of which, you should thank your sister. Hao Yuntu had your sister come forward and persuade the Ghost Doctor's disciple to treat him. Heh, you two siblings are interesting—one wanted to kill him, while the other wanted to save him. Had I known, I would not have wasted the effort. Ximen Qingkong's poison should have been cured. As for where he is recuperating now, that is unknown. Xuanwei feared that Ximen Qingkong might suffer another attempt on his life, so she must have taken pains to keep him concealed and protected. Hao Yuntu