Promise Me One Condition

"Huh?" the young girl looked at Song Qingshu with surprise. "The world only knows the Poison Hand Medicine King, but few know Master Wuchen. For you to have such knowledge at your young age, it's quite impressive..."

Seeing her feigned mature demeanor, Song Qingshu suppressed a smile. "My knowledge is likely inferior to yours, young lady, which is why I need to ask for your guidance."

The young girl's eyes crinkled into slits as she smiled sweetly. "Even though I know you're flattering me, I'm still happy. Alright, if you want to go to Medicine King Manor, follow me."

Song Qingshu was overjoyed and quickly pulled Madam Hu along. Madam Hu hurriedly tried to retract her finger, but couldn't. She was both angry and anxious, thinking, "I wonder if little uncle is doing this on purpose..."

"I am Song Qingshu, and this is my sister-in-law, Madam Hu. May I know your esteemed name, young lady?" Song Qingshu asked, feigning ignorance.

"I don't understand your flowery language. My surname is Cheng, and my given name is Lingsu," the young girl said quickly and earnestly.

"Ling Shu? Su Wen? Could it be that you are the Medicine King's esteemed disciple?" Song Qingshu asked, feigning surprise.

"You're not being honest. You clearly guessed it long ago, yet you insist on pretending to be astonished," Cheng Lingsu snorted.

Song Qingshu gave a sheepish smile, surprised that Cheng Lingsu, despite her young age, was so sharp-witted.

"Here." Cheng Lingsu tossed two blue flowers over. "Near Medicine King Manor, there are many blood dwarf chestnut trees, which are extremely poisonous. These blue flowers happen to be their natural enemy."

As the two of them hurriedly tucked the blue flowers onto their chests, Cheng Lingsu spoke again. "My master is about to face a formidable opponent. Once we enter Medicine King Manor, no matter what you see, you must not speak or ask questions."

"Of course," Madam Hu replied gently.

Cheng Lingsu looked her over with surprise, then glanced down at her own flat chest. She pouted, feeling inexplicably annoyed for no reason. Song Qingshu watched from the side, finding it amusing, and thought that Cheng Lingsu was actually jealous of her future mother-in-law.

"Master, I'm back," Cheng Lingsu said, putting down her medicine basket and bouncing inside.

"Fei'er!" Madam Hu exclaimed, looking excitedly into the hall. Hu Fei, with his large eyes wide open, was seated in the center of the hall, unable to move. A scholar sat on one side, and a monk with white hair and beard sat on the other.

"Heh heh, you actually managed to find your way here unscathed," the scholar said, looking at the two with surprise. Seeing Madam Hu eager to rush forward, he added, "I advise you not to move. Your son has been poisoned. Even if you save him, it will be useless."

Madam Hu felt as if struck by lightning. Her body swayed, and she was about to charge at him to fight, but Cheng Lingsu quickly grabbed her. "Auntie, they are currently engaged in a poison duel. This young master won't be in any immediate danger."

Having spent years in the martial arts world, Madam Hu knew that the common method for two poison masters to compete was for one to administer poison and the other to administer the antidote, then switch roles until a winner was decided.

Thinking of the suffering Hu Fei was enduring, Madam Hu's heart ached, but she dared not act rashly. If she rushed forward and no one could cure the poison in Hu Fei, he would truly be doomed.

"Don't worry, with my master here, nothing will happen to young master," Cheng Lingsu quickly comforted her.

"Master, is this your last disciple? ...She's really ugly," the scholar said after a long pause, angering Cheng Lingsu immensely.

"I think you should just hand over the Medicine King Divine Tome to me," the scholar threatened impatiently. "Your martial arts are no match for me anymore. We were master and disciple, why must it come to bloodshed?"

The white-haired old monk smiled faintly. "Since when did the Poison Hand Medicine King rely on martial arts for self-preservation?"

The scholar's expression changed slightly, clearly showing his apprehension. He snorted, "Don't get too smug. I've come to Medicine King Manor once every year for the past few years. Although you've always been able to neutralize my poisons before, I believe this time you won't be able to."

Seeing the Medicine King carefully examining Hu Fei's body, the scholar chuckled. "Master, look how good I am to you. I originally intended to poison your beloved disciple, but I was worried that you wouldn't be able to cure it, causing my junior sister to lose her life. In my anger, I decided to find an unrelated child instead."

Madam Hu's heart turned cold. She thought that once Fei'er was safe, she would hunt the scholar to the ends of the earth.

"Such deep scheming. You've actually used Seven Insects Seven Flowers Paste on this child," the Poison Hand Medicine King said, his brow furrowed. Madam Hu and Song Qingshu trembled.

"In the past, I used rare poisons, but they never stumped you. This time, I've changed my strategy. Seven Insects Seven Flowers Paste isn't difficult to cure. The key is knowing which seven insects and which seven flowers are used. Heh heh, if I don't tell you, by the time you test them all out, this child will have long since died from the poison. I suggest you hand over the Medicine King Divine Tome quickly, and you can still save this child's life." The scholar appeared very pleased. With thousands of combinations, how could he possibly figure it out in a short time?

The Poison Hand Medicine King hesitated for a moment, then took out two items and fed them to Hu Fei. The scholar's pupils contracted, and he exclaimed, "Crane's Top Red and Peacock Gall!"

Madam Hu was also greatly shocked. These two items were deadly poisons that caused instant death upon contact with blood. Just as she was about to step forward, Song Qingshu grabbed her arm. He shook his head, saying, "I trust the Medicine King."

The Poison Hand Medicine King quickly administered dozens of acupuncture needles to Hu Fei, finally letting out a sigh of relief. The scholar's face turned grim. "Using poison to counter poison... I didn't expect you to deviate from conventional methods of detoxification. Fine, I concede. I just don't understand why you didn't use just one poison, but instead used two deadly substances."

The Poison Hand Medicine King smiled slightly. "To achieve a balance between the two toxins in this child's body, while theoretically possible, is too risky in practice. Any slight deviation could be fatal. With three poisons, mutually restraining each other, it's easier for me to control."

The scholar suddenly understood and snorted. With a leap, he disappeared into the distance, his voice echoing back, "I'll be back next year to challenge you."

Madam Hu, tears of joy streaming down her face, rushed forward and hugged Hu Fei tightly, repeatedly thanking the Poison Hand Medicine King.

"Don't thank me too soon," the Poison Hand Medicine King said, frowning. "Although I've temporarily suppressed the toxicity of the Seven Insects Seven Flowers Paste in his body with these two deadly substances, over time, the balance within him is bound to be disrupted. If left untreated, he may not live for more than three years."

"Please, Master, save him," Song Qingshu also stepped forward to plead.

"You two, you always seem so smart and sensible, yet now you're so muddled. Since my master said so, he will definitely save him," Cheng Lingsu flashed out from behind the Medicine King, revealing her bright, dark eyes.

The Poison Hand Medicine King looked at her dotingly and smiled slightly. "To cure the potent poison in him will likely take three to five years. For me to expend such effort, you must agree to one condition."