Hong Beimo entered the Stargazing Tower, his expression turning solemn and grave. He opened a hidden door and descended the stairs one step at a time, passing through three heavy bronze gates before finally reaching the underground secret chamber. An old man lay on the bed, coughing incessantly.
Hong Beimo approached the bedside and asked softly, "Godfather, are you feeling any better?"
The old man kept coughing. Only after a long while did he catch his breath. He slowly shook his head. "I won't make it. I'm afraid this time... I won't make it..." This old man was none other than Ghost Physician Fu Wan. He looked withered, even weaker and more haggard than when he had last met Hu Xiaotian.
Hong Beimo sighed. Just then, a middle-aged man emerged from the inner room. It was Mute, who served Ghost Physician Fu Wan. The bowl of medicine he held in both hands was still steaming; clearly, it had just been brewed.
Hong Beimo gave him a meaningful look and took the bowl from his hands. Mute turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Hong Beimo reached out to help Ghost Physician Fu Wan sit up. He carefully tested the medicine's temperature, then helped him drink it.
Once Ghost Physician Fu Wan had finished the medicine, Hong Beimo set the empty bowl aside and placed two cushions behind his back. He pulled a stool over to the bedside and sat down. "Hu Xiaotian has arrived in the Capital City," he said softly.
Ghost Physician Fu Wan nodded, his expression utterly weary. "Any news of Liu Yuzhang and Ji Feihua?"
Hong Beimo shook his head.
Ghost Physician Fu Wan said, "They will certainly return."
Hong Beimo asked, "Where exactly are those two skulls?"
Ghost Physician Fu Wan sighed. "I