Everyone around them marveled at the transformation they had just witnessed, and the way they looked at Daoist Xue changed completely.
Those who were close to Old Zheng were also delighted by his recovery. While he was still coughing incessantly, some could not help calling out.
"Old Zheng, are you better?" "Uncle Zheng, are you all right?"
Daoist Xue set his thoughts aside for the moment and looked at the old man beside him.
"Cough, cough... ugh... ptooey! Water, give me water."
"Coming, coming! Here's the water!"
The man who had been looking after the unconscious runner immediately brought over a bowl of tea. Old Zheng took it, filled his mouth, rinsed it out, then spat with a splutter.
He then gulped down the entire bowl in one breath, only to feel the world spin around him.
With a crack, the bowl slipped from Old Zheng's hand and shattered on the floor.
Old Zheng himself nearly toppled off the bed. Fortunately, the runner beside him reacted quickly and caught him.
"Old Zheng!" "Uncle Zheng?"
"Lie down, lie down!" "Daoist, what's happening?"
Daoist Xue waved a hand.
"It's nothing. His body is simply weak. You should still fetch the calming medicine the physician prescribed. That will help restore his constitution."
"Yes, yes! I'll go to the pharmacy right away!"
Someone left with the prescription, while Daoist Xue sat beside the bed. Watching Old Zheng's breathing settle, he asked about what had happened.
"Old officer, tell us what you saw or felt last night."
Everyone understood that this was the important part. Even the physician, who had already stepped outside and collected his fee, could not bear to leave and came over to listen.
"That's right, Old Zheng. What did you see last night?"
Once his breathing steadied, Old Zheng looked at