"So that means..."
Zeng Mu's expression seemed to darken in an instant, yet his voice was exceptionally calm-so calm he had even forgotten to breathe.
"Yes. Actually, I detected traces of poison in the residue in the medicine bowl yesterday, but I had no proof, so I didn't tell you right away. Now I can tell you with certainty."
"That bastard..." he murmured, recalling the earlier conversation between Gitton and Puston. Nothing in Gitton's tone or expression had seemed the least bit amiss. That only deepened his fury, especially when he remembered the slight trembling of the medicine bowl in Gitton's hand when he had entered the room yesterday.
"Bastard..." he cursed under his breath, his face darkening completely.
"Don't act rashly. Since it's already happened, all we can do is try to find a solution first," she said softly.
Zeng Mu raised his head and stared at her. "No, Lingya. No one could stand this. Besides, you already said this poison can't be treated. That means my grandfather's life can't be saved."
She lowered her head, unable to refute him or even offer any comfort. He was entirely right. She could do nothing, and neither could even the most skilled Elemental Healer.
"How long does it take for this poison to kill someone?" His voice carried authority without rising in anger.
"If only a small amount is taken every day, it can take fourteen months."
"According to Pabojin, Grandfather suddenly became bedridden a year ago. Could that beast have been behind it from the very beginning?"
"Most likely." She raised her head. The man before her looked so unfamiliar that she almost thought someone else had taken his place.
"Heh..." Zeng Mu suddenly laughed. The chill in that laugh made Ma Linya's scalp prickle.
She hurried to reason with