At the third watch, all was silent.
Misty Rain Tower, in the Capital.
Despite taking the antidote, Scholar remained unconscious.
"Lord Jia, his vital energy and blood have been drained, and the poison has ravaged his organs. Let him take this medicine first. I'll send a carrier pigeon to Medicine King Valley, and they'll deliver a prescription soon to cure him completely."
The noble young matron brewed medicine in the secret chamber.
Seeing that the patient was out of danger, the Hunchbacked Old Man approached Jia Huan and raised the same old subject, as he did every time they met:
"Young master, please lend your presence to the Martial Arts Tournament. The Central Plains of Great Qian must not lose face. Misty Rain Tower will compensate you."
Jia Huan answered briefly and firmly:
"It's a deal!"
The Hunchbacked Old Man was taken aback. After refusing repeatedly, why had he agreed so readily this time?
"An exchange of benefits. Remember to pay me," Jia Huan said.
"Good!" The Hunchbacked Old Man smiled.
With Little Butcher presiding-a Thousand-Household Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard whose martial prowess was unfathomable-they should be able to intimidate those foreign petty scoundrels.
After Scholar took the medicine, it took another half-quarter of an hour before he managed to open his heavy eyelids.
Some of his vital energy and blood had recovered, but his face remained pale, his eyes bloodshot.
"I thought I was going to die." Scholar's lips moved, relief at surviving the ordeal showing on his face:
"No matter how that old eunuch dog threatened me, I never said a word."
"I'll remember your loyalty and courage." Jia Huan's gaze softened with emotion.
From Misty Rain Tower, he had learned that this poison subjected its victims to constant pain. It was one of the most