Chapter 111: Metal And Stone Poison Therapy, Heart Recognizes Master—no Need To Ask
The patterns that appeared on the bathtub were exactly the innate secret scripts that Fang Shu had seen inside Xiao Li Li’s body just now.
Compared to before, this secret script was even more agile and profound. In terms of exquisiteness, it was clearly the most remarkable secret script Fang Shu had ever seen.
A strange look flashed in his eyes: “Even the secret scripts for the Fire Blade Technique and the Dragon Seeking and Gold Touching Technique seem inferior in comparison. Could it be that the quality of this secret script has reached the Qi Refining level?”
Just as Fang Shu was seizing the time to record and observe this object, the secret script patterns on the bathtub suddenly flickered, their light receding. Like a fresh flower, they began to wither at a visible speed.
“Not good!” Fang Shu suddenly snapped back to his senses. He focused his attention on the bathtub and found that the vitality that had sprouted from Xiao Li Li’s body inside the tub was withering.
This caused his brows to furrow, and his face showed a look of regret.
He had not yet finished recording such profound secret script patterns, and he didn’t know what divine marvel this secret script could display.
How could it wither now, stopping halfway? Just hold on!
Immediately, Fang Shu strode forward and slapped Xiao Li Li’s mangled body with his palm.
He bellowed, “Live for me!”
His powerful Qi and Blood surged into the other party’s body, forcefully expelling the water that had entered her lungs.
“Cough, cough…” Xiao Li Li coughed, her unconscious mind regaining some clarity, and the secret script patterns above the bathtub temporarily ceased their wilting.
However, the vitality in her body still appeared to be flickering and fading, no longer sprouting with vigor as it had before.
Xiao Li Li opened her eyes. One of her eyes was mangled and extremely gruesome, while the other was dazed, staring blankly at Fang Shu, who was pressing on her chest.
She murmured, “Brother Fang… so hot!”
Hearing this, Fang Shu’s eyelids twitched. He glanced at the medicinal liquid in the bathtub and realized that after soaking for nearly ten hours, even with talismans stuck to the outer walls, the temperature of the medicinal liquid in the tub had long since dropped. It was only lukewarm, not hot enough to make one feel very hot.
However, the skin of Xiao Li Li exposed at this moment was all crimson red and burning hot.
Pondering for a moment, Fang Shu understood. The medicinal ginseng inside Xiao Li Li’s body had residual effects and was causing chaos within her body, still fighting each other.
And Xiao Li Li’s physical body, in order to suppress the opponent’s counterattack, was consuming the origin of her Qi and Blood, which was why her entire body was burning hot and she had a fever, and her hard-won vitality was withering.
However, knowing this situation, Fang Shu’s face again showed a look of difficulty.
He had already extracted the medicinal ginseng relatively completely, and the main body had been chewed into pieces and swallowed by Xiao Li Li herself. What was now shaking her physical body were the fine root tendrils.
These root tendrils were not only fine but also numerous. Even if Fang Shu were to dismantle Xiao Li Li’s entire body, he wouldn’t be able to extract them all at once or eliminate them.
However, the next moment, Fang Shu’s sharp eyes spotted something.
The lower half of Xiao Li Li’s body submerged in the medicinal liquid had fewer counterattacking ginseng tendrils. In contrast, areas exposed outside her body, such as her collarbone and neck, had more tendrils. Some tendrils, like snakes and insects, wriggled beneath her skin, which was quite gruesome.
“This means the medicinal liquid in the bathtub is poisonous, and the poison is suppressing the counterattack of the ginseng tendrils.”
Fang Shu suddenly realized why the Dojo Master had insisted that the two of them retrieve the medicinal ginseng in the bathtub and had said “consume poison and refine it” when giving instructions.
It turned out that this entire tub of medicinal liquid was not only for stimulating Xiao Li Li’s physical body’s potential but also for paralyzing and poisoning the medicinal ginseng.
“As expected of an old Gu Master with years of experience,” Fang Shu praised silently in his heart.
Without a moment’s delay, he shouted, “Hold your breath!”
With a splash of water.
He directly pressed down on Xiao Li Li’s head, pushing her into the medicinal liquid in the bathtub.
Xiao Li Li didn’t even have the strength to struggle. She sank into the medicinal liquid, her face showing a look of relief. The activity of the ginseng tendrils on her body was indeed suppressed.
But another problem arose. Every time Fang Shu submerged Xiao Li Li and she came up for air, the ginseng tendrils on her body would sprout.
More importantly, Fang Shu pried open her mouth, examined it, and infused Qi and Blood to sense the situation inside her body.
The ginseng tendrils on this woman’s body were merely superficial. The more critical issue was deep within her physical body; it was a complete mess.
In this situation, even if Fang Shu went to the Medicine Hall to get more poison and applied a strong dose, it would be difficult to suppress the ubiquitous ginseng tendrils anytime soon.
He thought to himself, “As expected, ‘living a life with nine deaths’ is not easy to find.”
Even with the guidance of the Dojo Master, Fang Shu’s assistance, and Xiao Li Li’s own determination, removing the medicinal ginseng that had entangled her for half a year remained a difficult task.
Slowly, Xiao Li Li also realized this.
Her entire body became swollen, burning like hot coals, and every inch of her skin became extremely sensitive. Various pains were magnified a hundredfold in her perception.
The woman’s face contorted, and her breathing became rapid.
However, she did not let out a hoarse scream. Instead, she endured it, only letting out a mournful hum. She also endured the excruciating pain all over her body, opened her eyes, and looked at Fang Shu.
Xiao Li Li whispered:
“Brother Fang, my life is short… Thank you for your help this time… After I die, the ginseng blood within me… I hope Brother Fang won’t mind and will consume it for me.”
She spoke intermittently, as if giving her dying words, and no longer mentioned anything about revenge.
Fang Shu heard her, narrowed his eyes, and responded coldly:
“Death? I haven’t allowed it yet.”
Splash.
Fang Shu, who had just finished putting on his robe, leaped directly into the bathtub.
He righted Xiao Li Li’s broken body, formed seals with his hands, struck her Qi and Blood all over, and summoned a Breath-Holding Insect of the Third Calamity, infusing it into Xiao Li Li’s mouth and nose to help her gather her Qi and Blood and vitality.
Xiao Li Li allowed her body to be manipulated, and a smile appeared on her weak, broken face.
She thought that since she had fallen seriously ill, no one besides her father, Xiao Hu, had ever cared for her so much or put in so much effort.
To die in the arms of such a gentleman was far better than dying alone in bed or in a secret room.
The next moment, Xiao Li Li saw Fang Shu take out an object and utter a low command:
“Hold it in your mouth.”
She did not hesitate, nor did she care what Fang Shu was handing her. She obediently and with difficulty opened her mouth.
A bead the size of a quail’s egg was placed in her mouth, under her tongue. A strong, metallic, rusty scent followed through her mouth, nose, and throat, entering her body.
This object was precisely the Lead Essence Treasure Bead that Fang Shu had obtained during his first treasure hunt.
The activity of these ginseng tendrils was rampant, and ordinary poisons were difficult to quickly spread throughout Xiao Li Li’s body to suppress them.
However, by chance, Fang Shu happened to have an unusual poison in his hand, whose toxicity, once released, could penetrate flesh and blood and cover all directions, being everywhere.
The Lead Essence Treasure Bead contained Metal and Stone Poison, which was perfect for eliminating numerous small objects!
This illness on Xiao Li Li’s body had fallen right into his hands.
Hummm!
Fang Shu sat cross-legged in the bathtub, embracing Xiao Li Li’s frail body, continuously circulating his Qi and Blood, guiding the Metal and Stone Poison to repeatedly wash over her bones, organs, and brain.
The effect was visibly apparent.
The previously rampant ginseng tendrils, like ice and snow melting, dissolved within Xiao Li Li’s body.
These substances even transformed into streams of medicinal power and began to be absorbed by Xiao Li Li’s physical body, becoming provisions for repairing her flesh and blood.
In just a few moments, Xiao Li Li’s breathing returned to normal, and the pained expression on her face greatly relieved. Only her entire body still felt like a furnace, emitting heat.
Suddenly, this woman’s eyelids trembled. She quietly opened her eyes and looked at Fang Shu, who was meditating with his eyes closed, very close to her.
A serene smile appeared on her mangled, crimson face, as beautiful as a diseased plum blossom.
But the next moment, Xiao Li Li grunted again.
A mouthful of black-red blood surged up from her throat and splattered onto her chest.
Not only that, but her eyes, ears, and nose all began to bleed slowly, making her feel warm liquid trickling from all seven orifices.
This scene stunned Xiao Li Li and also alerted Fang Shu, who was meditating.
Seeing Fang Shu open his eyes to look at her, Xiao Li Li showed a wry smile.
Her throat felt sweet and bloody, her body was weak, and her flesh and blood seemed to be melting everywhere. She was completely unable to speak.
The woman could only look at Fang Shu with apologetic eyes, as if saying “I’m truly sorry,” “You’ve done your best,” and “I apologize.”
However, Fang Shu, who was right in front of her, was completely oblivious and ignored her gaze.
He simply frowned.
Immediately, Xiao Li Li saw Fang Shu take out a medicine bottle from his sleeve again and pour the medicine inside into her.
A cool sensation spread from her mouth, and rich Spiritual Energy and vigorous vitality reappeared in her body.
In addition, Xiao Li Li felt Fang Shu’s hot palm rubbing her body. Wherever it passed, the pain vanished, and her wounds began to itch, actually healing and closing on the spot.
In this situation, Fang Shu had taken out some kind of Spiritual Medicine to help her internally and externally, clinging to a thread of life to resist the Metal and Stone Poison.
The reason this medicine was so effective was that it was precisely the Mushroom Treasure Medicine that Fang Shu had obtained during his second treasure hunt.
The Mushroom Treasure Medicine and the Metal and Stone Poison were both relics left by the Hu family’s Ancestor. One was a medicine and the other a poison, clearly opposite in nature, and they naturally counteracted each other. Moreover, the former was most effective for healing and preserving life.
Fang Shu had taken out this precious medicine, intending to detoxify and heal her, and at the same time, to test its healing efficacy.
Soon, Fang Shu looked at Xiao Li Li in front of him, his face showing a look of amazement.
The originally mangled Xiao Li Li, under the effect of two bottles of medicine made from Mushroom Treasure Medicine, sprouted flesh buds all over her body, and all her injuries were healing at a visible speed.
Furthermore, her shriveled skin began to fill out again, regaining its color, and not even scars were left behind.
In the end, Xiao Li Li’s body was smooth, with only the corner of her left eye retaining a trace of crimson red, like a decorative patch, due to the ginseng tendrils having pierced too deeply before. Even her left pupil was tinged with red.
Such medicinal efficacy made Fang Shu marvel and think to himself:
“Although this healing effect is largely due to the medicinal power transformed from the medicinal ginseng.
However, this Mushroom Treasure Medicine is indeed worthy of being a relic from the past. I imagine that for any Immortal Cultivator below the Qi Refining level, as long as they have a breath left, this medicine can keep them alive!”
Through various means and her own efforts, Xiao Li Li finally found a path to survival in a life-or-death situation!
Her vitality was now flourishing and difficult to suppress. She was no longer in mortal danger and had even gained some benefits.
In the bathtub.
Fang Shu raised his head and looked at the Spiritual Energy emerging above her head, once again feeling amazed.
This innate secret script had undergone its third transformation. It resembled coral and ginseng, lush and verdant, swaying gently in the mist, extremely profound.
“This must be a secret script of the Qi Refining level!” Fang Shu confidently judged in his heart.
He vaguely felt that this secret script might also be of great use to him, so he quickly used his Dao Talisman to record it again from various angles.
Now, his Dao Talisman contained the secret script in its three transformations: beginning, middle, and end. This would greatly facilitate its analysis and deduction in the future.
After recording it in his Dao Talisman, Fang Shu himself did not remain idle.
He looked up at the secret script, immersed his mind, and began to comprehend it.
Finally, a few cups of tea passed.
The innate secret script that had appeared above Xiao Li Li’s head vanished completely like smoke.
Her eyelids trembled, and she opened her heterochromatic eyes.
Seeing Fang Shu staring at her as if he were captivated, she was somewhat bewildered and shy, not daring to move.
When Fang Shu came back to his senses and lowered his gaze, Xiao Li Li blinked her eyes, her eyes curving into crescent moons, looking at him shyly.
The secret script had dispersed.
Fang Shu’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment; he felt regret that he didn’t have a little more time. However, joy also appeared in his heart.
While comprehending just now, the Natal Gu Embryo on his forehead actually stirred, as if it were stretching its body like the secret script, and its connection with his physical body became even closer.
Through the performance of the Natal Gu Embryo, Fang Shu further confirmed that this secret script would definitely be of great use to him!
He did not show anything, concealing his dejected expression. He glanced at Xiao Li Li, who had already woken up, and politely nodded.
With another splash.
Fang Shu leaped out of the bathtub.
He strode outside, and within a few steps, a mist of smoke emanated from him, and he used his Qi and Blood to directly dry his clothes.
After tidying himself up, Fang Shu looked at Xiao Li Li, who was slumped by the side of the bathtub, and bowed slightly, saying:
“Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xiao, on your rebirth. Please rest first. I shall take my leave.”
Xiao Li Li, who was leaning by the tub, propping her chin and watching him, quickly called out:
“Brother Fang, please wait!”
Fang Shu stopped and asked with his eyes if she needed any further help.
To his surprise, Xiao Li Li stood up calmly without a word. Her fair body descended from the bathtub, and she walked up to Fang Shu, her legs closed together without a gap.
Her face was full of gratitude. She clasped her hands together, bowed to Fang Shu, exposing her smooth back, and displaying herself without any defense.
She lowered her head and spoke: “I, Xiao Li Li, will never forget the kindness of saving my life.
Today, I swear here that I am willing to repay it with my life, to serve Brother Fang as my master, never to betray, and to die if my master is insulted!”
Xiao Li Li was not a foolish person. She had personally witnessed Fang Shu using every possible means to save her life, and the items he used were all extraordinary.
And the two of them were merely strangers who met by chance, with no close relationship. In fact, their families had some past grievances.
For Fang Shu to wholeheartedly help her today without asking for anything in return, she, Xiao Li Li, truly had nothing to repay him with except her body and her life, which she would wholeheartedly offer!
As long as Fang Shu did not abandon her, she would be willing to serve by his side.
In the quiet room, white mist still drifted all around, making the room hazy and the figures like paintings.
Fang Shu stood erect, looking at this woman in astonishment for a moment, somewhat unexpected.
As he hesitated to speak, Xiao Li Li, seeing that he did not respond, trembled as she bowed and hesitantly raised her head.
The woman raised her pure face, smiled pleasingly, and said in a soft voice:
“Master, would you be willing to take me in?”
Seeing such a sincere plea from a beautiful woman, Fang Shu’s thoughts were stirred, and he sighed profoundly.
He understood that after this woman had become crippled and had been bedridden for half a year, coupled with the deep hatred for her father’s death and the indifference of human relationships, she now saw him as a reborn parent and a benefactor after he saved her life, wanting to offer herself to him.
However, Xiao Li Li’s immediate words were so humble and complete that it still surprised Fang Shu a little.
He vaguely felt that this woman’s mental state was somewhat abnormal, as if she were poisoned, and it was difficult to distinguish whether it was a pathological state or a coquettish one. Or perhaps, it was both.
As for Xiao Li Li’s request to acknowledge him as master, Fang Shu did not go along with her.
He neither agreed nor refused, but smiled and replied, “Since you have made a vow, the master is in your heart; why do you need to ask me?”
Xiao Li Li was stunned: “This…”
Fang Shu stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, “If I agree, and you are in trouble and I don’t save you, you will resent me. When you are prosperous and acknowledge me, I will not be able to bear it. What’s the point?”
Xiao Li Li was enlightened.
She no longer hesitated, immediately bowed again, and respectfully called out: “Your servant, Xiao Li Li, greets Master.”
Fang Shu stood, neither avoiding nor responding, nor actively seeking, but just watching.
After the worship, the woman did not get up but looked at Fang Shu and said softly:
“Master, do you have any instructions that Li Li can fulfill?”
Hearing this, Fang Shu’s eyelids slightly lifted. He appraised her, and a thought indeed arose in his heart.
I’ve been busy on weekends recently, so I’ve only posted one update, but the word count is over 4,000. I’ll resume double updates tomorrow!
P.S. There is no female lead in this book, only various fellow Daoists.
