Chapter 6: I Forever Believe in the Compassionate Medicine King

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Beep—

The polygraph emitted a low warning sound.

Feeling uneasy, as if sitting on needles, Su Jinyan asked hesitantly, "Uh, Miss Qingque, is there something wrong with this device?"

"The Compassionate Medicine King shines brightly in my heart, akin to the sun and moon. My loyalty towards Him can be attested by heaven and earth, unwavering and true."

Beep—

Qingque remained silent.

Su Jinyan was equally speechless.

He genuinely didn't expect such precision from a polygraph-type jade divination tablet.

Rubbing her temples, Qingque chided gently, "Mr. Su, you certainly have a knack for jokes."

"Although the Xianzhou Alliance does not discriminate against those who believe in the Plagues Author, political correctness still exists within our society."

"If Mr. Su truly follows the Plagues Author, becoming a minor diviner might not pose any issues, but future career advancement would undoubtedly be challenging."

"Additionally, during missions, even if it's the lowest level of secrecy, believers of the Plagues Author would not be allowed access."

Su Jinyan paused, glanced at Qingque, and then furrowed his brow slightly, as if realizing something.

Hmm, there seems to be a problem. This Miss Qingque might not actually be from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Did the organization make an error in their arrangements?

"Yes, I was indeed joking with you just now," Su Jinyan said. "The Compassionate Medicine King? More like the Plagues Author, perhaps?"

"He holds no significance in my heart. Even if I were considered an outsider, I have absolutely no fondness for Him."

Bzzt—

"Uh, well, maybe just a little bit," Su Jinyan amended.

Bzzt—

Su Jinyan shrugged. "Alright, fine, I truly admire the Compassionate Medicine King immensely."

This time, the polygraph-type jade divination tablet finally remained silent.

Qingque looked at him suspiciously. "Y-you...you're not really one of those Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, are you? Spill the truth!"

To understand this situation, it's crucial to mention that the so-called Abundant followers of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus weren't genuinely devoted to the Compassionate Medicine King by nature.

These individuals were merely obsessed with the power and longevity bestowed upon them by Yaoshi, not true believers. In fact, genuine followers of Yaoshi often rejected and despised the Abundance Remnants.

While adhering to the Arrow of Fate's decree, the Xianzhou Alliance prioritized eliminating the Plagues Author and his evil creations. However, they treated the general followers of the Plagues Author fairly, protecting their lives and property and upholding their rights to engage in equitable trade within the alliance.

The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were the exception. According to the Ten Laws of the Ten-Lords Commission, these disciples violated seven of the 'Ten Unforgivable Sins.'

Commanding Immortality's Fall, Coveting Undying Life, Entrapping Demonic Yin, Slaying Kin, Stealing Secrets, Undermining Alliances, and Inciting Warfare—all such sins were committed by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

Thus, the Xianzhou Alliance deemed it imperative to eradicate any remnants of this sect.

As the saying goes: "Honest confession may lighten your sentence, but expect years behind bars; stubborn resistance might earn leniency, yet bring you home for the holidays."

If Su Jinyan truly confessed, he should be prepared to spend a long time incarcerated.

Su Jinyan explained, "I simply find Him more intriguing, that's all."

Qingque remained suspicious. "You're truly not affiliated with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"

Feigning indignation, Su Jinyan huffed, "Hmph, don't lump me together with those Abundance Remnant scum. I have no fondness for such fellows."

Qingque looked at him hesitantly. "Then you—"

Su Jinyan cut her off, "I simply find Yaoshi's appearance appealing, which naturally evokes some goodwill."

Qingque scratched her head. "Alright, for a moment there, I almost thought someone from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus had infiltrated the Divination Commission."

Smiling, Su Jinyan said, "Miss Qingque, familiarity aside, spreading false accusations could still land you in trouble for defamation, you know."

Qingque gazed at him, puzzled. "Are we really that familiar?"

Su Jinyan grinned broadly. "Miss Qingque, don't you think I look quite trustworthy?"

Qingque pursed her lips. "Okay, enough with the banter."

"The next question is more complex; it was devised by the Grand Diviner himself. Very few have managed to answer it correctly so far.

"An incorrect response or refusal to answer will not affect your current assessment.

"However, if answered correctly, it may facilitate future promotions. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready," Su Jinyan replied.

"Before you lie two individuals, both severely poisoned," began Qingque. "Without an antidote, they will undoubtedly perish within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

"However, you only possess one dose of the cure."

"One is universally recognized as Luofu's foremost prodigy over the next thirty years, the untouchable peak blossom—your da-shijie. The poison has reached her heart, and she can now only gaze at you with those beautiful eyes."

"You recall that once, destitute and alone, you were just an orphan, envied and bullied by every fellow disciple. If not for Da-shijie's protection, they might well have driven you to your death. Though only three years older than you, she nurtured you like a devoted mother."

"When your master suspected you, she knelt before the sect gate for three days, pleading on your behalf. When you lost all your martial abilities due to poisoning, she tirelessly searched the world for remedies to suppress it. Her unwavering devotion was akin to giving you a second life.

"The other person is your childhood sweetheart, who joined the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, committing heinous acts against her own people and amassing countless killings. Now, she swiftly rose through ranks to become a high-ranking leader within their hierarchy.

"Beneath her strikingly beautiful exterior lies a ruthless decisiveness for slaughter.

"At this moment, she can barely see where you stand but tearfully calls out your name."

Inevitably, you recall your childhood days spent with her in that dilapidated temple, sharing whatever food you begged for. You remember the times when, amidst heavy snow, you huddled together for warmth; the heart-wrenching cries as she was abducted by a black-clad figure; and the torrential rain during your reunion fifteen years later. You think back to the lifelong promise made within a small mountain cave.

"She fell into the Demonic Yin Body for you, forsaking her parents, all in hopes of escaping strife with you and finding a peaceful haven."

Your antidote is enough to save only one of them. Whom would you choose?

Su Jinyan gently tapped on the table, smirking coldly. "Heh heh heh, do you really think they were poisoned randomly?"

"By eliminating them, I'd become Luofu's foremost prodigy of the new generation."

Qingque looked at him, puzzled.

Su Jinyan clenched his fist, "That was just a joke. Whether it's Da-shijie or my childhood sweetheart, I intend to save both."

Qingque shook her head lightly. "Did you not understand? Your antidote can save only one of them."

With sincerity, Su Jinyan responded, "Miss Qingque, clinical studies have shown that rectal administration of medication is twice as effective as oral intake."

"In other words, I can ensure that no one is left behind," Su Jinyan continued firmly. "If you're unsure about this, feel free to consult with the physicians from the Alchemy Commission."

Qingque looked at him, puzzled.

"You didn't know?" Su Jinyan asked.

Qingque's expression was deeply conflicted. "I did know, but I never expected you to consider such a solution."

Su Jinyan's demeanor remained serious. "It's because I'm accustomed to thinking outside the box. Let's approach this problem differently." He turned to Qingque and said, "Miss Qingque, if the water route is impassable, should we simply linger there? Perhaps taking the winding path might be more efficient?"

Qingque hesitated, suspecting he might be making some suggestive pun, but she had no concrete evidence.

Of course, there was another more devilish idea that Su Jinyan refrained from mentioning—such as applying the antidote on his 'NEW NEW' area, allowing survival to the one who displayed the strongest will to live.

In truth, Qingque understood that this question was a trap designed to test human nature. It posed an excruciating dilemma; regardless of whom one chose, it would inevitably betray the other.

When considering the situation, Da-shijie stood by your side, protecting you, while your childhood sweetheart sacrificed everything for you.

One is your benefactor; the other, your confidante.

Da-shijie is your kin, having accompanied you through countless hardships—she's more than just your savior. She once encompassed your entire world; what you owe her goes beyond life itself, including love and respect.

You ponder how to bear witnessing her death before your eyes, enduring that unbearable anguish.

Your childhood sweetheart is your confidante; together, you've experienced myriad joys and sorrows. She sacrificed everything for the sake of your love.

Once, you both pledged to stay forever by each other's side, never parting. You grapple with how to betray this promise and face the endless self-reproach it would bring.

Choosing your childhood sweetheart means committing an irreparable political faux pas, leading to diminished prospects for future advancement and lost opportunities for promotion.

Selecting Da-shijie demonstrates your lack of loyalty and gratitude, betraying the childhood companion who stood by you, similarly tarnishing your image before the interviewers.

The wisest choice, undoubtedly, would have been to abstain from answering right from the start.

Alternatively, one could opt to give the question's creator a sound beating. After all, why let Master Fu Taibǔ off without venting some frustration on her for devising such a vexing dilemma?

Qingque never anticipated that Su Jinyan's mind would work so swiftly, finding an unconventional approach to solve the problem with a perfect solution.

It was important to remember this was an interview setting. Even for someone knowledgeable in medicine, devising such an answer within such a short time seemed highly improbable.

Indeed, this fellow is precisely the talent our Divination Commission needs. Once we recruit him, I'll finally be free from these burdens.

Qingque nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Now let's return to the previous question—just who is the Sīmìng deity you believe in?"