276-280
Chapter 276: Golden Poison Heart Token
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
"Have your Vice Hall Masters and elder come out to meet me!"
Despite being surrounded by a large group of poison masters, Zhang Xuan wasn't flustered at all. Rather, as if he didn't notice the situation, he raised his chin, placed his hands behind his back, and stared at the group with frosty eyes.
"You wish to meet our Vice Hall Masters and elders? Who do you think you are!"
To think that the fellow would fearlessly demand to meet their Vice Hall Master and elders after having attacked their colleague! Infuriated, Poison Master Zhou roared savagely, "To dare to kill in the Poison Hall, you shall become dead meat..."
Harrumphing coldly, he had decided to make his move in order to teach this arrogant fellow a lesson. But at the next moment, the vision before him blurred.
Hu!
In the flash of a shadow, a hand was already grabbing at Poison Master Zhou's neck and he was held dangling in midair.
"Yo-you..." Poison Master Zhou trembled in fear. The middle-aged man who was ten meters away from him had appeared right before him all of a sudden.
His face paled with every passing second, and through gritted teeth, he spat, "Let go of me! Otherwise, you don't have to dream of leaving here alive..."
"This is the Poison Hall, not a place for you to behave atrociously!"
Poison Liu and the others didn't expect the fellow who came with the Great Herb King to be so arrogant, attacking them the moment there was a verbal conflict. Feeling incensed, they roared angrily.
Even though the Poison Hall was located in such a remote region, it was an entity which struck fear into the hearts of countless powers. Yet, for an outsider to rush in and kill their men... Who gave him the guts to do so?
Disregarding their furious roars, Zhang Xuan remained grabbing Poison Master Zhou's neck with an indifferent expression. At the same time, he whipped him with his other hand.
Pah pah pah pah!
Four consecutive sounds echoed crisply in the air. Poison Master Zhou's face swelled up immediately, and fresh blood spilled from the corners of his lips. Several of his teeth also fell to the floor.
"This is your punishment for being disrespectful toward me!"
After smacking him, Zhang Xuan casually threw the other party onto the floor. Then, placing his hands behind his back once more, he stood proudly with the aura of a conqueror. "There's a limit to my patience. Don't make me angry, I don't mind wasting a bit of my time to destroy this useless branch of yours!"
"Destroy this useless branch..."
The Great Herb King felt his vision turn dark.
Destroying this branch...
Physician Bai, do you know how many Zongshi realm experts there are in the Poison Hall?
With just the strength of us both... We probably won't even reach the elders before we are beaten to death. Furthermore, this is assuming if the other party didn't use their poison on us...
Even though the Great Herb King felt stifled, he understood Physician Bai's intentions.
Since the other party is playing as the envoy of the headquarter, he has to have the disposition of one as well.
How can an expert from the headquarter allow himself to be bullied by the poison masters from a branch? If he didn't dare to retaliate, no matter what he says later, no one would believe his words.
Thus... It is vital for him to instill fear among them!
He has to make everyone in the Poison Hall know that... the envoy is here!
This way, he can establish his standing rapidly. However... if he shows an opening and gives himself in, he will die tragically.
The Great Herb King felt his legs tremble with fear.
As the dominant power in Red Lotus City, he wasn't an amateur in such matters. Even so, when he recalled how the Poison Hall dealt with their enemies, a cold chill went down his spine immediately, and he found himself unable to remain calm.
"You..."
Upon hearing those words, no matter how foolish Poison Master Liu and the others could be, it was clear that the person before them wasn't a simple figure. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to act so arrogantly in the Poison Hall. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "May I ask... how I should address you?"
Zhang Xuan stood quietly on the spot, as though he were saying that these small fries weren't worthy of his words.
Seeing Physician Bai act in such a manner, the Great Herb King could only muster his courage, step forward, stabilize his breathing as far as he can, and say, "This... This is... the envoy sent by the headquarter!"
"Envoy?"
The expressions on Poison Master Liu and the others' faces darkened immediately.
They knew that the elders had requested for an envoy from the headquarter to quench the inner conflict, but they didn't think that the headquarter would really send a person over!
It was no wonder why the other party acted so arrogantly, attacking them the moment there was a conflict without any regards to the possible consequences.
If the other party was really an envoy from the headquarter, he did have the qualifications to do so.
"Since you're the envoy... do you have the Golden Poison Heart Token from the headquarter?"
Steadying his breathing, Poison Master Liu stepped forward.
The Golden Poison Heart Token was the identity token the headquarter issued to their envoys, and only with this would the envoys be recognized. In a sense, it was similar to a Sword of state, and it represented the headquarter, as well as its full authority.
Upon hearing the question, the Great Herb King clenched his fists.
This Physician Bai is a fake, how can he possibly have the Golden Poison Heart Token!
However, if he doesn't produce it, the other party will definitely not believe him...
The Great Herb King tried to think of several excuses, such as having lost it along the way or having forgotten to bring it along... However, all of them didn't seem feasible.
How can an envoy of the Poison Hall lose his Golden Poison Heart Token? It is equivalent to an ambassador losing the Sword of state, and this is equivalent to courting death!
No matter how foolish one is, such a thing would appear implausible!
Worried, he turned to Physician Bai to see how he would resolve the issue. However, what he saw was Physician Bai glaring at the crowd through narrowed eyes, and exuding an intimidating aura which left all of them breathless.
"Who do you think you are?"
Harrumphing coldly, Zhang Xuan commanded authoritatively, "Have your Vice Hall Masters and elders meet me!"
"I..."
Poison Master Liu's face flushed in anger.
He was a respected and feared figure no matter where he went ever since he became a poison master. This was the first time someone was criticizing him right in his face!
However, he also knew that if the other party was truly an envoy, he was likely to be at least a 4-star poison master. Before such a figure, he was no different from a nobody.
"What's wrong?"
Just as Poison Master Liu was conflicted over whether he should report this matter to the Vice Hall Masters and the others, a cold voice sounded. Then, an elder walked over with widened strides.
"Elder Blackeye..."
Upon seeing the elder, Poison Master Liu clasped his fist immediately.
The person who came was the Fourth Elder of the Poison Hall, Blackeye.
The eyes of this Fourth Elder were completely black, devoid of the white pupils ordinary humans possessed. From afar, he looked like a horrifying demon. Rumors have it that he accidentally poisoned his eyes in the midst of concocting poison, resulting in his current state. Since then, he had been reputed after his black eyes, and his original name was gradually forgotten.
It was a known fact in the Poison Hall that this Elder Blackeye was in charge of executing punishments, and he was the most ruthless and merciless poison master here.
Usually, when they see this elder, they would experience fear and run away as far as they could out of instinct. But at this moment, they felt as though they had found their backing, and they heaved a sigh of relief.
"Reporting to Elder Blackeye, this... elder was brought here by the Great Herb King, and he says that he is the envoy sent by the headquarter..."
Stepping forward, Poison Master Liu explained.
"Envoy?"
Frowning, Elder Blackeye stared at the middle-aged man before him.
Despite knowing that the other party was looking at him, Zhang Xuan ignored him and continued to gaze forward with indifferent eyes.
"The envoys sent by the headquarter can be classified as red, white, gold, and green... May I ask which of the four you are?"
After hesitating for a moment, Blackeye clasped his fist.
As an elder, he knew about the authority an envoy wielded. Thus, he didn't act as rashly as Poison Master Zhou and the others did.
Thus, he adjusted his initial attitude.
"Red, white, gold, and green? Are there different types of envoys?"
Gedeng! The heart of the Great Herb King leaped.
He knew that the Poison Hall headquarters could send an envoy to the branch, but he didn't know that there were different tiers to the envoys. Naturally, Physician Bai was ignorant of the matter as well.
At the same time, it was possible to be a trap prepared by the six elders. If Physician Bai were to answer with any of the four options, the other party would be able to ascertain that he was a fake, and he would be killed in an instant.
Nervous, the Great Herb King turned his eyes toward Physician Bai once more.
He knew that passing off as a special envoy would be difficult, but he didn't think that it would be so nerve-wracking!
If his heart were slightly weaker, he might really be scared to death.
"Are you a Vice Hall Master of this branch?"
Disregarding the anxious Great Herb King and the other party's question, Zhang Xuan asked.
"I... am not!" Elder Blackeye was stunned. "I am just the Fourth Elder..."
"If you aren't, who gave you the right to be spouting nonsense here?" Zhang Xuan's complexion darkened.
"I..."
Elder Blackeye was at a loss for words.
"Is it because the previous envoys were too kind that you have all grown spoilt? Do you think that you're qualified to ask about the matters of the headquarter?"
Flinging his sleeves, Zhang Xuan's expression was frosty, "How dare a poison master of an insignificant branch question me! Who gave you the guts to do so!"
"I..."
Elder Blackeye's breathing hastened. It seemed as if a storm was brewing within his pitch-black eyes. After a moment, he held himself back and replied, "I dare not. I will call the Vice Hall Masters and the Grand Elder over now to welcome the envoy!"
After which, he walked back into the city.
"Elder Blackeye..."
Seeing the cold and unfeeling Fourth Elder being yelled at in public and leaving without daring to refute at all, Poison Master Zhou, Poison Master Liu, and the others shuddered.
They turned to look at Zhang Xuan again, and awe reflected in their eyes.
"Un!"
Sensing the change in their attitudes, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.
From his experience of passing off as a master teacher, he knew that the key to convincing others was to maintain a powerful front!
A moment later, just as Poison Master Liu and the others were about to crumble from the pressure, a few figures walked over.
They were the three Vice Hall Masters, the Grand Elder, and a few other top personnel of the Poison Hall.
The old Hall Master had accepted a total of three disciples, and they were these three Vice Hall Masters.
They were all 2-star poison masters and Zongshi realm pinnacle experts.
Each of the three had been managing a portion of the Poison Hall for many years now, and they had already built a following for themselves. At present, they were on equal footing.
This was also the reason why the fight for the seat of the Hall Master was likely to drag on for a long time.
"I apologize for failing to welcome the envoy upon arrival!"
A green-robed middle-aged man stepped forward.
With a single glance, Zhang Xuan immediately knew that he was the first Vice Hall Master, Liao Xun!
While the Great Herb King didn't know much about envoys from the headquarter, he was well aware of the three Vice Hall Masters of the Poison Hall. On the road here, he had already described the unique characteristics of each of the three to Zhang Xuan in detail.
Liao Xun was a 2-star pinnacle poison master, and it was probable that he would become a 3-star poison master in the near future. Even though he put on a gentle front, he was the kind to have a blade hidden beneath his smile.
It was completely possible for him to be smiling at you at one moment, only to stab you in the back once you turn around.
The typical wolf cloaked in a sheep's skin.
The other two middle-aged men beside Liao Xun also stepped forward and bowed, "Red Lotus Range Poison Hall branch Vice Hall Master Yao Qing (Ge Xiao) pays respect to the envoy!"
Zhang Xuan lightly nodded in response to their greetings.
"How should I address you? If it's convenient, can you show me your [Golden Poison Heart Token]? It's not that I am doubting your identity, but it's a rule from the headquarter. The envoy has to flash the token representing his identity before we can welcome you in!"
The three Vice Hall Masters and the several elders walked toward Zhang Xuan. The first Vice Hall Master Liao Xun smiled politely as he asked.
"You wish to see my Golden Poison Heart Token? I don't mind showing you!"
Zhang Xuan looked at him impassively. With a perfectly calm and cold voice, he uttered, "But..."
"Are you qualified?"
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Sword of state: In China, it is known as Shangfang Baojian. In ancient times, the bearer of the sword was able to represent the emperor himself.
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Chapter 277: Another One Appears
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
Just as the Great Herb King was wondering how Physician Bai would deal with the three Vice Hall Masters and the numerous elders, he heard the other party's reply. At this moment, he could almost see the grim future which awaited him.
The Golden Poison Heart Token bore testimony to the identity of the envoy, and it was natural that the other party would request to see it. There was no problem with their words at all.
Yet, to ask if they were qualified...
The old Hall Master had died, and the three Vice Hall Masters and the numerous elders were already the top leaders of the Poison Hall. If even they weren't qualified, who could be?
No matter how noble the position of an envoy is, there should be a limit to your arrogance. To act so haughtily... You will surely be beaten be death!
"Envoy must be pulling our legs!"
As the Great Herb King expected, Vice Hall Master's smiling face crumbled upon hearing Zhang Xuan's words. "I am the first Vice Hall Master of the Red Lotus Branch. Now that the Hall Master isn't around anymore, I have become the highest ranking person here, so naturally, I am qualified!"
"I already know that your Hall Master is dead, and the reason why I am here is to decide on the next Hall Master. Otherwise, why would I come to such a rundown place?"
"Before deciding on a new Hall Master, all of you have the same standing. If you think that you're qualified, don't tell just tell me with your mouths... prove it to me through your mastery and understanding of poison."
Zhang Xuan flung his sleeves, and he stared at the group authoritatively. "What our Poison Hall needs are capable poison masters, not a bunch of useless fools!"
"Mastery of poison?" Liao Xun was taken aback. "Envoy wishes to test us?"
"That's right. I have no time to squander on you, and I don't want to waste my breath. The value of a poison master should be determined by the poison they can create. You will all concoct a poison while I observe by the side, and whoever is able to concoct a poison that I've never seen before or speak of a theory I've never heard before, will be qualified to see the Golden Poison Heart Token and become the next Hall Master!"
Zhang Xuan glanced at the crowd with an indifferent gaze. "Otherwise, rather than handing over this branch to any useless fool, I might as well destroy it myself!"
"Yes..."
Upon hearing the straightforward words of the envoy, the group looked at each other with grim expressions.
In the past, as long as they served the envoys well, the envoys would satisfy their demands.
But from the looks of it, this method would not work on this envoy.
As soon as he reached, this envoy established his dominance, and declared that the top seat would be granted based on nothing else but capability!
And those who didn't possess the capability should stop spouting nonsense.
...
"As expected of the man who managed to remove the Poison Gu from me, incredible!"
Seeing how 'Physician Bai' resolved the crisis with a few words, the Great Herb King heaved a sigh of relief. At the same time, he felt completely impressed with the other party's ability.
This Physician Bai wasn't just capable in the Way of Medicine, he also possessed a precise understanding of the human heart.
Aware that the three Vice Hall Masters were vying for the seat of the Hall Master, he used it as a bait very conveniently.
They had already been fighting for the seat for a long time now, and none of them was willing to submit to anyone else. Now that there was a charter to resolve the conflict, they were determined to make use of this opportunity to surpass the other candidates.
Even if they doubted his identity, they weren't in any position to make the verification. If any of them insisted, it would mean that... he was incapable, and wasn't able to establish dominance!
With a single word, he turned the arrows back at the three Vice Hall Masters and forced them to fight it out.
He is indeed incredible!
However...
In order to test the three of them, you yourself must be adept in poison as well. Given how you don't even know what a poison master is just half a month ago, how do you intend to test them?
If you aren't able to recognize any of the poison the three Vice Hall Masters concoct, it would be clear that you are a fake without even having to check on your Golden Poison Heart Token!
Upon thinking of this, the Great Herb King's face turned bitter.
He felt that his life was truly hanging by a thread, and a single mistake would send him crashing straight down.
...
After settling this matter, the three Vice Hall Masters led the duo to the grandest building in the city.
"Envoy, please enlighten us on how you intend to conduct the examination!"
As soon as everybody was seated, Vice Hall Master Liao asked.
"Simple, my test will consist of two stage. In the first test, each of you will display your capability and concoct a poison you are adept at. In this stage, whoever who concocts the highest grade poison wins! As for the second stage, each of you will concoct a poison that you have created through your own research. Whoever can create a poison that is the most lethal and complex, such that even I am unable to discern it, will be declared the winner!"
Zhang Xuan said calmly.
Hearing the contents, the three Vice Hall Masters nodded their heads simultaneously.
Just like the apothecaries, the grade of the poison a poison master could concoct was directly proportionate to his tier. At the same time, the more incredible the poison one could create, the more likely one could reach greater heights as a poison master.
Thus, the first test assessed their abilities while the second one assessed their talents. If any one of them could stand out in both tests, no one would be able to object to him becoming the new Hall Master.
"Alright, I'll give you four hours to prepare!"
Casually waving them away, Zhang Xuan stood up. "Right, where's your book collection vault? I've received orders from the headquarter to look for a certain book."
"Look for a certain book?"
Everyone was perplexed, but upon hearing that it was an order from the headquarter, they hesitated for a moment and decided against asking.
"Envoy, the book collection vault is over there. I'll send my man to lead you there right now!" Liao Xun hurriedly said.
"There's no need, I can walk over myself. You all should start preparing for the examination. The position of the Hall Master is at stake, and I hope that you can give me a satisfactory performance so that I can account to the headquarter!"
Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan said.
"Yes!"
Liao Xun and the others nodded.
Ignoring the others, Zhang Xuan started walking toward the book collection vault.
The Red Lotus Range Poison Hall had been established for several millenniums, and they had a vast collection of books. The number of books here was nowhere inferior to that of the Beast Hall.
Upon entering the vault, a huge array of books placed neatly on bookshelves appeared before Zhang Xuan. The other end of the room could not be seen with just a single glance.
There were bamboo scrolls, papers tied together with strings, and even engravings on porcelain and animal bones.
Due to the secure location of the Poison Hall, it had not been through any war and the books were able to be maintained in good condition.
"To think that I would be able to enter so easily..."
After checking that there was no one behind him, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.
His purpose at the Poison Hall was to browse through these books, and he thought that he would encounter a lot of trouble along the way. He didn't expect to succeed so easily.
But thinking about the matter, it wasn't that surprising either. While the others doubted his identity as the envoy, they didn't dare to challenge him openly.
After all, if Zhang Xuan turned out to be the real envoy, it meant that he represented the headquarter himself. It was completely possible for the entire branch to be destroyed if they were to get on his bad side.
On the other hand, if he were a fake, giving himself away was a matter of time and they would be able to get even with him then.
"I shouldn't care that much for now, reading the books and resolving the poison aura in my body is the priority at the moment!"
Even though the poison aura in his body had been suppressed by Heaven's Path zhenqi, Zhang Xuan knew that it was a matter of time before it rebounded. Once that happens, his life would be in grave danger. If not for this tangible threat he felt, he wouldn't have risked his life to barge into the Poison Hall.
Since he has managed to enter the Poison Hall's book collection vault, it was imperative that he made good of his time.
The few Vice Hall Masters might have been daunted by him at the moment, but nobody could ensure that they wouldn't notice his disguise and turn on him at the next moment.
There was a huge collection of books here, but with Zhang Xuan's new 'Sprinting Book Browsing Technique', he should be able to finish duplicating them in the Library of Heaven's Path within two hours.
"Time to start working!"
Exhaling deeply, Zhang Xuan focused his attention. Placing his hands on the first row of the first bookshelf, he started to run.
...
"Vice Hall Master, do you think that the envoy... is authentic?"
At the back of the room, Liao Xun was seated on an extravagant throne, and standing before him was the worried Elder Blackeye.
Everyone knew that Elder Blackeye was an impartial person, but they weren't aware that he was actually a subordinate of Vice Hall Master Liao Xun.
"Without seeing the Golden Poison Heart Token, even I am unable to confirm it!" Liao Xun hesitated for a moment before speaking. "However, even though the Poison Hall has kept a low profile for innumerable years, its name still strikes fear in hearts. I doubt that there's anyone who would be so daring as to come and court death!"
"That's true..." Elder Blackeye nodded.
While the Poison Hall had been living in seclusion, it didn't mean that anyone could climb over their heads. Impersonating an envoy... is no different from courting death!
"Besides, there should be a motive behind for every action anyone does. If he is a fake, there has to be something here that is worth him risking his life for..." Liao Xun continued. "Other than poisons, our Poison Hall does not have anything valuable. I doubt that there'll be anyone who would risk his life to sneak in here!"
No matter what one does, there has to be a purpose behind it.
All the Poison Hall had was poison, and the most valuable commodity they possessed was medicinal herbs. Once the other party was exposed as a fake, he would definitely be killed within the blink of an eye. It was unthinkable for the other party to take such a huge risk for just that!
He didn't think that anyone would do this for any medicinal herb, which could be bought using money.
Of course, if he were to know that the other party was here for merely the books... He would probably puke blood and go insane.
At least their poisons had a market value... What's the use reading those books?
More importantly, he was running about instead of flipping through them...
"Vice Hall Master, have you forgotten... about that?" Elder Blackeye hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"You mean that object below the volcano?"
Liao Xun's complexion turned grim.
"Indeed!" Elder Blackeye nodded. "The main reason why our Red Lotus branch is located in this remote and barren area is that object's existence. Could it be that news of that object's maturity had leaked and that the old Hall Master died because of this?"
"It's not impossible!"
Upon hearing those words, Liao Xun could no longer remain calm. "Call the Great Herb King in, I want to interrogate him!"
"Yes!" Elder Blackeye stood out, and in a moment, the Great Herb King was brought into the hall.
"The Great Herb King pays respect to Vice Hall Master Liao Xun and Elder Blackeye!" The Great Herb King clasped his fist.
"Speak, how did you meet the envoy? Also, if I'm not wrong, you should be dead by now. Why are you still alive and kicking?"
Liao Xun's eyes narrowed.
"Under the effects of the Poison Gu, I was indeed on the verge of death. It was the envoy who saved me, and after which, he told me to bring him to the Poison Hall. Other than that... I don't know anything else!"
The Great Herb King poured out the words, which had he agreed on with Physician Bai previously, hastily.
"Do you really not know anything else?" Vice Hall Master Liao Xun harrumphed. "You do know the consequences of lying to me, right?"
"I know!"
Fearful, the Great Herb King knelt to the floor.
"There's no a single falsehood in my words. Vice Hall Master is also aware that I am only a puppet and spokesperson of the Poison Hall. Because the elder said that he is the envoy, I didn't dare to stop him. Thus, I could only bring him here. I am truly unsure about anything else!"
"Un, you can leave now!"
After asking a few more questions, Liao Xun realized that he couldn't get any more information out of the Great Herb King's mouth.
"Yes!"
As if he were pardoned by the emperor, the Great Herb King rushed out of the hall without a second thought.
"Even my teacher is unable to remove the Contract Gu once it has melded into one's bloodstream. To be able to cure him without leaving any traumas, that person must be at least a 4-star poison master!"
After the Great Herb King left the room, Liao Xun tapped a finger on the table as he analyzed the matter. "Only the headquarter has 4-star poison masters!"
Even the greatest poison master in Red Lotus Range Poison Hall was only a 3-star.
Only the headquarter was capable of dispatching 4-star poison masters.
With that being established, the envoy was likely to be authentic.
"However, it's best to be careful. Elder Blackeye, I'll have to trouble you to head to the book collection vault to see what kind of book the envoy is looking for and see what he's up to!"
After hesitating for a moment, Liao Xun instructed.
"Yes!"
Elder Blackeye replied and stepped out of the room.
About two hours later, he returned back to the same room. He had an expression on his face that spoke of puzzlement and bewilderment.
"What's wrong? Is there anything amiss? Did he find the book he was looking for?"
Seeing his expression, Liao Xun couldn't suppress his curiosity and asked.
"There's nothing wrong... and he didn't seem to be looking for a specific book either!"
Recalling the sight back then, Blackeye shook his head fervently.
He saw the incredibly callous envoy run around the book collection vault as though a lunatic. Even though the other party claimed that he was looking for a book, he didn't pull out a single book at all.
He had experienced and witnessed many different things in his life, but even so, he was unable to comprehend what he just saw.
If he wasn't certain that the other party was the envoy, he would have thought that the other party was a lunatic.
"It's good that there's nothing wrong!"
Liao Xun heaved a sigh of relief. "Seems like the envoy should be authentic, there's no need to doubt his identity anymore! We should spend more effort thinking of what poison to concoct later to win his admiration!"
Elder Blackeye nodded. Just as he was about to speak, the flustered Poison Master Liu from before barged into the room all of a sudden.
"Vice Hall Master..."
"What's wrong?" Liao Xun frowned.
"There's someone outside. He demands you and the other two Vice Hall Masters meet him... he claimed that he is the... envoy!"
Anxious, Poison Master Liu stuttered.
"Envoy?"
Liao Xun and Elder Blackeye glanced at each other and their eyes widened in doubt.
Isn't the envoy already here?
Why would… another one appear?
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Chapter 278: This Time, We're Really Doomed
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
Seated on a stool in the hall, the Great Herb King wiped the cold sweat off his face.
Liao Xun wasn't the only one who had questioned him. The second and third Vice Hall Masters had sent men to interrogate him as well. If not for the words he had prepared beforehand, he would probably have been overwhelmed by the situation.
The pressure was just too great!
He was just a spokesperson. It was one thing for him to put on a mighty act outside, but to lie to the poison masters here... It was something which he had never dared to think of.
If not for the other party having saved his life and the Poison Hall being so ungrateful, he would have refused to get involved...
But now, there is no path of retreat.
The moment Physician Bai is exposed, it is highly likely that he would die along with him.
The three Vice Hall Masters would poison to death everyone who knew that they were duped by a physician and failed to recognize the real envoy.
If such a humiliating matter were to spread out, they would find themselves too ashamed to command their subordinates and vie for the Hall Master position.
They would definitely slaughter a few people here and there to quell their anger.
Thus, if the Great Herb King wanted to live, he had to convince everyone that Physician Bai was the true envoy. This way, they wouldn't dare to lay their hands on him.
And from the looks of it, it seemed to be quite effective.
At the very least, even though the three Vice Hall Masters had their own doubts, they didn't dare to act recklessly.
"I wonder what Physician Bai wants from the Poison Hall. He should hurry up and get on with it so that we can leave quickly..."
Upon recalling Physician Bai, the Great Herb King shook his head.
The other party hadn't told him the reason why he had to come to the Poison Hall at all cost, but he had his own guesses; it was probably a treasure or something he needed. If that's the case, he should quickly look for it... What was he up to running over to the book collection vault?
The book collection vault contained only books of relation to poison masters. Since any poison master in the Poison Hall could enter freely, it was impossible for any treasures to be hidden within.
Or did he really risk his life to come here... to look for a certain book?
If that was the case, then the situation was too darned!
"Forget it. He should be well aware of the danger too, so he wouldn't stay here for too long..."
Just as the thought flashed through the Great Herb King's mind, a commotion could be heard outside. Countless poison masters headed straight for the entrance of the city.
The Poison Hall has been closed to outsiders for countless years, and poison masters usually remain in their stations and mind their own businesses. It is rare to see such huge movement within the city. What is going on?
"Poison Master Han, what's going on?"
Standing up, the Great Herb King pulled a poison master aside and asked.
"You don't know? They're saying that another person claiming to the envoy has arrived, and everyone in the Poison Hall is expected to welcome him!" Poison Master Han said.
Since Physician Bai is an imposter, can it be that... this is the real deal?
If he is indeed the real one, then we are in deep trouble!
To think that they would possess such incredible luck as to meet the real one under such circumstances. To make things worse, they were trapped in the Poison Hall...
The Great Herb King saw everything before him turn dark and grim.
"That's right. Let's go and take a look. It's rare that the headquarter send anyone down, why would it send two envoys at the same time?" Poison Master Han was perplexed. As he said so, he pulled the Great Herb King toward the entrance.
"I..."
The Great Herb King felt his both legs convulsing. Shaking his head profusely, he panicked, "I... I think I'll pass!"
They had just barely managed to scrape by, and the true envoy had to appear now. Heavens, you must be playing with me!
"Let's go!"
Not allowing the other party to reject him, Poison Master Han pulled him, and it didn't take long for the duo to reach the entrance of the city.
By the time they arrived, the entrance was already filled with countless poison masters. The three Vice Hall Masters and all of the elders stood in front of the crowd.
Two figures stood before them.
"Butler Lu?"
With a single glance, the Great Herb King recognized one of the two figures.
It was Butler Lu from his residence.
He once brought Butler Lu here, but the other party merely waited for him at the entrance to the Poison Hall then. To think that he would still remember the directions.
He must be the one who led the way here. Otherwise, it would be difficult for even the envoy to find the Poison Hall which was hidden amidst the mountains.
Understanding this, he turned to look at the person standing next to him.
He was a middle-aged man dressed in a dark-red cloak. His hands were behind his back, and his chin was tilted upward. His face had a bizarre expression which made it impossible to discern whether it was a smile or a furious one.
"That is... poison master emblem... 3-star poison master?"
The Great Herb King's eyes fell upon the other party's robe, and his mouth twitched.
There was a poison master emblem hanging on the other party's chest, and the three stars on it shone brightly.
Even the old Hall Master, the greatest expert of the Poison Hall when he was still alive, was merely a 3-star primary poison master. After his death, the position as the strongest was taken over by Vice Hall Master Liao Xun, a 2-star pinnacle poison master. The fact that the other party was a 3-star poison master...
Initially, the Great Herb King had suspected whether the other party could be fake. However, upon seeing his emblem, that sliver of hope he held was crushed.
Even if he weren't the envoy, as a 3-star poison master, no one in the Poison Hall would dare to offend him. Otherwise, it was likely that the hall could be reduced to a hornet's nest through his poison in an instant, and they probably wouldn't even realize how they died.
Those who are able to reach 3-star possess a cultivation of at minimum Zhizun realm. Even if he didn't resort to poison, he was able to easily destroy the entire Poison Hall with a flip of his palm.
"This..."
Liao Xun didn't expect another envoy to appear, and a 3-star poison master at that. His attitude turned polite immediately, and clasping his fist, he greeted, "May I know how I should address you? If it's convenient, can you show me your [Golden Poison Heart Token]? It's not that I am doubting your identity, but it's a rule from the headquarter. An envoy has to flash the token representing his identity before we can welcome him in!"
He spoke the same words that he said to Zhang Xuan when he first arrived.
The envoy didn't reply. Instead, he flicked his wrist, and a golden heart-shaped token appeared in his palm. He threw it over casually.
Catching it hastily, Liao Xun and the others examined it quickly. With a single glance, their eyes narrowed, and they came to a conclusion.
"It's real!"
The Golden Poison Heart Token was something that only an envoy could possess and it represented the Poison Hall headquarter. There was a unique distant aura infused within it, allowing people who look at it to immediately discern its genuity, even if they hadn't seen it before.
"He is a 3-star poison master and possesses the Golden Poison Heart Token... If that's the case, it's impossible for him to be a fake. Then, the one before..."
Gedeng! Upon seeing the token of identification, Liao Xun and the others' hearts skipped a beat simultaneously.
If this one is real, the one before is likely to be a fake.
Otherwise, why would he refuse to show the Golden Poison Heart Token?
"Why, is there a problem?"
Seeing the rapidly changing expressions in the crowd, the envoy's own expression darkened. Even though there wasn't a hint of anger in his tone, his words seemed to possess an authoritative quality.
"That's not it..."
Liao Xun hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Another envoy arrived right before you. That's why, when we heard of your presence, we were astonished!"
"Hm?"
The envoy frowned. "The headquarter has only sent me over to determine the new Hall Master, as well as to retrieve that object, which should have matured by now. It didn't send anyone else. An envoy who came before me? What do you mean?"
"It's like this. Two hours ago, a man came claiming that he's the envoy. He is currently browsing through books in the book collection vault!"
Liao Xun explained.
"He claimed that he's the envoy? Then, does he have the Golden Poison Heart Token?"
The envoy's eyebrows shot up.
"That..." Liao Xun hesitated for a moment. "He didn't show us the golden token!"
"Preposterous!" The envoy flung his sleeves, and an overwhelming aura gushed into the heavens. "How can he be the envoy without the Golden Poison Heart Token? Bring me to him! I would like to see the one who is so brazen as to impersonate an envoy of the headquarter!"
"Yes! Envoy, this way please!"
Liao Xun and the others ushered him in toward the center hall of the Poison Hall hastily.
Watching as the group left, the Great Herb King's body swayed, as though the energy in his body had been sapped dry.
"Old master..."
Upon seeing the old master's state, Butler Lu hurried forward to support him.
"What's going on..."
The Great Herb King sent a telepathic message to Butler Lu.
"A day after you and Physician Bai left, that man appeared and demanded for you to lead him to the Poison Hall. Without a choice, I could only bring him up the mountains. I rushed all the way up so as to catch up with you, but... it turns out that I am too late!"
Butler Lu was also on the verge of tears.
A total of four people knew that Physician Bai was going to impersonate the envoy, and they were the Great Herb King, Butler Lu, Physician Bai, and Mo Yu.
Mo Yu had already left for Tianwu Royal City, so only the three of them were left.
That person has already verified his identity, so Butler Lu wasn't in the position to turn him down. As the Great Herb King was absent, he could only lead him up the mountains himself. Initially, he planned to catch up with the Great Herb King and Physician Bai so as to inform them that there was no need for the latter to pass off as the envoy anymore. But... despite rushing the entire road, he wasn't able to catch up with them.
"This time... we're really doomed!"
After hearing Butler Lu's explanation, the Great Herb King's mouth twitched. Blood welled up in his chest, and it felt as though it would spurt out at any moment.
If Butler Lu and the envoy had come a little later, Physician Bai could have got what he wanted and left the Poison Hall. Even if he was discovered to be a fake later on, there was nothing the others could do about him once he took off his disguise.
If Butler Lu and the envoy was a little earlier, they would be able to catch up with them. If they knew that the envoy was already on his way to the Poison Hall, there would be no need for them to impersonate as him. They could simply follow behind the envoy and enter the Poison Hall just the same.
But... Physician Bai had just claimed that he was the envoy, and the other side had already believed his words. Yet... the true envoy had to arrive at this moment...
It was like having a naked beautiful lady beside you. Even if you said that you didn't do anything to her, no one in the world would believe it!
Being caught in the act, no explanation would work!
He knew that it was a bad idea to pass off as the envoy...
But to think that it would be that bad of an idea!
It looked like the life which he had just retrieved with insurmountable difficulty would have to be forfeited...
"Old master, what do we do now?" Butler Lu had also arrived at the same conclusion and his face warped with worry.
"I don't know..."
The Great Herb King shook his head, "Looks like we can only wait for our deaths..."
Tearful, he scanned the surroundings. Numerous poison masters had their eyes set on him, so it was impossible for him to escape. Thus, he could only follow behind the crowd toward the hall.
"Right... It seems that Physician Bai is still unaware of the arrival of the real envoy!"
After taking a few steps forward, the Great Herb King suddenly thought of something and his expression changed.
If the other party knew of the matter beforehand, he could at least start thinking of a solution. Given that he was in the dark, he would definitely be caught off guard when the others challenged him all of a sudden...
However, the Vice Hall Masters and elders were walking in front of him and the envoy was present as well. It was already too late to inform Physician Bai.
His thoughts were still running wild when the group arrived at the main hall.
"Elder Blackeye, I trouble you to invite that envoy out!"
After taking a seat, Liao Xun waved his hands and instructed.
"Yes!"
Elder Blackeye walked in a hurry toward the book collection vault.
It has already been more than two hours since Zhang Xuan's arrival, and he had finished reading through all of the books in the book collection vault. Seeing that the other party was here inviting him over, he tagged behind him toward the main hall without questions.
"Why? Are you done preparing already? If you're done with your preparations, we can start now!"
Upon reaching the hall, Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back and glanced impassively at Liao Xun and the others.
"Are you the one who claimed that you're the envoy?"
Before Liao Xun and the others could speak, the envoy stood up and stared at Zhang Xuan with narrowed eyes.
"Who do you think you are?"
Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up. Carrying the same unopposable authority in his voice, he spoke sharply, "Did I allow you to speak?"
"The heck!"
Blood spurted from the mouth of the Great Herb King, "We're really doomed..."
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Chapter 279: Senior Uncle
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
When Butler Lu realized that the middle-aged man was Physician Bai in disguise, his face contorted, and he nearly ripped off his own shirt out of frustration...
Even if you don't recognize the envoy, you should at least recognize the poison master emblem pinned on his chest!
There are no 3-star poison masters in this Poison Hall. Where else can he come from other than the headquarter?
If you pay a little more attention, you'll notice all of these details...
To say 'Who do you think you are, did I allow you to speak' straight in his face'...
The heck heck heck heck heck!
Before you said those words, you could have at least come up with some excuse to explain yourself. Now that you've insulted him in public, there's no room for reconciliation!
Even though he has only known the other party for a few days, the Physician Bai he knew was an impressive and rational figure. Why did he suddenly become such a reckless person?
Your actions aren't just bringing harm to yourself, the old master and I will also be dragged into this disaster!
The master and servant duo felt as if they were going insane. At the same moment, the mouths of Liao Xun and the others twitched.
They have seen arrogant people, but it was their first time meeting SUCH an arrogant person!
For a mere impersonator to speak to the real envoy in such a manner, the word "courageous" is no longer sufficient to describe him!
This is simply... courting death!
Not just courting death, but courting the worst possible way to die.
"You reap what you sow!"
"This time, we don't even have to do anything. The envoy will help us settle it all!"
A gloating expression appeared on the faces of the other two Vice Hall Masters.
To think that a mere impersonator had managed to scare them, they felt ashamed just by the thought of it. If they could, they would rip apart the other party's tendons and pluck out his bones, so as to pay him back for the humiliation.
But from the looks of it now, they wouldn't get a turn.
"What did you say?"
As everyone expected, the envoy flew into a rage immediately. A powerful aura burst forth from him, reaching to the skies. It exerted so much pressure on the crowd that they found it difficult to even breathe.
Zhizun realm!
Just as they had guessed, the envoy was indeed a Zhizun realm expert!
Fighter 9-dan Zhizun realm. In this vast world, they were the ones who reigned supreme. With strength exceeding ten thousand ding, they possessed the might to destroy castles, eradicate oceans, and obliterate mountains.
The moment his rage flurried, the heaven and earth wailed in agony beneath his might. The pure energy he emanated gushed over the crowd, and as though a massive torrent, they were helpless before it.
Liao Xun and the others retreated uncontrollably before the overwhelming might that was displayed.
The Great Herb King's face scrunched up in fear.
It was too frightening.
Even if a Zongshi pinnacle were to face him, he would be rendered completely helpless.
They were thinking that the impersonator would be forced to give himself away under the intimidating aura when, instead, Zhang Xuan frowned in displeasure.
"Atrocious!"
Bellowing angrily, Zhang Xuan flung his hands, "How dare you darned rascal lay your hands me! Who gave you the guts to do so?"
"Ah..."
The Great Herb King convulsed.
Displeased, the heck you are displeased about!
Furthermore, calling him a darned rascal...
Brother, where does your confidence come from?
Your identity has been exposed. If you carry on with the act, the other party will really beat you to death...
Even though the Great Herb King couldn't tell the exact strength of Physician Bai, after days of interacting with him, he had gauged it to be around Zongshi realm. In any case, he thought that it was impossible for the other party's cultivation to be above Zongshi realm pinnacle.
Even I myself will be rendered helpless before the envoy, why the heck are you acting so arrogantly?
...
"Fine! To think that an impersonator would dare talk to me like that, I'm truly impressed. Since you are that tired of living, allow me to grant your wish!"
He thought that the impersonator would be intimidated by his aura, but contrary to his expectations, the other party criticized him for being brazen. The envoy felt so infuriated that he could feel himself losing his rationality, and killing intent gleamed in his eyes.
The headquarter had sent only him here, so the man before him had to be a fake!
For a mere impersonator to yell at him, there must be something wrong with his head, or he must have extremely large guts!
With a slight step, the envoy charged forward as though a bolt of lightning. Opening his fingers, an immense force burst forth from his palm and flew straight at Zhang Xuan!
Zhizun realm is also known a Ten Thousand Ding realm, and the strength of a Zhizun realm expert isn't something that any Zongshi realm cultivator can withstand. The envoy's might crushed down on Zhang Xuan as though a gigantic wave, leaving him with no place to hide. Even a small hill would be reduced to powder under that might!
Due to his insufficient cultivation, Zhang Xuan's body stiffened before that overwhelming strength. Under this condition, it would be difficult for him to even execute a battle technique.
With his pure Heaven's Path zhenqi, it was rare for Zhang Xuan's to suffer from such suppression. However, he was only a Half-Zongshi, and the gap between him and a Zhizun realm expert was simply too huge.
Even though Zhang Xuan was capable of defeating opponents beyond that of his cultivation realm, that was only limited to Zongshi realm primary stage cultivators. Before a Zhizun expert, he wasn't capable of any retaliation. The most he could do was to escape his attacks using the Heaven's Path Movement Art.
Feeling the intense pressure on his body, Zhang Xuan's mind moved swiftly. He maintained the impassive look on his face, but inside, Zhang Xuan was panicking.
He had guessed that the other party was the true envoy, but if he were to back out at this point, death would become inevitable.
Aren't you arrogant?
I'll be more arrogant than you.
And this was the only way Zhang Xuan would be able to scare the other party, making him fearful of laying his hands on him.
Yet, that fellow didn't fall for his tricks and, instead, attacked him directly. This placed Zhang Xuan in a terrible position.
"Flaws!"
Even if he were to dodge using the Heaven's Path Movement Art, he could only do so for a blow or two before his stamina ran out. By then, he would be dead meat as well. Thus, he hurriedly turned his attention to the Library of Heaven's Path.
A book appeared before him.
Looking at the contents, Zhang Xuan calmed his nerves. He revised his original intention of escaping using the Heaven's Path Movement Art, and with an absurdly calm expression, spouted coldly.
"Gu Mu, to dare to lay your hands on me, do you crave for your entire line to die?"
Hu!
"You..."
Upon hearing those words, the calm envoy was taken aback. He pulled back his palms forcefully and questioned in astonishment, "Who are you? Why do you know my name?"
Upon receiving the orders from the headquarter, he rushed here from afar, and on the journey, he had never mentioned his name to anyone.
Before receiving the orders, he had been secluding himself to focus on his cultivation. Other than his examiners and friends, almost no one knew his name. Logically speaking, it would be impossible for anyone in this backward location to know of his identity. Thus, upon hearing his name from the mouth of that fellow before him, he could not help but feel bewildered.
Of course, even though he withdrew his palms, he didn't disperse his might. The moment the other party spouted nonsense, that force would burst through his body immediately.
Seeing the other party stop, Zhang Xuan knew that he had taken a successful gamble and heaved a sigh of relief.
Humans were curious creatures, and regardless of how furious a man could be, hearing a stranger call his name would cause him to be puzzled. Using the information from the book on the other party in the library, Zhang Xuan was confident of convincing him to not dare raise his fists again.
Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan stood upright as though an erect spear before the other party. It seemed as though he was impervious to the rage and intimidation of the party.
"In the Xuanyuan Conferred Kingdom branch, you are the fourteenth person to pass the 3-star poison master examination, and you took only five years to reach 3-star pinnacle from then. As such, you are reputed to be a genius who appears only once every century!"
"Born with an innate passion toward poison, you passed the apprentice poison master examination at fourteen years of age. The [Fiery Heat Powder] which you concocted then killed the 314 people in your mortal enemy's household. At seventeen years of age, you created the [Soul Shattering Dust], and you managed to kill a Zongshi realm primary stage expert with it. At twenty-six years of age, you passed the 2-star poison master examination, and the [Frangible Bone Fragrance] which you concocted allowed you to successfully poison a Zongshi realm pinnacle savage beast to death..."
"At thirty-five years of age, you came under the tutelage of the Hundred Variations Poison Master Jin Conghai. This year, you're forty-four, and your prowess in poison is unmatched in the Xuanyuan branch... This time, the headquarter sent you here as the envoy to train you so that you can take over as the next Hall Master of the branch!"
"I wonder..." Zhang Xuan paused for a moment. Chuckling, he glanced at the envoy. "...if what I've said is true?"
"Who in the world... are you?"
Envoy Gu Mu's eyes narrowed.
Other than his closest kin, no one knew about these facts, especially the orders from the headquarters. Yet, the other party knew of them as though it was in the grasp of his palm...
Who in the world is he?
He didn't recall any acquaintance having such an appearance.
That's to say, he didn't know the person before him at all. But how could the other party know of the affairs surrounding him in such great detail?
Disregarding the Envoy Gu Mu's question, Zhang Xuan chuckled, "In order to become a 4-star poison master, you went to the extent of even testing out poisons on your own body. Others are impressed by your feat of giving up your life for your passion for poisons, but the truth is that you wish to exact vengeance for your dead wife!"
"Your enemy... is a 4-star poison master! His abilities at using poison are above yours, and if you don't reach his level, you'll be unable to kill him!"
"You, you..."
Gu Mu's face paled, and his eyes narrowed. His face seemed as though he has seen a ghost.
The other party was completely right.
All along, he had been cultivating and researching new poison with everything he had, and this all was for his vengeance!
Just that, it was a secret he had hidden in the depths of his heart. He had never told anyone about it, and he didn't dare to.
After all, every single poison master was an important asset of the Poison Hall. If they found out that he intended to kill a 4-star poison master, someone would definitely stop him.
Thus, this matter had always remained as his own personal secret. Yet, at this moment, it was coming out from the mouth of a stranger. How could he not be astonished and terrified?
"Your current cultivation realm is Zhizun realm pinnacle, and to become a 4-star poison master, you have to achieve a breakthrough in your cultivation. Thus, you've been feeding on [Green Snake Grass] and applying it on your shenmen acupoint so as to increase your potential. At the same time, you applied [Bone Corroding Powder] on your shenhun acupoint to boost your Soul Depth. Even though your strength and Soul Depth has increased under the stimulation of the poison, it has worn your life thin. If I'm not wrong, you are already nearing your end, and you can possibly die at any moment now!"
Circling around the other party, Zhang Xuan sighed.
When the other party attacked him, he executed a battle technique. As such, a book was compiled, and the other party's flaws were revealed on it. Shockingly, there were more than hundred flaws on him!
To outsiders, he may seem like a person who has a bright future ahead of him, a 3-star pinnacle poison master who could become the new Hall Master of the Xuanyuan branch at any moment. However, his body had already reached his limits, and he could die at any moment.
Based on his current condition, it was unlikely for him to survive more than three years.
Deng deng deng deng!
Staggering backward a few steps, Gu Mu's face became ghastly white.
The other party's words were completely correct, he had been exchanging his own life for strength. If he didn't do so, he would never become a 4-star poison master in this life, and without reaching that level, how could he exact his vengeance?
If he didn;t avenge his wife, he wouldn't be able to face her in the underworld.
"Who in the world are you?"
Clenching his fists tightly, Gu Mu stared grimly at Zhang Xuan.
To know his background so clearly and not fearing his attacks at all, could he possibly be an unknown senior of Xuanyuan branch?
"Who am I..."
Zhang Xuan lifted his gaze, and a faraway look appeared in his eyes. "Of course you don't know who I am. That's because... even your teacher would have to call me..."
"Senior uncle!"
---
Those who come under your teacher earlier than you are normally known as your seniors.
(Unless you are a direct disciple. Direct disciples are given seniority over normal students, as in the case with Liu shi and the others)
Your teacher's senior is known as your senior uncle.
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Chapter 280: Display of Strength
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
"Your teacher's senior uncle?"
"Senior granduncle of the envoy?
Staring at each other, the Great Herb King and Butler Lu nearly pulled off all of their beards.
Aren't you Physician Bai?
Weren't you unaware of whether the envoy would come, and if he did, when he would come?
Aren't you an impersonator?
When did you... become the envoy's senior granduncle?
The heck!
More importantly... the envoy seems to be completely dazed at the situation. He doesn't seem to know that he has a senior granduncle!
You could have feigned as his senior, his junior, his acquaintance, or even his friends... Yet, to take such a high position...
Brother, you sure know how to speak!
If they were in Zhang Xuan's position, they wouldn't have even dared to think about it.
The duo only felt a surge of blood rushing up their throat, threatening to burst out at any moment.
Liao Xun, the other two Hall Masters, and the numerous elders stared at one another blankly.
They thought that the impersonator would be killed with a single slap from the envoy, or at the very least, be crippled. Never in their dreams did they expect the both of them to be acquainted, and... they seemed to share the same lineage at that.
It can't be such a coincidence, can it?
"My teacher calls you senior granduncle?" Gu Mu was stunned as well. His entire body stiffened in discomfort.
The person before knew everything about him, so he thought that perhaps he was a colleague in the same branch whom he had never noticed. Never in his dreams did he expect that... they would be related in such a way!
He had followed his teacher for countless years but had never heard from him that he had a senior granduncle.
But if the other party was lying, how did he know everything about him? And on top of that, for everything he said to be correct?
Putting everything aside, just his ability to discern his current condition was something even his teacher was incapable of.
"That's just in terms of our seniority. I like to wander about, and I often dwell outside. Thus, your teacher might not even know of my existence!" Putting on the disposition of an expert, Zhang Xuan shook his hands casually.
If Zhang Xuan wanted to prevent the other party from laying hands on him, he had to possess an identity that was sufficiently convincing.
In any case, even those who attend the same lesson can be termed as 'senior' and 'junior'. Given that Zhang Xuan was impersonating as someone who was distantly related to him, it was impossible for him to gather sufficient evidence to overthrow his claim on the spot.
After all, he can't possibly run over to his teacher now and ask him if he has a senior uncle!
Besides, I've already said that even your teacher might not know of me, so even it would do nothing even if you try to verify with him.
However, just words were insufficient to establish Zhang Xuan's prestige. The best way to do so was to cure him of his problem, and only that way would the other party hold complete faith in him.
Thus, Zhang Xuan decided to get straight to the topic. He glanced at Gu Mu with a smile and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. It's fate for us to meet here, so I would like to ask you. Do you want to solve your affliction?"
"Is there... a solution... for my affliction?"
Gu Mu initially held some doubts about the identity of the person before him. However, upon hearing the other party talk about solving his affliction, his face immediately flushed with agitation.
If given a chance to live, who would be willing to die?
Furthermore, he was shouldering a heavy grudge.
His wife was killed by a 4-star poison master, and all along, he had been suppressing the pain and anger within him. He had focused all of his energy on his cultivation in hopes that he could return justice to his wife.
He was just a thin line away from reaching a higher realm and a faint ray of hope had appeared for his vengeance. Yet, recently, he realized that the forceful method of raising his cultivation had already sapped his vitality dry. Just like what the other party said, he didn't have long to live.
He didn't mind dying!
But he had to tear that person to pieces before he dies.
"You used poison to raise your cultivation forcefully, resulting in the loss of your vitality. If it were anyone else, they would be helpless before your condition. However, your issue doesn't mean anything to me!" Zhang Xuan said with an indifferent expression.
The Heaven's Path zhenqi was capable of even mending a body which had been ravaged by the Poison Gu, not to mention, Gu Mu who was still full of strength.
"Senior uncle, I plead of you to save me!"
After hesitating for a moment, Gu Mu knelt onto the floor, and his eyes were filled with determination. "As long as you treat my affliction such that I am able to slaughter my enemy, I am willing to serve you for the rest of my life!"
After the death of his wife, he has been wanting to follow her footsteps. However, the reason why he had been struggling in life was that he wanted to avenge her.
He wasn't certain about the background of the person before him, but since he was able to discern the problems he was suffering from, something that even his teacher failed to notice, perhaps he could solve this problem of his!
As long as the problem disappeared, Gu Mu was confident that the foundation he built throughout the years would allow him to break through the final impasse, reaching the level he dreamed of.
This could be considered an opportunity. If it succeeded, there would be hope for his vengeance once more.
However, if the other party was fooling him, he would make sure to drag him down as well. In any case, he didn't have long to live, and there was nothing for him to fear.
"Ah..."
Upon seeing Gu Mu kneel to the floor, everyone's eyeballs fell to the ground.
The lofty envoy of the headquarter, a 3-star pinnacle poison master who possessed the strength of a Zhizun pinnacle, was kneeling to an impersonator...
Is this for real?
Everyone was shocked, especially the Great Herb King.
The Great Herb King knew the true identity of this 'impersonator'. He wasn't the senior granduncle of the envoy as he claimed and wasn't even close.
Yet, with just a few casual words, the other party knelt to him willingly...
Physician Bai, you have my utmost respect!
If it was him, he would definitely kneel down fearfully and plead for his life the moment someone might expose his identity.
In the end, someone did indeed kneel, but the one who knelt was the real deal...
Even though he had witnessed the sight with his own eyes, he couldn't help but doubt if it was a dream.
The twist occurred too quickly, catching him off guard.
However, after recovering from his astonishment, he could understand the rationale behind the other party's actions.
Taking him from a few days ago, if someone had said that he was capable of curing him of the affliction caused by the Poison Gu, putting aside senior granduncle, he would even willingly call him grandfather.
It is only on the verge of death would one understand how valuable life is. In the face of death, dignity and pride mean nothing at all.
"I can help you, but I'll have to state my rules clearly beforehand!"
Turning around, Zhang Xuan beckoned with his hands, "Great Herb King, tell Gu Mu about my rules!"
He had achieved only Half-Zongshi, and if he were to treat the other party while he was awake, the other party would definitely notice a peculiarity and thus, destroy his image as an expert which he had painstakingly built up.
In the end, it was best for the other party to be unconscious during the treatment.
This way, he would be able to hide his true cultivation realm and conceal the uniqueness of the Heaven's Path zhenqi
However, if he were to say these words himself, many people would doubt his intentions. Thus, it was better for Great Herb King to do the talking instead.
The Great Herb King was also a smart person, and he understood Zhang Xuan's intentions immediately. Stepping forward, he explained, "When Senior Bai treats someone, he requires the patient to be completely unconscious!"
"Completely unconscious?"
Gu Mu frowned.
Being knocked unconscious meant that he was entrusting his life into the hands of the others, and he wouldn't have any say over what the other party did.
While the other party knew everything about his background, he still bore doubts toward the other party's identity, and he didn't yet trust him.
"Don't worry, this is just Senior Bai's rules. Back then, when he treated me from my Poison Gu affliction, he knocked me out as well!" Seeing the hesitation in the other party's eyes, the Great Herb King persuaded.
"Treated you from your Poison Gu affliction? You mean... he settled the Poison Gu you were suffering from?"
Gu Mu was taken aback, and disbelief filled his face.
Liao Xun and the others may not understand fully the potency of the Poison Gu as 2-star poison masters, but as a 3-star pinnacle who had encountered innumerable formidable poison masters, Gu Mu knew just how fearsome the Poison Gu was.
Rumors had it that once one was afflicted with the Poison Gu, even a 5-star poison master would be unable to save him.
For this senior granduncle to be capable of solving an affliction which even a 5-star poison master is unable to, can it be that... his tier has already surpassed that?
"That's right. A few days ago, I nearly died from the Poison Gu, and it is Senior Bai who helped me then!" The Great Herb King said.
"I can bear testimony to that. A Poison Gu was indeed implanted into him by the old Hall Master!" Liao Xun and the others affirmed the Great Herb King's words.
"Able to remove the Poison Gu?"
Clenching his fists tightly, Gu Mu turned to examine the Great Herb King, and he realized something amiss in him.
As a 3-star pinnacle poison master, he was able to see the telltale signs that a Poison Gu once inhabited his body and wrecked havoc within.
Upon confirming his judgment, his face flushed furiously. If this 'senior granduncle' was able to treat the Poison Gu, it was highly possible that he would be able to treat him as well!
However, he was still worried about being knocked unconscious.
"I know what you're worried about. Allowing yourself to be knocked unconscious means entrusting your life to another, and if the other party holds malicious intentions toward you, you won't even know how you died. No one would be able to make such a decision easily!"
Zhang Xuan could sense his hesitation. "I would have left immediately if it were anyone else who doubted me, but since you're my junior, I can tell you this right away... If I want to kill you, I need not go through so much trouble!"
At this point, Zhang Xuan's foot pushed against the ground.
Sou!
Before anyone could react, he was already sixty meters away. Then, in the next instant, the figure in the distance blurred, and Zhang Xuan had returned to where he was before, as though he had never moved at all.
"What incredible speed!"
"Even Zhizun pinnacle experts aren't capable of such a feat!"
"Can it be that... he has already surpassed Zhizun realm?"
...
Everyone present was astonished by the display, and their eyes narrowed in fear.
They were all cultivators of Zongshi realm and below, and they had never witnessed such speed.
How can one who is capable of traveling at such incredible speed possess a weak cultivation? It was fortunate that they didn't make a move on him. Otherwise, if they were to have angered him, he could have really destroyed this entire Poison Hall branch.
The Great Herb King's face turned pale too.
All along, he thought that he was evenly matched with this Physician Bai. Never in his dreams did he expect such a huge gap between the two of them.
With such speed, before he could even react, his head would have been lopped off his neck.
Gu Mu tightened his clenched fists too.
His maximum speed wasn't even close to that that the other party just displayed.
And judging from the party's expression, he had exerted nowhere near his full strength.
That was to say...
The cultivation of this 'senior granduncle' of his had definitely surpassed Zhizun, reaching a whole new level.
"The effect seems to be good!"
Seeing the astonishment on everyone's faces, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.
Having reached Half-Zongshi, the speed and distance he could cover with a single usage of Heaven's Path Movement Art had increased.
This move might have appeared formidable with its outstanding speed, but given Zhang Xuan's current physical resilience, executing it twice was already his limit. Furthermore, Zhang Xuan himself was unable to react to that overwhelming speed, making it impossible for him to use it to hurt or kill another.
In fact, while this move was an ideal escape technique, it was utterly useless for offense.
Of course, Zhang Xuan had just found another use for it... showing off.
Suppressing the tremendous ache across his entire body, he drove his zhenqi to heal those muscle tears discreetly. On the surface, he was standing quietly on the spot with his both hands behind his back, as though an expert unsullied with worldly affairs. He glanced at Gu Mu calmly, and his voice was completely tranquil and devoid of emotions.
"I wonder if, with my strength, will killing you..."
"...be as easy as slaughtering a chicken?"