Chapter 1: Life in the Jianghu

In early April, various exotic flowers in the courtyard were blooming vigorously, their fragrance rich and thick. Tiny insects bustled about on the branches of pink and white petals.

I sat in the courtyard, using the silver needles that the maids used for embroidery to shoot at those small insects. I hit every target, though I couldn’t hear the insects’ lamentations, only saw silver light falling like rain or sleet. At first, I thought it was truly a divine skill, but after a while, it felt ordinary and boring. For Chu Tianyao, this little trick was truly what its name suggested—a trivial skill.

In mid-March, I received a carrier pigeon message from Lin Shaoci, saying he wanted to come to Le’an to see me, but I refused him.

If what Xiao Xie said was correct, I was poisoned with the world’s most peculiar venom, incurable, and could die at any moment. If so, let me die alone in peace. Perhaps, in my subconscious, I also feared he would follow Xiao Xie’s fate.

Chu Tianyao was a demon who was capable of anything.

I hadn’t seen him for a month now, though Fengming had come to visit several times. Each time, he seemed on the verge of speaking but swallowed his words, turning them into sighs.

One day, he said to me: “You’re torturing yourself, and also torturing the master.”

I couldn’t be bothered to respond.

He continued: “In your condition, the master is very distressed. He has made great sacrifices for you…”

I sneered: “He killed someone for me too?”

Without changing his expression, he replied: “Madam is from the jianghu and should be most familiar with its rules. Feng Tingxie’s death was because he trespassed into the Truth-Seeking Pavilion. Once this rule is broken, how can the Truth-Seeking Pavilion maintain its standing in the jianghu?”

I said: “I don’t care about jianghu rules. I only know he’s a murderer.”

He looked at me in surprise, then sneered: “Who in this jianghu is truly clean? Whose hands haven’t been stained with blood? Two months ago, Madam killed thirteen members of the Ghost Valley Alliance in Suzhou in one night. Who did they go to for justice?”

I was instantly speechless.

He continued: “Feng Tingxie and I served different masters. Even if I didn’t kill him, would he have spared me? Those who walk the jianghu all live by the blade. If you don’t want to be killed, you must kill others.”

I had no response. Hadn’t I read such words countless times in wuxia novels? But now they were vividly appearing before my eyes, happening around me, and I still couldn’t accept it.

I pondered Fengming’s words, lost in thought for a while, then stood up to pick up the silver needles from the ground one by one. Looking up at a pavilion in the back courtyard, I walked slowly toward it.

Truth-Seeking Pavilion! I wanted to see what secrets you held that made death the only outcome for those who entered.

I climbed up step by step, holding a handful of silver needles, not without some nervousness in my heart.

But strangely, I encountered no obstacles—no mechanisms or hidden weapons like those described in wuxia novels, not even a human shadow.

I pushed open the pavilion door and was startled, thinking I had walked into a library.

Dozens of bookcases lined the four walls, densely packed with countless volumes. The labels on the bookcases bore the names of various jianghu sects, with Yu Chi Manor prominently visible. I pulled one out and turned to the chapter on past manor lords, finding Rong Shukuang’s name, and looked closely.

Rong Shukuang, female, birth year and parents unknown, raised from childhood by Lin Qianyi, who taught her martial arts.

At thirteen, she accompanied Lin Qianyi to Dream Locust Island in the East Sea to congratulate Island Master Liu Menghuai on his eightieth birthday. Gaining his appreciation, she was taught the Cloudcutting Blade technique and the Flowing Cloud Emerging from Mountain finger skill.

At seventeen, at the Fallen Goose Platform of Mount Lao, she defeated the Seven Ghosts of Mount Lao in ten moves with her Cloudcutting Blade, making her name known throughout the jianghu.

At twenty, at the Yu Chi Manor Lord election convention, she defeated twenty candidates and became the Lord of Yu Chi Manor.

I was dumbfounded for a while, then continued flipping forward, eager to find information about Lin Shaoci. The pages rustled as I turned them quickly.

Suddenly, a thin, sharp sound pierced through the air—the sound of extremely small hidden weapons moving at high speed through the air.

I was startled and waved my sleeve like a flowing cloud, catching all three hidden weapons. I turned around to see Feiwu, who had been absent for a long time. At this moment, her frost-like face was filled with joy, a happiness that came from the depths of her heart, even her voice became gentle and smooth: “Trespassing into the Truth-Seeking Pavilion, you’re dead for sure.”

“Is that so?” I remained composed, lightly shook my sleeve, and dropped the silver needles.

She sneered: “Rong Shukuang, what makes you so bold?”

“You’re quite bold yourself,” I looked at her and said calmly, “Have you always addressed your master’s wife by her name?”

She smiled: “I’m afraid from now on, you’ll be nothing.”

I also smiled: “That’s probably not for you to decide.”

Her expression changed: “Then I’ll have to kill you first!”

I sneered: “You dare to lay hands on me?”

Her eyes revealed ferocity, “Death to those who enter the Truth-Seeking Pavilion without permission! This is the rule set by the master. I’d be justified in killing you.”

“Rules are meant to be broken,” I said, “Besides, you might not be able to kill me.”

“Let’s see about that!”

She laughed lightly, suddenly retreating rapidly, her hands moving in succession, sending a swarm of green needles flying toward me like locusts.

Before I could react, a beam of white light suddenly poured down from above, and all the silver needles fell to the ground as if they had hit an invisible wall.

Feiwu cried out in surprise: “Master!”

The beautiful youth bowed his head and closed his eyes, his silver hair hanging down, covering his pale cheeks, looking extremely fatigued. My heart jumped. In one month of not seeing him, he had become so much thinner?

Feiwu leaped into the pavilion and urgently said: “Master, she trespassed into—”

Before she could finish, she received a slap on her face. I was stunned. I didn’t even see him raise his hand.

Feiwu was stunned for a moment, then suddenly shouted: “The rule you set, no one can change it!”

“I will handle this myself,” Chu Tianyao’s voice had no warmth.

“This is unfair! Unfair!” she cried out, “All that you’ve done, she doesn’t care at all. I feel it’s not worth it for you…”

The beautiful youth growled: “Get out!”

Her face immediately turned ashen, her red lips trembling slightly. She stood for a while, finally tossed her head, and turned to leave.

The room fell silent.

After a long time, he finally raised his head, his pitch-black eyes staring at me like cold lightning, as if wanting to burn two holes through me. I didn’t know what he was thinking, and my heart couldn’t help but feel a chill.

Finally, he sighed softly: “Shuang, what should I do with you?”

I felt a sour feeling rising to my nose and quickly tried to control it—I couldn’t be deceived by him again. He was a demon, a demon!

He suddenly walked over, put his arm around my waist, gently stroked my hair, and called my name softly: “Shuang, let’s make up!”

I could no longer control myself, and hot tears came rushing.

He touched my face: “You’ve lost weight.”

This bastard stole my line! I turned my head, and large teardrops fell one after another.

“I want to stay at Daming Lake for a while. Will you accompany me?”

I wiped my tears on his clothes and glared at him: “I’ve been into the Truth-Seeking Pavilion, death is certain. Will a ghost accompany you?”

“You—” he choked, then nodded, “The death penalty can be spared, but not the living punishment.”

I remained silent.

He let go of me, picked up the book from the ground, and sighed lightly: “This records the secrets of various jianghu sects. Some secrets, once revealed, would have unimaginable consequences. So, I must punish you severely. Let’s see, I’ll punish you by never allowing you to leave me.”

He looked at me and added: “Until I die!”

I snorted: “Don’t worry, you definitely won’t die.”

He was startled: “Hmm?”

I said irritably: “A bane lasts a thousand years!”

He looked at me quietly, and suddenly smiled, “Thanks for your kind words!”

My eyelid twitched, inexplicably feeling some alarm, and I blurted out: “I won’t let you die!”

He remained calm, “Oh, why not?”

I dared not look into his eyes, but my mouth said: “Because I want to kill you with my own hands!”

He held my hand and responded: “Good!”

My tears poured out once again, and I embraced him. His body trembled slightly, and he hugged me tightly.

I didn’t know why Chu Tianyao suddenly mentioned the word ‘death’ to me. Perhaps he already knew that I was poisoned, after all, he knew everything. I only hated that my will was so weak—he said a few pleasant words, and I softened. But if he truly still had some feelings for me, could my death appease this rebellion? Then I would have done right by Xiao Xie.

Perhaps I had overestimated myself, but I had to try. Or perhaps I wasn’t as noble as I imagined. If fate forced me to choose between Feng Tingxie and Chu Tianyao, could I plunge a knife into Chu Tianyao’s chest?

I knew I couldn’t do it!

This reminded me of Eileen Chang’s novel “Lust, Caution.” A female assassin falls in love with the head of the secret police, ultimately meeting a tragic end in death. I always thought this story was somewhat implausible, but it turned out to be true. Human nature is complex, and fate is unpredictable. I am, after all, just an ordinary woman.

Mark Twain has a famous quote: “Truth is stranger than fiction because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t.”

Love is also like this, defying all logic.

In such turbulent times, if I had to choose someone to love, the most suitable would certainly be Lin Shaoci, yet I fell in love with Chu Tianyao. Many things in life are beyond our control, such as when we are born and when we die. I don’t know which day I will die. But I covet this bustling world and the warmth he gives me, even if it’s just a fleeting moment.

I don’t know where he went these days, or if he killed anyone else. After his return, he was notably thinner, the fine lines at the corners of his eyes deepened, as if he tired very easily.

At this moment, we sat in a carriage heading to Jinan. He slept with his head on my lap, his breathing steady, his face pale, his brows carrying a child-like satisfaction that inexplicably pained my heart.

This man had a clear and handsome face, yet he was a demon who killed without blinking an eye. I couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

“What are you sighing about, when everything is fine?”

He had awoken at some point and was looking at me with his dark, clear eyes, smiling.

I smiled and smoothed his hair—this cascade of white hair reminded me that I owed him.

“You look cuter when you’re asleep.”

“So do you,” he spoke to me for the first time in an almost petulant manner.

“Huh?” I was startled.

“When you’re awake, you’re like a little tiger with sharp teeth.”

“Nonsense!” I pretended to be angry, “I’m much more ferocious than a tiger. You’d better be careful, don’t let me catch any more of your shortcomings.”

He looked at me, his lips slowly curving into a beautiful arc, his eyebrows and eyes full of smiles, a joy that couldn’t be suppressed flowing out from his bright eyes.

I touched his face and teased: “Look at you, so happy even when being scolded?”

He held my hand, lightly kissed it, and smiled: “You just said ‘more.’ When have I ever been caught by you?”

I shook off his hand and snorted heavily: “You know very well in your heart.”

He suddenly sighed softly: “This feeling is so good!”

I frowned slightly.

He couldn’t help but laugh: “You’re jealous, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t help but blush: “In your dreams.”

He smiled playfully and put his arm around my waist, “Silly girl! It’s not what you think.”

I pushed him away a little and used the tone of a police officer interrogating a criminal: “Confess honestly, what did you two do that night?”

He smiled foolishly and said softly: “I was feeling unwell, and she helped me with acupuncture.”

After saying this, he lowered his head and lightly kissed my lips, gentler than ever before. Suddenly, I felt that nothing else mattered—whatever about the Prince of Han’s rebellion or jianghu grudges were all tossed to the clouds. I just wanted to live well and grow old hand in hand with the one I loved.

After a long while, he released me and suddenly raised his voice: “Fengming, find the nearest inn to stay!”

Fengming rode the horse at a gallop, and my face immediately burned like fire. I dared not look at him.

He laughed loudly: “It’s rare to see you shy.”

“Shy?” I raised my head to glare at him, “This is the joy of anticipation.”

“Heavens!” he was both surprised and amused, “I’ve never seen a woman as direct as you.”

“I can be even more direct,” I immediately moved onto his lap and swiftly kissed his lips.

The atmosphere in the carriage immediately heated up, becoming extremely ambiguous and sensual, not suitable for minors. Fortunately, the carriage stopped at the right time, or I feared I might not be able to control myself.

That night, he slept quietly, and I got up to find Fengming.

He was drinking downstairs, his handsome face somewhat cold and austere. He looked very much like the beautiful youth, even his drinking posture was similar, or perhaps he was imitating him.

Seeing me, he stood up and said: “Madam!”

“Sit down,” I said straightforwardly, “What exactly is wrong with the beautiful youth?”

His expression changed slightly: “Why do you ask this?”

“He’s not feeling well, what’s the matter?”

He was silent for a moment: “Why don’t you ask the master directly?”

I was startled: “Is it a very serious illness?”

He looked at me, his gaze flickering, and suddenly asked: “Do you love the master very much?”

“Nonsense!” I glared at him, “What’s wrong with him?”

He threw back the wine in his cup and said in one breath: “Nothing, those who practice martial arts inevitably have some ailments.”

I wanted to ask more.

“It’s late, why don’t you rest early,” he said quickly, “This subordinate is also tired, I’ll take my leave!” With that, he went upstairs without looking back.

I was startled, somewhat uncertain if my eyes were playing tricks on me. Was there a glimmer of tears in his eyes?

I quietly returned to the room. As soon as I lay back in bed, I was embraced by a hand around my waist.

“Confess honestly, where did you just go?” His eyes were burning, imitating my tone from earlier in the day.

“Went to gather intelligence!” I smiled.

“What did you find out?”

“The opponent was very cunning, I gained nothing.”

He laughed lightly: “Then, having left me alone in an empty room, shouldn’t you make it up to me?”

I exclaimed in surprise: “Again?”

He teased: “You still have the energy to run around, don’t you?”

Before I could protest, my lips were sealed.

His kiss was gentle and passionate, like savoring a cup of mellow and thick pear blossom white wine, sipping and drinking deeply, spreading all the way, and also like dense fine rain carried by clouds, pouring down.

I was almost suffocating, as if floating on soft clouds, with moonlight soft and serene, and the splendid light of countless stars bursting open within my body.

At dusk, by Daming Lake, willows were green and flowers were red. The sun had not yet set, but the moon had already risen. In the clear blue lake water, a pale white figure was reflected, handsome and upright. The reflection rippled with the waves, elusive and mysterious.

I quietly looked at his reflection, tears gradually gathering in my eyes. As we spent more time together, I became more hopelessly entrapped. I had fallen in love with someone but felt no joy. How sad it was, like a lonely wild goose in the clouds, crying out in melancholy.

“Come here,” he turned and extended his hand to me, smiling gently.

I blinked hard and smiled: “Don’t you have a lot to do? Why did you suddenly think of coming here?”

He held my hand: “You are what I need to attend to.”

“Stop that,” I snorted, “You’re probably helping Zhu Gaoxu with some unseen scheme.”

He continued to smile, his tone somewhat helpless: “Old jianghu friends said Chu Tianyao was arrogant and proud. I think these two words should be given to you instead.”

“Oh?” I tilted my head.

“You directly address Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, then Zhu Gaoxu. Isn’t that shocking enough?”

He smiled with some indulgence: “In the future, don’t directly address the emperor’s name in public.”

My heart ached. He had been increasingly indulgent and doting on me lately as if he knew my days were numbered.

I changed the subject: “Where did you go to fool around recently?”

“Looking for something,” he said calmly, “But unfortunately, I didn’t find it.”

“Huh?” I widened my eyes, “Is there actually something in this world that you can’t find?”

As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized they sounded almost like mockery. To my surprise, he didn’t get angry, just smiled bitterly and sighed lightly: “Yes, I used to think I was omnipotent too.”

I leaned on his shoulder and put my arm around his waist.

“I don’t care about your omnipotence. I just want to be with you forever.”

He didn’t speak.

I looked up at him, pleading: “Don’t handle the Prince of Han’s affairs anymore. Let’s just live here, and go nowhere else, okay?”

He lowered his head and smiled: “Are you still thinking about that list?”

I was helpless. This man was too shrewd; I was no match for him.

“Silly girl,” he patted my head, “Whether or not I have that list is not important to me. Taking their lives would be as easy as turning over my hand—”

I pulled at his clothes, “I don’t like you killing people.”

His eyes deepened, and he sighed lightly: “Shuang, you must understand, that many things in the jianghu are beyond one’s control.”

I nodded, “I hope one day we can leave the jianghu behind.”

He smiled: “I’m afraid it’s not that easy.”

His voice suddenly changed, and he called out loudly: “Friend, since you’ve come, why hide your face?”

As his words fell, three dazzling white lights appeared in the water. The previously calm lake suddenly transformed into several zhang-high columns of bright silver-white water, shooting skyward. Along with this silver wave came three sharp sword lights.

The silver-white water light mixed with the cold glint of the swords. Under the reflection of the gorgeous sunset on the horizon, it looked extraordinarily beautiful—beautiful yet deadly. Countless water droplets fell upon us like a net, the sharp chill coming straight at us, the momentum extremely fierce, leaving no room to escape.

I instinctively closed my eyes. Without time to think, my body seemed to have an instinctive reaction. I flicked my sleeve and turned my wrist like lightning to seize the sword. My five fingers moved at an incredible speed along the person’s arm, instantly striking the center of their forehead. The person’s sword fell with a clatter, and their body fell into the water with a “splash,” instantly dead.

The beautiful youth didn’t move. Behind him, someone thrust a sword through the air. In an instant, there was only the sound of swords ringing, like dragon cries without end. Above the vast blue waves, three figures danced like soaring eagles, moving up and down, entangled together. In half a moment, two people screamed and fell into the water. Fengming sheathed his sword, turned around, leaped ashore, and disappeared.

I stood there stunned, unable to believe I had just killed someone.

He seemed to know what I was thinking and gripped my hand tightly, smiling without speaking.

I came to my senses and asked: “Who were they? Why did they want to kill us?”

“They wanted to kill me,” he smiled, “It seems that the Crown Prince has finally lost his patience.”

“Were they sent by him?”

“Evidently.”

I suddenly became angry, “It’s your fault for killing Feng Tingxie! It serves you right that he wants revenge.”

“You are—too naive,” he sighed deeply, “For Zhu Zhanji, a hundred guards like Feng Tingxie are dispensable. Whether I killed Feng Tingxie or not, he would still want to kill me.”

I exclaimed: “I remember now!”

He asked: “Remember what?”

“That night in Nanjing, you could have assassinated him. Why didn’t you strike?”

He looked at me and smiled: “Because of you!”

I was dumbfounded.

He smiled: “Keeping him alive meant Yu Chi Manor had no retreat, so you would have to come steal the list, right?”

“So you planned for me all along?” I cried out.

He looked at me with a smile, then suddenly said: “I’m very puzzled. How did you know Zhang Fu’s name was on the list?”

I was startled. That day, I had spoken without thinking, and now how could I explain? I couldn’t tell him I had read it in the Ming history books.

“Well… Zhu Zhanji told me.”

“Lying!”

“Really—”

He frowned, “Shuang, don’t you know that your face turns red every time you lie?”

“Ah,” I was truly surprised, “All along, I’ve prided myself on not blushing when I lie.”

He stared at me with a stern face, silent for a long time, before finally breaking into a smile.

I reached out to hold his arm, “Alright, I promise I’ll tell you about this, but not now.”

He nodded: “The wind is rising, let’s go back.”

By now, the sunset had completely faded, night had fallen, and a layer of thin mist had gathered on the lake surface. The Yu Chi Manor’s separate residence was deep among the misty willows.

He suddenly said: “Want to go see?”

“I don’t want to!”

“You say one thing but mean another!” he snorted coldly.

I laughed: “Didn’t you punish me never to leave you?”

He sighed helplessly: “If you want to go, then go.”

I was delighted: “Then I’ll go now!”

“No!”

“Huh?”

He smiled. “At least have dinner with me first.”

I laughed playfully, “It would be my honor!”

******

After dinner, I went straight to Yu Chi Manor’s separate residence, where Lan Zixu and others were.

Seeing me, they all wore strange expressions on their faces.

I asked directly: “Where is Lin Shaoci?”

Lan Zixu said: “The young master is not here!”

I was startled: “Where did he go? Has his injury healed?”

He looked at me strangely, “The young master’s injuries healed half a month ago. As for his whereabouts, doesn’t the manor lord know?”

“If I knew, would I be asking you?”

He was also puzzled, “But, the young master left after receiving your carrier pigeon message!”

I frowned, “So he left as soon as his injuries healed?”

“Yes!”

“You don’t know where he went?”

“This subordinate does not know!”

“Didn’t you even ask him?” My voice got a bit louder.

Lan Zixu smiled bitterly: “The young master has always traveled extensively, his whereabouts uncertain. This subordinate truly did not inquire.”

I was puzzled. Could it be that after I refused to let him come to Le’an to see me, he became despondent and left home? I surely don’t have that much charm, and he’s not a child anymore. With his father and sister’s whereabouts unknown, how could he still have the mood to travel?

“Is there any news of Father… ahem!” I almost slipped. I coughed twice, “Any news of my foster father and Wanci?”

Lan Zixu shook his head. “No!”

I pressed: “Has anything else happened?”

He pondered: “The court has sent people twice, urging for that list…”

Damn, this Zhu Zhanji is really too impatient. His father isn’t even dead yet, and he’s already eyeing the throne.

“Manor Lord, if possible, please act quickly.”

I gave him a look: “I haven’t even seen the shadow of the list.”

Lan Zixu was silent for a moment, then suddenly said: “If stealth doesn’t work, then try force!”

I was surprised, “What do you mean?”

His face reddened slightly. “This method is a bit underhanded. But for the sake of Yu Chi Manor—”

“Just say it.”

“Chu Tianyao is at Daming Lake right now. If we could capture him in one move—”

I remained calm and said: “His martial skills are unmatched in the world today.”

“If we combine my strength with the three altar masters of Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, the four of us might barely be able to match him. However—” he looked at me, “the success of this matter depends on the manor lord.”

“On me?” I frowned.

He said somewhat cautiously: “Based on my observation over many days… Chu Tianyao seems to have deep feelings for the manor lord. If the manor lord could put something like bone-softening powder in his food…”

“I understand!” I nodded, “This move is indeed underhanded.”

His expression turned solemn, and he declared righteously: “This subordinate is doing this for the greater good. Besides, Chu Tianyao aids the tyrant and intends to rebel. Such treasonous behavior deserves death by anyone’s hand!”

I pondered in silence.

He probed: “Manor Lord, you haven’t truly developed feelings for him, have you?”

I glanced at him.

His expression changed slightly, and he suddenly sighed deeply: “If old manor lord Lin were here, he would surely approve of this plan.”

Damn! How dare he use Lin Qianyi to pressure me? It seems Rong Shukuang’s position as manor lord is quite weak.

I nodded. “This plan is excellent! But there’s no rush.”

His face showed joy. “Then when does the manor lord plan to act?”

“When the time is right, I’ll let you know,” I asked, “By the way, are you familiar with officials in the capital?”

He was startled. “Yu Chi Manor runs some businesses in the capital, so we have some dealings with them. May I ask why the manor lord inquires about this?”

“Just getting to know the manor’s business operations,” I said, “Have any of them accepted bribes from us?”

He looked suspicious, “Basically all of them have.”

“Give me the list.”

“This…”

“Quickly!”

He turned and left. Shortly after, he returned with three sheets of paper.

I was shocked, “So many?”

He smiled bitterly, “Can’t help it. The current dynasty values agriculture and suppresses commerce. Business is difficult, and we need to grease palms everywhere.”

I put away the list and started walking out, “It’s getting late, I should head back.”

“Manor Lord!” he followed a couple of steps, “That matter…”

I turned and glared at him.

He immediately said: “This subordinate awaits the manor lord’s news.”

As I reached the door, I suddenly remembered something, “By the way, is Doctor Li still here?”

He was startled again: “Still here!”

“Where is he?”

“In the guest room at the back garden. If the manor lord wishes to see him, this subordinate will take you there!”

“I can go by myself.”

I said, turning toward the back garden. Just past the water pavilion, I saw a black shadow flash by quickly.

Damn, daring to spy on Yu Chi Manor at night, too arrogant. I was about to chase after it when I heard someone call: “Miss Rong, where are you heading?”

Li Xiuran approached with a smiling face: “Miss looks in good spirits, I presume your martial skills have recovered.”

I smiled: “Thanks to your help, sir.”

He modestly replied: “I wouldn’t dare claim credit!”

I knew I couldn’t catch that person now, so I gave up, “Doctor Li, I’ve been feeling unwell lately and wanted to ask you to take a look.”

“Oh?” he was startled, “Please sit down in the room, and let this old man check your pulse first.”

I went in and sat down, and he lowered his eyes to take my pulse.

After a while, he looked up and said: “Miss Rong’s body is very healthy, with no major issues.”

I was startled, “Really nothing wrong?”

He was also startled, “This old man prides himself on his medical skills—”

“I absolutely do not doubt your skills,” I quickly explained, “It’s just that before I was struck by the Icy Jade Frost Palm, I had already been poisoned with a strange venom.”

He was quite surprised, “What kind of poison?”

I shook my head: “I don’t know. It’s said that this poison has no antidote.”

He smiled and said: “Based on this old man’s decades of medical experience, there is no poison in the world that cannot be cured. It’s just that the antidote hasn’t been discovered yet. Please let me take another look.”

He examined my eyes, then held my wrist again for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

He said: “Miss Rong indeed shows no signs of poisoning.”

I was extremely puzzled. Feng Tingxie had said this poison was incurable in the world, obviously a deadly poison. Could it be that even Li Xiuran couldn’t detect it?

I was still uncertain but didn’t want to keep questioning him, afraid he would think I doubted his medical skills. So I exchanged a few pleasantries and left. On the way back, I found myself laughing at my own thoughts. Such an authoritative doctor had already said I wasn’t poisoned, yet I kept doubting him, as if I actually wanted to be poisoned.