Looking at the sleek pink car, Su Wen thought of Gu Xiqiao at this moment, though he squashed the thought down immediately in the next moment. How could it be her? Meeting her during that summer vacation was already a chanced fate, the world was big, how could he think it was her every time he saw a pink car?
Su Wen sighed lightly, and turned to Zhu Yuan again. “Doctor Zhu, the method that you talked about, will it really be able to save my grandfather?” This was his main concern now.
Even the doctors in America were unable to do anything, and everything they did didn’t help. Su Wen was already close to giving up when he bumped into Tang Qinghong, and the other party had managed to find Zhu Yuan for him.
Although Su Wen was not part of the medical industry, even he had heard of the name ‘Zhu Yuan’ before this. He didn’t expect that Zhu Yuan would come over and observe his grandfather for almost half a day, his face solemn the entire time.
“It’s one of the things that I’ve recently researched, but I don’t dare to say that it will work for sure.” Zhu Yuan had really learned a lot during his time in the labs at A University. Disregarding what he had learnt, those few advanced and bold pieces of research have managed to open his mind and broaden his horizon a lot more than he was previously.
If it wasn’t for Rong Feishuang’s sudden return, Zhu Yuan would definitely not have willingly left the labs of A University even a single step. Although he wasn’t good in other aspects, his talent in medicine was undeniable. After thoroughly studying the research that Gu Xiqiao had given them, he was able to draw his own inferences from it, and his thoughts were once again opened up even more.
The case of Su Wen’s grandfather was not the first in history, but there had never been a cure for it. Zhu Yuan had initially wanted to give up, but then he recalled a report that Gu Xiqiao had handed him before, and a flash of inspiration came to mind, a very bold one.
Hearing Zhu Yuan’s words, Su Wen’s hopes were dashed. His eyes drooped downwards, and just as he started to feel depressed, the pink car came to a slow stop in front of the gates.
Su Wen raised his head slightly, stunned. He didn’t dare to imagine that the person who was in it really turned out to be Gu Xiqiao, so he couldn’t react when the familiar stunning face came into view.
Her face was still delicate and elegant, a pair of clear, twinkling eyes looking right at him. When their eyes met, it felt like the only thing he could hear in his ears was the sound of his rapidly beating heart.
Zhu Yuan was speaking animatedly and teasing Gu Xiqiao, a smile on his face when he noticed from the corner of his eyes that Su Wen was in a daze, staring at the girl. His eyes sharpened into a glare immediately, stomping hard on Su Wen’s foot.
Such a little boy dared to fantasize about her, didn’t he see that even a playboy like him didn’t dare to flirt with her? Did Su Wen want to be cut down by Jiang Shuxuan?
Su Wen felt the pain shoot up from his foot, and was startled out of his daze, smiling for the first time in the past few days. “Miss Gu.”
“So this place turned out to be your home.” Gu Xiqiao didn’t expect that the world to be so small that she would end up meeting an old face. Seeing him made her recall the events that had transpired in Baixing Village, and although there were quite some twists and turns during that time, her face softened as she thought about it.
Su Wen, who had been anxious and tense, felt himself calm down after seeing Gu Xiqiao’s face. He couldn’t really pinpoint the reason for it, just that when he recalled the calm face in the raging fire, it gave him a boost of confidence and warmth.
Zhu Yuan couldn’t help his eyes widening as he stared at the two, not expecting them to know each other, but it seemed like they weren’t that close. They had probably met a few times due to chance encounters.
The main reason for calling Gu Xiqiao over today was for Su Wen’s grandfather, so Su Wen led them into the house once again. As they walked, he couldn’t help but glance at Gu Xiqiao. He didn’t guess that the person Zhu Yuan was waiting for was her. During that time in Baixing Village, he had been taken away in a rush by Tang Qinghong, and didn’t even manage to say a word of goodbye to her before leaving.
Su Wen’s grandfather was lying on the bed, still unconscious and in a coma, his left hand having a tube in it to receive blood. The medical reports on his condition and case were by the bedside, and Gu Xiqiao picked them up, flipping through them quickly. She lifted her head to look at Zhu Yuan after a while, her brows furrowing. “Do you already have a plan?”
“I really can’t hide anything from you.” Zhu Yuan said, the corner of his lips lifting up. “The operation that you did in N City on extracting the bacteria gave me some inspiration. Grandpa Su has acute septicaemia, and I think he’s been infected by provirus. People at his age seldom get infected by this, and treatment is incredibly difficult. But if we extract the infectious bacteria first and develop the antibacterial serum, gather the blood cells that have killed the bacteria and then change the blood, do you think that will work?”
Gu Xiqiao mulled over his words, immediately understanding what Zhu Yuan was talking about. First control the bacteria and then perform a major blood exchange. It sounded like something impossible to do, but if it really did succeed, then there would be less fatality in the world due to septicaemia. “You actually managed to think of this much, color me impressed.”
“It’s nothing, definitely nothing that you wouldn’t have been able to come up with.” Zhu Yuan had heard many praises directed at him before, but this was the first time he had been praised by someone younger than him. Although he was ecstatic, he still kept himself humble.
He could only think of these methods because of the detailed information that Gu Xiqiao had given him in the research, and Zhu Yuan still remembered how stunned he was when he first received it. Now even when facing their own apprentices, masters would always choose to hide some parts of their knowledge, due to the saying of ‘Teach the disciples, starve the master’, which meant that when the disciples master the knowledge of the master, the master would lose their jobs.
However, Gu Xiqiao was different. She didn’t omit or hold back any information at all. She would explain everything in her report when she was in the labs back in A University, not bothering to hide anything for herself. Just as she had said, she just wanted more people to be alive in the world, and it was precisely because of this principle of hers that he was willing to stay in A University and help oversee the research team of hers.
The fact that she was a highly influential person in A University was not without reason. Humans were selfish by nature, but he couldn’t feel any hint of this from her at all. She not only shared so much precious information with everyone, she didn’t even hesitate to explain all of it in detail when she was asked to.
He had also seemed to have been influenced by this attiude of hers, sparring no effort in answering questions that were directed to him by the people in the labs to the best of his knowledge.
Gu Xiqiao was unaware of the thoughts that were running through Zhu Yuan’s mind, and her own was on other matters. She pondered for a while before raising a few suggestions of her own.
The two of them were deep in discussion, using a lot of technical terms. Su Wen didn’t understand most of it, but he tried to keep up. He knew that Gu Xiqiao’s medical skills were on another level of greatness, as she was the only one who could save the girl during their time in Baixing Village after all.
“Grandpa Su isn’t able to wake up.” Zhu Yuan felt slightly regretful after his discussion with Gu Xiqiao. “If he was awake, we would be able to know more things.”
“Who said he can’t?” Gu Xiqiao glanced at Su Wen’s grandfather, before her gaze shifted to the glass on the table. Su Wen immediately realized what she meant, hurriedly pouring a glass of warm water for her.
Sure enough, once she took the glass, she turned it in her hands for a little while, before her slender fingers flicked the cup, handing it back to Su Wen after.
Su Wen fed his grandfather the water meticulously, and Zhu Yuan watched the entire scene with a face full of confusion. He looked towards Gu Xiqiao, then towards Su Wen, and then he suddenly registered what Gu Xiqiao had said, bursting out, “You’re saying that you can wake Grandpa Su up?”
How was this possible?! His master, Rong Feishuang had also been here before, but he had been helpless in this matter, and could only help Grandpa Su to barely hold onto his life, and now you’re saying that Gu Xiqiao could wake Grandpa Su up?!
Not being able to think about why she had said that in the first place, Zhu Yuan just sat down at the side, his eyes trained on the elderly man who was lying on the bed.
Su Wen was feeding his grandfather the water slowly, and when he was done, his grandfather’s eyes remained tightly closed with no indication that he was waking up. He took a deep breath before standing, trying not to feel too disappointed. Even the divine doctor, Doctor Rong had not been able to treat him, so he shouldn’t have had his hopes too high.
Turning around slightly, he suddenly caught sight of his grandfather’s lashes moving, and he was taken aback. Su Wen stiffened, turning around fully to meet with a familiar pair of eyes that was tired, but filled with warmth and affection for him.
Zhu Yuan stood up abruptly, almost knocking over the table that was beside him in his rush. He had woken up? He had really woken up?! Zhu Yuan turned to Gu Xiqiao, the awe and bewilderment clear in his eyes as he asked, “How did you do it?!”
Grandpa Su had obviously been unconscious, and had woken up after being fed just a glass of water. Zhu Yuan was a doctor for god’s sake, he obviously didn’t believe that was all it took.
Of course, it was due to the profound chi and natural energy that Gu Xiqiao possessed, but she merely flashed him a smile as she said, “Extraordinary talent?” That wasn’t wrong, right?
Zhu Yuan: “…”
***
At the same time, in the ancient martial arts world, Rong Feishuang had somehow gotten news that Jiang Shuxuan had returned, and he had rushed over as soon as he could.
The main reason that he returned this time was because of Baili Qu, but another part of it was also due to his own personal interest regarding the condition of the girl that Yi Bing had said that had been cured by an unknown lady. Rong Feishuang was incredibly curious, searching out Yi Bing the moment he was back, but the other had remained stubbornly silent on the matter.
He was so angry to the point that he force fed Yi Bing a large amount of very effective laxative before he finally faltered and told Rong Feishuang the entire story. Yi Bing really didn’t know who the woman was, only that Jiang Shuxuan had brought her.
After getting the answer, Rong Feishuang then inquired about Jiang Shuxuan’s whereabouts, and found that he had returned to the ancient martial arts world, so he came here looking for him. Rong Feishuang was a little like Zhu Yuan in this respect, getting quite fanatical and hyped up about medical knowledge and studies.
***
Jiang Shuxuan was in a hut next to the trial tower. The furnishings in it were simple and minimal, having only a table and a stool. There was a drawing on the table, which was the blueprint of the trial tower.
There was a loud commotion happening outside the door, and it seemed like someone wanted to come in. All of his guards were considered to be elites and were well known in the ancient martial arts world, with them outside watching over things, Jiang Shuxuan was not worried.
His mental power was strong, so he didn’t need to wait for someone to report to him what was going on outside for him to know what was happening.
Rong Feishuang, who had been arguing with the guards outside suddenly heard a voice in his mind. ‘Doctor Rong, I know the reason for you to seek me out, but now is not yet the time, please head on back for the moment.’
It was obvious who this cold, frosty voice belonged to. He was well aware of Jiang Shuxuan’s temperament, and since he said ‘not yet the time’, it meant that Rong Feishuang still had a chance to meet this person. Although he felt agonized at the fact that he had to wait longer, he also knew that he couldn’t force Jiang Shuxuan to do anything he didn’t want to, so he could only return to the Baili family with slight dejection.
***
“Divine Doctor Rong.” Baili Bin was arranging a formation in the yard, and greeted Rong Feishuang respectfully when he saw him.
Rong Feishuang felt regretful, looking at Baili Bin as he was now. He used to be an amazing and brilliant martial artist, but Rong Feishuang was not able to save Baili Bin or Baili Qu before this, which was the reason why he went abroad, filled with guilt. Coming back this time, Baili Qu’s condition had improved, and although Baili Bin’s legs were still the same condition, the aura of depression around him was no longer present, and there was a little more light in his eyes now.
A rare look of patience crossed Rong Feishuang’s face as he looked at what Baili Bin was doing. “Are you studying formations again?”
“Yeah.” Baili Bin’s gaze returned to the stone table in which he had placed stones to calculate the formation. Ever since Jiang Shuxuan had given him the ancient book a few days ago, his formation attainments had increased in leaps and bounds, and it felt like the whole world was within his hands.
Just reading into the book a little, there was already such a huge improvement. If he really was able to master the entire book, it wouldn’t even be a dream to make it into the Heaven and Earth List.
“Study well, I’ll be waiting for you to create another miracle this year!” Rong Feishuang said encouragingly, and then heading off to find Baili Qu.
Baili Qu’s hidden illness was getting better by the day, and there seems to be a flow of natural energy circulating in him. As Rong Feishuang poked him with his needles, he asked, “Old Baili, are you sure you didn’t encounter any mysterious matters recently?”
Such a strong force of natural energy was practically unprecedented.
“I’m not sure, but you can ask Shuxuan, the one from the Jiang family.” Baili Qu didn’t mention the elixir, as he knew that it wasn’t something that was common at all. This person that he didn’t know had given their Baili family the elixirs and an ancient book. If either of it got out into the ancient martial arts world, it would definitely cause havoc. This person had earned the favor of the Baili family for helping them to rebuild their reputation, and they weren’t like those who would forget the kindness shown to them. He only hoped that one day when the Baili family rose again, that they would be able to repay this mysterious benefactor.
Hearing Baili Qu’s words, Rong Feishuang didn’t pursue further on this matter. There were many secrets in the ancient martial arts world, and knowing too much wasn’t always a good thing.
“The entire ancient martial arts world has rumors about how the Baili family is rising up once again, with the help of the Jiang family. I heard that your grandson managed to tie with Qinghong last time. The waters of the ancient martial arts world are getting muddier and muddier.” Rong Feishuang was amazed at Baili Bin’s progression, but he was also worried at the same time. There were too many things happening at once in the ancient martial arts world at this time, and a lot of cards had to be reshuffled. He didn’t think that it was a good sign.
Baili Qu obviously knew this too. He watched as Rong Feishuang pulled out the silver needle, and the energy flow in his body was once again unblocked. “It is indeed. Didn’t that person from the Murong family also return?”
“The ancient martial arts world is the world of the youth after all.” Bailoi Qu sighed again.
Rong Feishuang finished pulling out all the needles, and gave a sigh. “The ancient martial arts world has nothing to do with me, I just want to meet the person that Yi Bing was talking about. I’m just sad that I couldn’t.”
“Didn’t you come back because of those descendants of Hua Tuo?” Baili Qu asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I don’t even know if they are the real thing, but the person that Yi Bing was talking about is definitely real,” Rong Feishuang replied as he kept away his needles. He continued to chat about random topics with Baili Qu, when his phone suddenly started ringing.
Seeing Rong Feishuang answer the call with familiar ease, Baili Qu couldn’t help the surprise that crossed his face. “You’re actually using a phone?”
“I also know how to play Weibo and WeChat, unlike you antiques.” Rong Feishuang smirked, raising his eyebrows triumphantly. Then, something the other party on the phone said made him stand up abruptly, his eyes widening. “What? What did you just say? He woke up?!”
Rong Feishuang exchanged a few more words with the person on the phone, and then he turned to Baili Qu. “I can’t play chess with you today, my apprentice has just told me that someone who was unlikely to ever wake up has woken up. I have to go!”
Rong Feishuang had always been someone who came and went like the wind, and he disappeared as soon as he said that. Baili Qu was well aware of his temperament, and he just smiled without feeling offence at his abrupt departure.
There were noises outside the house suddenly. As the Baili family had declined over the years, their location had shifted to the outermost part of the ancient martial arts world, which was not far from the trial tower. Baili Bin had visited the trial tower a few days ago, and that was also when he had fought against Tang Qinghong to a tie, which made him famous.
“What has happened?” Baili Qu walked out, feeling that something was odd. Although something was happening at the trial tower, it had been quiet here. It was rare that it would be so noisy.
Baili Bin listened intently, then a smile broke out on his face. “Someone ignored the warning and entered the trial tower conceitedly. They’re now unconscious.”
Baili Qu couldn’t help but chuckle lowly. “How bold, daring to go against Shuxuan’s order.”
Hearing this, the corner of Baili Bin’s mouth curved upwards into a slightly mocking smirk. Wasn’t there always a price to pay? Did they think that they were that significant of an existence?
***
A group of people walked towards the trial tower, and the one in the lead is a middle-aged man. He was surrounded by everyone present, and he had a frustrated look on his face, but also a hint of arrogance on it.
Jiang Shuxuan’s guards naturally knew who this person was. It was Jiang Tong’s father, Jiang Lian. To summarize, Jiang Lian was a person who lucked out, giving birth to such a talented daughter, which gave him a rise in his status. A branch family that originally was in a shabby settlement in the outermost perimeter of the Jiang family had succeeded in turning the tables and becoming a central figure, all because of having a brilliant daughter.
The ancient martial arts world had always respected talented martial artists. As the most talented woman of this generation, she was matched up with Jiang Shuxuan by the people around them naturally. Jiang Shuxuan was just too high up there, and if there was anyone who was qualified to stand with him, it seemed that there was only Jiang Tong who met the criteria.
As the person standing at the peak of the ancient martial arts world, Jiang Shuxuan was a person that everyone admired and looked up to. To be able to have just a slight relationship with him was already extremely difficult and rare.
And that was the reason why the elderly in the ancient martial arts world were extremely cautious when dealing with Jiang Lian’s family. Jiang Tong was not anything much in their eyes, it was Jiang Shuxuan that terrified them. Since Jiang Lian has some relation to Jiang Shuxuan, it was natural for them to command respect.
Jiang Tong had fallen unconscious after entering the trial tower, and Jiang Lian was in a panic. He immediately rushed over to seek out Jiang Shuxuan, and the person guarding the trial tower also rushed over with him after getting the news, afraid that Jiang Shuxuan would treat everyone as guilty by association should anything happen to Jiang Tong.
There were also some other children who had followed Jiang Tong into the trial tower, and they were also unconscious. Jiang Lian had told the parents of those children that he would get Jiang Shuxuan to look at them too, and when they recalled Jiang Lian’s identity, they were convinced and even ecstatic that there was a solution, and so they followed Jiang Lian together.
The guards were also aware of who Jiang Lian was, and they didn’t dare to dilly dally, heading inside the house to report on the situation immediately.
In the house, Jiang Shuxuan was looking at the drawing on the table intently. After a long while of staring, he took off the jade pendant on his neck, placing it on a gap on the drawing as his eyes narrowed.
A knock on the door came, and the guard informed him that Jiang Lian had arrived.
Jiang Shuxuan waved his hand absent-mindedly, indicating for them to enter.
As soon as he saw Jiang Shuxuan, Jiang Lian prattled on about why Jiang Tong was injured, and why was she unconscious?
The chilling aura that exuded from Jiang Shuxuan’s person was immense, and he didn’t bother curbing it in the slightest. There were few who dared to look at him directly, and Jiang Lian was no exception. Jiang Lian lowered his head after finished talking, waiting with anticipation and satisfaction in his heart, thinking that Jiang Shuxuan would be anxious and worried, and would hurry to check on Jiang Tong with him after this. At that time, this fact would definitely cause a stir in the entire martial arts world, and their family would rise one step further. This excited him the more he thought about it!
Jiang Shuxuan kept away the jade pendant, and the expression on his face didn’t change at all when he next spoke, “Jiang Tong didn’t abide by the order, breaking the law and entering the trial tower without authorization, even inflicting harm by bringing people in with her, which is a serious crime. However, due to the high ranking she has on the Youth List and her contention for resource rights for the ancient martial arts world, she will be exempted for the three points. Let it be known that Jiang Tong’s family will leave the Jiang family’s core district starting today, and their resources will be cut in half. For the others who followed Jiang Tong, reduce their resources by 20%, and if they repeat this again they will be given more severe punishments.”
Jiang Lian, who had been waiting happily for Jiang Shuxuan’s reaction felt like the entire earth had crumbled away from under his feet. The words that had been spoken were thundering in his ears, and each word served to cause layers and layers of sweat and chill to climb up his back as he spoke.
Their family had to leave the central area? And their resources cut in half? Why! Didn’t everyone say that his daughter was close to Jiang Shuxuan, and had a great relationship, and that she would be the next Mrs. Jiang and the matriarch of the Jiang family?! How did it become like this?! Jiang Shuxuan didn’t have any mercy at all, could it be… could it be that the rumors from outside were all false?!
As soon as he thought about it, Jiang Lian broke out into more cold sweat, his legs feeling like it could no longer hold him up. He was terrified, to the point that his face was as pale as paper. He had already forgotten the initial reason he had come in here for, his heart beating rapidly in his ribcage as he sank down to the ground, utterly gobsmacked.
Jiang Shuxuan lowered his eyes, not a hint of emotion in his eyes as he intoned coldly, “Take him out.”
The head of the guard reacted immediately, pulling Jiang Lian who had curled into a ball off the ground and out of the house.
When he had spoken, Jiang Shuxuan had deliberately not lowered the volume of his voice, hence everyone around had heard the words he uttered, and they couldn’t help but glance at each other.
“Jiang Lian, you’re really too full of yourself. If my son doesn’t wake up tomorrow, I will definitely request for Young Master Jiang to settle this matter!” They had thought that Jiang Lian would be able to stir Jiang Shuxuan into making a move, but looked like it was all for nought.
What nonsense about him confirming to be the father-in-law, it was clearly all just a joke!
Jiang Lian could feel the judgemental gazes on him from the people around, and his face flushed in embarrassment. He never imagined that his daughter and Jiang Shuxuan’s good relationship was all fake, an illusion created by his own daughter!
He had never been so humiliated and embarrassed in his entire life, and Jiang Lian’s family had practically become the butt joke of the entire martial arts world in that instant.
Jiang Shuxuan was not concerned much about these matters, and even if he heard of them, he would just give an indifferent expression.
She had only just gotten a place in the Youth List, and then proclaimed herself as the ‘little demon girl’. Presumably, she rode roughshod over the people in the ancient martial arts world because of that, and if she really was a rare, talented genius, then that was fine.
However, he was used to seeing the impossible things that Gu Xiqiao did, and Jiang Tong was completely inadequate if you were to compare them, and there was practically no comparison to begin with.
You can only imagine the arrogance and content Jiang Tong felt once the news spread through the ancient martial arts world that she had just managed to advance into Fleet Foot.
Gu Xiqiao had also advanced into Fleet Foot level, and she had even incorporated the power of thunder and lightning. Coupled together with the profound chi and endless natural energy within her, either one of those was practically an impossible feat in the ancient martial arts world. Even then, she didn’t stay content with just that.
As he thought of her, Jiang Shuxuan couldn’t help but reach up to rub the warm jade pendant between his fingers. He could still feel the endless chi that poured out of it, and the image of her face appeared in front of his eyes, a bright smile accompanying it. Every move of hers was replayed clearly in his mind’s eye.
Especially that last soft, warm touch that lingered on his hands, as well as the incredulous look in her eyes. Jiang Shuxuan reached up to touch his lips, a little daze. The more he thought about it, the deeper the memory etched into his mind.
***
Jiang Lian returned home to find Jiang Tong already awake. When the accident had happened in the trial tower, there was another girl in front of her that had blocked her, so her injuries were not too serious.
The reason why Jiang Lian was asked to seek out Jiang Shuxuan, was only because she wanted to see him.
Seeing Jiang Lian returned with such a grave look on his face, Jiang Tong felt something was off. “Dad, where is he?”
Since it was his talented daughter, Jiang Lian calmed himself before he spoke, “Tong Tong, tell me, are you really close to Young Master Jiang?”
Jiang Tong was surprised at the question, and she felt her mouth going dry as she answered, “Dad, why are you asking that?”
He knew his daughter well, and seeing her reaction, he could guess the truth. With the truth right in front of his eyes, his spirit just crumbled then as he fell onto the stool next to her bed. “Tong Tong, you’ve really brought calamity upon our family! Not only is he taking back half of the resources, we even have to move out from the central area by tomorrow!”
Jiang Tong felt the darkness creep into her vision as her head swam at the words. She steadied herself with difficulty before opening her mouth again, “H-he really said that?”
“Moreover, there was a group of people from the ancient martial arts world around…” Jiang Lian trailed off, not saying anything more, but Jiang Tong could guess at what he was trying to say. By tomorrow, this matter would spread throughout the entire ancient martial arts world, and the illusion that she had created over the years would thus be broken.
When she went out tomorrow, she would undoubtedly be the subject of gossip for countless people.
She couldn’t take the continuous shocks, and the fake dizziness that she had pretended to have became real as she processed her father’s words.
Jiang Lian panicked when he saw her swaying. “Tong Tong, you have to be fine! This method was not successful, but we can still talk to Mrs. Jiang, she will definitely stand on your side!”
In just an instant, their entire family was in a deep mess.
Looking at the sleek pink car, Su Wen thought of Gu Xiqiao at this moment, though he squashed the thought down immediately in the next moment. How could it be her? Meeting her during that summer vacation was already a chanced fate, the world was big, how could he think it was her every time he saw a pink car?
Su Wen sighed lightly, and turned to Zhu Yuan again. “Doctor Zhu, the method that you talked about, will it really be able to save my grandfather?” This was his main concern now.
Even the doctors in America were unable to do anything, and everything they did didn’t help. Su Wen was already close to giving up when he bumped into Tang Qinghong, and the other party had managed to find Zhu Yuan for him.
Although Su Wen was not part of the medical industry, even he had heard of the name ‘Zhu Yuan’ before this. He didn’t expect that Zhu Yuan would come over and observe his grandfather for almost half a day, his face solemn the entire time.
“It’s one of the things that I’ve recently researched, but I don’t dare to say that it will work for sure.” Zhu Yuan had really learned a lot during his time in the labs at A University. Disregarding what he had learnt, those few advanced and bold pieces of research have managed to open his mind and broaden his horizon a lot more than he was previously.
If it wasn’t for Rong Feishuang’s sudden return, Zhu Yuan would definitely not have willingly left the labs of A University even a single step. Although he wasn’t good in other aspects, his talent in medicine was undeniable. After thoroughly studying the research that Gu Xiqiao had given them, he was able to draw his own inferences from it, and his thoughts were once again opened up even more.
The case of Su Wen’s grandfather was not the first in history, but there had never been a cure for it. Zhu Yuan had initially wanted to give up, but then he recalled a report that Gu Xiqiao had handed him before, and a flash of inspiration came to mind, a very bold one.
Hearing Zhu Yuan’s words, Su Wen’s hopes were dashed. His eyes drooped downwards, and just as he started to feel depressed, the pink car came to a slow stop in front of the gates.
Su Wen raised his head slightly, stunned. He didn’t dare to imagine that the person who was in it really turned out to be Gu Xiqiao, so he couldn’t react when the familiar stunning face came into view.
Her face was still delicate and elegant, a pair of clear, twinkling eyes looking right at him. When their eyes met, it felt like the only thing he could hear in his ears was the sound of his rapidly beating heart.
Zhu Yuan was speaking animatedly and teasing Gu Xiqiao, a smile on his face when he noticed from the corner of his eyes that Su Wen was in a daze, staring at the girl. His eyes sharpened into a glare immediately, stomping hard on Su Wen’s foot.
Such a little boy dared to fantasize about her, didn’t he see that even a playboy like him didn’t dare to flirt with her? Did Su Wen want to be cut down by Jiang Shuxuan?
Su Wen felt the pain shoot up from his foot, and was startled out of his daze, smiling for the first time in the past few days. “Miss Gu.”
“So this place turned out to be your home.” Gu Xiqiao didn’t expect that the world to be so small that she would end up meeting an old face. Seeing him made her recall the events that had transpired in Baixing Village, and although there were quite some twists and turns during that time, her face softened as she thought about it.
Su Wen, who had been anxious and tense, felt himself calm down after seeing Gu Xiqiao’s face. He couldn’t really pinpoint the reason for it, just that when he recalled the calm face in the raging fire, it gave him a boost of confidence and warmth.
Zhu Yuan couldn’t help his eyes widening as he stared at the two, not expecting them to know each other, but it seemed like they weren’t that close. They had probably met a few times due to chance encounters.
The main reason for calling Gu Xiqiao over today was for Su Wen’s grandfather, so Su Wen led them into the house once again. As they walked, he couldn’t help but glance at Gu Xiqiao. He didn’t guess that the person Zhu Yuan was waiting for was her. During that time in Baixing Village, he had been taken away in a rush by Tang Qinghong, and didn’t even manage to say a word of goodbye to her before leaving.
Su Wen’s grandfather was lying on the bed, still unconscious and in a coma, his left hand having a tube in it to receive blood. The medical reports on his condition and case were by the bedside, and Gu Xiqiao picked them up, flipping through them quickly. She lifted her head to look at Zhu Yuan after a while, her brows furrowing. “Do you already have a plan?”
“I really can’t hide anything from you.” Zhu Yuan said, the corner of his lips lifting up. “The operation that you did in N City on extracting the bacteria gave me some inspiration. Grandpa Su has acute septicaemia, and I think he’s been infected by provirus. People at his age seldom get infected by this, and treatment is incredibly difficult. But if we extract the infectious bacteria first and develop the antibacterial serum, gather the blood cells that have killed the bacteria and then change the blood, do you think that will work?”
Gu Xiqiao mulled over his words, immediately understanding what Zhu Yuan was talking about. First control the bacteria and then perform a major blood exchange. It sounded like something impossible to do, but if it really did succeed, then there would be less fatality in the world due to septicaemia. “You actually managed to think of this much, color me impressed.”
“It’s nothing, definitely nothing that you wouldn’t have been able to come up with.” Zhu Yuan had heard many praises directed at him before, but this was the first time he had been praised by someone younger than him. Although he was ecstatic, he still kept himself humble.
He could only think of these methods because of the detailed information that Gu Xiqiao had given him in the research, and Zhu Yuan still remembered how stunned he was when he first received it. Now even when facing their own apprentices, masters would always choose to hide some parts of their knowledge, due to the saying of ‘Teach the disciples, starve the master’, which meant that when the disciples master the knowledge of the master, the master would lose their jobs.
However, Gu Xiqiao was different. She didn’t omit or hold back any information at all. She would explain everything in her report when she was in the labs back in A University, not bothering to hide anything for herself. Just as she had said, she just wanted more people to be alive in the world, and it was precisely because of this principle of hers that he was willing to stay in A University and help oversee the research team of hers.
The fact that she was a highly influential person in A University was not without reason. Humans were selfish by nature, but he couldn’t feel any hint of this from her at all. She not only shared so much precious information with everyone, she didn’t even hesitate to explain all of it in detail when she was asked to.
He had also seemed to have been influenced by this attiude of hers, sparring no effort in answering questions that were directed to him by the people in the labs to the best of his knowledge.
Gu Xiqiao was unaware of the thoughts that were running through Zhu Yuan’s mind, and her own was on other matters. She pondered for a while before raising a few suggestions of her own.
The two of them were deep in discussion, using a lot of technical terms. Su Wen didn’t understand most of it, but he tried to keep up. He knew that Gu Xiqiao’s medical skills were on another level of greatness, as she was the only one who could save the girl during their time in Baixing Village after all.
“Grandpa Su isn’t able to wake up.” Zhu Yuan felt slightly regretful after his discussion with Gu Xiqiao. “If he was awake, we would be able to know more things.”
“Who said he can’t?” Gu Xiqiao glanced at Su Wen’s grandfather, before her gaze shifted to the glass on the table. Su Wen immediately realized what she meant, hurriedly pouring a glass of warm water for her.
Sure enough, once she took the glass, she turned it in her hands for a little while, before her slender fingers flicked the cup, handing it back to Su Wen after.
Su Wen fed his grandfather the water meticulously, and Zhu Yuan watched the entire scene with a face full of confusion. He looked towards Gu Xiqiao, then towards Su Wen, and then he suddenly registered what Gu Xiqiao had said, bursting out, “You’re saying that you can wake Grandpa Su up?”
How was this possible?! His master, Rong Feishuang had also been here before, but he had been helpless in this matter, and could only help Grandpa Su to barely hold onto his life, and now you’re saying that Gu Xiqiao could wake Grandpa Su up?!
Not being able to think about why she had said that in the first place, Zhu Yuan just sat down at the side, his eyes trained on the elderly man who was lying on the bed.
Su Wen was feeding his grandfather the water slowly, and when he was done, his grandfather’s eyes remained tightly closed with no indication that he was waking up. He took a deep breath before standing, trying not to feel too disappointed. Even the divine doctor, Doctor Rong had not been able to treat him, so he shouldn’t have had his hopes too high.
Turning around slightly, he suddenly caught sight of his grandfather’s lashes moving, and he was taken aback. Su Wen stiffened, turning around fully to meet with a familiar pair of eyes that was tired, but filled with warmth and affection for him.
Zhu Yuan stood up abruptly, almost knocking over the table that was beside him in his rush. He had woken up? He had really woken up?! Zhu Yuan turned to Gu Xiqiao, the awe and bewilderment clear in his eyes as he asked, “How did you do it?!”
Grandpa Su had obviously been unconscious, and had woken up after being fed just a glass of water. Zhu Yuan was a doctor for god’s sake, he obviously didn’t believe that was all it took.
Of course, it was due to the profound chi and natural energy that Gu Xiqiao possessed, but she merely flashed him a smile as she said, “Extraordinary talent?” That wasn’t wrong, right?
Zhu Yuan: “…”
***
At the same time, in the ancient martial arts world, Rong Feishuang had somehow gotten news that Jiang Shuxuan had returned, and he had rushed over as soon as he could.
The main reason that he returned this time was because of Baili Qu, but another part of it was also due to his own personal interest regarding the condition of the girl that Yi Bing had said that had been cured by an unknown lady. Rong Feishuang was incredibly curious, searching out Yi Bing the moment he was back, but the other had remained stubbornly silent on the matter.
He was so angry to the point that he force fed Yi Bing a large amount of very effective laxative before he finally faltered and told Rong Feishuang the entire story. Yi Bing really didn’t know who the woman was, only that Jiang Shuxuan had brought her.
After getting the answer, Rong Feishuang then inquired about Jiang Shuxuan’s whereabouts, and found that he had returned to the ancient martial arts world, so he came here looking for him. Rong Feishuang was a little like Zhu Yuan in this respect, getting quite fanatical and hyped up about medical knowledge and studies.
***
Jiang Shuxuan was in a hut next to the trial tower. The furnishings in it were simple and minimal, having only a table and a stool. There was a drawing on the table, which was the blueprint of the trial tower.
There was a loud commotion happening outside the door, and it seemed like someone wanted to come in. All of his guards were considered to be elites and were well known in the ancient martial arts world, with them outside watching over things, Jiang Shuxuan was not worried.
His mental power was strong, so he didn’t need to wait for someone to report to him what was going on outside for him to know what was happening.
Rong Feishuang, who had been arguing with the guards outside suddenly heard a voice in his mind. ‘Doctor Rong, I know the reason for you to seek me out, but now is not yet the time, please head on back for the moment.’
It was obvious who this cold, frosty voice belonged to. He was well aware of Jiang Shuxuan’s temperament, and since he said ‘not yet the time’, it meant that Rong Feishuang still had a chance to meet this person. Although he felt agonized at the fact that he had to wait longer, he also knew that he couldn’t force Jiang Shuxuan to do anything he didn’t want to, so he could only return to the Baili family with slight dejection.
***
“Divine Doctor Rong.” Baili Bin was arranging a formation in the yard, and greeted Rong Feishuang respectfully when he saw him.
Rong Feishuang felt regretful, looking at Baili Bin as he was now. He used to be an amazing and brilliant martial artist, but Rong Feishuang was not able to save Baili Bin or Baili Qu before this, which was the reason why he went abroad, filled with guilt. Coming back this time, Baili Qu’s condition had improved, and although Baili Bin’s legs were still the same condition, the aura of depression around him was no longer present, and there was a little more light in his eyes now.
A rare look of patience crossed Rong Feishuang’s face as he looked at what Baili Bin was doing. “Are you studying formations again?”
“Yeah.” Baili Bin’s gaze returned to the stone table in which he had placed stones to calculate the formation. Ever since Jiang Shuxuan had given him the ancient book a few days ago, his formation attainments had increased in leaps and bounds, and it felt like the whole world was within his hands.
Just reading into the book a little, there was already such a huge improvement. If he really was able to master the entire book, it wouldn’t even be a dream to make it into the Heaven and Earth List.
“Study well, I’ll be waiting for you to create another miracle this year!” Rong Feishuang said encouragingly, and then heading off to find Baili Qu.
Baili Qu’s hidden illness was getting better by the day, and there seems to be a flow of natural energy circulating in him. As Rong Feishuang poked him with his needles, he asked, “Old Baili, are you sure you didn’t encounter any mysterious matters recently?”
Such a strong force of natural energy was practically unprecedented.
“I’m not sure, but you can ask Shuxuan, the one from the Jiang family.” Baili Qu didn’t mention the elixir, as he knew that it wasn’t something that was common at all. This person that he didn’t know had given their Baili family the elixirs and an ancient book. If either of it got out into the ancient martial arts world, it would definitely cause havoc. This person had earned the favor of the Baili family for helping them to rebuild their reputation, and they weren’t like those who would forget the kindness shown to them. He only hoped that one day when the Baili family rose again, that they would be able to repay this mysterious benefactor.
Hearing Baili Qu’s words, Rong Feishuang didn’t pursue further on this matter. There were many secrets in the ancient martial arts world, and knowing too much wasn’t always a good thing.
“The entire ancient martial arts world has rumors about how the Baili family is rising up once again, with the help of the Jiang family. I heard that your grandson managed to tie with Qinghong last time. The waters of the ancient martial arts world are getting muddier and muddier.” Rong Feishuang was amazed at Baili Bin’s progression, but he was also worried at the same time. There were too many things happening at once in the ancient martial arts world at this time, and a lot of cards had to be reshuffled. He didn’t think that it was a good sign.
Baili Qu obviously knew this too. He watched as Rong Feishuang pulled out the silver needle, and the energy flow in his body was once again unblocked. “It is indeed. Didn’t that person from the Murong family also return?”
“The ancient martial arts world is the world of the youth after all.” Bailoi Qu sighed again.
Rong Feishuang finished pulling out all the needles, and gave a sigh. “The ancient martial arts world has nothing to do with me, I just want to meet the person that Yi Bing was talking about. I’m just sad that I couldn’t.”
“Didn’t you come back because of those descendants of Hua Tuo?” Baili Qu asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I don’t even know if they are the real thing, but the person that Yi Bing was talking about is definitely real,” Rong Feishuang replied as he kept away his needles. He continued to chat about random topics with Baili Qu, when his phone suddenly started ringing.
Seeing Rong Feishuang answer the call with familiar ease, Baili Qu couldn’t help the surprise that crossed his face. “You’re actually using a phone?”
“I also know how to play Weibo and WeChat, unlike you antiques.” Rong Feishuang smirked, raising his eyebrows triumphantly. Then, something the other party on the phone said made him stand up abruptly, his eyes widening. “What? What did you just say? He woke up?!”
Rong Feishuang exchanged a few more words with the person on the phone, and then he turned to Baili Qu. “I can’t play chess with you today, my apprentice has just told me that someone who was unlikely to ever wake up has woken up. I have to go!”
Rong Feishuang had always been someone who came and went like the wind, and he disappeared as soon as he said that. Baili Qu was well aware of his temperament, and he just smiled without feeling offence at his abrupt departure.
There were noises outside the house suddenly. As the Baili family had declined over the years, their location had shifted to the outermost part of the ancient martial arts world, which was not far from the trial tower. Baili Bin had visited the trial tower a few days ago, and that was also when he had fought against Tang Qinghong to a tie, which made him famous.
“What has happened?” Baili Qu walked out, feeling that something was odd. Although something was happening at the trial tower, it had been quiet here. It was rare that it would be so noisy.
Baili Bin listened intently, then a smile broke out on his face. “Someone ignored the warning and entered the trial tower conceitedly. They’re now unconscious.”
Baili Qu couldn’t help but chuckle lowly. “How bold, daring to go against Shuxuan’s order.”
Hearing this, the corner of Baili Bin’s mouth curved upwards into a slightly mocking smirk. Wasn’t there always a price to pay? Did they think that they were that significant of an existence?
***
A group of people walked towards the trial tower, and the one in the lead is a middle-aged man. He was surrounded by everyone present, and he had a frustrated look on his face, but also a hint of arrogance on it.
Jiang Shuxuan’s guards naturally knew who this person was. It was Jiang Tong’s father, Jiang Lian. To summarize, Jiang Lian was a person who lucked out, giving birth to such a talented daughter, which gave him a rise in his status. A branch family that originally was in a shabby settlement in the outermost perimeter of the Jiang family had succeeded in turning the tables and becoming a central figure, all because of having a brilliant daughter.
The ancient martial arts world had always respected talented martial artists. As the most talented woman of this generation, she was matched up with Jiang Shuxuan by the people around them naturally. Jiang Shuxuan was just too high up there, and if there was anyone who was qualified to stand with him, it seemed that there was only Jiang Tong who met the criteria.
As the person standing at the peak of the ancient martial arts world, Jiang Shuxuan was a person that everyone admired and looked up to. To be able to have just a slight relationship with him was already extremely difficult and rare.
And that was the reason why the elderly in the ancient martial arts world were extremely cautious when dealing with Jiang Lian’s family. Jiang Tong was not anything much in their eyes, it was Jiang Shuxuan that terrified them. Since Jiang Lian has some relation to Jiang Shuxuan, it was natural for them to command respect.
Jiang Tong had fallen unconscious after entering the trial tower, and Jiang Lian was in a panic. He immediately rushed over to seek out Jiang Shuxuan, and the person guarding the trial tower also rushed over with him after getting the news, afraid that Jiang Shuxuan would treat everyone as guilty by association should anything happen to Jiang Tong.
There were also some other children who had followed Jiang Tong into the trial tower, and they were also unconscious. Jiang Lian had told the parents of those children that he would get Jiang Shuxuan to look at them too, and when they recalled Jiang Lian’s identity, they were convinced and even ecstatic that there was a solution, and so they followed Jiang Lian together.
The guards were also aware of who Jiang Lian was, and they didn’t dare to dilly dally, heading inside the house to report on the situation immediately.
In the house, Jiang Shuxuan was looking at the drawing on the table intently. After a long while of staring, he took off the jade pendant on his neck, placing it on a gap on the drawing as his eyes narrowed.
A knock on the door came, and the guard informed him that Jiang Lian had arrived.
Jiang Shuxuan waved his hand absent-mindedly, indicating for them to enter.
As soon as he saw Jiang Shuxuan, Jiang Lian prattled on about why Jiang Tong was injured, and why was she unconscious?
The chilling aura that exuded from Jiang Shuxuan’s person was immense, and he didn’t bother curbing it in the slightest. There were few who dared to look at him directly, and Jiang Lian was no exception. Jiang Lian lowered his head after finished talking, waiting with anticipation and satisfaction in his heart, thinking that Jiang Shuxuan would be anxious and worried, and would hurry to check on Jiang Tong with him after this. At that time, this fact would definitely cause a stir in the entire martial arts world, and their family would rise one step further. This excited him the more he thought about it!
Jiang Shuxuan kept away the jade pendant, and the expression on his face didn’t change at all when he next spoke, “Jiang Tong didn’t abide by the order, breaking the law and entering the trial tower without authorization, even inflicting harm by bringing people in with her, which is a serious crime. However, due to the high ranking she has on the Youth List and her contention for resource rights for the ancient martial arts world, she will be exempted for the three points. Let it be known that Jiang Tong’s family will leave the Jiang family’s core district starting today, and their resources will be cut in half. For the others who followed Jiang Tong, reduce their resources by 20%, and if they repeat this again they will be given more severe punishments.”
Jiang Lian, who had been waiting happily for Jiang Shuxuan’s reaction felt like the entire earth had crumbled away from under his feet. The words that had been spoken were thundering in his ears, and each word served to cause layers and layers of sweat and chill to climb up his back as he spoke.
Their family had to leave the central area? And their resources cut in half? Why! Didn’t everyone say that his daughter was close to Jiang Shuxuan, and had a great relationship, and that she would be the next Mrs. Jiang and the matriarch of the Jiang family?! How did it become like this?! Jiang Shuxuan didn’t have any mercy at all, could it be… could it be that the rumors from outside were all false?!
As soon as he thought about it, Jiang Lian broke out into more cold sweat, his legs feeling like it could no longer hold him up. He was terrified, to the point that his face was as pale as paper. He had already forgotten the initial reason he had come in here for, his heart beating rapidly in his ribcage as he sank down to the ground, utterly gobsmacked.
Jiang Shuxuan lowered his eyes, not a hint of emotion in his eyes as he intoned coldly, “Take him out.”
The head of the guard reacted immediately, pulling Jiang Lian who had curled into a ball off the ground and out of the house.
When he had spoken, Jiang Shuxuan had deliberately not lowered the volume of his voice, hence everyone around had heard the words he uttered, and they couldn’t help but glance at each other.
“Jiang Lian, you’re really too full of yourself. If my son doesn’t wake up tomorrow, I will definitely request for Young Master Jiang to settle this matter!” They had thought that Jiang Lian would be able to stir Jiang Shuxuan into making a move, but looked like it was all for nought.
What nonsense about him confirming to be the father-in-law, it was clearly all just a joke!
Jiang Lian could feel the judgemental gazes on him from the people around, and his face flushed in embarrassment. He never imagined that his daughter and Jiang Shuxuan’s good relationship was all fake, an illusion created by his own daughter!
He had never been so humiliated and embarrassed in his entire life, and Jiang Lian’s family had practically become the butt joke of the entire martial arts world in that instant.
Jiang Shuxuan was not concerned much about these matters, and even if he heard of them, he would just give an indifferent expression.
She had only just gotten a place in the Youth List, and then proclaimed herself as the ‘little demon girl’. Presumably, she rode roughshod over the people in the ancient martial arts world because of that, and if she really was a rare, talented genius, then that was fine.
However, he was used to seeing the impossible things that Gu Xiqiao did, and Jiang Tong was completely inadequate if you were to compare them, and there was practically no comparison to begin with.
You can only imagine the arrogance and content Jiang Tong felt once the news spread through the ancient martial arts world that she had just managed to advance into Fleet Foot.
Gu Xiqiao had also advanced into Fleet Foot level, and she had even incorporated the power of thunder and lightning. Coupled together with the profound chi and endless natural energy within her, either one of those was practically an impossible feat in the ancient martial arts world. Even then, she didn’t stay content with just that.
As he thought of her, Jiang Shuxuan couldn’t help but reach up to rub the warm jade pendant between his fingers. He could still feel the endless chi that poured out of it, and the image of her face appeared in front of his eyes, a bright smile accompanying it. Every move of hers was replayed clearly in his mind’s eye.
Especially that last soft, warm touch that lingered on his hands, as well as the incredulous look in her eyes. Jiang Shuxuan reached up to touch his lips, a little daze. The more he thought about it, the deeper the memory etched into his mind.
***
Jiang Lian returned home to find Jiang Tong already awake. When the accident had happened in the trial tower, there was another girl in front of her that had blocked her, so her injuries were not too serious.
The reason why Jiang Lian was asked to seek out Jiang Shuxuan, was only because she wanted to see him.
Seeing Jiang Lian returned with such a grave look on his face, Jiang Tong felt something was off. “Dad, where is he?”
Since it was his talented daughter, Jiang Lian calmed himself before he spoke, “Tong Tong, tell me, are you really close to Young Master Jiang?”
Jiang Tong was surprised at the question, and she felt her mouth going dry as she answered, “Dad, why are you asking that?”
He knew his daughter well, and seeing her reaction, he could guess the truth. With the truth right in front of his eyes, his spirit just crumbled then as he fell onto the stool next to her bed. “Tong Tong, you’ve really brought calamity upon our family! Not only is he taking back half of the resources, we even have to move out from the central area by tomorrow!”
Jiang Tong felt the darkness creep into her vision as her head swam at the words. She steadied herself with difficulty before opening her mouth again, “H-he really said that?”
“Moreover, there was a group of people from the ancient martial arts world around…” Jiang Lian trailed off, not saying anything more, but Jiang Tong could guess at what he was trying to say. By tomorrow, this matter would spread throughout the entire ancient martial arts world, and the illusion that she had created over the years would thus be broken.
When she went out tomorrow, she would undoubtedly be the subject of gossip for countless people.
She couldn’t take the continuous shocks, and the fake dizziness that she had pretended to have became real as she processed her father’s words.
Jiang Lian panicked when he saw her swaying. “Tong Tong, you have to be fine! This method was not successful, but we can still talk to Mrs. Jiang, she will definitely stand on your side!”
In just an instant, their entire family was in a deep mess.
