They arrived at the top of a green hill. Jinshui saw that there was a hut among the lush plants, he headed there with Xu Qiao. A simple hut that was located in a remote montain area, but looked well-maintained. It was clear that someone lived there. Jinshui and Xu Qiao walked into the courtyard, their noses immediately smelled something odd.
"Jinshui Gege, there are people living in a remote hill like this, I'm not sure they are friendly," Xu Qiao whispered. "Better not to come in."
"It will be dark soon," said Jinshui. "It is impossible for us to reach the nearest village before nightfall. I'm afraid we have to ask the hut owner to let us stay for the night."
"But what if they are criminals hiding in the mountains?" Xu Qiao asked as well.
"You don't smell anything around this place?" asked Jinshui.
"Yes. The smell of medicine."
"Right. The smell of medicine," Jinshui said as he looked around, "then most likely the occupant of this place is a healer or at least one who is practicing medicine."
"If it's true that medicine is fine," Xu Qiao said, "what about poison?"
"We can break away from Yuan Wancui and Haitang Jian Pai, we don't have to worry about some criminals hiding in the mountain, don't you think?" Jinshui asked softly.
"I know," Xu Qiao's worries vanished instantly. "Jinshui Gege is the descendant of Yumen Jiao, there is no need to fear anyone."
"The name Yumen should not be mentioned too much," said Jinshui. "The fewer people who know the better."
They approached the little hut, but they had not knocked the door yet when they heard someone screaming inside the hut and a commotion like there was a fight. Jinshui was about to charge inside but Xu Qiao quickly pulled him away. They peered through the slightly open window.
Inside the hut there was a man, dressed very shabbily, rolling on the floor clutching his neck. The table and chairs fell apart from the kick, a bowl had shattered and the contents scattered, leaving an unnaturally thin puff of smoke.
"Jinshui Gege," Xu Qiao pointed, "that person..."
"He was poisoned."
Jinshui didn't think long, rushed straight into the hut through the door which was apparently unlocked, caught the figure who was rolling and in pain, punctured several paths of blood on his body to block the spread of the poison, then tried to channel his inner energy to help him. His movements were very fast, but he was too late. The person was already covered by blackish blood oozed out from six holes on his face, a sign that the poison had spread.
The person appeared to be a little old man who was at least sixty years old, his face wrinkled and his nose crooked, his teeth almost missing. On his cheek was a large mole and at the tip of his chin were several strands of an irregular white beard. Xu Qiao did not dare to approach. The person has been bloodshot but his body can still move like a spasm.
The old man suddenly groaned. The power that was sent by Jinshui turned back at him, almost throwing him away. Jinshui had not yet realized what had happened, the person had already slumped down on the floor, still alive but very weak. He was trying to reach.
"Failed..." he spoke with difficulty. "I didn't... make it... Yanzi... Yanzi..."
Jinshui checked it. The little old man's breath had stopped, he couldn't even feel his pulse.
"Jinshui Gege, be careful," Xu Qiao reminded him. "This guy got poisoned somehow, we should just go."
"This fellow died from the poison he made himself," said Jinshui. "On a deserted mountain like this, it turns out that someone is conducting a poison experiment. Too bad we came late."
"It's not too late nor can it help," Xu Qiao replied. "This old man is looking to die on his own."
"He has been dealing with poison for a lifetime and he will not die from his own poison," the voice of a newcomer answered Xu Qiao's words.
The next second a pair of feet stepped into the hut, every movement made no sound at all, even Jinshui did not aware of the sign of his presence, indicating a highly skilled person. Another old man of great stature, smooth face, and only gray hair showing his age.
"Laoqianbei (senior), wanbei Hua Jinshui is seeing you," Jinshui immediately stood up and clasped his hands politely. "On the mountain, I don't expect to meet a high-skilled figure. I don't know what your name and surname."
"I don't have a surname and a big name of all kinds. Old friends call me Laofeng (old Feng)," said the old man. "For a long time, I only know how to take care of plants, no need to mention all kinds of laoqianbei, just call me Laofeng or Feng Yeye (Grandpa Feng).
"Feng Yeye," Jinshui saluted once again. "You said just now, that man has been dealing with poison for a lifetime and he won't die from poison his own poison, I don't quite understand."
"He won't die," the old man Laofeng replied casually, one hand pouring drinking water into the cup. Jinshui didn't have time to say anything, and neither did Xu Qiao. The little man suddenly stood up, still clutching his throat, his tongue sticking out, Xu Qiao almost thought he was undead.
"Zhuren, qiuxin hua (nine-heart flower) and hongmu cao (redwood grass) can't be mixed…" the little man said.
"Drink!" Laofeng threw the cup at him. The cup was full of water, but it could float in the air without spilling a drop. The little old man greeted the cup with a swift motion, drank the contents in one gulp, then threw the cup back to its original place.
Jinshui saw this show, immediately stepped forward and caught the cup with the tip of his sword still wrapped in cloth, then threw it into the air with a beautiful motion. This was the usual yi shou tan shi (one-handed shooting stone) stance, usually used to attack opponents from a long distance. However, Jinshui's goal this time was to get the cup out of the reach of the two old men.
Laofeng did not stay still, then jumped up and tried to catch the cup. Jinshui deliberately blocked it and the two of them immediately clashed hands, several times the cup flew down, Jinshui always managed to throw it back with the tip of his weapon. Five moves passed, Laofeng seemed to be deliberately giving in, his goal was to find out how much strength this young opponent had. He was amazed.
"Nice move."
His exclamation seemed to distract Jinshui a bit. At the same second the cup floated down, he immediately caught it with the end of his sleeve, then the next second the cup was in its original place, it seemed fine.
"Feng Yeye, Jinshui admits defeat."
His mouth said defeat, but the corners of his lips revealed a slight smile. He glanced at the cup. It had cracked, then untouched it shattered into four equal parts. Even Laofeng did not expect this. He clapped his hands twice.
"Young man, it turns out that you are very talented. I, Laofeng, have always lived in the mountains, never expected in this world to have such a talented young person," he praised sincerely, "Laofu is truly amazed. Really amazed."
"Feng Yeye is too praising," Jinshui said condescendingly, "You just gave in too much, Jinshui just had a chance."
"Xiaozi, I really like you. Sit down, we'll have some wine to celebrate the meeting."
They both laughed, then took their seats. The messy tables and chairs had been tidied up in no time.
"Xiaoguniang, don't hesitate," Laofeng said to Xu Qiao. "Sit with us here. Duan Meng, get some wine!"
The little old man was his servant, didn't say a word, and went straight to the back to get some wine, the effect of the poison he drank earlier had completely disappeared. He returned quickly, carrying a jug of wine in his hand, then placed it on the table. The strong smell of wine wafted up as soon as the lid was opened. The little old man poured for Jinshui and Xu Qiao quickly.
"Lao Yeye, Jinshui has only known to drink buzui jiu for a long time, almost forgot how other wine tastes like," Jinshui said as he raised the cup in his hand.
"Buzui-jiu?" Laofeng asked.
"Buzui jiu is not real wine, but plain water," Xu Qiao replied, "Jinshui Gege loves wine so much that even plain water can be considered as wine."
"If there's a real buzui jiu that seems good too," Laofeng said with a laugh.
"Toast!" Jinshui immediately finished the contents of his cup. Xu Qiao lifted the cup too, but Laofeng blocked it.
"Xiaoguniang wait a moment."
"Laoyeye, what's wrong?" Xu Qiao asked.
"Xiaoguniang is poisoned, if you drink wine, the poison will react immediately," Laofeng said with absolute certainty. "If I'm not mistaken you were exposed to two different types of poison, zhaobai du and zixie du."
"Laoyeye, how did you know?" Xu Qiao asked.
Laofeng smiled. He was experienced in medicine and poison, and once he saw the expression on Xu Qiao's face, he could already guess that in this young girl's body there were two types of dangerous poison that could take her life at any moment.
"Zhaobai du and zixie du these two kinds of poison were created in Wansui Gu," Laofeng said. "Zhaobai du is tough, making people burn under the sun. Zixie du is also not lighter, at least can cause a lifetime of disability. Laofu had never seen a person affected by these two kinds of poison at the same time, somehow the consequences. Xiaoguniang, extend your hand."
Xu Qiao glanced at Jinshui. Seeing Jinshui nod his head she just dared to reach out to the old man. Laofeng checked the pulse on her wrist, a moment later he nodded his head. The girl's condition was not as bad as he had expected.
"Xiaozi, what kind of inner energy did you use to help him?" he asked Jinshui.
"My inner strength is still low, can't get rid of the poison, instead accidentally transferred the zhaobai du in my body to her," Jinshui didn't want to mention wuqing xue. "Feng Yeye, is it dangerous?"
Laofeng's expression changed. "Say, what is your relationship with Yumen Jiao?" he asked Jinshui.
"I…" Jinshui stood up. This old man already figured out the origin of his inner energy, there was nothing more to cover up. "Zaixia Hua Jinshui, one of the descendants of Yumen Jiao, has been studying wuqing xue since childhood. When the time comes, I will be with my brothers and sisters to revive our sect."
"They already prepared their descendants," Laofeng said with a deep sigh. "I know it, the eight guardians must have prepared all of this." He looked at Jinshui. "Sit down. I have no enmity with your Yumen, you don't have to worry."
Jinshui sat back down. Yumen's name had to be mentioned, he was warry. He did not know this old man, nor could he immediately guess his identity. Had thought of a name, but immediately removed it. Wansui Gu's great master, Lao Duxie Zeng Baifeng, couldn't possibly be in this lonely mountain alone with an old servant and concocting medicine.
"Ten years ago after the duel between Liangtian Jian Shen Zhang Zheliang and Yumen leader Tongjian Leishen Wu Youwei, various sects in the martial world under the alliance of the three major parties succeeded in destroying Yumen Jiao. Since then Yumen has not been mentioned much in the martial world anymore." Laofeng also said, there was no hint of hostility when he mentioned Yumen Jiao's name. It seemed that he was just an ordinary medicine man who rarely came down the mountain. "A large sect destroyed without any remaining trace, I guess it shouldn't be that easy. It turns out that the guardians already had a plan."
"That's right," Jinshui admitted, "at that time Liangtian Jian Shen was still victorious, his disciples and supporters were numerous, the eight guardians already knew they would not be able to escape, so they prepared us. We will revive the sect someday, as well as take revenge on Liangtian Jian Shen and the alliances of three major parties."
"Those three major parties, one of them is Haitang Jian Pai, right?" Xu Qiao asked. "The other two, one under the Lin Family of Wuling City, and the other is an association based in Nanyang City. The disciples of Liangtian Jian Shen's own party, namely the Jianyin Bang (Sword Palm Party) did not even participate."
"Xiaoguniang apparently also has knowledge of characters and sects in the martial world," Laofeng said to Xu Qiao. "That's right, at that time there was a big alliance that saw Yumen as an enemy. Liangtian Jian Shen originally wanted to reconcile everything, but only after the fight with Yumen leader he was seriously injured and was powerless to prevent what happened next. As far as I know, Liangtian Jian Shen later died because one of his disciples betrayed him."
"Laoyeye, you are wrong," Xu Qiao interrupted. "Liangtian Jian Shen after the fight with Yumen Jiao's leader was indeed seriously injured, giving his other enemy a chance to act. He was not betrayed by his disciple, but was killed by his enemy."
Laofeng looked at her, looking curious. "Who is Liangtian Jian Shen's enemy?" he asked.
"The owner of Wansui Gu, named Lao Duxie Zeng Baifeng," said Xu Qiao, "Liangtian Jian Shen went to Wansui Gu badly injured after that fight. No one knew what happened in Wansui Gu, suddenly rumors of his death had spread. Furthermore, he never appeared again in the martial world and everyone believed the rumors of the death to be true."
Laofeng laughed.
"Xiaoguniang, if you also think that Liangtian Jian Shen died at the hands of Zeng Baifeng and was not betrayed by his disciple, then let's just say that he died at the hands of Zeng Baifeng and was not betrayed by his disciple," he said. Then he turned back to Jinshui. "Jinshui, wuqing xue is the skill from a demonic sect. You used your inner energy to help this xiaoguniang right, but still not enough to wash away all the poison."
"Laoyeye, am I going to die?" Xu Qiao asked.
"Life will not be better than death," Laofeng replied. "Zhaobai du and zixie du get together, in three days you probably won't feel the real effect. However, after three days, these two poisons slowly take over the body. If it is exposed to wine, then the reaction will be even more intense."
"Feng Yeye is a master of medicine, there must be a way," Jinshui said.
"For now you can use wuqing xue energy to contain it," said Laofeng. "Only a person who has mastered the eighth level of wuqing xue can totally exterminate all the poison."
"Jinshui only mastered the third level. Feng Yeye, can't he?" Xu Qiao asked.
"Just mastering the third level doesn't mean there's no hope. It's just that it will take longer," said Laofeng.
"How long?" Xu Qiao asked.
"Probably, about three years," said Laofeng.
"Three years?" Xu Qiao repeated.
"That's right," said Laofeng. "For three years, at least once every three days you have to use the wuqing xue energy to inhibit the action of the poison. In addition to not passing time, it also cannot be disturbed. Three years later this poison is already paralyzed by itself, it won't be dangerous anymore. As long as you can get through it, you can be sure that in the future there will be no problems."
"Three years is a long time," Xu Qiao said. "Laoyeye, can't it be shortened a bit?"
"It is possible if Jinshui is good at practicing wuqing xue and can master a higher level," said Laofeng.
"Other than this way, is there no other way?" Jinshui asked.
"Of course there is," said Laofeng.
"What way?" Xu Qiao asked.
"Take her to Wansui Gu, meet the person who made the poison," said Laofeng.
"Lao Duxie Zeng Baifeng?" Xu Qiao asked.
"That's right," said Laofeng. "He was the one who created these two types of poison, of course, he can also neutralize them."
Xu Qiao looked at Jinshui. Her eyes seemed to be about to say something. Jinshui understood her meaning.
"Laoyeye, thanks for your hint," he said. "If you know Lao Duxie Zeng Baifeng, please tell him, wanbei Hua Jinshui will soon visit him at Wansui Gu for guidance. Wanbei will take my leave now."
"You can stay here for a while," Laofeng said. "Laofu and Duan Meng should also go. Actually still want to sit here longer and talk things over with you. But there is one life that must be helped immediately, perhaps we can have another day to drink together."
"Laoyeye please."
They all came out of the hut. Laofeng and Duan Meng headed straight for the south, Jinshui and Xu Qiao took the road to the east. The sun's rays faded slowly, but there was still enough to lead them to a path. The view of the green mountains made them not want time to pass.
"I don't want to go to Wansui Gu," Xu Qiao suddenly said to Jinshui. She was sure that Laofeng and his strange servant had already come a long way, nor was there any reason to follow her and Jinshui just to listen to their next conversation.
"I know," said Jinshui. Of course, he knew. Wansui Gu to Xu Qiao was a den of poison mongers, Lao Duxie Zeng Baifeng was also a man with a bad reputation. The daughter of the owner of Huofeng Lou wouldn't go there anyway for her own sake. "I'm not planning on taking you there either."
"But you said earlier that you would visit him at Wansui Gu soon to ask for guidance," said Xu Qiao.
"I will visit him at Wansui Gu for guidance," Jinshui repeated his words exactly, "not taking you to Wansui Gu to see him for treatment."
Xu Qiao smiled in relief. Jinshui really liked this smile. Xu Qiao was a precious pearl. He wanted to keep his precious pearl more than anything, and will not let anyone take it. There was some doubt in his heart about many things, but he quickly put it away. He didn't want anyone to ruin the happiness he had at the moment.
"I still have one request," Xu Qiao reminded him.
"You can say it now," Jinshui said softly.
"I want to come with you, forever be with you."