The Royal Doctors Arrived . . .
"Since you have acknowledged your transgressions, you must accept the consequences," the king declared resolutely. "Henceforth, you shall return to your homes and confine yourselves there. You are forbidden from engaging in any form of political activity or making contact with anyone. Those who defy my order shall face the annihilation of their entire clans."
The assembled officials were left in stunned silence. Kneeling on the ground, they trembled with trepidation. They dared to lift their heads, their voices laden with disbelief as they implored, "Your Highness..."
"Remove them," the king commanded with eyes brimming with cold resolve, tinged with a trace of sorrow.
These men were pivotal figures within the court, and it was highly likely that one of them was the provocateur sowing discord within the kingdom. Although the initial altercation had appeared to be a mere squabble among reckless young nobles, its timing was highly suspicious.
The military families, already feeling vulnerable with the army's departure, were further destabilized by this senseless confrontation. It had transpired just prior to the receipt of three critical reports. The king couldn't help but suspect a sinister plot behind the incident, particularly given the kingdom's precarious position, surrounded by formidable adversaries. He couldn't afford to retain these men in court without full trust, especially at such a perilous juncture.
While some of the accused officials were innocent, the king felt compelled to make this drastic decision. If they hadn't held such significant roles in the court, he might have chosen a swifter, more severe course of action.
The officials struggled to comprehend the gravity of their situation, while other courtiers looked on in astonishment. Guards were summoned to escort the aging officials from the chamber, their expressions a stark contrast to their customary demeanor.
With an air of detachment, the king continued as if nothing extraordinary had occurred. "Now, let us address the situation concerning the four impending battles. I welcome your candid input. Together, we must find a strategy to defend our kingdom."
...
Meanwhile, in the House of Cha, Cha-Eun Xiao lay prone on his bed, appearing utterly wretched. His body seemed devoid of structure, as if he had been rendered boneless. Beside him, Song Jue wore a stern countenance, clearly perturbed.
In contrast to their dramatic display, the Cha Clan's blood guards paced anxiously throughout the house, their concerns genuine and palpable. In a hushed tone, Song Jue queried, taking advantage of the lack of eavesdroppers, "How are you feeling?"
Cha-Eun Xiao, who should have been in a comatose state, stirred slightly and uttered, "Don't worry. It's fine. Everything is under control."
However, the true outcome of their acting remained uncertain to them.
Yet, the prevailing forces opposing the military faction within the court had grown overly dominant over time. It was high time for a shift in this dynamic. Even if it only served to reassure the military, it would be a worthwhile change.
"Although I believe your father will be returning soon, I expect that few of them will face demotion as time goes on," Song Jue remarked, his tone measured. "Nonetheless, we will emerge unscathed from this crisis."
"That's not a guarantee," Cha-Eun Xiao replied.
"What do you mean? Are you suggesting that even in your current incapacitated state, those individuals would still dare to target you?" Song Jue questioned incredulously. "Don't forget that the Melting Bone Palm you suffered was executed by one of the Crown Prince's subordinates."
Cha-Eun Xiao responded matter-of-factly, "Of course, the Crown Prince won't assist us in weakening the political faction. Instead, he will strive to eliminate those who didn't support him. If he doesn't take down these men, how can he shift the blame onto them? It just happens to work in our favor, weakening our adversaries in the process. It's only logical."
Song Jue was momentarily taken aback, unable to immediately process Cha-Eun Xiao's revelation.
With a slight smile, Cha-Eun Xiao added, "Uncle Song, you... You're adorable. How can you still not comprehend? The Crown Prince needs to ensure that someone else will bear the responsibility for my misfortune, allowing him to distance himself from any involvement... Remember, his brother-in-law's case has yet to be resolved."
Song Jue's understanding was illuminated, and he offered praises. "You, young lad, are growing increasingly clever. It's a shame you refuse to involve yourself in court matters. You have a talent for orchestrating schemes... What do you mean by 'adorable'? Don't describe me that way! How can you call me adorable?"
Suppressing his laughter, Cha-Eun Xiao twitched his mouth.
Unbeknownst to them, the king had unintentionally contributed to the weakening of their political opponents within the court.
At that moment, footsteps echoed outside, and a blood guard shouted, "Chief! Royal physicians from the palace have arrived to see the young master."
Cha-Eun Xiao naturally 'lapsed back into unconsciousness,' while Song Jue quickly adopted an 'anxious expression' and spoke urgently, "Bring them in immediately."
He feigned impatience, as though he had been anxiously awaiting the doctors for a considerable duration.
Figures swiftly entered, and Song Jue hastened to greet them at the door. "Doctors, please come in."
His eyes suddenly brightened, and he expressed delight. "Master Sun, you're here too! Wonderful! Please, come in!"
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, none of them wasted words. They entered the room promptly.
The moment they crossed the threshold, the overpowering scent of medicinal herbs enveloped them.
The renowned Lord Cha lay on the bed like a lifeless mound of clay.
Upon seeing Cha-Eun Xiao's condition, a wave of sorrow washed over them all.
They were no strangers to death in its various forms, having witnessed countless corpses—some beaten to death, others stabbed, and some felled by disease. They were well-acquainted with the myriad ways life could cease. Yet, upon gazing upon Cha-Eun Xiao, they harbored no illusions; they knew his fate was sealed.
Resuscitation was a futile endeavor.
The human body relied on its skeletal framework for support; even those teetering on the precipice of death clung to the remnants of their bones. However, Cha-Eun Xiao's form lay in disarray, bereft of skeletal structure.
Doctor Li wasted no time, setting aside the case he had carried and settling at the bedside to examine Cha-Eun Xiao's pulse. Doctor Li was renowned for his pulse diagnosis skills, ranking supreme among all the royal physicians. He also possessed profound expertise in treating internal injuries.
The current circumstances did not allow for idle chatter.
With fingers pressed upon Cha-Eun Xiao's wrist to assess his pulse, Doctor Li's visage darkened considerably.
Doctor Huang promptly retrieved writing materials, brush and paper in hand. Having spent a lifetime working alongside Doctor Li, he knew precisely what was expected of him.
While gauging Cha-Eun Xiao's pulse, Doctor Li remarked, "... The Jing and Mai meridians are severed."
The initial statement caused Doctor Huang's hand to quiver as he transcribed it onto paper.
"His abdominal cavity is empty, his heart barely beats, and his lungs are laboring feebly... His bones..." Doctor Li sighed and continued, "Are largely shattered... In fact, they're on the brink of dissolution."
"It's akin to ice melting under the sun's relentless rays. Although he may endure for a while, it's only a matter of time before he succumbs, his bones reduced to liquid."
Doctor Li closed his eyes and sighed towards the heavens. "This injury... I believe it should be..."
He turned to Doctor Huang, and their mutual nods confirmed their shared assessment. "The Melting Bone Palm—an exceptionally ruthless martial art of the martial world. It ought to have been lost to the annals of history long ago."
Song Jue, his voice trembling, inquired, "Is it truly this grave? Then... is there any hope for his recovery?"
Both Doctor Li and Doctor Huang shook their heads, their expressions grim. Doctor Li sighed, "Given the current stage of the injury, there is no hope of a cure. Even a medical deity would be powerless to remedy it."
Song Jue, disheartened, struggled for breath as he asked, "Isn't there... Anything we can at least attempt?"
Doctor Li turned to Master Sun, his tone sincere. "That question should be posed to Master Sun. If he has no recommendations, then..."
He left his sentence unfinished, for it required no conclusion.
Master Sun assumed the position Doctor Li had vacated, seating himself beside the bed. His hands, akin to talons, clasped Cha-Eun Xiao's wrist.
Master Sun closed his eyes, and a palpable surge of power began to ripple through the room. A vivid blue aura, reminiscent of a boundless ocean, enveloped both Cha-Eun Xiao and Master Sun.
Song Jue, his composure momentarily shattered, stood frozen in disbelief.
Master Sun, as it turned out, was an accomplished cultivator at the Grandmaster Level of Tianyuan. His power seemed to eclipse even that of Guan Zheng-Wen.
The royal palace was evidently a sanctuary for martial virtuosos. There was a saying that went, 'Those who excel in martial arts should be offered to the royal palace,' and it seemed that the royal palace had indeed recruited numerous exceptional cultivators.
Song Jue had once regarded himself highly in the presence of such individuals. However, Master Sun appeared to view him with indifference.
"It is undeniably the result of the Melting Bone Palm," Master Sun stated in a gravelly voice, not turning to face Song Jue. "I have no means to fully address it. At best, I can merely sustain this young man's life. If you wish for him to return to his former state, it is as challenging as resurrecting the dead. Only the Nine Turning Dan can achieve that..."
In essence, Cha-Eun Xiao's fate was sealed.
The Nine Turning Dan was an exceedingly rare and priceless treasure even within the Qing-Yun Realm. In the mortal realm, it had not surfaced for countless millennia, rendering it virtually nonexistent.
"Indeed. By combining the use of medicinal herbs and elixirs, we may potentially achieve some efficacy," Master Sun mused, addressing Song Jue, "Steward..."