The First Jasmine - Chapter 79
Chapter 79: The Sickly Scholar's Threat
"Stay your hand!"
"Zhuo Jing!" Ye Li called out in a deep voice. An San's gaze darkened as he swiftly tucked away his longsword, flipped gracefully through the air, and landed lightly upon a nearby tree branch. Just like that, three individuals now occupied the high perches of the treetops, ready to launch an attack at a moment's notice. Meanwhile, if the opposing side still failed to bring the snake swarm under control, they would undoubtedly find themselves at an absolute disadvantage.
A tall, middle-aged man dressed in Southern Frontier attire walked out from the woods. The identical totem on his clothing—matching that of the young man—along with the involuntary air of authority he exuded, made it clear to everyone that the newcomer was undoubtedly someone of high status within the Luoyi Tribe. The middle-aged man strode forward, the swarming serpents parting to clear a path before him as they visibly recoiled from his presence with profound dread. "Friends from Great Chu, my foolish son has offended you, and I ask that you show mercy. Our tribe will certainly treat you all with the hospitality reserved for honored guests."
Ye Li sneered inwardly. Foolish? This man had been lurking in the woods the entire time, only stepping forward once his own son was in genuine peril, yet now he expected to brush the matter aside with a mere casual word of foolishness.
Han Mingxi stood atop the tree branch, his slender figure swaying gently with the boughs. "He is certainly more than just foolish. Chieftain of the Luoyi Tribe, how on earth do you dare let such a wretch run amok outside?" The middle-aged man's expression was less than pleasant as well. As he walked past the young man, he cast a cold, indifferent glance at him. The youth instantly shriveled up like a leaf scorched by fire, shrinking back timidly and not daring to raise his head to meet anyone's gaze. Only then did the middle-aged man let out a slight hrumph, stepping forward to cup his fists toward Ye Li and the others. "I am Le Jiang, chieftain of the Luoyi Tribe, and this is my foolish son, Le Nan. Please forgive us for any offense given; I ask the travelers from the Central Plains to be magnanimous." This chieftain evidently possessed far more than just better looks than his son; nothing in his speech or demeanor made them look like father and son at all.
Ye Li said, "Although your tribe's hospitality is admittedly a bit terrifying, don't you think Chieftain Le should first have someone clear away these little creatures?" Standing inside the circle surrounded by snake-repellent and campfires, the unmanaged serpent swarm had already begun turning away to crawl elsewhere. If they waited too long, even if they sent people to search, there was no guarantee they could round them all up. Chieftain Le nodded, waving his hand toward the snake-charmers scattered around the perimeter. The handlers resumed playing their short flutes as several of them walked off into the distance, clearly setting out to retrieve the scattered snakes. Having given his orders, Chieftain Le turned back to smile at Ye Li and the others. "Since you are passing through our territory and have been disturbed by Le Nan's discourtesy, why not rest for a while at our village? Consider it my personal apology to you all."
Ye Li pondered for a moment, tilting her head to glance at the three individuals up in the tree. Han Mingxi wore an expression of utter indifference, while An San naturally held no opinion that conflicted with Ye Li's. The Sickly Scholar, however, frowned and said, "We are in a rush and won't trouble Chieftain Le."
Chieftain Le raised an eyebrow, shaking his head repeatedly. "How can you call this trouble? Letting travelers from the Central Plains suffer such a fright severely tarnishes the Luoyi Tribe's reputation for hospitality. I must insist that you rest for a while at the village, and tomorrow I will personally dispatch men to escort you all the way to the capital." Hearing this, the Central Plains natives present couldn't help but curl their lips in silent skepticism. People of the Southern Frontier were notoriously xenophobic; aside from daring merchants and those possessing formidable self-reliance, ordinary Central Plains people would never willingly venture into the Southern Frontier. Yet compared to other tribes nestled deep within the Southern Frontier's interior, the Luoyi Tribe—bordering Great Chu—truly could be considered relatively warm and hospitable. If they could secure a local Southern Frontier guide, the remainder of their journey would undoubtedly be far smoother.
"In that case... we shall impose upon the chieftain." Seeing that the Sickly Scholar had taken charge and agreed, Ye Li merely raised an eyebrow without voicing any objection.
Chieftain Le was evidently overjoyed, enthusiastically summoning the accompanying attendants to pack up the guests' belongings. Ye Li's group practically had nothing to pack; she bent down to scoop up the bundle resting beside a rock, tossed it up to An San still stationed in the tree, and kept one small pouch for herself. The Sickly Scholar was similarly unburdened. Master Liang, on the other hand, went through a frantic ordeal with the assistance of his steward and guards. Yet the careful way he shielded his luggage to prevent the Southern Frontier people from touching it piqued Ye Li's curiosity as to what on earth was hidden inside that rather bulky package—judging by the weight, it certainly didn't feel like mere gold and silver.
The Luoyi Tribe's village was not far from where they had made camp. After mounting horses and riding for less than a quarter of an hour, they reached their destination. Of course, their original mounts had long since bolted in terror when the snake swarm arrived, and those that hadn't run off were already exhausted beyond use. The horses they now rode were provided by the Luoyi Tribe, which was precisely why Ye Li hadn't raised any objections to visiting the village. Aside from this settlement, the next inhabited location where horses could be purchased was at least two hundred li away, meaning a refusal would likely force them to complete the remainder of their journey on foot.
The Luoyi Tribe village was built halfway up a mountainside, and the approach was far from the mysterious and rugged terrain described in Central Plains legends of Southern Frontier settlements. Small wooden buildings dotted the mountainside in a scattered fashion. Since it was already late into the night, the chieftain led them to a guesthouse designated specifically for visitors, instructed his people to deliver food and hot water, and then took his leave, dragging along the abject, whimpering young chieftain Le Nan who hadn't dared utter a single word all the way there.
The young girls clad in exotic attire were escorted out. Han Mingxi washed his face with water in deep satisfaction and praised, "There's truly nothing better than having a roof over your head. If we had known, we should have just come straight to the Luoyi Tribe to stay from the start!" Ye Li sat off to one side, curiously examining the food arrayed on the table as she smiled, "Do you honestly think that if we had shown up uninvited in the middle of the night, you wouldn't have found your bed crawling with snakes both above and below?"
Han Mingxi shuddered slightly at the mental image, shook his head, and smiled at Ye Li. "Speaking of which, Junwei, you had better be careful. As you know, Southern Frontier women are notoriously passionate, and they especially adore delicate, fair-skinned young gentlemen like you. Watch out... hehe." He covered his face with a folding fan, smiling with thoroughly malicious amusement. Ye Li proved equally unyielding, returning the sentiment in kind. "Rest assured, Brother Han, if I am ever blessed with such romantic fortune, I will certainly not forget to share it with you. Besides... there is no one in this village who is harboring an obsessed, desperate obsession with my face." At the mere mention of Le Nan, the seductive, smiling face of Han Mingxi instantly darkened. He let out a soft hrumph as a flash of cold light swept swiftly across his eyes. The Fengyue Young Master was notoriously unforgiving when it came to holding grudges!
An San stood beside the tightly shut window, waiting until the two of them finished speaking before turning around to lower his voice. "There are people outside."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, stood up, and with a flick of her sleeve, extinguished the candle on the table. Faint, hazy moonlight spilled inward through the lattice windows; though dim, it did not impede Ye Li's movements. Composedly, she strolled over to stand beside An San. "They aren't here to monitor us." An San nodded, pointing toward a small cabin nearby. "They're watching them. Though there's also someone keeping an eye on our side, it's likely just incidental." Han Mingxi quickly adjusted to the dimness of the room and chuckled in a low voice. "So these fellows truly have secrets after all? In that case, what was their motive in dragging us along?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "Since they have their schemes, their true intentions will inevitably come to light eventually. After a sleepless night, I suggest we get some rest."
An San nodded, gesturing toward the inner bedchamber. "My lord, go inside and rest. Young Master Han and I will remain outside to keep watch."
Han Mingxi made to object, but seeing Ye Li nod and turn away without the slightest hesitation, simply waving goodbye as she headed inside to rest, he blinked in dismay. "I want to rest, too," he protested aggrievedly. Junwei wasn't the only one who hadn't slept well in the wilderness, was she? An San cast a cold, sideways glance at him and pointed toward the bamboo couch in the main parlor. "You can sleep there." Han Mingxi was rendered speechless. Was that bamboo couch even half his length? The bed inside was clearly enormous. Seemingly reading Han Mingxi's thoughts, An San expressionlessly dragged his seat over to block the doorway of the room Ye Li had entered, taking a seat with his hand resting on his sword. The message was unmistakable: if Han Mingxi wanted to get inside, he would have to step right over him. Left with no other choice, Han Mingxi could only retreat resentfully to the bamboo couch to rest, cursing inwardly and bitterly regretting his earlier impulsiveness: Why on earth did I ever suggest sharing a lodging with Junwei?
Ye Li woke up early as she always did, though before she even got out of bed, she knew traveling today was out of the question. The pattering sound of heavy rain outside indicated a downpour. Ye Li was already well acquainted with the rainy seasons of the south, but this storm had arrived with excessive suddenness; if they had spent the night camping out in the wilderness, their situation would undoubtedly have been miserable. Thinking of this, Ye Li suddenly felt that the Luoyi Tribe young chieftain wasn't quite as detestable after all. After tidying her clothes and stepping outside, she found An San still sitting on the chair by the doorway with his eyes closed in meditation, though she knew he wasn't actually asleep. Hearing her footsteps, An San immediately opened his eyes and turned to look at her.
"Go inside and rest for a bit. We won't be setting off this morning." Ye Li spoke softly, glancing at Han Mingxi, who was curled up on the bamboo couch with a frown.
An San hesitated for a moment, then nodded, rose to his feet, and went inside. Ye Li walked into the main parlor, pushed open half the window, and admired the rain curtain outside.
"Junwei, you are truly heartless. Hogging such a huge bed all to yourself while leaving me to suffer on a bamboo couch." At some point, Han Mingxi had opened his eyes and was now lounging lazily on the bamboo couch, fixing Ye Li with an aggrieved, bewitching gaze. Ye Li turned her head, chuckled, and said, "You are welcome to go inside and share the bed with Zhuo Jing." Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, smiling brightly as he looked at her. "I wouldn't mind sharing a bed with Junwei at all; after all, this young master is exceptionally clean."
"I prefer to keep good things to myself. I always hog the best items entirely for myself." Ye Li replied without changing expression.
Han Mingxi muttered a few vague, unintelligible complaints before sitting up as well. Frowning, he smoothed out the soft, dark red silk robes draped over his shoulders, walked over to stand beside Ye Li to watch the rainy scenery outside, and sighed, "Rainy days in the Southern Frontier have their own unique charm, but this endless downpour is honestly a bit much to bear." Before Ye Li could reply, footsteps sounded outside the door, followed shortly by a knock.
Opening the door, they found the Sickly Scholar standing on the threshold holding an oiled paper umbrella. After half a night of rest, his complexion hadn't improved in the slightest; instead, it looked even more sallow and drained. His free hand was raised to cover his lips, muffled by a few suppressed coughs. "Young Master Han, Young Master Chu, am I disturbing you?" Ye Li offered a faint, calm smile. "Not at all. Please come in, Gongzi."
The Sickly Scholar stepped into the room, swept his gaze across the space, and finally let his eyes rest upon the doorway of the inner chamber. Ye Li smiled faintly. "Zhuo Jing is still resting. Please have a seat, Gongzi. What brings you here so early in the morning?"
The Sickly Scholar took a seat nearby, coughed lightly a couple of times, and said, "I certainly didn't expect to run into Young Master Han on this trip to the Southern Frontier. Young Master Han... cough, you must recognize me, right?"
Not expecting him to cut straight to the point, Han Mingxi was momentarily stunned before he smiled. "Indeed. The reputation of the Third Pavilion Master of Xiling's King of Hell Pavilion is something Mingxi has naturally known of for a long time." From the respectful yet cautious way he addressed the Sickly Scholar and referred to himself, it was evident that Han Mingxi had no desire to provoke this man and held him in extreme dread. The Sickly Scholar smiled faintly. "No need for such formality. The Master of the King of Hell Pavilion and your esteemed eldest brother are sworn brothers, and I share a modest friendship with your brother as well. However... this young master beside you looks rather unfamiliar." Ye Li weighed the matter in her heart while wearing a placid, indifferent smile. "I am not a man of the Jianghu, just someone somewhat ignorant and ill-informed, making me an embarrassment before you, Gongzi." I don't know you, and you don't know me, so we're even. The Sickly Scholar stared at Ye Li as if evaluating something, but Han Mingxi was unwilling to let him keep scrutinizing her, breaking the silence with a chuckle, "My eldest brother mentioned that Gongzi hasn't readily stepped out of your doors these past few years. May I ask what brings you to the Southern Frontier this time? Is there anything Tianyi Pavilion can do to assist you?"
The Sickly Scholar paused slightly, shook his head, and smiled. "Merely some private matters. I wouldn't wish to trouble Young Master Han." Since he was unwilling to speak of it, Han Mingxi naturally wouldn't press further; in truth, he wished nothing more than to stay as far away from this man as possible. Why on earth didn't Mo Xiuyao manage to beat this plague god to death back then? Han Mingxi inwardly lampooned with a pleasant smile plastered across his face. The Sickly Scholar evidently had no intention of dwelling on his private affairs, turning his gaze back to Ye Li and Han Mingxi with a smile. "What do the two young masters think of this village?"
Han Mingxi frowned. "I've traveled to and fro through the Southern Frontier two or three times, and I honestly never noticed a Luoyi Tribe village located in such close proximity."
"What does Young Master Chu think?" the Sickly Scholar asked, looking directly at Ye Li.
Ye Li furrowed her brow slightly. "The Luoyi Tribe is said to be one of the largest tribes in the Southern Frontier. Yet, I estimate there are fewer than a hundred people living in this entire settlement. I've always heard that tribal encampments in the Southern Frontier are exceptionally secluded and hidden away, so why would this Luoyi village be built right along a main route?" Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, looking at Ye Li with a smile. "So Junwei already noticed that last night. Since there were so many suspicious points, why did you still agree to come?"
Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Did we have a choice? We had no horses, and poisonous snakes were swarming everywhere around us. The other party intended to invite us here as guests all along; being formally and politely invited by our hosts is infinitely better than being tossed in here tied up like rice dumplings, wouldn't you agree? Still... I am quite curious about what exactly they hoped to achieve by staging such a grand display. Aside from slightly offending that young chieftain back in Yonglin Town, I can't think of any reason that would make them go to such elaborate lengths." Having finished speaking, Ye Li fixed her gaze steadily upon the Sickly Scholar. The Sickly Scholar let out a soft sigh. "Young Master Chu is young, but your clarity of thought is truly rare. Indeed, they were targeting us."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Do enlighten us."
"I believe both of you noticed last night that someone was keeping us under surveillance the entire time. The Luoyi Tribe's true objective is actually quite simple: they are after a precious treasure in the possession of Master Liang." The Sickly Scholar spoke calmly. Han Mingxi chuckled. "I've never heard of you taking up the profession of a hired escort, Gongzi." The Sickly Scholar frowned, suppressing an urge to cough, as he cast a tranquil smile at Han Mingxi. "Indeed, I didn't tag along to protect Master Liang."
Han Mingxi leaned back against his chair, glancing sidelong at the Sickly Scholar. "I know. You want that treasure, too. Since that's the case, why didn't you simply kill the old codger? Why go to all this trouble of dragging him all the way to the Southern Frontier?" The Sickly Scholar looked at Han Mingxi, a trace of ruthless viciousness flashing momentarily across his delicate, smiling features. In an instant, his entire demeanor transformed, turning far more sinister and gloomy, bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the frail scholar from moments before.
"True, I could have easily killed that fellow. But unfortunately... he isn't a fool either. That treasure is located in Nanzhao's capital; he only carries the token required to retrieve it on his person, and even then, it's only half the token. Aside from himself, not a single soul in this world knows where the other half is hidden, let alone how to utilize the token once it's retrieved." A murderous glint flickered deep within the Sickly Scholar's eyes, clearly betraying his profound exasperation at Master Liang's cunning. Han Mingxi chuckled lightly. "Perhaps you should consider torture." The Sickly Scholar let out a cold snort. "Does Young Master Han seriously have no idea who he actually is?"
Han Mingxi shrugged with nonchalant indifference, though upon seeing Ye Li shift her gaze toward him, he offered an explanation. "I know. He's from the northwestern Liang family—the fifth among Great Chu's Four Great Wealthy Clans of Feng, Yan, Jin, and Lü, and even wealthier than my eldest brother. What's more, if my eldest brother loves money like his life, this Master Liang values money even more than his life. I've heard tales of bandits kidnapping his favorite concubine and demanding a ransom of twenty thousand taels, and he didn't even bat an eye. And don't let his vast wealth fool you; in daily life, he saves every penny he can, living far more frugally than an ordinary merchant. Didn't he boast to you about visiting Clear Wind and Bright Moon Tower last night? My eldest brother despises him the most for it, because whenever he stayed at Clear Wind and Bright Moon Tower overnight, he would only order the cheapest cup of tea, spending less than twenty taels in total. If a man like that truly holds a priceless treasure, he'd probably rather let you kill him than ever hand it over."
Ye Li looked at the Sickly Scholar. "I'm more curious as to why Gongzi is sharing this information with us. Aren't you afraid we might also harbor greedy intentions?"
The Sickly Scholar replied calmly, "I require your assistance. Last night, I observed that the martial arts of the gentleman named Zhuo were quite formidable, and while Young Master Chu's true depth remains difficult to gauge, you are certainly no ordinary person either. As for Young Master Han, I naturally will ensure you are adequately compensated afterwards." Han Mingxi propped his chin in his hand, tilting his head to study him. "I was under the impression that Gongzi stated earlier you didn't require Tianyi Pavilion's help."
The Sickly Scholar nodded. "I have no need for Tianyi Pavilion to provide any intelligence. However, since I happened to run into Young Master Han, I am left with no choice but to invite you along as well."
"Can we decline?" Han Mingxi asked.
"I'm afraid not," the Sickly Scholar said in a deep voice, his slightly gloomy gaze sweeping slowly across the two of them. Han Mingxi felt an unpleasant sensation, as though he were being pricked by a blade. Ye Li maintained her composure, though the hand resting inside her sleeve tightened involuntarily. The Sickly Scholar wore a smile that was both cold and grotesque, gracefully raising his left hand to admire fingers whose skin tone differed slightly from his right as he murmured softly, "I trust Young Master Han wouldn't make a refusal... would you?"
Han Mingxi's expression shifted drastically as he stared warily at the Sickly Scholar. "Did you poison us?!"
The Sickly Scholar offered a thin smile in response without answering, though Han Mingxi's face grew even uglier. Seemingly confident that Han Mingxi wouldn't dare refuse, the Sickly Scholar turned his head toward Ye Li. "What about Young Master Chu?"
Ye Li reached out to pour herself a cup of cold tea, wincing slightly at the bitterness of the chilled brew, and said, "I refuse."
"Refuse?" The Sickly Scholar looked momentarily surprised. After a brief pause, his gaze toward Ye Li grew far more threatening. "Is Young Master Chu certain?" Ye Li smiled calmly, lowering her teacup. "I heard of Gongzi's reputation a couple of days ago, and I am well aware that your mastery over poisons is virtually unrivaled under heaven. However... unless Gongzi intends to use a rapidly fatal poison, you would be wise not to make a move."
"What do you mean?" The Sickly Scholar stared at Ye Li with a dark expression.
Ye Li lowered her eyes to gaze at her hands resting upon her lap, speaking softly. "I heard that Gongzi inadvertently injured your heart meridian many years ago. Although I am not deeply versed in such injuries, I do possess a superficial understanding of related pathologies. In my view, unless Gongzi can kill your opponent within the span of a single snap of the fingers, you had best refrain from unleashing your martial arts. Because... Gongzi's heart likely cannot endure prolonged, violent agitation, can it?"
A killing intent so dense it nearly materialized flickered within the Sickly Scholar's eyes. He gritted his teeth and hissed, "Are you certain I cannot kill you?"
Ye Li smiled. "Gongzi is welcome to try."
Of course, the Sickly Scholar had no intention of testing it. This youth named Chu Junwei hadn't made a single move along the entire journey, nor had he displayed any outward signs of profound internal energy. Yet his instincts screamed that this calm, poised youth was far from simple. Furthermore, Han Mingxi was sitting right there watching like a tiger eyeing its prey, and an exceptionally skilled guard whose abilities remained unfathomable was lurking inside the room. Lounging on his chair, Han Mingxi rested his chin on one hand, alternating his gaze between the gloomy Sickly Scholar and the serene Ye Li, blinking with a cheerful smile. My, it seems I've just stumbled upon quite an astonishing secret.
"Hehe, Young Master Chu is indeed no ordinary person. However... you may realize that regretting this now is already too late," the Sickly Scholar sneered.
"What do you mean?" Han Mingxi narrowed his eyes.
The Sickly Scholar explained, "Just moments before I left the cabin I was staying in, I suspect the fellow surnamed Liang was already removed from it."
"You did this on purpose?" Han Mingxi said. The Sickly Scholar nodded. "Indeed. Liang came to the Southern Frontier specifically to seek out the Luoyi Tribe, and last night their objective wasn't to harass us, but to rendezvous with him." Han Mingxi frowned. "So what?" The Sickly Scholar let out a cold hrumph. "So what? He has reached his destination. Naturally, anyone who knows his whereabouts must now... be thoroughly silenced. If they hadn't invited all of us here, what would happen if even a single person escaped? Wouldn't all their previous efforts go to waste?"
"Was Zheng Kui approaching us to strike up a conversation the day before yesterday your idea?" Ye Li asked calmly, looking at the Sickly Scholar.
"Indeed. Zheng Kui believed he was merely escorting Liang to do business in Nanzhao. I simply informed him that the two of you possessed extraordinary skills and that traveling together would offer mutual security along the road. To be honest... I originally had no intention of choosing you two, but at this time of year, very few people are willing to travel to the Southern Frontier, and I needed individuals with capable hands to assist me. Besides, Young Master Han has some prior ties with me, doesn't he?"
Han Mingxi smiled. "I'm rather curious as to why you didn't utilize men from the King of Hell Pavilion. Surely there are no shortage of people in the King of Hell Pavilion willing to go through fire and water for your excellency, right?"
The Sickly Scholar's face darkened as he stated coldly, "That is my own affair."
Ye Li stood up, walked over to the window to survey the torrential rain still pouring outside, and then turned back. "What kind of treasure is this, Master Liang, that it forces someone like you to go to such extraordinary lengths?"
"That is something Young Master Chu best not inquire about. After all, the less you know, the safer you are. Given Young Master Han's face, I will spare your lives after this is over." The Sickly Scholar promised with a dark countenance. Ye Li cast a cool, indifferent glance at him and smiled. "I am truly sorry, but I personally detest being kept in the dark and used as a pawn."
The Sickly Scholar sneered, "Whether you help me or not, you won't be leaving this place. Look outside for yourself." Han Mingxi darted swiftly to the window and looked out. Through the pouring rain, distant scenery loomed vaguely, but the air carried the faint, peculiar scent of an unfamiliar fragrance drifting toward them. Ye Li reached out, yanked Han Mingxi backward, and slammed the window shut with her backhand. The Sickly Scholar watched Ye Li, nodding in praise. "I truly judged correctly; Young Master Chu is also well-versed in poisons." Ye Li shook her head. "I know nothing of poisons, but I was recently laid low by a sleeping potion produced in the Southern Frontier, so I've simply developed a heightened sense of vigilance."
She had fallen victim to Ye Yue's trap back then, and after the incident, Ye Li had carefully reviewed the circumstances repeatedly. Finally, she concluded that Ye Yue hadn't administered the poison after she entered the hall; rather, the sleeping agents had been deployed from the very beginning—the two pots of half-bloomed orchids placed at the entrance of the Yaohua Palace main hall, and the matching pair of orchids placed inside the hall itself. Later, she saw the exact same orchids in the courtyard where Mo Qingxuan had imprisoned her. Of course, those might not have been ordinary orchids at all, but merely plants bearing a deceptive resemblance.
The Sickly Scholar continued, "All the pathways leading down the mountain have been cut off, and those flora and fauna scattered across the mountain slopes... it is currently safe for Young Master Han to inhale the scent, as it poses no immediate danger. This particular toxic flora only activates during daylight hours under clear skies. However, once the rain stops, this floral fragrance will transform into a lethal poison, rendering anyone who inhales it utterly immobile." Han Mingxi stared at him. "You have the antidote?"
The Sickly Scholar declared proudly, "Mere petty poison, what difficulty is there in countering it?"
Han Mingxi walked back to his seat and sat down. "So, unless we agree to help you, you won't give us the antidote? And you're suggesting we couldn't simply hike down the mountain before the rain stops?" The Sickly Scholar smiled. " martial artists naturally have no need to worry about whether established trails exist when ascending or descending mountains. You are welcome to go outside and test it out; doing so will also serve the convenient purpose of drawing away those people and venomous insects for me." Han Mingxi recalled the dense, swarming sea of snakes from the previous night, felt goosebumps erupt across his skin, and hastily rubbed his arms while gazing imploringly toward Ye Li.
Ye Li stood with her hands clasped behind her back, speaking with absolute serenity. "Then I may assume that Gongzi not only possesses the antidote to deal with those toxic plants, but also holds a method to handle the venomous snakes and insects. And our only task is to deal with those individuals, correct?"
The Sickly Scholar nodded in good spirits. The lingering displeasure of having his weaknesses poked at earlier finally dissipated, and the killing intent previously lurking in his gaze gradually faded. Ye Li pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "I accept your terms, Gongzi."
"Hey now, Junwei, aren't you worried he'll renege on his word and silence us all afterward?" Han Mingxi whispered a warning; the Sickly Scholar was hardly a benevolent philanthropist. Ye Li smiled. "I trust the promise of the Third Master of the King of Hell Pavilion."
"Very well, it's a deal."
Hey, hey... does that fellow even know the meaning of the word trustworthiness?