“Old monster, who can bully you?”
As the words fell, a tall figure swept across the sky. With a few leaps, the person landed, looking with a smile at the stern-faced old monster.
Not sleeping in the middle of the night, driving out tigers and lions to fight with the little ones, truly shameless.
“It’s them.”
The old monster pointed to Qing Feng and Ming Yue. He couldn’t defeat them, but that didn’t mean no one could.
Inside the carriage, Wu Qing and Qing Yao, hearing someone arrive, immediately stopped their zither music. The two leaped out, and in a flash, Wu Qing was already seated in his wheelchair. The entire movement was as fast as lightning, seamless and fluid.
In the darkness of the night, a thin old man, with white beard and hair, but a nonchalant demeanor, looked like a ten-year-old child, glaring at them resentfully for being thwarted.
The other elder, however, had an air of detached immortality, truly like a hermit from beyond the world. His eyes were bright and piercing, indicating his formidable martial arts skills. Most importantly, his words and actions carried a touch of benevolence. Upon seeing such a person, Qing Yao felt reassured and slowly looked over, speaking respectfully.
“We pay our respects to you, two elders. We have offended you just now. Please forgive us if we have done anything wrong.”
The tall elder, his eyes peaceful, nodded. He turned to look at the old monster and raised an eyebrow curiously, “Why are you not sleeping in the middle of the night, and fighting with these children?”
“I won’t allow them to go up the mountain.”
The old monster knew he was in the wrong. He scratched his head and turned his gaze elsewhere.
Qing Yao spoke quickly, looking at the tall elder with increasing sincerity, “My daughter is only one year old and has been poisoned with Duanchang San. She needs the Duanchang San herb. Please, two elders, be merciful and let us go up the mountain to gather the herb. If we don’t go up soon, her life may be forfeit.”
As Qing Yao said this, her eyes suddenly darkened, and her voice became hoarse.
As soon as she finished speaking, Mo Chou carried Xiao Yu’er from the carriage and quickly walked to Qing Yao’s side. Seeing this situation, the tall elder became angry and turned to glare at the thin old man, “Old monster, it’s one thing for you to play around, but how can you harm people?”
“No, I? Me?”
The thin old man scratched his head, unsure how to answer. Qing Yao knew this thin old man likely didn't know the full situation and didn't press him.
“It’s not this elder’s fault; he didn’t know.”
“You still won’t let them go up the mountain? Do you want to harm the child?” The tall elder commanded. The old monster’s expression changed several times. He bit his lip, hesitating, refusing to order the fierce beasts to clear the way. Without them moving, their group couldn't ascend the mountain.
At this moment, Wu Qing wheeled his chair to the side of the thin old man and spoke softly, “Did he ask you for help?”
As soon as his words fell, the old monster’s eyes widened. He stared at Wu Qing’s face and slowly realized something, pointing at his face, “You, you?”
He stammered for a long time without finishing. Wu Qing spoke abruptly, “Can we go up the mountain now?”
“Fine, go ahead,” the old monster finally stopped talking.
This was because the person before him looked exactly like another person. Since that was the case, why should he make things difficult for them? The old monster moved aside and let out a long howl. The fierce tigers and lions all dispersed, heading towards the peak of Ling Mountain, scattering in all directions.
Qing Yao breathed a sigh of relief and clasped her hands respectfully, “Thank you, two elders. I will thank you again another day. We must go up the mountain now to find the antidote.”
“Go,” the tall elder waved his robe, a gust of wind blew past, and he disappeared. The thin old man also followed him.
The night quieted down. Qing Yao walked to Wu Qing’s side, stared at his face, and slowly asked, “What were you talking about just now?”
“Nothing much. Let’s go up the mountain to gather medicinal herbs.”
Wu Qing said anxiously. Now was not the time for such talk; finding the herbs was more important. As his words echoed, Qing Yao came to her senses and immediately agreed.
The group ascended the mountain, lighting torches. Qing Yao and Mo Chou took care of Xiao Yu’er, while Wu Qing led Qing Feng and Ming Yue to collect the herbs that could cure Duanchang San.
The night grew deeper, with faint flickering lights, appearing ghostly.
On Ling Mountain, there were many medicinal herbs. The group only had to walk to the mountainside to find all the herbs for Duanchang San. Wu Qing instructed them to find a nearby cave to detoxify Xiao Yu’er.
On the vast Lingqiao, there were many caves. Qing Yao and the others quickly found one, sticking a torch by the cave entrance, illuminating it as bright as day.
At this time, Xiao Yu’er’s complexion had turned dark, her lips were pale and gray, and her breathing was weak. Qing Yao nervously clasped her hand and laid her flat on the ground.
Wu Qing mixed the herbs together and, with a surge of power, gripped them tightly. The juice all flowed out and dripped into Xiao Yu’er’s pried-open mouth. More and more dripped in until there was not a drop of the medicine left, and Wu Qing released his hand.
“Help her sit up straight. I’ll use my power to help her activate the medicine. This way, it will be faster.”
After Wu Qing finished speaking, Qing Yao immediately helped Xiao Yu’er sit up properly.
Wu Qing condensed his palm, pushed his hand onto Xiao Yu’er’s upper back, and his internal energy flowed out continuously, like a warm current. Xiao Yu’er felt her entire body become comfortable. Although her consciousness was hazy, she seemed to hear voices, calling her repeatedly. Was it her mother calling her?
Xiao Yu’er struggled to think, and slowly, her breathing became smooth. Then, Wu Qing coughed, suddenly withdrew his hand, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Qing Yao looked at him with dark eyes and asked softly.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just tired from the journey. I was anxious, and my internal energy was a bit unstable. I’ll be fine after a short rest.”
Qing Yao nodded. She was about to say something else, but Xiao Yu’er on the ground suddenly whimpered, as if about to wake up. This discovery made Qing Yao extremely happy, and she no longer paid attention to Wu Qing. She quickly held Xiao Yu’er close to her chest and spoke softly.
“Xiao Yu’er, are you alright? Are you alright?”
Xiao Yu’er, unable to bear the noise she was creating, mumbled, “Mom, didn’t you say to let me sleep? Why are you waking me up?”
Upon hearing her voice, Qing Yao joyfully lifted her head, “Wu Qing, she’s awake! She’s awake! The Duanchang San is really cured.”
Wu Qing had already regulated his breathing and smiled gently. Seeing her relieved, he also felt relieved.
If Xiao Yu’er had an accident, it would not only be hard for her to bear but also difficult for him. Most importantly, he would feel guilty. If he hadn’t been there, they wouldn’t have encountered such a situation.
It was likely that many such incidents would occur in the future. From now on, he had to pay serious attention to everything around them, ensuring that nothing happened to them.