"This way, we agree to a arena match for one year. When the time comes, we'll fight openly. If I lose, I'll leave Lexi City. If you lose, you'll announce to everyone that I can stay in Lexi City freely," Mo Qi said.
Such a wager was unfair to Mo Qi, but his true intention was to create a smokescreen to gain a year for cultivation. By then, his cultivation would have advanced by leaps and bounds, giving him a greater chance of winning.
Cui Xin pondered for a moment and realized Mo Qi was stalling for time. However, he figured Mo Qi wouldn't achieve much in a year. Mo Qi was currently at the Core Formation stage, and he'd likely remain there a year later, posing no threat to him. Thus, he nodded, "It's a deal."
With that, he shook his body and vanished in a streak of green light.
Mo Qi suddenly felt that Shui Ling's techniques were too overbearing. If she could be used by him, and they cooperated, they would be invincible and unstoppable.
The Wang family, grandfather and grandson, saw that Mo Qi was not at a disadvantage when fighting Cui Xin. Although he had used some tricks, being able to employ them meant he was no ordinary person. They assessed their own abilities, knowing they were no match, and that lingering would be futile. It was better to leave with dignity. After recuperating, they quietly departed.
A cheer erupted from the surroundings, and everyone felt a sense of exhilaration.
In Lexi City, no one had ever dared to confront any of the Xie, Wang, or Cui families directly. Yet today, Mo Qi had managed to contend with all three simultaneously, leaving them humiliated.
Invisibly, he had vented everyone's frustrations.
The queue quickly resumed its orderly fashion.
Seeing that Mo Qi had almost killed Cui Xin, Xie Yucai was even more impressed. He immediately said to Mo Qi, "Shopkeeper Mo, you can go to Yuxia Mountain with peace of mind. I'll watch over things here; no one will dare to cause trouble."
Mo Qi glanced at him, making Xie Yucai's heart pound, thinking Mo Qi was about to unleash his anger. To his surprise, Mo Qi said, "Then I thank you in advance."
Xie Yucai was so flattered that he almost cried, repeatedly saying, "It's nothing, it's what I should do, it's what I should do."
Mo Qi entered the shop, gave a few instructions to Wu Siqi, and then, accompanied by Jin Yan and Shui Ling, headed for Yuxia Mountain.
On the way, Jin Yan explained the purpose of their trip to Mo Qi.
It turned out that Xue Renkui, the leader of the Zhenghe Sect, had a daughter named Xue Ying. She was born with a deficiency in vital energy and suffered from a strange illness. Various methods and elixirs had been tried without success. She was supposed to die young, but Xue Renkui used his divine powers and great magic to prolong her life, though he could never cure her ailment. Xue Ying remained sickly, unable to cultivate techniques, and even unable to live a normal life. She suffered greatly from her illness, which worsened during the full moon, feeling as if she were being pierced by ten thousand arrows, her flesh being flayed and bones scraped. Many times, unable to bear the pain, she attempted suicide but was saved. As Xue Ying grew older, her body weakened, and her illness became more frequent. Xue Renkui sought out renowned doctors and alchemists, and some even volunteered to treat Xue Ying, but each time they failed.
Jin Yan, witnessing the miraculous effects of Mo Qi's elixirs, even those that could revive the dead, had an idea: could Mo Qi try to refine elixirs to cure Xue Ying?
However, she knew that saving Xue Ying would not be easy, as countless alchemists had tried and failed.
Furthermore, Xue Renkui's temper grew increasingly volatile. Anyone who volunteered to treat his daughter and then failed would be subjected to his scolding, accused of being too driven by personal gain, constantly thinking of achieving fame and ascending to greatness, never truly dedicating themselves to their craft and improving their abilities. He would always conclude with, "Lazy and gluttonous, utterly disgusting."
Some individuals even argued with him, resulting in them being directly killed.
Therefore, she hesitated whether to introduce Mo Qi, as it might be pushing him into a fiery pit.
But later, seeing that Mo Qi had made enemies as soon as he arrived in Lexi City, becoming a target for everyone, she felt he desperately needed an opportunity to prove himself and a powerful backing. Within the Zhenghe Sect, the greatest backing would undoubtedly be Xue Renkui.
Moreover, the moment Mo Qi had struck the Wang manor, she felt he had caused a great disaster, and perhaps only by relying on Xue Renkui could he resolve the crisis.
Although the possibility of curing Xue Ying was slim, as long as Mo Qi maintained a good attitude and acted humbly, it might be possible to foster a closer relationship with Xue Renkui.
Thus, Jin Yan specifically returned to the sect to meet the leader and recommend Mo Qi.
However, Xue Renkui's state of mind was gradually changing.
Xue Ying, suffering immensely from her illness, had always wished for release. Xue Renkui, who had initially persisted in treatment, saw no improvement and her condition worsened, relying entirely on his spiritual energy to sustain her life.
Witnessing his daughter grow increasingly emaciated and frail, suffering from both physical and mental torment, he gradually began to consider giving up, even contemplating ending her suffering himself.
In this situation, Jin Yan felt it was even more imperative to try, to treat a dying horse as if it were still alive.
She therefore recommended Mo Qi even more ardently, even exaggerating his abilities, claiming Mo Qi's elixirs could cure all diseases, bring the dead back to life, and transform the rotten into the miraculous.
Coincidentally, Elder Qi of the Zhenghe Sect recommended another alchemist named Ying Dansheng, whose name itself sounded exceptionally powerful. He also claimed his elixirs could cure all diseases and bring the dead back to life.
Xue Renkui, after much deliberation, decided to try one last time. He summoned both of them, stating that this would be their final attempt, regardless of success or failure. He then instructed Jin Yan to summon Mo Qi and have Elder Qi invite Ying Dansheng.
Jin Yan spent the entire journey admonishing Mo Qi. She told him not to worry if he failed, to remain calm, be humble, and accept whatever came his way. If he was scolded, he should let them scold him, never retort, and certainly not argue with Xue Renkui.
Mo Qi casually acknowledged her advice, but his mind was preoccupied with what kind of elixir to refine to help Xue Ying. If it were a disease, a single Hundred Diseases Pill would suffice. However, she was said to have congenital vital energy deficiency, which seemed not like a disease. He decided to try a Vital Energy Pill. If neither of these elixirs worked, he would be helpless.
Yuxia Mountain, located in the western basin of the northern region, rose majestically from the center of the basin, appearing to stand out from the rest. From afar, half of its peak could be seen piercing through the clouds. Light mists drifted, like sheer veils draped over lush forests, giving it an ethereal and transcendent appearance.
Jin Yan and Shui Ling navigated through the trees with practiced ease, passed through a barrier, and landed outside a courtyard with red walls, green tiles, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters.
This was Xue Renkui's private residence. Jin Yan stepped forward and knocked. Moments later, the door opened, revealing a middle-aged scholar with a square face, broad forehead, and a ruddy complexion, his eyes betraying a hint of anxiety.
Jin Yan and Shui Ling bowed in unison, "Greetings, Sect Leader!"
It turned out that after hearing Jin Yan's description, Xue Renkui's somber heart had rekindled a flicker of hope, and he decided to personally greet them.
Xue Renkui uttered a word of dismissal and then looked at Shui Ling with a gaze full of confusion, "And who is this..."
"I am Shui Ling, greetings, Sect Leader!" Shui Ling prostrated herself on the ground.
With a thud, Xue Renkui fell to the ground.
Xue Renkui scrambled to turn over and said, "Quickly, get up. You don't need to prove yourself; I believe you are Shui Ling." Shui Ling stood up with a giggle. Xue Renkui slowly got back to his feet, still looking shocked. "How did you change so much in just a few days, girl?"
Jin Yan seized the opportunity to point at Mo Qi and said, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, Shui Ling's facial transformation is the result of this alchemist's divine and miraculous methods. Moreover, I personally witnessed a severely injured person heal within moments of taking his elixir; it was almost miraculous."
Only then did Xue Renkui turn his gaze to Mo Qi, scrutinizing him from head to toe. A flicker of imperceptible disappointment crossed his eyes before he said, "Please, come in." He stepped aside, ushering the three into the courtyard. After closing the door, he led the way, guiding them through corridors and halls, making several turns before stopping outside a room.
It was Xue Ying's boudoir!
Shui Ling and Jin Yan stopped at the threshold. Xue Renkui gestured for Mo Qi to follow him inside. Mo Qi, however, felt a pang of hesitation. What could he do by going inside? He only had a rudimentary understanding of alchemy; medicine was completely beyond him. Xue Renkui bringing him in was likely just to have him observe her symptoms and speculate on her illness. But how could he possibly diagnose her illness? He suddenly regretted coming here.
Yet, as Xue Renkui opened the door, Mo Qi involuntarily followed, as if an invisible force propelled him forward.
The windowsill and tabletop were adorned with flowers, their fragrance filling the air, yet they couldn't quite mask a faint scent of medicine. Apart from the flowers, the room was sparsely furnished.
Hearing someone enter, the curtain stirred slightly. Through the sheer gauze, one could vaguely discern a person lying under a quilt, with only their head exposed. Long hair obscured their profile, suggesting a young woman.
The curtain moved again, as if Xue Ying were trying to sit up but failed. Xue Renkui strode over in two steps, pulled back the curtain, and gently helped Xue Ying sit up. Mo Qi was startled at the sight and dared not look a second time.
Xue Ying was skin and bones, her forehead bones prominent, her eyes sunken, her appearance completely altered. It was difficult to imagine her in her healthy state.
Her entire body was withered and emaciated, a sight that would evoke a pang of sorrow in anyone's heart.
Xue Ying's listless eyes flickered towards Mo Qi before turning painfully towards Xue Renkui, her gaze filled with resentment, as if to condemn her father for his unsolicited actions.
Xue Renkui's eyes were moist throughout. He avoided her gaze, merely signaling Mo Qi with his eyes, indicating for him to examine her. Was he to take her pulse or inquire about her symptoms? Observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation – it was time for him to act!
Mo Qi stood frozen, feeling the air thicken and his scalp prickle.
"I don't know medicine!" Mo Qi blurted out, as if a ferocious beast breaking free from its cage. He knew he would be punished, but he charged forward regardless. "I only have a few elixirs. If it works, it works. If not, I can't do anything."
Xue Ying seemed exhausted and closed her eyes. Xue Renkui stared blankly at Mo Qi, wanting to lash out. But upon reflection, he realized Mo Qi hadn't claimed to be a physician, only that his elixirs had miraculous effects. He himself had been too presumptuous, assuming Mo Qi might know medicine. However, if he had known Mo Qi only knew alchemy, he wouldn't have summoned him. Xue Ying had been constantly taking various elixirs, yet her condition only worsened.
"Alas!" Xue Renkui sighed, preparing to lay Xue Ying back down.
At this moment, Mo Qi offered an elixir, saying, "This is the Hundred Diseases Pill. I refined it according to an ancient alchemical formula; it can cure all diseases." At this point, he could only brace himself and proceed.
Xue Renkui looked at the elixir, then at his daughter, then at Mo Qi, his gaze darting back and forth, his hesitation evident.
This scene was all too familiar. Countless people had previously offered him elixirs with the same claims of curing all diseases, only to be proven false.
After a while, Xue Ying opened her eyes and looked at Xue Renkui, her gaze flickering. Xue Renkui finally made up his mind, took the elixir from Mo Qi, and fed it to Xue Ying. He then gently laid her back down, covered her with the quilt, and gestured for Mo Qi to withdraw. There was no communication with Mo Qi throughout the process.
Outside, Xue Renkui briefly instructed Shui Ling, "Arrange accommodation for this Alchemist Mo." He then left without looking back.
The three exchanged glances. Jin Yan asked, "How was it? Can you cure her?"
Mo Qi shook his head. "I don't know. I just gave her an elixir; there's no visible effect yet."
Shui Ling clenched her fist gently. "I believe in you. Your elixirs will surely work."
Jin Yan also nodded. "I believe in your elixirs too."
Mo Qi displayed an unprecedented lack of confidence. "Let's hope it's effective."
Afterward, Shui Ling generously offered her residence, moving in with Jin Yan. Mo Qi could have left then, but for some inexplicable reason, he decided to stay and see the outcome. Even if he failed this time, he hoped to continue treating her. For hope is something you must constantly reach for to have a chance to touch.
While waiting for news, he searched his mind for all the elixirs recorded in the Divine Elixir Sect's secret techniques, re-examining their effects one by one, considering if there were better elixirs suitable for her.
Time passed quickly, two days in fact. During this period, he frequently sought out Jin Yan for updates and sometimes personally went to the vicinity of Xue Renkui's residence to listen for sounds. Late at night, he heard groans from within the house – heart-wrenching and agonizing, sending shivers down his spine. He realized his elixirs had indeed failed.
He then asked Jin Yan to find the wet nurse and maids who attended to Xue Ying and to thoroughly understand all of Xue Ying's symptoms from birth until the present. He also went to Xue Renkui's residence to listen for sounds and understand the frequency of her attacks.
The wet nurse, maids, and everyone else mentioned a keyword: "vital energy deficiency."
When asked how they knew, they said it was diagnosed by previous physicians.
Moreover, several physicians had explicitly stated that only immortal power could reach it, meaning physicians could diagnose the condition but were powerless to cure it, as ordinary medicines were ineffective.