Chapter 268: Entering the Courtyard

Since three years ago, when his cultivation went wrong, every night he would suffer from severe asthma, as if someone were choking him, tormenting him to the brink of death.

He had specifically sought out physicians for this condition, but whether two-star or three-star, none could find the root cause. They prescribed many medicines, but none had much effect.

He had thought he would suffer under this illness for the rest of his life, until this unremarkable one-star physician spoke it out at a glance.

Could it be that he appeared to be a one-star physician but was actually a master?

"May I ask your name, Physician?"

Stopping the guards who were about to make a move, Steward Lu suppressed his shock and bowed.

"White Toad, from the Heavenly Martial Kingdom."

Zhang Xuan said calmly.

"So it's Physician White Toad. Could we speak in private?"

Not many knew about his asthma, and he didn't want it known throughout the city.

"Please." Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Uh..."

Mo Yu had witnessed the entire scene, her beautiful eyes wide open, nearly popping out.

At this point, even she, foolish as she was, knew that Zhang Xuan's mention of "asthma" must have been correct; otherwise, Steward Lu would not have changed his attitude so abruptly.

Without asking, without observing, he could diagnose an illness with a single punch...

Using the method for diagnosing savage beasts on a human, and succeeding at once...

How could she believe it?

Others might think that Zhang Xuan had investigated Steward Lu's health beforehand and deliberately brought it up now, but she knew that this fellow hadn't even known about the Great Pill King before; how could he have known about a mere steward?

He must have just diagnosed it.

Taming savage beasts with beatings, guiding alchemy with pointers, diagnosing illnesses with punches—she had long known he didn't follow the usual path, but this... was too unconventional!

"Let's go see!"

After a moment of shock, she realized the two had already entered the courtyard, and she hurriedly followed.

With Steward Lu's order, the guards dared not stop them.

"Though I don't know how he diagnosed the illness with a punch, if he can't cure it, it's useless."

Mo Yu was clear-headed.

Red Lotus City, as the largest medicinal herb trading center among the twelve kingdoms around Heavenly Martial, attracted countless pharmacists. How could Steward Lu not have sought treatment for his hidden ailment?

Even some two-star and three-star physicians couldn't cure it; she didn't believe that Zhang Xuan could completely heal it with just a glance.

Speculating to herself, she entered the courtyard, wondering what would happen if Zhang Xuan diagnosed the illness but couldn't cure it, when she saw the two who had entered earlier standing not far away.

With just a glance, her body involuntarily staggered, and she nearly fainted on the spot.

She saw Steward Lu, who had just wanted to speak privately, now standing respectfully before Zhang Xuan like a student, his eyes filled with excitement and fervor.

"This..."

Mo Yu rubbed her eyes vigorously, afraid she was seeing things.

She had followed shortly after, and no more than a minute had passed since they entered. Just moments ago, Steward Lu had been aggressive and angry; how had he become like this in the blink of an eye?

If there weren't anyone lying on the ground, she would have suspected that Zhang Xuan had knocked someone out again and used his disguise profession.

Just as she was about to approach and ask what was going on, Zhang Xuan waved his hand impatiently: "Alright, take me to see the Great Pill King."

Mo Yu staggered.

Impatient?

What do you have to be impatient about?

This is the Great Pill King's residence. Being impatient with his steward—aren't you afraid of being beaten to death?

She thought that with such an attitude, Steward Lu would surely show displeasure, but instead, he bowed with a reverence like seeing his parents: "Yes, this way, please. I'll take you to see the Great Pill King right away."

Mo Yu staggered again, feeling that she was not well.

What exactly happened?

Even if you pointed out his illness, it shouldn't be like this!

Diagnosing an illness and curing it are two different things. Without a cure, to act like this—you have no backbone!

Muttering to herself, she couldn't help but step up to Zhang Xuan and quietly transmitted her voice.

"What's going on? How did Steward Lu's attitude..."

"Oh, he had a health problem, and I just cured him."

Zhang Xuan's voice came back.

"C-cured?" Mo Yu's body stiffened, her head spinning.

He had entered the courtyard only a minute before her, and he had already cured his illness?

Are you kidding me?

"His wasn't an illness; it was just poisoning. I helped him expel the poison, so naturally he's grateful." Seeing her confusion, Zhang Xuan explained.

This Steward Lu's nightly asthma wasn't due to a cultivation error but because someone had secretly poisoned him.

This poison was very peculiar; even a three-star physician couldn't detect it, so it was hard to cure.

However, he was different. With his Heavenly Dao true qi, he could easily expel such poison from the body. A few breaths were enough to complete the treatment; one minute was more than sufficient.

"Poisoning? Expelling poison?"

Hearing him say it so simply, Mo Yu beside him was exasperated.

Expelling poison is harder than curing an illness!

Otherwise, poison masters wouldn't be so feared and dreaded.

Moreover, only true poison masters can expel poison from others and resolve residual toxins in the body... Weren't you ignorant about poison, not even knowing where the Poison Hall was?

When did you learn to expel poison?

Originally, she had planned to return to the Heavenly Martial King City after bringing Zhang Xuan here, but now she became increasingly curious about this young man and wanted to continue following him to see how many more unbelievable miracles he could create.

...

Ignoring Mo Yu, whose face alternated between red and white as she pondered something, Zhang Xuan followed Steward Lu and quietly observed his surroundings.

No wonder the princess had said it was hard to sneak in; after seeing it for a while, he knew it was true.

The entire residence had a maze of paths and was heavily guarded. Most of these guards were at the Acupoint Opening realm, and the formidable captains were even at the peak of the Profound Passage realm.

Moreover, he saw formation flags and bases in some corners of the courtyard. Without a doubt, besides the highly skilled guards, there were also formations sealing the area. Without knowing the specific layout and positions, falling into them would likely trap him, making escape difficult.

Guards and formations were only what was visible. Since the Great Pill King had close ties with the Poison Hall, how could there be no poison?

Thus, even with considerable strength, sneaking into this courtyard was nearly impossible.

With the steward leading the way, they passed unimpeded and soon arrived at a spacious hall.

Entering, they saw more than a dozen middle-aged men and elders already seated, each wearing a badge.

With just a glance, Zhang Xuan was secretly astonished.

They were all two-star physicians or above, and three had even reached three-star.

Three-star physicians were the top-tier even in first-class kingdoms. To have three gathered here showed the Great Pill King's considerable influence.

"Steward Lu, didn't you require only two-star and above to enter? Why did you bring a one-star physician?"

Seeing Zhang Xuan enter, a three-star physician couldn't help frowning.

"Isn't this Physician White Toad? This isn't the place for you. Get out quickly."

Another physician recognized Zhang Xuan and snorted.

"Physicians Mu Hong and Cheng Feng, although Physician White Toad is only one-star, his understanding of medicine is considerable, so I invited him." Seeing their disdain, Steward Lu quickly explained.

"Considerable understanding of medicine? Steward Lu, are you joking?"

Physician Cheng Feng, who had recognized Zhang Xuan, chuckled and snorted: "I've known him for no less than twenty years; do I not know his level?"

Physician White Toad, though only a one-star physician, was quite famous in the Heavenly Martial Kingdom's Physician Guild—greedy, lecherous, and had done many absurd things. He had almost been stripped of his physician qualification, and if not for a stroke of luck at a critical moment, he might not even have his one-star badge now.

And Steward Lu said such a person had considerable understanding of medicine... and specially invited him...

"Steward Lu, you've surely misjudged this time."

"I know this fellow too. He barely qualifies as a one-star physician, and you say he has considerable understanding? Invited him?"

"Don't be fooled by his sweet talk..."

Many in the crowd knew about this and recognized White Toad, all showing contempt.

A one-star physician with no real skill, only capable of buying medicinal herbs and afraid to treat patients—when did he become a master?

"He..."

Hearing the众人的 words, Steward Lu was also taken aback. Clearly, he hadn't expected that this formidable physician who had easily resolved his chronic ailment had such a poor reputation.

Just as he was about to explain for him, a three-star physician in the crowd waved his hand and interrupted.

"Alright, whether one-star or two-star, as long as he keeps his mouth shut and doesn't talk nonsense later. We're here to treat an illness. Steward Lu, since so many have arrived, shouldn't you take us to see the Great Pill King?"

"Yes, I'll go invite the master right away so everyone can examine him."

Hearing that they would no longer pursue the matter, Steward Lu arranged for Zhang Xuan to sit aside and then quickly nodded.