AVL Chapter 39

Lezheng Jiu had always loved researching strange and unusual poisons.

 

During his recent seclusion, he had used his xiangwen’s poison to create something with consciousness, though it only lasted half a day before the consciousness collapsed into black mist.

 

But even that was enough to excite him.

 

Who would have thought that just days later, Xi Jianlan would deliver a poison consciousness right to his door?

 

Lezheng Jiu’s grip tightened. The black cat was nearly strangled to death, unable to ho

 

ld on as it hissed, “Xi Jianlan… Xi, save me.”

 

Xi Jianlan’s thin figure seemed surrounded by lonely, cold wind as he sat alone. Suddenly he tilted his head and silently mouthed to the black cat: “Hee hee.”

 

The black cat: “……”

 

Damn it!

 

“Bang.”

 

The black cat seemed to explode in Lezheng Jiu’s grip, scattering into fine dust that fell through his fingers, a wisp of black mist escaping back into Xi Jianlan’s neck.

 

Lezheng Jiu’s eyes couldn’t hide his excitement as he turned around: “I knew you were poisoned when you took the Yutan flower back then, but my medical skills weren’t refined enough to identify what it was. Now I finally know.”

 

—It was “Endless Period,” the top-ranked poison.

 

Xi Jianlan touched the burning wound on the back of his neck, saying nothing.

 

“Who poisoned you?” Lezheng Jiu frowned, sitting in front of him and gripping his chin. “Don’t try to hide—look into my eyes. Though ‘Endless Period’ causes no pain in the body and can live and die with you after developing consciousness, it destroys xiangwen!”

 

Xi Jianlan lowered his lashes, remaining silent.

 

“Was your xiangwen really destroyed by that Qu whatever, or was it ruined by this poison?!”

 

Lezheng Jiu’s frown deepened. He felt like Xi Jianlan was full of incomprehensible mysteries, making him inexplicably irritated—he wanted to help but didn’t know how.

 

After a long silence, Xi Jianlan said, “Hasn’t all of Central State always wanted to know what my xiangwen is?”

 

Lezheng Jiu raised an eyebrow: “Don’t tell me your xiangwen is ‘Endless Period’—I won’t believe it.”

 

“It’s not.” Xi Jianlan exhaled. “If I reveal my xiangwen, I’m afraid it would bring fatal disaster.”

 

“Don’t worry, the Medicine Sect has gone into seclusion—no one can break in.” Lezheng Jiu said quietly, “Besides, my mother likes you so much, she’d definitely risk her life to protect you—sometimes I wonder if you’re her real son.”

 

At the mention of Lezheng Jiu’s mother, Xi Jianlan’s expression softened.

 

“Alright.” He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the scattered prescriptions on the floor, his eyes moving slightly as he said solemnly, “My xiangwen is called ‘Half-Burn Incinerate.'”

 

Lezheng Jiu was stunned.

 

“What can it do?”

 

“As its name suggests.” Xi Jianlan’s words were shocking, “My xiangwen can burn and destroy Tianyan and other xiangwen.”

 

Lezheng Jiu was horrified.

 

Xi Jianlan continued methodically:

 

“After I awakened my xiangwen at twelve, the Xi family, fearing I might harm people or damage the Tianyan spiritual veins, found ‘Endless Period’ and made me take it.

 

“But they were also afraid my xiangwen would disappear, so every year they found Yutan flowers to temporarily neutralize the poison, barely keeping my xiangwen from being completely destroyed.

 

“If anyone in Central State knew my xiangwen was ‘Half-Burn Incinerate,’ they’d probably want my life immediately.”

 

Lezheng Jiu’s face grew darker as he listened: “Is your xiangwen still there now?”

 

Xi Jianlan touched the back of his neck: “It’s still there, but more than half has been destroyed by Endless Period.”

 

Looking at the wound on his neck, Lezheng Jiu was so angry he didn’t know who to curse. He wanted to curse the Xi family but realized they weren’t really wrong, so he could only glare coldly at all of Central State.

 

“A bunch of puppets controlled by Tianyan spiritual veins—insects, degenerates, sycophantic dogs. The Tianyan spiritual veins will be destroyed by their greed sooner or later.”

 

Xi Jianlan couldn’t help but laugh: “After all these years, not only have your poison skills improved, but your cursing abilities haven’t declined either.”

 

“And you’re still grinning like an idiot?” After years apart, Lezheng Jiu only gave Xi Jianlan a moment of kindness before returning to his usual cutting remarks. “If ‘Endless Period’ isn’t neutralized soon, you’ll not only lose your xiangwen but your life too. Do you want a golden nanmu or sandalwood coffin? Hurry up and choose so I can have someone make it.”

 

Xi Jianlan raised an eyebrow: “You can neutralize it?”

 

Lezheng Jiu sneered: “Call me gege and let me hear it?”

 

“Gege.” Xi Jianlan was flexible, his waist soft as he bent easily. “If you can neutralize ‘Endless Period,’ I’ll even call you father.”

 

“Good son.” Lezheng Jiu patted his head. “Unfortunately, daddy can’t neutralize it.”

 

Xi Jianlan: “……”

 

Outside Luojiu Courtyard.

 

Feng Yu, having nothing to do, released a trapped fierce ghost and tried to subdue it with ghost-taming techniques.

 

But the Shentian She ghosts were completely different from those in the outside world, formed entirely of condensed resentment. Every time Feng Yu recited an incantation, the ghost would roar, completely uncontrolled.

 

After a few attempts, Feng Yu impatiently kicked it.

 

A gentle voice came from nearby: “Look how angry our Bushu is getting.”

 

Feng Yu turned to see a gentle, elegant woman in white approaching slowly, her beautiful face smiling with mild reproach, like a gentle cool breeze on a hot summer day.

 

Even someone as hot-tempered as Feng Yu quickly restrained his violent aura and bowed respectfully—he’d never been this docile even in front of his own mother.

 

“Greetings, Lady Wan.”

 

Lady Wan smiled: “Good, good. You rarely visit, so don’t be so formal.”

 

Feng Yu obediently looked up, only then noticing Sheng Jiao following behind Lady Wan.

 

Lezheng Jiu held grudges and had always been at odds with Sheng Jiao. When Sheng Jiao brought Xi Jianlan to the Medicine Sect, he was blocked at the entrance before even entering, with a sign posted:

 

—Sheng Jiao and dogs not allowed.

 

Sheng Jiao: “……”

 

In the end, Feng Yu had to carry the sleeping Xi Jianlan into the Medicine Sect.

 

Sheng Jiao was blocked outside, watching Xi Jianlan’s departure with an expressionless face.

 

Feng Yu’s mind was confused—at that moment, he actually felt the Sect Master standing outside looked a bit pitiful.

 

Fortunately, Lady Wan came personally to welcome Sheng Jiao in after hearing the news.

 

“You’ve all grown up,” Lady Wan said gently. “Each of you has made something of yourselves, unlike my Jiu’er, who still hasn’t achieved much and doesn’t even like to leave the house these years.”

 

If anyone else had said this, Feng Yu would definitely have nodded and cursed Lezheng Jiu for being useless, but now he shook his head: “Lezheng Jiu can even create poison consciousness—Lady, you’re being too modest.”

 

Lady Wan laughed continuously: “I thought only Ajue could sweet-talk like this. You’ve learned to charm me from spending time with him.”

 

Sheng Jiao remained silent.

 

When Lady Wan spoke to him just now, he remained silent for a long time without responding even a single word.

 

“Speaking of Ajue,” Lady Wan sighed silently, “I wonder how much he’s suffered these years. His temperament must be much more mature than his boisterous nature back then.”

 

Feng Yu said reluctantly, “Mature, very mature indeed.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Lezheng Jiu suddenly burst out the door as if being chased by wolves.

 

Everyone looked in that direction.

 

They saw Xi Jianlan taking three steps in two bounds, leaping down from the stairs and pouncing onto Lezheng Jiu’s broad back. His arms locked around Lezheng Jiu’s neck like shackles as he said coldly, “What use are you if you can’t neutralize poison? Who are you calling father? My father died eight hundred years ago—you can go keep him company underground.”

 

Lezheng Jiu said, “Let go, or I’ll throw you off! I’m really going to throw you!”

 

“If you can’t throw me to death, don’t call yourself Lezheng,” Xi Jianlan yanked his hair. “Do you submit? Say ‘gege, I submit’ and I’ll let go.”

 

Lezheng Jiu: “Don’t even think about it! Get lost!”

 

Lady Wan: “……”

 

Sheng Jiao: “……”

 

Feng Yu: “……”

 

Feng Yu was so embarrassed he wanted to crawl into a hole.

 

He’d just said Xi Jianlan was mature, only to be slapped in the face immediately.

 

Lady Wan gasped, watching Xi Jianlan and her son wrestling together, grabbing necks and pulling hair, and murmured, “Indeed… indeed much more mature.”

 

Sheng Jiao: “……”

 

Feng Yu: “……”

 

Lady, please wake up!

 

Hearing voices, Xi Jianlan’s anger didn’t diminish. He looked over fiercely, but when his gaze met Lady Wan’s gentle eyes, his body immediately stiffened.

 

Lezheng Jiu seized the opportunity to swing him down to the ground, skillfully pressing his knee to Xi Jianlan’s chest. He smoothed his hair that Xi Jianlan had messed up and grinned wickedly, “Who submits? You submit!”

 

Xi Jianlan suddenly lay weakly on the ground, coughing dully a few times.

 

Lezheng Jiu, used to his acting, patted his face, “Still putting on a show? I’m not falling for it anymore. Get up.”

 

Xi Jianlan looked on the verge of death, as if his time was up.

 

Lezheng Jiu paused, suddenly having a bad feeling.

 

Sure enough, the next moment a voice came from behind.

 

“Jiu’er.”

 

Lezheng Jiu’s whole body stiffened.

 

No wonder that Xi Jue bastard played dead so quickly.

 

“Mother,” Lezheng Jiu was like a mouse seeing a cat, his poison marks quickly retreating from his face as he became extremely obedient. “Ajue and I… were just playing around, I didn’t use force.”

 

As he spoke, he kicked the lying Xi Jianlan with his toe, signaling him to get up and stop playing dead.

 

Xi Jianlan didn’t listen, still lying motionless.

 

Lady Wan smiled like a flower, walking over unhurriedly and grabbing Lezheng Jiu’s ear.

 

Lezheng Jiu bent over, completely cowed: “Mother, I was wrong, I really was wrong! There are outsiders here, outsiders!—Sheng Jiao! Who let Sheng Jiao in again?! Throw him out! Someone!”

 

Lady Wan said calmly, “I invited him in.”

 

Lezheng Jiu immediately shut up.

 

Lady Wan had Lezheng Jiu completely subdued, smiling as she asked Xi Jianlan, “Really hurt?”

 

Xi Jianlan opened one eye and grinned, “I’m lying.”

 

Lady Wan laughed, helping him up and gently wiping the dust from his face.

 

“I’ve always been unbeatable at deceiving people—no one can see through me,” Xi Jianlan said cheekily. “How does Lady always see through my disguises? Ah—”

 

He pretended to be shocked: “Could Lady be an immortal descended to experience mortal life? Those eyes must be diamond eyes bestowed by Heaven itself. Oh my, then I’m showing off my skills before a master.”

 

Lady Wan laughed so hard her fingers trembled, unable to resist patting his cheek.

 

“I really thought you’d become mature and steady, but you’re still like a child spouting nonsense.”

 

Lezheng Jiu watched sourly from the side, forcibly squeezing over: “Mother, do you know how to neutralize ‘Endless Period’?”

 

Lady Wan was startled: “‘Endless Period’?”

 

“Yes, our Medicine Sect doesn’t grow Yutan flowers. The Qu family has gathered all the Yutan flowers in the thirteen provinces these years. I didn’t pay attention before, but now I’m afraid we’ll have to make a trip to the Qu family to get some.”

 

As the two discussed “Endless Period,” Xi Jianlan couldn’t join the conversation. His gaze inadvertently fell on Sheng Jiao.

 

Sheng Jiao met his eyes.

 

Xi Jianlan seemed to remember something and suddenly glared at him viciously.

 

Sheng Jiao frowned.

 

He’d been fine at Xiezhi Sect—why was he suddenly angry again?

 

Xi Jianlan was so angry he could burst. Seeing Sheng Jiao’s clueless expression made his anger surge even more.

 

Lady Wan’s expression grew serious: “Ajue, come with me inside. Let me check your pulse.”

 

Only then did Xi Jianlan withdraw his murderous gaze, obediently saying, “Oh, coming.”

 

Hearing something wrong in their conversation, Sheng Jiao suddenly stepped forward and grabbed his wrist, saying coldly, “You’re poisoned?”

 

Xi Jianlan was furious, shaking off his hand: “Mind your own business. I don’t need you to save me.”

 

After saying this incomprehensible line, he stormed off.

 

Sheng Jiao stood there, his face dark as he pondered.

 

Feng Yu clicked his tongue in amazement: “How did you provoke him again? He looks so angry his hair might stand up and stab people.”

 

Xi Jianlan had always kept his emotions hidden. No matter how rich and changeable his feelings, nine times out of ten they were fake. This time, even the oblivious Feng Yu could see his unfeigned genuine anger.

 

This was unprecedented.

 

Sheng Jiao remained silent.

 

Lezheng Jiu crossed his arms, glaring at Sheng Jiao expressionlessly: “When are you going to pay back the spirit stones you owe me? Sect Master Sheng has owed money for six whole years without paying. If word gets out, will your Xiezhi Sect still have the face to judge cases?”

 

At the mention of spirit stones, Sheng Jiao turned and left.

 

Lezheng Jiu laughed in anger: “Fine, fine. You’re leaving? Then I’ll go ask Ajue for it. Three hundred thousand spirit stones—let’s see if he can pay it back by selling himself to my family.”

 

Sheng Jiao paused, turning to look at him coldly.

 

Feng Yu was extremely excited on the side, like a bystander watching drama without knowing the cause and effect, craning his neck: “Hey hey, what kind of spirit medicine is worth three hundred thousand spirit stones? Sheng Jiao, did you steal and eat the Medicine Sect’s treasure?”

 

Lezheng Jiu said sarcastically: “Heh, my sect’s treasure is worth more than a mere three hundred thousand.”

 

Feng Yu thought Lezheng Jiu was deliberately trying to scam Sheng Jiao again.

 

Who knew that after a long silence, Sheng Jiao said: “I’ll pay you back.”

 

“You really owe him that much?!” Feng Yu was shocked. “What happened? I had no idea!”

 

Most importantly, Lezheng Jiu and Sheng Jiao were like fire and water—how dare Sheng Jiao take pills from him?

 

Wasn’t he afraid of being poisoned to death?

 

“Huh?” Feng Yu ran to Lezheng Jiu.

 

Lezheng Jiu swept his sleeves and left.

 

Feng Yu ran to Sheng Jiao: “Huh huh?”

 

Sheng Jiao turned and walked away.

 

Feng Yu was left alone, jumping anxiously.

 

“Huh huh huh?”

 

Xi Jianlan had just entered the inner room with Lady Wan when he immediately knelt down, saying quietly: “Thank you for saving my life back then, Lady. Xi Jue has no way to repay you.”

 

Six years ago, when he escaped from Xiezhi Sect, he was already on death’s door.

 

If not for Lady Wan’s rescue, he would have died in the deep mountains and marshes long ago.

 

Lady Wan’s eyes grew misty at his words as she reached to help him up: “Get up quickly. You’ve suffered a lot these years, haven’t you? Why haven’t you grown at all?”

 

Xi Jianlan: “……”

 

The sadness Xi Jianlan had just worked up instantly vanished. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “I haven’t suffered. I’ve lived quite comfortably.”

 

Lady Wan touched his head, her eyes nearly red: “If you haven’t suffered, why haven’t you grown?”

 

Anyone else and Xi Jianlan would have exploded, but now he swallowed his anger, saying obediently like a little chick: “I never lie to you—I’d lie to anyone but you. I really haven’t suffered.”

 

Lady Wan forced a smile as she touched Xi Jianlan’s face, murmuring: “Your xiangwen, and the ‘Endless Period’…”

 

Xi Jianlan was stunned, and after a while said softly: “Back then, when Qu Xiangren wanted to extract my xiangwen, I was at his mercy with no other choice, so I made a deal with ‘Endless Period’ that had just developed a trace of consciousness.”

 

He gave it half his xiangwen’s Tianyan power, and it hid the other half, creating the illusion that his xiangwen was destroyed.

 

Lady Wan said gently: “No wonder.”

 

“It was a good deal.” Xi Jianlan quickly showed off like he was seeking praise: “After I left, word spread that the Qu family had stolen my spiritual-grade xiangwen for themselves. Now their family has fallen into ruin too. See how capable I am? I won’t take any losses, so I won’t suffer.”

 

Lady Wan laughed at his words, then inexplicably felt sad and choked up, covering her face as tears fell.

 

Xi Jianlan was at a loss, all his sweet words useless, only able to say dryly: “Don’t, don’t cry. I’m still fine, aren’t I?”

 

Lady Wan couldn’t speak, just shook her head.

 

Xi Jianlan could only help her sit in a chair while he knelt on the ground, his hands hovering near her knees as he watched her cry helplessly.

 

Lady Wan wiped the tears from her cheeks with a handkerchief, saying gently: “Those people in Central State still harbor evil intentions. Stay at the Medicine Sect this time and don’t leave again. I’ll definitely protect you.”

 

“I still have things to do and can’t implicate the Medicine Sect.” Xi Jianlan shook his head. “After I finish that matter…”

 

He had originally wanted to give his usual smooth talk and flowery promises, but when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them all back.

 

Lady Wan wept: “I found a formula to neutralize ‘Endless Period’ a few years ago. I just need Yutan flowers and Yinhua Rao from the Southern Territory. Once the poison is neutralized and nourished with Tianyan spiritual power, your xiangwen can return.”

 

Xi Jianlan smiled obediently at her: “Good.”

 

“Where do you plan to go afterward?”

 

“To the Southern Territory.” Seeing her stop crying, Xi Jianlan finally breathed a sigh of relief, obediently wiping her tears. “Xi… I heard my brother was close to a woman from the Southern Territory. I want to ask about it. Besides, didn’t you say ‘Yinhua Rao’ is also in the Southern Territory? I can go get it while I’m there.”

 

From his words, it seemed he already knew Xi Minghuai’s madness couldn’t be cured.

 

Lady Wan nodded through her tears: “Yes, good. I’ll have Jiu’er go with you.”

 

As soon as she finished speaking, Lezheng Jiu, who had been listening outside, immediately rushed in: “Mother, I don’t want to go out!”

 

He only wanted to stay in his own little territory researching poison arts. The outside world was like a big dye vat, dirty and chaotic—he didn’t want to get contaminated.

 

Lady Wan ignored him, touching Xi Jianlan’s face: “With Jiu’er there, no one can bully you.”

 

Lezheng Jiu fell to his knees with a thud, shouting: “Mother! Making me go out—you might as well kill me!”

 

Lady Wan: “……”

 

Xi Jianlan smiled as he looked at Lezheng Jiu, whose mouth was hard but knees were soft: “Gege, you’re so good. With you escorting me, I’ll definitely sleep soundly till dawn.”

 

Lezheng Jiu: “……”

 

A few words squeezed out through Lezheng Jiu’s teeth: “Don’t even think about dragging me out.”

 

“Ah, fine then.” Xi Jianlan leaned against Lady Wan, saying helplessly: “I’ll just go to the Southern Territory alone to die. Lady, don’t trouble Brother Lezheng.”

 

Lady Wan looked at Lezheng Jiu disapprovingly.

 

Lezheng Jiu: “……”

 

“From Central State to the Southern Territory is so far—it’ll definitely take at least ten days to half a month to return. Mother, do you want me to die on the road? Besides, Feng Yu is always idle and loves to join in the excitement… Right!! There’s also Sheng Jiao.” Lezheng Jiu seemed to grab a lifeline. “Sheng Jiao is from Xiezhi Sect—doesn’t he have to follow?”

 

Lady Wan: “Sect Master Sheng has countless daily affairs. How could he go to the Southern Territory?”

 

“Mother, you don’t know—Sheng Jiao is investigating the Xi family massacre from back then. He definitely won’t let go of Xi Minghuai as a clue,” Lezheng Jiu said.

 

Lady Wan frowned slightly.

 

Lezheng Jiu knelt forward and hugged Lady Wan’s knees, adding: “…And Sheng Jiao has ulterior motives toward this little brat. Back then, to save Xi Jue, he single-handedly broke into Xiezhi Sect and was beaten nearly to death. If I hadn’t saved him, he’d be dead already. Now that he’s in a high position, he definitely won’t ignore this.”

 

Xi Jianlan, who had been happily watching the drama, suddenly froze: “…What?”

 

Sheng Jiao…

 

Broke into Xiezhi Sect?

 

##

 

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 (advanced chapters available on kofi)