Chapter 84: Aftermath (Part 2)

After Little Fish had walked quite a distance, only Zhu Yu remained in the grand hall, still seated in the same posture he had held upon the dragon throne, utterly motionless.

Once Little Fish departed, Eunuch Wu entered, intending to ask Zhu Yu about his next destination. Yet, upon seeing Zhu Yu’s demeanor, he quietly retreated without uttering a word.

The reason Zhu Yu had not moved from his spot was that, during his conversation with Little Fish, he was suddenly struck by a glimmer of inspiration. It wasn't anything extraordinary—rather, it was the sudden realization that he seemed to have forgotten something, something of great importance. This was why Zhu Yu remained seated upon the dragon throne.

He strained to recall exactly what it was he had forgotten. After a considerable time, when his frustration had reached its peak, he finally remembered.

Without hesitation, Zhu Yu rose and returned to his own palace, then hurried without pause toward Jiang Yuyan’s Palace of Graceful Elegance.

When he arrived, Jiang Yuyan was admiring the flowers at the palace gates. Seeing this, Zhu Yu spoke with some displeasure.

"Do you not know your own situation? Why are you wandering about when you should be resting? Go back inside and lie down."

Hearing Zhu Yu's words of concern, Jiang Yuyan was moved, yet couldn’t help but find it amusing. She smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, I am not ill. My body is quite well, not at all in need of bedrest."

"You’re just stubborn. Every poisoned person looks as if they’re at death’s door," Zhu Yu refused to believe her.

"Your Majesty, those you refer to are people suffering from chronic poisoning, or those who have been poisoned to the brink of death, unable to be cured or controlled.

Though I am afflicted with a potent toxin, its effects have been thoroughly suppressed. So, I feel no different from before, and can even practice martial arts as usual. The only risk is that, should the toxin erupt, it would be instantly fatal."

Seeing Jiang Yuyan speak so lightly of her condition, Zhu Yu was unsure if she was simply broad-minded or something else. Yet, amidst her words, he gleaned a piece of good news.

"You say you can still cultivate martial arts normally? Is your progress as swift as before?"

"Yes, just the same," Jiang Yuyan replied, puzzled by his question but earnest in her answer.

Having received her affirmation, Zhu Yu nodded, said nothing more, and led Jiang Yuyan into the Palace of Graceful Elegance.

Once inside her bedchamber, Zhu Yu waved for all attendants to withdraw.

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As the servants departed one by one, soon only Jiang Yuyan and Zhu Yu remained in the chamber.

Watching Zhu Yu’s odd behavior, Jiang Yuyan was curious but did not ask; she knew that his visit meant he had something to say.

"This is for you. Devote yourself to practicing it these days. Whether you can cure your poison depends on yourself," Zhu Yu said, pulling a book from his sleeve and handing it to Jiang Yuyan.

The book appeared quite new, and upon its cover were four bold characters: 'Rama Divine Arts.'

"This..." Jiang Yuyan stared at the obvious martial arts manual, uncertain of Zhu Yu’s intentions.

Seeing her confusion, Zhu Yu explained, "This technique has detoxifying properties. Work diligently at it during this period."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuyan hurriedly opened the 'Rama Divine Arts,' even forgetting Zhu Yu beside her.

Zhu Yu understood well—given a chance at life, who would choose death?

Seeing Jiang Yuyan wholly absorbed in the manual, Zhu Yu did not disturb her. He quietly exited the Palace of Graceful Elegance, and after instructing the palace's eunuchs and maids, he departed.

.....................................

Half a month later, Little Fish returned with Su Ying, weary from travel, seeking an audience with Zhu Yu.

Upon seeing Su Ying, Zhu Yu was overjoyed. Although 'Rama Divine Arts' could counteract poison, no one knew whether cultivating it after being poisoned would still be effective. In these days, whenever he asked Jiang Yuyan about her progress, her answers were always "making progress" and "it's working." At first, Zhu Yu believed her, but as the repetition wore on, he began to doubt.

Just then, Su Ying arrived—how could Zhu Yu not rejoice?

After a round of greetings, Zhu Yu brought Su Ying to diagnose Jiang Yuyan. Unlike the palace physicians, her examination was brief. Before long, Su Ying emerged, and upon seeing Zhu Yu, began her report without waiting for his inquiry.

"The poison afflicting Lady Yan is very peculiar. Unlike other toxins, it is a 'supplemental poison.'"

"Supplemental poison? What does that mean?"

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"Normally, excessive consumption of tonics can lead to the body rejecting them. Supplemental poison is similar.

However, instead of normal tonics, the source is a refined toxin, which, through the expertise of masters in poison, can be neutralized by a matching antidote. When both are taken together, the effects rival those of rare elixirs, boosting all aspects of health and even granting immunity to common poisons.

This poison, crafted through specialized techniques, is wonderful in many ways but has one fatal flaw.

It is addictive and becomes increasingly so with continued use. In the later stages, the user cannot go a moment without it. Eventually, even when the tonic ceases to work, the withdrawal becomes unbearable and leads to death."

At first, Su Ying’s lengthy explanation made Zhu Yu impatient, but as she continued, his expression darkened and he murmured, "Star Sect."

"Your Majesty, what about the Star Sect?" Su Ying asked, seeing Zhu Yu lost in thought.

"It’s nothing. How is Yuyan?"

"Supplemental poison is not a typical fatal toxin; it cannot be cured in one go. It requires ongoing treatment and prolonged use of remedies to gradually detoxify.

But when I examined Lady Yan, I found she was practicing a unique technique that circulates within her body, consuming the supplemental poison.

From what I observed, Lady Yan does not require my help. She can detoxify herself, and even faster than taking medicine."

Hearing Su Ying’s words, Zhu Yu understood completely. Skipping over her curiosity about the detoxifying technique, he said,

"Even so, Su Ying, prepare the necessary medicines anyway. With both methods, the detoxification will be quicker. Rest assured, my rewards will be generous."

After another round of thanks and polite conversation, Su Ying wrote out the prescription, and Zhu Yu watched as Little Fish and Su Ying departed.

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