First, she needed to create masks. Opening the cave wouldn't help much but worsen the situation. Then, she had to find the root and eliminate the source. Obviously looking at the panicked crowd it would be dificult to make them make makeshift of masks. She could use acupuncture to relieve the symptoms and make them clear headed for now.
She turned to Mu Wei,
"Tell them to gather the affected people at an area. I need to get something from my bag quick"
"Alright"
She entered their room and checked on the kids. She was thankful she gave them the pills beforehand which was why they were unaffected and still sleeping. She rummaged her back and took out the silver needles which would do for now.
They were already at the spot still groaning in pain. She sterilized the needles with alcohol and began treatment. Mu Wei made sure to restrain anyone she wanted to treat so they wouldn't hurt her and that made her heart warm. She quickly located the acupuncture points and her hands flew like aftermirages. Soon, the man groaning in pain relaxed and feel asleep.
She moved to the next one and in half an hour she managed to suppress others who became calmer. Watching how she handled the patients, Mu Wei and the other exile were in awe. Mu Wei couldn't help the pride rise in him seeing her composure and calmness. This was her uniqueness which effortlessly drew people in without her knowing.
Su Xiao treated the last victim before facing the others,
"They're okay for now. What happened now is as a result of a poisonous fog which was released by a fungus plant that emits such fog. It doesn't cause any harm initially but just hallucinations and delusions just as you saw. Long time prolongation could affect the brain and make you go actually crazy or dead"
At her last words, everyone couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath. They were just a few moments away from death if not for her. At that thought, their heart was filled was immense gratitude towards her.
Su Xiao observed the way they looked at her now and nodded in satisfaction. The desired effect has been achieved. She was no saint who does things for free so she deliberately told them the consequences without hesitating making them feel grateful to her. She was not afraid of trouble but if she could, she wanted to reach the Northern Wilderness without much hassle.
"I need everyone to gather any spare clothes you can find and gather here. Those who can sew gather this side so we can make some makeshift nose mask"
At her words, everyone scrambled to get theirs. Those who could sew and had needles gathered at a spot waiting for others to come back. Su Xiao turned to Mu Wei and asked him to get some cloth scraps and her bag which she kept in their room.
Mu Wei though not understanding what she wanted to do trusted her completely. He got some cloth scraps from their room and the bag she requested for her. He gave it to her and she uttered a thanks.
"Now, look carefully at what I'm doing and do the same. These herbs are called Yuan Zhu (polygala root) and Gai Zizhu(Gastrodia tuner) effective in calming the spirit and dispelling dizziness and hallucinations"
She took out the already prepared herbs she gathered yesterday evening and stuff them into a cloth scrap then sew the cloth on it making it look like a satchet then sew some clothes around it making it seem like a rusty nose mask of modern times. Surprised gasps rang around her as they looked stunned at the beautiful craftsmanship and it's results.
"After sewing, we put it on like this and the fog doesn't affect us anymore due to the herbs in it"
She demonstrated how you put it on and everyone immediately understood. She sewed more two before the got the hang of it and immediately started doing theirs. She also instructed them to make it depending on the size of the person wearing it. Then assigned Li Gu to supervise them.
She went back to the room to prepare what she needed to go outside while Mu Wei followed behind. Sister Bai was still watching over the kids with Li Tu guarding the entrance then Shi Dong helping Mu Wei organize the place.
"I need to go outside to find the fungi plant or these fog won't stop"
"No"
"Ma'am, we refuse"
Mu Wei's voice rang sharply in the room startling her. He was looking at her his displeasure written all over his face. Mu Wei couldn't understand how this woman was so kind. She had treated the other exile for an hour then taught them makeshift nose mask and now she wanted to go out in that dangerous place to find the source....
"I don't agree with you going out there. You have already done enough for everyone and I refuse to let you endanger yourself any further"
Su Xiao dropped her bag and walked to him standing at his front to talk to him. She understood she was now a mother and a wife so she had to consider their feelings before making any decisions.
"Please understand Mu Wei. This is not a question of whether I can refuse. Staying here means waiting for death and we can't do that. If not for my sake then for the kids. Everything seems fine for now but till when?"
"Then I'm going with you!
"No!
Her voice rose a few tone. How was she supposed to use her space if he was around?
"You can't come with me. The kids need you here and also the people here. I will be fine, don't worry about me"
Mu Wei looked at her his eyes dimming. She considered everyone but not him. The realization stung sharply. He exhaled forcefully knowing she was right and he needed to be here
"I won't follow you but on one condition!
"What?
"You must return back safely with a single scratch or I won't forgive you. Also, one hour is my maximum. If you're not back by then, I'm going to find you myself"
"Alright. I promise you l will be back safely and on time"
She turned to leave while he stood looking at her retreating back in sadness. Just then, she abruptly turned and lunges at him and he caught her in shock. Before he could process what was going on, he received a kiss on his cheek and it was gone before he could feel it.
She leaned closer and whispered,
"Wait for me"
And she was gone leaving him frozen in disbelief. He slowly touched his cheek before a chuckle escaped his lips. She actually kissed him on her initiative, he felt like he was floating. He quickly composed himself with her words and went back to attend to those inside.