"Arch, nemesis?!" Han Rui's face turned pale. An arch, nemesis of the Miracle Doctor, what kind of being could that person be, and how dangerous were they? The very thought made even a hardened warrior like him shiver.
"Yes. He's a very dangerous poison master and possesses incredibly strong disguise techniques, so refined that even I can't see through them easily," Zhong said, fabricating this unreal figure, or, in truth, a scapegoat for his future endeavors.
"His skills are unmatched when it comes to spreading destruction, just as he did to my disciple's clan." Zhong's fist clenched at the thought.
"The Wu Clan…" Hui Lian whispered, gasping as realization struck. She knew what had happened, news of the Wu Clan's fall had spread like wildfire. An entire clan with a thousand years of history, reduced to a pile of blood in one night.
"But he can't kill me," Zhong continued. "Poison is useless against me. But anyone else is his prey. He must have learned that I took in a new disciple, so he destroyed that clan as a challenge, to send me a message." Zhong sighed, his face showing both shame and worry. "And I know he won't stop there."
"Then what should we do? And why would people of your and his caliber come to a small town like ours?" Han Rui asked in panic. A Miracle Doctor and a Poison Master appearing in their remote town at the same time, what could have caused such a calamity?
Zhong sighed. "I came after him. But as for him? I suspect he's trying to experiment with something, so he chose a place out of sight." Zhong's voice grew wary.
Even he didn't know what the poison master's plan was, because, truthfully, he hadn't thought that far ahead. He was simply making things up, enjoying the way their faces changed with fear.
"That…" Han Rui's breathing grew heavy.
The thought of someone so dangerous lurking unseen, walking the same streets, while even the Miracle Doctor couldn't grasp the extent of their plans, it was a sickening feeling.
"Why don't you ask the Luo Clan for help?" Han Shi spoke up.
They might be strong, but the true governing force of this town was still the Luo Clan.
Even Han Rui came to his senses and agreed with his son's question.
"I don't want to drag officials into this," Zhong replied.
"If the Luo Clan moves, their movement will be too large. He might get suspicious and flee, forcing me to start searching for his traces all over again. And even then, I can't guarantee your town's safety from his exits." Zhong's expression softened, showing pity and regret.
"So, you want our town to become bait?" Han Rui asked, shocked that such an esteemed and kind doctor would suggest such a thing.
"In a way, yes." His tone carried desperation, of someone trying his best but left with no other choice.
Han Rui sighed. "I agree, then. What should we do?"
In that single moment, he had agreed to follow Zhong's lead, even though he fully understood that their town might turn into a battleground for two masters, one of life, the other of death.
"Why, Father?!" Han Shi protested, confused.
He couldn't understand why his father would accept such an outrageous plan.
Innocent lives were at stake, including those of their clan members. The risk was far too great to catch a single man.
"He said it himself," Han Rui replied firmly.
"If the poison master's plan is exposed, he may unleash destruction, and even if we stop him, we'll still suffer great losses. But if Doctor Zhong is asking for our help, he must already have a plan in mind, yes?"
Han Rui's expression turned serious, though a spark of hope lingered in his eyes.
Zhong smiled. Now that's the face of a clan leader, not just a father.
"Correct. As long as I can find traces of his experiments, I can prepare the right countermeasures. The last time he was caught, he spread a flesh, melting poison, and I can assure you, it was as effective as it sounds."
His words made Han Shi pale. He had spent his life with the sword, and he was used to blood and wounds, but flesh melting? Just imagining it made him feel sick to his stomach.
"Then it's settled. What I need from you is to find any trace of anomalies within the town, anything related to death or poison. Report everything to me. You can send the reports here." Zhong turned to Hui Lian, who nodded in agreement.
She might only be a bystander, but if she could help even a little, even by serving as a point of contact, she would.
Han Rui bowed. "You can count on us. We'll do our best to ensure the town's safety and rid this world of the demon!"
"Don't worry," Zhong said reassuringly. "If we succeed in eliminating this threat, I promise the Han Clan's future will be brighter than you can imagine. Starting with you," he added, turning to Han Shi. "Don't forget my advice."
Han Shi, trying to stay composed despite being annoyed that his father had dragged him out in the middle of the night, also bowed.
His heart pounded, this was the first time he was taking part in something that could be considered an important mission.
"Yes, sir!"
Han Rui, hearing his son's firm voice, secretly hoped Zhong would take him as a disciple. When that didn't happen, he looked a little disappointed, making Zhong chuckle.
"Even if it isn't a master, disciple relationship, I promise to help foster him into a strong warrior. The reason I accepted Wu Han was because his aptitude lay in healing, but your son's future lies with the sword."
Zhong's words eased Han Rui's worries. He bowed deeply and said with gratitude, "Thank you, Doctor Zhong!"
"Now, it's time to close up, isn't it? Hui Lian has been standing in the cold air for too long."
Now that the matter was agreed upon by both sides, Zhong turned to the woman who had stood silently through it all. She was elderly, and the night wind had turned her face pale from the chill.
"Ah! I'm sorry, Lady Lian. We'll take our leave now." Han Rui bowed deeply, as did Han Shi, realizing they might have overstayed their welcome. While the conversation had gone well for them, they were still mortals, enduring hardship without even realizing it.
"We'll be on our way. Thank you for trusting us."
With that, Han Rui summoned his spiritual sword, and both father and son leapt onto their blades before soaring into the night sky.
A spiritual manifestation? Interesting, Zhong thought as he watched the two disappear into the clouds. He then turned to Hui Lian, whose body had begun to shiver from the cold. She rubbed her arms, trying to warm herself.
"Let's get inside."
After helping Hui Lian close up her shop, Zhong locked the door behind them. She let out a long sigh, followed by a nervous giggle. "That was the most eventful evening I've ever had in my entire life…"
She had lived for over forty years, and never once had her heart raced like it had today.
"Haha, I truly apologize for dragging you into this," Zhong said.
"Oh no, no, I'm happy I could be of use," Hui Lian quickly replied, eager to assure him. She liked being helpful.
"You're a good person, Hui Lian." Zhong's tone softened.
He already knew she would agree to anything he asked, he had tested her obedience before.
And why was he so certain?
Zhong stepped further inside and slid open the back door.
Behind it, Ming stood with a cold, sharp stare, and on the floor lay a figure.
None other than broken Haoyu, crawling weakly on the floor like a mindless child.