Volume Two: Inheriting the Legacy of Honor and Valor Chapter 104: The Gathering of a Hundred Herbs

Tang Nuo took out silver needles and swiftly inserted more than ten into Zhao Yuan’s head and neck with decisive skill—clearly a master of acupuncture.

The little demon girl sat on a bamboo chair, watching intently. Suddenly, she stood and slowly approached. Tang Nuo then selected a longer needle, noticeably longer than the others already embedded. Pressing its tip against Zhao Yuan’s throat, she whispered, “Don’t move. I’m going to help draw out the poison.”

At first, Zhao Yuan had harbored doubts about Tang Nuo, but now his trust deepened, and he nodded slightly. Tang Nuo gently pierced the long needle into his throat. Zhao Yuan’s body trembled faintly. Yang Ning, standing nearby, observed clearly as blood began to flow from the back after the needle’s insertion.

Under the lamplight, the blood was dark purple-black, carrying a strong stench of decay. The foul smell was unbearable, and Yang Ning raised a hand to cover his nose. The little demon girl stood only a few steps from Tang Nuo, her eyes fixed on Zhao Yuan’s throat. Yang Ning initially thought she was merely watching Tang Nuo’s treatment, suspecting she might be trying to learn the antidote method to use for her own malicious purposes.

Suddenly, the little demon girl raised her arm, aiming directly at Tang Nuo. Yang Ning, knowing her cruelty and sudden moves, immediately shouted, “Watch out!”

A few cold, sharp stars shot toward Tang Nuo with incredible speed.

Annoyed, Yang Ning realized this little demon girl was hopelessly malevolent. Yet, with a slight step, Tang Nuo’s entire body floated like a leaf, evading the attack effortlessly. Landing softly, she looked at the little demon girl expressionlessly. Yang Ning expected anger, but instead saw a flicker of helplessness and sympathy in her eyes.

“You’ve improved your martial skills quite a bit,” the little demon girl said with a smile, showing no remorse. “I’m not trying to harm you—just seeing how much you’ve grown.”

Tang Nuo replied calmly, “Years have passed, and you haven’t changed at all. Instead, you’ve worsened. Qi Qianyi led you down the path of toxic darkness. Doesn’t that person care?”

“Who are you talking about?” the little demon girl smiled brightly. “My master is the King of Poison of the Nine Streams. If he doesn’t teach me cruelty, then who else would?”

With a sigh, Tang Nuo said, “You should leave quickly. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I know you can’t bear to kill me,” the little demon girl blinked. “If you wanted me dead, I’d be gone by now. I haven’t seen you for many years and wanted to meet you. Now that I have, I’m not leaving so soon.”

Tang Nuo ignored her and returned to Zhao Yuan’s side, pushing the silver needle deeper into his throat. The flow of poisonous blood grew denser.

Meanwhile, Yang Ning was calculating. The little demon girl was still close to him. Though his strength hadn’t fully returned and the cold blade was in her possession, this was the perfect moment to seize control. If he could capture her, he would gain the upper hand.

Though outwardly calm, he was ready to strike suddenly and control her.

The little demon girl seemed oblivious to Yang Ning’s intent. She was only three or four steps away, but instead of advancing, she stepped back, closing the distance between them slightly. Yang Ning’s heart leapt—if she stepped back once more, he’d have a good chance to seize her.

He kept his composure, knowing he mustn’t act rashly. If he failed, this demon girl would not let him live to regret it.

Suddenly, a “chitter-chitter” sound rang out. The white-haired monkey, Bailing, which had disappeared earlier, suddenly leapt through the window. Familiar with the cottage, it went straight to the bamboo chair and sat down, looking clever and mischievous.

The little demon girl approached and raised a hand. “Stinky monkey, get lost. This is my seat.”

Bailing showed no fear, chittering defiantly without any intention of yielding the spot. The little demon girl raised her hand, feigning a strike, but Bailing was quick and jumped down from the chair. She covered her mouth, giggling softly, seemingly mocking the monkey.

Bailing seemed to understand human nature; seeing the mockery, it chittered back and leapt onto the chair again, determined not to give way. The little demon girl raised her hand once more, but Bailing remained seated, unafraid of a real strike.

Yang Ning thought the little demon girl was just teasing the monkey. But then she flicked her hand, sending a cloud of powder onto Bailing.

The monkey exploded off the chair, landing on the ground and clawed at the little demon girl, who deftly stepped back. Just as Bailing prepared to follow, Yang Ning saw it suddenly flip backward and writhe on the ground in agony, chittering painfully.

Yang Ning’s heart tightened—this powder was poison. The little demon girl had even poisoned a monkey.

Clearly, she was not merely playing; she harbored sinister intentions.

Tang Nuo’s usually calm face showed worry as she hurried to Bailing’s side. She reached out to pick up the monkey but suddenly paused, retrieving two thin gloves from her person, donning them hurriedly. Yang Ning noticed their remarkable lightness but could not discern their material.

With gloves on, Tang Nuo steadied Bailing, placing a pill into its mouth. The monkey, previously struggling violently, soon calmed.

Rising, Tang Nuo glared at the little demon girl. “Your wickedness is incurable. Do you realize that this path will one day destroy yourself?”

The little demon girl laughed. “I’m not afraid to die. If anyone can kill me, I’d truly admire them.” She blinked. “Tang Nuo, do you know your greatest mistake? Not following my master to learn poison arts. I know you studied under Old Li and gained many skills—your antidotes and healing surpass mine. But unfortunately…” She shook her head, clicking her tongue. “You think you can resist my poison? You’ve already been poisoned.”

Tang Nuo frowned. “What did you say?” She stepped forward but suddenly her legs weakened and she collapsed. Her expression changed drastically. Yang Ning, startled, tried to rise but felt his own strength drain swiftly. Though he could still move, much of his energy was gone.

The little demon girl’s smile grew wider at Tang Nuo’s fall. Clapping her hands, she mocked, “Tang Nuo, who’s stronger now? What good is your antidote if you can’t even move? How can you heal yourself?”

Tang Nuo’s brow furrowed. “Anau, do you know what you’re doing?”

“Of course I do.” The little demon girl’s laughter chilled abruptly. “Didn’t you look down on me? How about now? Who’s stronger?”

Only now did Yang Ning learn her name was Anau.

Tang Nuo sighed. “When did I ever say I looked down on you?”

“No need to say it aloud,” Anau sneered. “I know. Old Li hasn’t come to save you yet, so you’re doomed.” She looked up and declared, “I’ll burn this house down and destroy all the herbs outside. The angrier you get, the happier I’ll be.” She ran to the door and shouted, “Big ghosts, little ghosts, destroy all the herbs and then burn the house!”

Yang Ning inwardly cursed, regretting his overly cautious approach that missed the best chance to act. Now, with his strength depleted, even if he wanted to strike, it would be difficult.

Anau returned inside and crouched a few steps from Tang Nuo, clearly wary of approaching closer. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let you die so soon.”

“What do you want?” Tang Nuo asked. “There’s nothing here besides my life that you want.”

Anau smiled. “Actually, I want to learn medicine. Tang Nuo, do you have the ‘Herbal Compendium’? If it’s with you, hand it over and I’ll spare you this time.”

A faint smile crossed Tang Nuo’s lips. “So it was the ‘Herbal Compendium’ all along. I should have guessed. Qi Qianyi wanted it too. Why didn’t he come himself?”

Anau sighed. “My master wanted to spar with Old Li personally, but they hate each other like fire and water. If they meet, it will be a fight to the death.”

“Just say Qi Qianyi is a coward,” Tang Nuo said. “He knows we won’t kill you, so he sent you instead.”

Anau giggled. “Tang Nuo, you seem more prejudiced against my master than ever. Hmm, he must be badmouthing me to you every day. My master says the ‘Herbal Compendium’ contains countless rare flowers and herbs, amassed over hundreds of years. With it, any medicine can be made.” She propped her chin on her hands, serious. “Don’t blame my master—he didn’t tell me to find the ‘Herbal Compendium.’ I just wanted to look and learn. Will you lend it to me?”

Tang Nuo shook her head. “It’s not with me, and you’ll never see it in your lifetime.”

“Why? Why will I never see it?” Anau pressed.

“You can ask Qi Qianyi. He’ll tell you—though he won’t admit it. Even he won’t see the ‘Herbal Compendium’ before he dies.” Tang Nuo’s tone was cold. “It was never meant for you.”

Anau laughed. “I’m not worried. Old Li is so kind to you; if it takes your life to get the ‘Herbal Compendium,’ he’ll give it to me.” Rising, she pointed at Bailing. “That stinky monkey almost harmed the big ghost, leaving him covered in wounds—so annoying. I’m going to slit its throat now.” She grabbed the cold blade and stepped toward Bailing.

She took only two steps when suddenly she staggered and swayed, then collapsed with a cry.

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