Volume Two: Inherited Honor and Splendid Blood Chapter 151: Beyond Mortal Bounds

Upon seeing Duan Canghai’s expression, Yang Ning immediately knew that Qiu Qianyi was indeed an extraordinary figure.

“It seems you truly know the Poison King of Nine Creeks,” Yang Ning sighed. “This time the poison that harmed me must have come from one of his disciples.”

Duan Canghai was shocked. “My lord, are you really certain it’s someone from the Poison King of Nine Creeks?” He frowned. “If that’s the case, this matter becomes quite difficult.”

Gu Qinghan furrowed her brow. “Canghai, who exactly is this Poison King of Nine Creeks?”

“He is a Bai Miao from Bashu.” Duan Canghai explained, “Madam, you know the Bashu region is home to many tribes, and among them, the Miao hold the greatest power. The famous seventy-two Miao caves are nestled among the mountains and rivers of Bashu. Though King Li Hongxin of Shu wields strong influence in Western Sichuan, he mainly seeks to appease the Miao and dares not offend them rashly.”

Gu Qinghan nodded. “I am aware that Western Sichuan has many Miao people, and I’ve heard there is infighting among them.”

“That’s right,” Duan Canghai continued. “The seventy-two Miao caves are divided into ‘Raw’ and ‘Cooked’ Miao. The ‘Raw’ Miao live deep in the mountains, isolated and uncivilized—such as the Green Miao and Red Miao. The ‘Cooked’ Miao, however, speak Han Chinese and engage in trade and communication. The Black Miao, White Miao, and Flower Miao are all ‘Cooked’ Miao. The Poison King of Nine Creeks is a White Miao. The White Miao’s prowess ranks just below the Black Miao; the Blacks specialize in poison insects, while the Whites excel in toxins. The Poison King of Nine Creeks is the foremost poison master among the White Miao and arguably the greatest poison expert in Western Sichuan.”

“If he’s Miao, why would he come to the capital and make enemies with us?” Gu Qinghan asked, frowning. “The name Qiu Qianyi sounds very Han.”

“That’s his alias,” Duan Canghai said. “Many ‘Cooked’ Miao adopt Han names. Before Qiu Qianyi rose to fame, the top poison master in the land was the Tang family of Western Sichuan, who were Han. Qiu Qianyi approached them to compete in poison mastery. At that time, the Tang family looked down on a mere White Miao and did not give him a chance. But within half a month, members of the Tang family began dying mysteriously from poison. In just two weeks, their two hundred seventy-plus family members were reduced to just a handful.”

Gu Qinghan’s expression paled slightly, and Yang Ning drew a sharp breath. It was clear that the poisoner was indeed the Poison King of Nine Creeks, Qiu Qianyi—a ruthless figure, no wonder he had a disciple like A’Nao.

“As the premier poison-using family in Western Sichuan, the Tang family was helpless. Their head watched helplessly as his clan was poisoned one by one,” Duan Canghai said gravely. “Since the Tang family’s reputation for poison mastery meant no one dared provoke them, they had no allies in the martial world. In times of crisis, there was no one to help.”

“So what is the Tang family’s situation now?” Yang Ning asked.

Duan Canghai smiled bitterly. “The Tang family was wiped out decades ago, not a single soul left. When the head of the family was found, his skin and flesh were dried and shriveled. On the Tang family’s main gate hung a banner inscribed with five characters: ‘Nine Creeks Qiu Qianyi.’ Since then, Qiu Qianyi’s name spread far and wide, striking fear throughout the martial world.”

Gu Qinghan’s lovely face was pale now.

“Qiu Qianyi usually operates in Western Sichuan and rarely ventures beyond,” Duan Canghai said sternly. “My lord, you mentioned that the poisoner was Qiu Qianyi’s disciple. Have you perhaps offended the Poison King of Nine Creeks?”

Yang Ning knew the matter was grave. After hesitating, he briefly recounted what had happened. Duan Canghai was astonished. “I see. If that’s true, then this time the poisoner must be that little demon girl named A’Nao.”

“Miss Tang said that little demon girl won’t give up and will come back again,” Gu Qinghan fretted. “Canghai, they won’t let Ning’er go. What do you think we should do?”

Duan Canghai frowned. “My lord, from my perspective, the little demon girl acting on her own makes sense. Though Qiu Qianyi is peerless in poisons, he must consider his Bai Miao people. If his disciple killed you outright, that would be open rebellion. The court would not stand idle, and the Bai Miao would face grave consequences.”

“You mean this is the little demon girl’s own doing?” Gu Qinghan asked.

Duan Canghai nodded. “Qiu Qianyi has no grudge against our Marquis’s household, nor would he lightly provoke the court. The little demon girl is acting independently. If so, there’s less cause for worry. If Qiu Qianyi himself intervened, we would have to seek help from the Great Brightness Temple, and Qiu Qianyi would have to tread carefully. But as it stands, it’s only his disciple, and with Miss Tang’s aid, we might manage the little demon girl.” He lowered his voice. “We can even set a trap in the Marquis’s residence and lure her in if her wicked heart persists.”

Gu Qinghan shook her head. “Ning’er thinks the same, but Miss Tang warned that the little demon girl is extremely cunning. If she senses a trap, she might strike a fatal blow. She works in the shadows; we are in the light. We must stay vigilant.”

Duan Canghai frowned. “Such a person is elusive and unpredictable. It’s hard to track her movements or anticipate when or how she might strike. Defense is difficult.”

“Have you heard of blood cleansing?” Yang Ning fell silent for a moment before asking. “Using herbs to cleanse the blood, making one immune to all poisons.”

Duan Canghai was stunned. “Such a method exists? I’ve never heard of it.”

Yang Ning then shared Tang Nuo’s suggestion, half doubting. “Miss Tang is skilled in medicine, but I’ve never heard of blood cleansing before.”

“Ning’er, I think it’s best to be cautious,” Gu Qinghan said softly. “I don’t doubt Miss Tang, but as you said, her background is vague, and she has ties to the little demon girl...” She paused, then added, “Better to be wary of others.”

Duan Canghai nodded slightly. “Madam is right.” He pondered before continuing slowly, “That said, Western Sichuan is full of remarkable talents. If there is a poison master like Qiu Qianyi, there must be many others with extraordinary skills. Miss Tang claims she can cleanse blood. Though it sounds far-fetched, it might be true. Since we haven’t witnessed it ourselves, we cannot be certain nor dismiss it outright.”

Yang Ning smiled. “So, Duan Ershu thinks blood cleansing is possible?”

“No, no,” Duan Canghai hurriedly waved his hand. “My lord, don’t misunderstand. I’m merely stating facts. If it truly grants immunity to poison, it would be invaluable. But... I don’t know if Miss Tang has other motives.” He lowered his voice. “However, she doesn’t seem like a villain or someone who would harm my lord. Otherwise, when you were poisoned, she could have just let you die.”

Gu Qinghan said quietly, “You never truly know a person’s heart. Let’s not rush to have her perform blood cleansing—wait and see.”

In the following days, the Marquis’s residence tightened its security. Duan Canghai stayed close to Yang Ning at all times. To guard against another poisoning attempt by the little demon girl, Yang Ning even silently moved to another courtyard.

Fortunately, with the heightened defenses, A’Nao found no chance to sneak in. Since Yang Ning was now alert, no one could easily harm him. For several days, all remained peaceful.

Tang Nuo did not mention blood cleansing again.

After another two days, the locked streets and alleys began to reopen. Yang Ning learned that the newly enthroned emperor had returned to the capital with many officials, while the previous emperor had been laid to rest in the imperial tomb.

Many had feared a bloody upheaval during the succession, but it passed without incident. Although turbulent currents surged beneath the surface, no bloody slaughter occurred.

An edict soon proclaimed the new emperor’s ascension, the era named Longtai, and a general amnesty granted.

The tense, oppressive atmosphere that had loomed over the capital was palpable only to those within its walls. Now that stability was restored, people finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Few understood how critical this moment was for the nation’s fate, but in the end, they had endured.

The court underwent many personnel changes, unknown to the common folk. The Black Blade Battalion was redeployed beyond the city, stationed at the outskirts. The Tiger God Battalion continued guarding the city gates, while the Royal Yulin Battalion, after being sent out, returned to the palace for its defense.

Rumors circulated that the Royal Yulin Battalion experienced major reshuffles: many senior officers were promoted and reassigned, seemingly elevated but in reality stripped of real power. Some even received noble titles and increased salaries, but their authority was hollow.

Whether true or not, ordinary citizens remained unaware, and Yang Ning had no time to concern himself with such matters.

Though the shadow cast by A’Nao lingered, his chief concern now was the miraculous medicine in Tang Nuo’s hands.

Though the emperor had issued a decree conferring the title of Marquis upon Yang Ning, no gold or silver accompanied the honor. The finances of the Marquis’s household were strained, and according to Gu Qinghan’s estimates, they would not last two months.

Unlike other noble families, the Jin Yi Marquisate relied solely on its food allotment and two shops for income. Now, with the pawnshop burned down, only one apothecary remained. Expecting a single medicine shop to support hundreds was a fool’s dream. Under such circumstances, alternative sources of income were imperative.

Tang Nuo’s medicines held immense potential as an economic asset. If the medicines were truly as wondrous as claimed, production could be expanded, and business would surely flourish.

Early one morning, the two arrived at Yong’an Hall just as the apothecary opened. Master Song immediately greeted them, bowing deeply. “I humbly greet my lord!” he said, then knelt.

There was a world of difference between the heir to the Jin Yi title and the actual Marquis. The heir lacked the noble rank, while the Marquis was the genuine titleholder. Master Song naturally dared not show any disrespect.

Yang Ning, knowing his succession was no longer a secret, pulled Master Song up with a smile. “No need for such formalities. It’s the same as before. Master Song, you know why I’m here. Has that child returned?”

Master Song glanced at Tang Nuo, smoothed his clothes, and bowed deeply. “Miss Tang, please forgive my old eyes for failing to recognize a great talent. If I have offended, I beg your pardon. This time, I truly had my eyes opened—I now understand there are always greater mountains beyond the mountains, and greater men beyond the men!”