Chapter 15: A Golden Opportunity Delivered

"Thousand Extinction Powder? What sort of poison is that?"

Chu Yuyao’s face displayed just the right degree of bewilderment, as if she truly had no idea what Thousand Extinction Powder was.

Internally, she mused that this wretched man lived up to his reputation—he actually recognized such an ancient and rare toxin.

Shangguan Yuheng withdrew his spiritual power and, lowering his gaze, observed Chu Yuyao with a deepened look of scrutiny. "The poison in you, Junior Sister Chu, is indeed rare."

"Then is it curable?" she couldn’t help but ask.

Though she knew this was an incurable poison, she still harbored a thread of hope, considering Shangguan Yuheng’s dual mastery of medicine and toxins. If he could resolve this, she would no longer be forced to undertake those so-called strategy missions just to survive.

"I’ll need to consult the ancient records," Shangguan Yuheng replied, his expression faintly troubled. This was the first time he’d encountered a poison that existed only in legend, never in reality. Though the antidote was unknown, his curiosity was piqued.

If he didn’t study it thoroughly, he’d likely lose sleep over it. Such was the nature of a true medical fanatic.

He glanced outside, noting the late hour and the deepening dusk. He was about to suggest that his junior sister arrange lodgings for Chu Yuyao.

But his gaze caught the sodden pot of Mind-Calming Grass on the windowsill and the myriad poisons scattered about the room, instantly extinguishing that thought.

There was a palpable distance between his junior sister and Chu Yuyao, and he couldn’t be bothered to care about the specifics. But to avoid trouble, it was best to keep contact to a minimum.

He lifted his eyes to Chu Yuyao and spoke with gentle detachment, "It’s late. If you don’t mind, Junior Sister Chu, you may temporarily stay at my Pureheart Residence."

As if fearing she might misunderstand, or suspect something else, he hastened to add, "Of course, it will be the side courtyard."

There were plenty of vacant rooms in Medicine King Valley; it was easy enough to arrange one for her.

The reason he brought her to Pureheart Residence was chiefly his fascination with the rare Thousand Extinction Powder within her.

Having her close by made it more convenient to study.

Chu Yuyao nearly laughed aloud—what a perfect opportunity delivered right to her door.

Her purpose in coming to Medicine King Valley was to complete the twelve-hour cohabitation task and earn the reward of the ancient Chaos Lotus seed.

Why would she refuse? Fearing he might reconsider, she quickly replied, "Then I’ll be intruding."

Yun Shuwan’s expression shifted, never expecting her senior brother would let this wretched woman stay at his Pureheart Residence.

Even she wasn’t permitted easy access to Pureheart Residence—what gave this woman that right?

Was it because they were once cultivation partners? But hadn’t the contract already been dissolved?

They had no connection whatsoever now.

She looked at Shangguan Yuheng, striving to keep her voice steady. "Senior Brother, you’re no longer cultivation partners. How can a woman stay in your Pureheart Residence?"

Shangguan Yuheng’s gaze swept over Yun Shuwan with indifferent calm. "You worry too much, junior sister. The side courtyard is far from the main residence, and besides..."

He cast a meaningful glance at the sodden Mind-Calming Grass on the windowsill. "Medicine King Valley should treat its guests properly."

Yun Shuwan’s face turned instantly pale, her fingers unconsciously twisting her sleeve.

She understood the implication behind his words.

Her poisons in the room—he had noticed them all. This was a warning.

Chu Yuyao nearly burst out laughing. This black-hearted lotus truly had a sharp tongue.

She deliberately drew closer to Shangguan Yuheng, her voice crisp and sweet. "Senior Brother Shangguan is right. I’m terribly afraid of the dark—if I stumble into something I shouldn’t in the dead of night..."

"Chu Yuyao."

Yun Shuwan finally broke her icy facade, nearly letting the silver needles slip from her sleeve.

But when she met Shangguan Yuheng’s half-smiling gaze, she forced herself to reel it back.

Shangguan Yuheng flicked his wide sleeve and strode out, "Let’s go. If we delay any longer, dawn will break."

Chu Yuyao hurried after him, pausing as she passed Yun Shuwan.

She spoke in a voice only the two could hear, "Senior Sister, remember to water your Mind-Calming Grass daily. And that table—be sure to wipe it thoroughly. Wouldn’t want anything unclean lingering there."

Yun Shuwan stared at her in shock—this wretched woman, she knew?

Her fingers dug deep into her palm, forcing a faint smile. "You jest, Junior Sister Chu. Medicine King Valley is always spotless."

Chu Yuyao gave a meaningful "Oh," not bothering to further entangle with the woman, and quickly caught up to Shangguan Yuheng.

Night had fully fallen; the bright moon hung high as they walked, one ahead and one behind, along the winding corridor.

Suddenly, her stomach rumbled, betraying her.

She looked embarrassed—realizing she’d only gnawed on two fruits all day, no wonder she was hungry.

Her current cultivation couldn’t sustain fasting.

Shangguan Yuheng paused, his handsome face under moonlight serene and somewhat aloof. "Medicine King Valley has a curfew. The dining hall is already closed."

She looked at his profile, feeling a strange sense of unreality, then withdrew her gaze and said quietly, "No room, but I won’t starve."

The original owner’s storage ring contained Fasting Pills, but she disliked them.

Shangguan Yuheng looked at her in surprise. When did this woman learn restraint?

If it were before, she would have made a scene by now.

"This is a Clear Spirit Pill—one will keep you satiated for half a month."

He suddenly produced a pill bottle and tossed it to her.

Chu Yuyao glanced at it and threw it back. "I don’t like these—they’re tasteless."

Shangguan Yuheng understood—her cravings were merely for flavor. He ignored her and continued walking.

She pouted and quietly cursed the black-hearted lotus, then hurried after him.

After bypassing a bamboo path, they soon arrived at Pureheart Residence.

She looked up to survey the courtyard before her. Bathed in moonlight, it was spacious, tranquil, and serene—well befitting its name.

Only a few rooms were lit; the rest were shrouded in darkness, lending an air of solitude and coldness.

So this was the future abode of Medicine King Valley’s master? It was rather austere.

And such a vast courtyard, yet not a single attendant disciple.

"You’ll stay in the west wing," Shangguan Yuheng said without turning, his slender fingers flicking, unleashing a flash of spiritual light to lift the restriction on the west wing. "Without my permission, you are not to step into the main residence."

With that, he left, leaving her standing on the spot.

Chu Yuyao glanced toward the main residence, frowning. How was she supposed to complete her task without entering?

Suddenly, her stomach rumbled again.

Shangguan Yuheng, not far off, paused and looked back at her, his voice calm, "There’s spiritual rice in the kitchen—for feeding the birds."

Her eyes brightened—spiritual rice? This man actually fed birds with it? What a waste!

Many lower disciples and rogue cultivators couldn’t even afford spiritual rice, subsisting on ordinary grains devoid of energy.

But regardless, she was only concerned about food.

In high spirits, she turned and dashed toward the back courtyard.

Only to head in the wrong direction, and Shangguan Yuheng yanked her back with a jade belt.

"Go left," he said, leisurely retrieving the belt. "The right leads to the Gu chamber."