Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return Chapter 1357: Overbearing, Fighting Poison with Poison
Previously on Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return...
Upon reaching the entrance, Mu Hanyan detected a potent and clear Heaven and Earth Power swirling into a vortex around the Quiet Room, instilling a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation.
Evidently, this Quiet Room was fortified with an Array designed to concentrate Heaven and Earth Power. While the Mu Family in Anyun City possessed similar Cultivation Quiet Rooms, they paled in comparison to this Danling Hall, both in terms of concentration and purity.
It’s no wonder they are a Divine Doctor Family; their foundation rivals that of numerous aristocratic clans. Witnessing the Danling Hall bolstered Mu Hanyan’s confidence in Yan Zishu manifold, and the attending elders displayed evident admiration.
"Let me first examine your poisoned condition," Yan Zishu motioned for Mu Hanyan and the others to be seated before taking Zirong’s wrist to check his pulse.
As Yan Zishu continued, his brow furrowed in profound shock. He then withdrew his hand, his expression grim and unreadable as he remained silent for a considerable duration.
A somber mood enveloped the surroundings, and a ripple of unease spread through Mu Hanyan.
"Senior Yan, can this poison be treated? I believe with your medical expertise, there should be no insurmountable obstacle..." Mu Hanyan inquired with palpable anxiety, her words more a reassurance to herself than a genuine expectation, as she found herself unable to articulate further.
Should the Thousand Poison Erosion unleash its full potency, Zirong would scarcely have a few more hours to live. All her hopes rested upon Yan Zishu; if he faltered, it was unlikely anyone else in the world could save Zirong, and even if they could, where would they find such aid in the limited time remaining?
"Sigh..." Yan Zishu exhaled heavily. "Originally, even if a complete cure was unattainable, I could at least devise a method to suppress the poison once more. However, I did not foresee him having opened over a dozen Hidden Meridians. For a typical cultivator, opening even a single Hidden Meridian prior to reaching the Holy-grade is an extraordinary boon, yet he has managed over a dozen..."
"Precisely what are you implying?" Ling Baobao impatiently cut through Yan Zishu’s drawn-out lament.
Although he had not spent as much time with Zirong as Huayue and the others, his unreserved nature caused him to cherish friendship deeply, making his concern on par with anyone else’s.
"He has opened over a dozen Hidden Meridians; I fear my antidote method becomes inapplicable. This poison, I must confess with a sigh, is likely beyond my capabilities." Yan Zishu finally reached the crux of his statement, his voice heavy with regret.
"Beyond your capabilities? And yet you tasked us with such endeavors? You adopt an air of superiority when faced with your limitations? Old man, do you presume us to be easy targets for bullying?" Ling Baobao erupted, rolling up his sleeves, poised for a confrontation. He seemed to have forgotten entirely that his current strength barely equated to that of a Seventh-Order Swordsman, insignificant against a Sword Saint.
"I too did not anticipate him having opened over a dozen Hidden Meridians," Yan Zishu responded, devoid of anger, his countenance etched with guilt, betraying a lack of conviction in his own words.
Logically, he ought to have examined Zirong first before issuing any demands. However, at that moment, his sole focus was on imposing difficulties upon Mu Hanyan and her companions, his medical prowess fueling an overconfidence that overlooked this crucial factor. He could only accept the torrent of curses directed his way.
Mu Hanyan gently restrained Ling Baobao, preventing him from continuing his tirade. While she too felt a surge of anger upon hearing Yan Zishu’s admission, she understood that even harming him would offer no solution, and moreover, they were not individuals who would resort to killing.
"Senior Yan, is there truly no recourse?" Mu Hanyan inquired.
Witnessing Mu Hanyan’s composure amidst the dire circumstances, a stark contrast to Ling Baobao’s outburst, Yan Zishu felt a profound sense of guilt alongside his admiration.
"There remains a possibility, albeit one fraught with extreme risk. I fear I might fail to save him and could even endanger his life," Yan Zishu admitted reluctantly.
"Senior Yan, if you cannot save me, would it be necessary for someone to actively endanger my life?" Hearing this, Mu Hanyan’s brow furrowed. However, before she could voice her thoughts, Zirong interjected with a carefree laugh.
"Senior Yan, what specifically is this method?" Mu Hanyan pressed. Zirong's reasoning held weight; if Yan Zishu could not cure his affliction, survival was measured in mere hours, rendering the risk of exacerbation a secondary concern.
"The method is deceptively simple: it involves fighting poison with poison," Yan Zishu stated.
"Fighting poison with poison!" Mu Hanyan’s eyes widened with a sudden spark of understanding; this approach had indeed eluded her.
"Might I inquire if Lady Mu has ever heard of the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill?" Yan Zishu asked.
Mu Hanyan gasped. The Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill—a legendary concoction, purportedly several times more potent than the Ten Thousand Ants Devouring Heart Pill!
The Ten Thousand Ants Devouring Heart Pill holds a 'Forbidden Pill' status not due to its potent Dan Power. In truth, even those not yet at the Sword Master realm, like Fen Qianji, could endure it briefly; its toxicity isn't exceptionally severe. The reason it's classified as Forbidden stems from its peculiar, madness-inducing venom, which drives victims to slay loved ones, tear their own flesh, and perish in a horrifying manner.
Conversely, the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill's toxicity is brutally straightforward – a swift end. Upon ingestion, vitality is instantly extinguished, the soul is obliterated, leaving no time for delirium. Only a handful of Sword Saint masters are exceptions.
Despite its devastating effects, the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill isn't a banned substance for a single reason: its immense refinement difficulty. The scarcity of ingredients, coupled with a low success rate and extreme danger during the process, eclipses even the Dragon Blood Revival Pill. A failed refinement could easily result in the alchemist succumbing to Dan Poison.
Thus, national bans are unnecessary; for alchemists, this pill is inherently forbidden.
"Lady Mu, to counteract the Thousand Poison Corrosive Powder affecting Zirong, only the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill will suffice. However, the associated risks are immense. If he does not immediately refine the residual poison using the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill the moment the Thousand Poison Corrosive Powder's effects wane, he is certain to perish," Yan Zishu explained.
Noticing Mu Hanyan's expression, he understood she grasped the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill's power and ceased further elaboration.
Mu Hanyan remained silent, her gaze shifting to Zirong. Regarding matters of his life and death, how could she make the decision for him?
Zirong met Mu Hanyan's eyes and gave a firm nod, his demeanor as composed and unperturbed as ever. Despite the peril, a sliver of hope for survival existed; for him, this was already the most favorable course of action.
"Senior Yan, let us proceed with this method," Mu Hanyan declared.
"Very well. Please depart for now; I shall begin refining the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill," Yan Zishu announced.
"What?"
"Mr. Yan, please do not act rashly! The Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill is not a concoction to be trifled with!"
"Isn't there an alternative? Perhaps we can devise another solution." The surrounding elders were aghast, their pleas becoming increasingly earnest.
Mu Hanyan was also taken aback. She had presumed Yan Zishu already possessed a refined Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill, never anticipating he would undertake the refinement on the spot.
It is crucial to recognize that the Rebirth Soul-breaking Pill isn't officially designated a Forbidden Pill solely because its creation is exceedingly complex and fraught with danger. A failed attempt frequently claims the alchemist's life. To put it plainly, the danger he courts in its refinement is no less dire than the peril Zirong faces in its consumption.