THE LEGEND OF SHENLI

CHAPTER 36

Jǐng Xī’s father looked sternly at Jǐng Xī. “What happened to your mother? Why are you here by yourself?”

Jǐng Xī pinched her dad’s sleeve. She felt really wronged. “Mother suffered a minor injury. She was worried about the miasma affecting her so she didn’t dare come with me.”

“How willful of you!” He yanked his sleeve away from her grasp. “No fear of the miasma at all! Leave here immediately!”

Jǐng Xī had overstepped. She looked at Brother Yán and saw he wasn’t paying attention to her at all. Her throat tightened and she couldn’t speak.

Unexpectedly it was Fú Róng who interrupted the silence. He walked to Jǐng Xī and stuck one hand out between them, creating a space for himself to step in.

Like a skilled diplomat he said, “The enchantment circle will protect all those inside from the miasma. There is no need to drive your daughter away so soon. Taoist priest, please do not blame her. She was simply worried about your well-being and was eager to see you.”

Fú Róng turned around and looked at Jǐng Xī after he finished speaking. The bright shining way she gazed at him melted his heart. His eyes softened and he unconsciously smiled. The warmth showed through despite his ash smeared face. Jǐng Xī was grateful to have someone on her side.

Jǐng Xī’s father didn’t say anything else after Fú Róng spoke.

Shěn Lí crouched in front of the sleeping girl and studied her face. Her lips were nearly black and there were distinct glowing bluish-green lines crisscrossing under her fair skin. They pulsed and gave the impression there were bugs underneath.

“Was the epidemic caused by the miasma?”

Jǐng Yán glanced at Shěn Lí, unhappy she would disturb the woman’s sleep.

In a rude tone she continued. “What? You don’t know? What are you doing with her then? Let someone else who knows what they’re doing take care of things.” She turned to Xíng Zhǐ. “I’ll have to trouble Immortal High God.”

Xíng Zhǐ sighed at her behavior. He understood it was her way of getting justice for Jǐng Xī. No matter the situation, Shěn Lí would always be Shěn Lí. She couldn’t bear to see someone suffering unfairly and not do something about it. Regardless of the situation, her preferences would always rise to the surface and show in her behavior.

With these thoughts in his heart, Xíng Zhǐ walked over to the sleeping woman. After observing her carefully, he read her pulse. “I will see the other patients now.”

His expression was heavy. He circled around the temple checking on everyone before returning. With knitted brow he turned to Fú Róng and asked, “Your Highness has been here several days now. Can you tell me which direction has the greatest miasma density?”

Fú Róng thought about it before replying. “The west side of the city. The southwest is particularly lethal.”

Xíng Zhǐ muttered something to himself. “If I’m not wrong, the miasma isn’t flowing into the city from outside, but rather is flowing out of the city to the surrounding area, and has been doing so for quite some time.”

This surprised everyone within earshot. The Taoist was the first to disagree. “That’s impossible. I live a secluded life in the mountains but do come to the city to buy supplies. I was here last month and noticed the miasma clinging to the outside of the city walls. There was no miasma beyond the walls and inside the city then.”

“The sickness here isn’t an epidemic caused by disease, but the result of blood flow crossing the wrong way. It’s symptomatic of too much miasma inhalation.” He pulled his sleeve up and showed his arm. Faint bluish-green marks were visible. “I was careless several days ago and allowed the miasma to enter my body. Once inside it will remain for some time. These are the marks of its presence.”