When He Zhang regained consciousness, two days had passed since Li Lianhua’s departure.
Liu Rujing had mostly recovered from his injuries, while Wang Zhong planned to extend his stay in Ma Family Manor for a few more days. He intended to assist Liu Rujing in eliminating the remaining red lizards raised by Ma Xiuqin and Madam Ma. Also, he wanted to spend a few more days with his two brothers whom he hadn’t seen in ten years.
“…” Although He Zhang had been awake for some time, he remained silent.
Both Wang Zhong and Liu Rujing were taken aback. “Third brother?” Wang Zhong called out gently, while Liu Rujing furrowed his brow, asking, “Third Brother, what’s troubling you?”
After a moment, He Zhang shook his head slowly before finally speaking, “My qi and blood are flowing smoothly, and I feel no discomfort.”
Wang Zhong inquired further, “Then why the silence?”
He Zhang shook his head once more before admitting, “Someone helped me refine the poison within my body. Now my energy flows smoothly, and my skills have improved…”
Wang Zhong and Liu Rujing exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting. “You said the poison was purified?” Wang Zhong’s tone was laced with concern.
He Zhang nodded, sitting up in his bed.
“Who possesses such skills?” Wang Zhong questioned with a hint of bitterness in his smile.
Liu Rujing’s expression darkened as he asked, “Who aided you in healing your wounds?”
Wang Zhong replied solemnly, “It was Li Lianhua.”
Their gazes met, and He Zhang spoke with conviction, “I’ve practiced martial arts for twenty-eight years… I believe… I believe that what has saved my life is none other than Yangzhou Slow. Without it, I wouldn’t have survived, let alone recovered so swiftly.” His words hung heavy in the air.
Yangzhou Slow was known as Li Xiangyi’s unique inner skill, and it was capable of slowing the spread of and purifying nearly all poisons.
Wang Zhong spoke, “He bears a striking resemblance to the sect leader…”
Liu Rujing’s complexion turned ashen. “Could it be…”
Simultaneously, doubts raced through their minds. Memories of Li Lianhua’s hesitant demeanor and submissive behavior flashed before them, eliciting bitter smiles.
“It’s impossible,” Wang Zhong muttered.
‘Xiangyi Taijian’ Li Xiangyi had been cold, aloof, and captivatingly beautiful, a figure that had entranced countless young women of the Jianghu. How could he have transformed into this?
“Is he a distant relative of the sect leader?”
“Perhaps a fellow disciple?”
“Or even a blood relative?”
“In any case, he’s far less attractive, younger, and his martial arts prowess is pale in comparison to the sect leader’s… It’s almost as if he lacks any skill at all.”
“Unlike the sect leader, Li Lianhua appears utterly devoid of talent, virtue, or charm.”
“Utterly worthless.”
“Yes, utterly worthless.”
“Completely useless!”
“He couldn’t possibly be the sect leader…”
YOU ARE READING
Mysterious Lotus Casebook
FantasíaTen years ago, Li Xiang Yi, the master of the Sigu Sect, dominated with his superior swordsmanship and was a symbol of light in the martial arts world. However, he suddenly disappeared along with Di Fei Sheng, the leader of the Jinyuan Alliance, aft...
