Flames of Ambition

37: The Antidote

Chapter 37: The Antidote

Another week passed, and the higher-ups in the Capital began to feel utterly hopeless. Especially the Emperor, who hadn’t slept properly for almost two weeks. His health began to deteriorate due to stress and exhaustion. The Noble Class was in chaos—many of their members had died due to the Cultivation Soaring Disease (CSD), and panic spread like wildfire.

Amidst this chaos, the two brothers, Feng Zhengying and Feng Ming Li, couldn’t help but laugh at how the epidemic had brought the mighty Capital to its knees. Still, they continued helping the commoners in secret, doing their best to keep the truth from leaking to the noble families.

People were immensely grateful to them—but also terrified. Despite the information being valuable, especially if sold to rich families, no one dared speak a word. The fear of offending the number one powerhouse in the entire Da Country—the ZUGC—was stronger than any temptation.

Zexel had warned them strictly: if they kept their mouths shut, they’d be safe. But if anyone revealed their secret, they would feel the wrath of the ZUGC for up to nine generations.

At that moment, the four key figures—Zexel, Feng Zhengying, Feng Ming Li, and Fan Yaoli—were gathered in a sub-headquarters surrounded by trusted ZUGC subordinates. The room buzzed with energy as they grinned like maniacs, knowing they were about to rake in another massive wave of wealth by taking advantage of the situation.

“So the plan is to open a hospital in the Capital and control the chaos?” Feng Ming Li asked, leaning back lazily.

“Not exactly a hospital,” Zexel corrected. “We’ll open a herbal medicine shop instead. Since we already have the antidote, we’ll sell it for a high price. The hospital will only open after the epidemic dies down. Yaoli, you’ll be in charge of managing the shop and its operations. Strategy is your field, isn’t it?”

Fan Yaoli simply nodded, then vanished into thin air like a bubble.

“As for you two,” Zexel continued, turning to the brothers, “mobilize your men to guard the shop. The first day will be utter chaos. People will fight to get the antidote—especially the nobles. That’s their nature.”

Feng Zhengying and Feng Ming Li grinned and disappeared in the same manner.

“To the rest of you, gather information. Investigate which noble families are trying to use this epidemic to their advantage. Others will infiltrate the palace and report to our agents inside—especially those in the imperial hall and close to the Emperor.”

The rest of her subordinates bowed, then vanished swiftly.

Zexel herself returned to the underground hospital. She was starting to discharge some patients, but not before reminding them of the consequences of speaking.

Of course, the commoners weren’t foolish enough to provoke the ZUGC. Even if they received money in exchange for information, they knew they’d never live to enjoy it. The ZUGC would find them—and wouldn't stop until their heads were hung in the public square.

It had happened before. Especially during the first year of the ZUGC's rise. But the Emperor had done nothing. He knew that one wrong move could cost him the throne, because if the ZUGC decided to retaliate, even he couldn’t stop them.

ZUGC operated with their own sense of justice. They never attacked unless provoked. Any punishment they carried out was seen as rightful retribution, making it difficult for the court to find fault with them, no matter how hard they tried.

They were the most mysterious and feared group in the entire Da Country. No one even knew how many leaders they had. The higher-ups all wore similar suits and masks, yet each operated in different fields, confusing their enemies.

People didn’t even realize there were only four of them—multi-talented individuals who wore many hats.

There had even been attempts to replicate the ZUGC uniform, but no one succeeded. It was made from a strange leather that gleamed like metal yet was soft to the touch. The helmets were even more baffling—no one knew what they were called or how they were made.

Their motorcycles were equally mysterious—sleek machines unlike anything seen in the country. No one could figure out how they worked.

That was the level of ZUGC’s power. Envy couldn’t touch them. All people could do was stare in awe.

---

Meanwhile…

Fan Yaoli quickly secured a storefront near the outskirts of the Capital. Within an hour, she had decorated it and stocked it with carefully sealed herbs and pills.

Most of the inventory consisted of first- and second-grade medicinal items, but she also placed limited quantities of third- and fourth-grade pills to boost the shop's image.

The delay in opening had been due to acquiring official business permits. Now that everything was in place, Fan Yaoli changed her appearance and officially opened the shop.

As expected, during the first hour, no one paid any attention to the new store.

But Fan Yaoli wasn’t surprised. She walked outside, her face hidden behind a charming smile, and searched the street for the right person.

Then she spotted a young man struggling to stay upright, sweating profusely.

“Hey, mister,” she said sweetly, “I have an offer you can’t refuse. I’ve got an antidote for the illness that’s terrorizing the Capital. If you’re not healed in one minute, I’ll give you ten big gold coins. But if you are healed, you’ll pay just one big gold and spread the word. Deal?”

She pointed to the shop behind her. “That’s mine. You can come find me there.”

The man hesitated, but only for a moment. He was the only son of a famous general and had contracted the illness himself. His father had been desperately searching for a cure, but so far, nothing had worked.

He had five big gold coins in his pocket and decided to take the risk.

He took the pill from Fan Yaoli and, finding it had a pleasant taste, chewed it like candy before swallowing.

Within seconds, a cooling sensation spread from his stomach throughout his entire body. His fatigue and pain vanished. His complexion brightened, and he felt an incredible wave of relief.

He gasped.

“W-What…? I feel… normal again,” he muttered, astonished.

He looked at Fan Yaoli with disbelief and ran off to share the news.

And just like that, the word began to spread…

--*--