Dashing Student

Elder Yang's eyes brimming with tears: "Three months ago, my son went up the mountain to gather herbs and was unfortunately bitten by a highly poisonous black spider."

"I exhausted all my life's learning and could only barely suppress the poison."

"Only a spiritual medicine like the Blood Ganoderma can completely remove the poison."

As he spoke, Elder Yang carefully opened the wooden box.

A whole blood-red, Ganoderma-like herb quietly lay on the velvet lining, with faintly visible blood-colored patterns flowing across its surface, emitting a subtle scent of sweetness mixed with musk.

Chen Nan's gaze sharpened, reaching out to lightly touch the surface of the Blood Ganoderma, then shook his head: "Elder Yang, this Blood Ganoderma has matured for 300 years; its potency is fierce and domineering."

"If consumed directly, I fear the poison might not be cleared but instead injures your son's heart and veins first!"

"This..." Elder Yang's complexion changed drastically: "But the ancient texts clearly record that the Blood Ganoderma can cure all poisons!"

"The ancient text is not wrong, but it needs to be neutralized with other medicinal herbs," Chen Nan said, already sitting at the bedside, his three fingers pressing against Young Master Yang's pulse.

A moment later, his brows relaxed: "Your son is poisoned by the Black Widow Spider, quite tricky but not insoluble."

Hu Die chimed in from the side: "Elder Yang, my husband has remarkable medical skills, why not let him try?"

Elder Yang hesitated, looking back at his son, then at Chen Nan: "If Mr. Chen can save my son's life, I am willing to give you this Blood Ganoderma!"

"Elder Yang speaks too heavily!" Chen Nan smiled slightly: "How about this, I'll heal your son, and the Blood Ganoderma will be mine!"

"Additionally, I can teach you an antidote recipe; should you encounter similar symptoms in the future, you can heal them yourself. How does that sound?"

The reason he followed Elder Yang home was precisely for that Blood Ganoderma he held; this herb reached an age of 300 years, and the medicinal efficacy it contained was exceptionally strong, deserving of being called a spiritual medicine!

For him, taking it would not only solidify his foundation and nourish his yuan but even further his cultivation!

Elder Yang was so excited that his beard trembled: "Such a great kindness, I will never forget!"

Chen Nan said no more, taking a brocade pouch from his bosom, which, upon unfolding, revealed nine fine silver needles like cow hair.

He gestured to Hu Die to help prop Young Master Yang up, then with a light flick of his wrist, all nine needles were deployed, precisely piercing the nine major acupoints on Young Master Yang's back.

"Nine Revives Soul Needle?" Elder Yang's eyes widened, his voice trembling: "This is an acupuncture technique lost for ages!"

Chen Nan did not reply, entirely focused on manipulating the needles.

At his fingertips, lightly tapping the needle tails, the nine silver needles began to vibrate on their own, emitting a faint buzzing sound.

As the needle technique operated, the black toxins under Young Master Yang's skin, like living creatures, gathered towards the needle holes.

Hu Die timely handed over a white porcelain bowl, and with a gentle slap on Young Master Yang's back, Chen Nan caused all nine needles to eject simultaneously, drawing out nine streams of black blood accurately into the bowl.

The black blood in the bowl actually bubbled like boiling water, releasing a pungent stench.

"The poison has been expelled by seventy percent," Chen Nan put away the silver needles, smiling: "The remaining amount no longer threatens Young Master Yang's life, although three days of rest are still required!"

Young Master Yang's complexion visibly improved at an eye-catching speed, and his breathing became steady and strong. He struggled to rise and pay respects, but was refused by Chen Nan: "Rest well!"

Elder Yang was also stunned by Chen Nan's medical skills; he hadn't expected such a young man to have such outstanding mastery in medicine!

Indeed, there are always heights beyond heights and people beyond people!

Chen Nan took paper and a brush from the table, and wrote down a prescription with a flourish: "According to this prescription, add three drops of aged vinegar during the decoction to relieve most spider and snake poisons," he said, handing it to Elder Yang!

Elder Yang received the prescription with both hands, as if obtaining a treasure, his old tears running freely: "Mr. Chen's medical skills are miraculous; today, I have truly witnessed greatness! Please do stay for a meal so I can express my gratitude."

Chen Nan politely said, "Elder Yang's kindness is appreciated; we intend to go into town to sample some local delicacies!"

Elder Yang said no more, giving the Blood Ganoderma to Chen Nan!

Chen Nan thanked him, then put away the wooden box and left Elder Yang's small courtyard with Hu Die!

------

As the sun set, Qingxi Ancient Town was bathed in a golden afterglow.

Chen Nan and Hu Die strolled along the mountain path back to the Poisonous Insect Sect, carrying several oil paper packages filled with sticky rice cakes, smoked meat, and preserved fruits, truly returning with a full harvest!

"Brother Nan, try this," Hu Die took a piece of osmanthus sticky rice cake from the paper package, tiptoeing to offer it to Chen Nan's mouth: "Sweet but not cloying, with a faint floral fragrance."

Chen Nan took a bite, the sweet and soft taste melting on his tongue, prompting him to smile: "It's indeed nice; I'll buy more to take back when we leave!"

Hu Die nodded with delight, suddenly pointing ahead: "Look quickly!"

Following her finger's direction, they saw atop the peak of the mountains in the sunset glow, a sea of clouds dyed in brilliant shades of gold and red, as splendid as heavenly palaces, truly breathtaking!

While they were appreciating the view, Chen Nan suddenly frowned, grabbing Hu Die's wrist: "Careful!"

Almost at the same instant, a poison crossbow arrow whizzed out from the forest, narrowly missing Hu Die's hair and embedding itself into the tree behind.

The black feathers at the tail of the arrow trembled slightly, the arrowhead gleaming with an eerie blue light.

"Hahaha, kid, surprised or what?"

Accompanied by a brazen laughter, Long San brought over twenty warriors dressed in black Miao attire from the woods, surrounding them.

Long San's right hand was wrapped in bandages, his left gripping a sharp Miao knife, his face showing a fierce smile.

"I told you, you offended me Long San, you won't leave Qingxi Town alive!" Long San spat viciously, "Today, if I don't tear you to pieces, I won't be satisfied!"

Hu Die coldly surveyed the surroundings, noticing every one of these Black Miao Warriors armed with sharp tools, with some even holding ready poison crossbow arrows, clearly coming prepared.

Chen Nan's expression remained calm, handing the oil paper packages to Hu Die: "Hold these for me; don't dirty them."

Seeing Chen Nan's disregard, Long San erupted in rage: "Get him! Kill the man with chaotic blades, keep the woman!"

Over twenty Black Miao Warriors pounced simultaneously, amidst the flashing blades and swords, poison crossbow arrows came whizzing through the air!

Chen Nan's eyes flashed with coldness, his right hand brushing over his waist, releasing dozens of silver lights shooting forth — precisely the silver needles he used earlier for healing.

The silver needles, as thin as cow hair, carved graceful arcs in the air, accurately hitting each enemy's wrist.

"Ah!"

Screams rose in succession, the weapons in the Black Miao Warriors' hands fell to the ground.

Even more terrifying!

The poison crossbow arrows fired unexpectedly turned direction mid-air, shooting back at the assailants!

Long San's eyes widened in disbelief as all twenty-something skilled fighters he brought were all felled, wailing in a single move!

The silver needles not only crippled their wrists but also sealed the body's major acupoints, rendering them immobile!

With terror etched on his face, Long San stared at Chen Nan, covered in goosebumps: "Who exactly are you? Why are you so powerful?"