C14 What a Surprise!

Loongze County lies on the frontier of the Leehuo Dynasty, which is merely one of the many powers on this vast continent. It's so expansive that a mortal could spend their entire life searching and still not uncover even a fraction of its secrets.

Within the Leehuo Dynasty's borders, the establishment of nefarious sects is strictly forbidden. The nearest one, however, is the Myriad Poison Sect. Its disciples frequently venture into the territory, and they were the ones who pursued Ling'er in the canyon that day.

The Myriad Poison Sect is formidable, boasting a significant number of skilled alchemists. Yet, the pills and potions they concoct are predominantly based on poison.

Jiang Fann had previous dealings with them, leaving him with an indelible impression. With these memories surfacing, his gaze turned icy.

He inquired, "Are you certain the Qiao Family has sent someone to the Myriad Poison Sect?"

Han Qianxue confirmed with a nod, "The Myriad Poison Sect is definitely their endpoint. But their exact intentions remain unclear to me."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Fann silently hoped they weren't targeting the Jiang Family. He considered it prudent to have left Liu Ye with his family.

Lost in his thoughts about the Myriad Poison Sect, Jiang Fann was left undisturbed by Han Qianxue.

Time passed, and eventually, the carriage came to a gentle halt. The driver's voice announced their arrival, "Manager, we've reached Loongze Lake."

Stepping out of the carriage, they were greeted by the sight of Loongze Lake, now bustling with activity. Groups of youths mingled, some flanked by formidable guardians, creating a vibrant scene.

The carriage from the Myriad Treasures Tavern stood out, drawing many curious glances. Onlookers were puzzled to see Han Qianxue accompanied by a man.

"Look, there's someone from the Myriad Treasures Tavern. Isn't that Han Qianxue? But who's the young man with her? Does anyone recognize him?"

The bystanders shook their heads in response.

"Never seen him before. He must be quite fearless."

Jiang Fann surveyed the crowd and realized they were strangers to him, with very few cultivators from Loongze County present. Their attire suggested that many were disciples from various sects.

He continued to scan the surroundings, searching for a particular figure, his eyes brimming with hope.

Han Qianxue, witnessing Jiang Fann's unusual behavior for the first time, asked with a smile, "What are you looking for, gongzi?"

"It's none of your concern. It won't interfere with our partnership!"

"Oh! This person must be quite significant to you."

Disregarding her, Jiang Fann, not having spotted Gu Ling'er, walked alone to the edge of the lake and peered into the depths.

He had fished for Dragon Fish here just days before to concoct medicine and had dealt with the young prince of the Guangnan King. The water had been crystal clear then, but now it was as dark as ink, ominously still, and unsettling to behold.

Han Qianxue approached and inquired, "Do you know how to access this secret realm?"

"It's beneath the water! But something seems off with it," Jiang Fann replied.

As he crouched to scoop up the water, Han Qianxue urgently warned, "Don't!"

A few young onlookers sneered from afar. "Look at that guy, daring to touch the lake water. What a country bumpkin, completely ignorant of the rules."

"He's asking for trouble. The Loongze Lake Secret Realm's opening rendered the water toxic two days ago. Touch it, and you're lucky if you don't die, let alone shed a layer of skin."

"It seems Han Qianxue hasn't made things clear to this simpleton!"

It was too late for Han Qianxue's warning. Jiang Fann had already scooped the pitch-black water into his hand, with nearly everyone anticipating his misfortune.

"The water's toxic; you shouldn't touch it. Why act so rashly!" Han Qianxue scolded.

Jiang Fann's hand turned black in an instant, the darkness swiftly creeping up his arm. He raised an eyebrow, the Arts of Pill Dao flowing through him. Moments later, the poison was rapidly neutralized, and his arm returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

What a joke! It would be a disgrace for the esteemed Medicine King to die of poisoning.

Jiang Fann's composure took everyone by surprise. Even a few inscrutable elders shifted their gaze, appraising him with newfound interest.

Han Qianxue watched as Jiang Fann examined the poison in his hand, and she breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

"Aren't you afraid of the deadly poison in that water?"

Instead of answering, Jiang Fann did something even more astonishing. He encapsulated a drop of the poison with his Genuine Qi and brought it to his mouth, savoring it carefully.

The unique Spiritual Strength developed through the Arts of Pill Dao steadily neutralized the poison, allowing Jiang Fann to methodically dissect its properties.

Moments later, Jiang Fann's eyes snapped open, and he whispered confidently, "I've got this!"

With that, he filled a jar with lake water and promptly walked away. Han Qianxue, puzzled by his actions, quickly followed him.

From a distance, an elder watched Jiang Fann's retreating figure: "That young man is quite intriguing!"

A young man beside him voiced his confusion: "Master, how did he manage that? Does he possess some kind of holy antidote?"

The elder shook his head: "Not necessarily. And considering he's in the company of Han Qianxue, he's certainly no ordinary individual. We should tread carefully when we encounter him in the secret realm. He's someone to befriend, not antagonize."

"I understand, Grandfather."

Qin Feng observed from afar, taking in the entire scene.

"Immune to all poisons? Elder Brother Jiang truly is remarkable. I'm curious how he achieved it!"

Jiang Fann sought out a secluded spot. With Han Qianxue at his back, he wasn't concerned about being followed.

Once they were alone, Han Qianxue pressed him: "Jiang Fann, what are you planning?"

With a hint of mystery, Jiang Fann replied, "It will take at least two days for this poison to dissipate. Wouldn't you like to enter the secret realm ahead of time and gain the upper hand?"

Caught off guard, Han Qianxue's surprise quickly turned to excitement: "You have a way?"

Jiang Fann gestured towards the jar of lake water.

"The solution lies within this," he said. "Do you have any Winter Phosphorus Leaves for detoxification? Given your status, you must carry some medicinal herbs, right?"

Han Qianxue, puzzled by Jiang Fann's intentions, nonetheless handed the Winter Phosphorus Leaves to Qin Feng. She then stepped aside, curious to see how Jiang Fann would proceed.

Without hesitation, Jiang Fann brought out a pill furnace and top-quality wood.

He lit the furnace with Innate Fire and methodically added several herbs into the mix.

He was preparing to concoct pills right there and then, which took Han Qianxue by surprise.

"Isn't this a bit reckless?" she questioned.

Jiang Fann replied curtly, "Don't interrupt. Just keep watch."

The flames within the pill furnace danced and transformed, the temperature soaring as the fire condensed and shifted hues.

Han Qianxue watched, impressed by his mastery over the flames.

She had long harbored doubts that there was no pharmacist behind Jiang Fann—that he was the true pill master.

His delicate hands had hinted at his true identity the first time they met.

Now, witnessing Jiang Fann's intense focus, his precise control over the flames, and his adept handling of the herbs' transformations, she found it hard to believe such skill could belong to a fifteen-year-old boy.

Yet there he was, Jiang Fann, defying explanation with mere talent.

An hour later, he began to drip the lake water into the pill furnace, bit by bit.

With each addition, a tendril of black smoke would rise, coiling around the furnace, refusing to fade away.

Jiang Fann meticulously adjusted the heat, attuned to every minute shift within the concoction.

Han Qianxue stood silently behind him, watching intently, eager to see the extent of his capabilities.

As a plume of black mist billowed from the furnace, Jiang Fann quickly subdued the flames, and several pills shot out, which he deftly caught in his hand.

Five black pills in total, one reduced to ash—a first attempt at refining that had gone awry, but such an outcome was anticipated by Jiang Fann.

He swiftly located the medicine bottle, placed it inside, doused the furnace flames, and tidied up as though it were a trivial task.

Turning to Han Qianxue, he caught her gaping in disbelief.

"What's got you so shocked?" Jiang Fann inquired.

"Where did you acquire such mastery in medicine refining? Surely you're not harboring an old master in that youthful shell of yours?"

Jiang Fann retorted with a hint of irritation, "What nonsense are you thinking? Only those under twenty can enter the Loongze Lake Secret Realm. We'll see for ourselves soon enough."

Regaining her composure, Han Qianxue's eyes sparkled with awe. "Truly, Young Master Jiang, you are a hidden gem, inscrutable and profound. I've witnessed many alchemists, including Earth Rank ones, at work, yet none possess your effortless grace. Remarkable!"

Jiang Fann grinned. "I owe it all to my master's excellent teaching." Tossing the medicine bottle to Han Qianxue, he continued, "After consumption, one gains immunity to the lake's lethal toxins for five hours. How much do you think this pill could fetch?"

With a smile, Han Qianxue replied, "In two days, it'll be worthless, but today, it's invaluable. I'll take just one; you can decide what to do with the rest. I'm happy to vouch for you."

Jiang Fann nodded in agreement. "We'll discuss it later. For now, let's head over there and assess the situation."

As Han Qianxue trailed behind Jiang Fann, she marveled internally, "Jiang Fann, you're truly formidable. Without even a formula, you've concocted a pill in under two hours. One can only wonder what you'll achieve in ten years."

Reaching the lakeshore, Jiang Fann scanned the area, his anticipation tinged with disappointment at not spotting Gu Ling'er.

He had been eagerly awaiting this moment for so long.

Han Qianxue peered into the dark depths of Loongze Lake, torn about testing the pill's effectiveness.

Without further ado, Jiang Fann popped a pill and leapt into the waters.

All eyes were on him as he swam with ease through the venomous waters that had daunted many a formidable expert, utterly unfazed.

Someone gasped in amazement, "How did he manage that? This goes beyond the capabilities of any cultivation technique!"

"Is there really someone who can withstand the toxic waters? It's said that they contain the venom of the ancient Poison Dragon, lethal to any mortal upon contact. Could his body truly be impervious to all poisons?"

Excitement buzzed through the crowd as numerous cultivators converged to get a closer look.

Jiang Fann's actions had put Han Qianxue's mind at ease.

Seizing the moment, Han Qianxue addressed the crowd, "As you've all witnessed, this gentleman possesses extraordinary abilities. Contrary to what you might think, immunity to these toxic waters isn't out of reach. One simply needs to consume a pill that neutralizes the deadly toxins. With it, you can access the secret realm two days ahead of schedule. The significance of that advantage is self-explanatory. I happen to have two spare pills available for purchase. They'll go to the highest bidder!"

Had these words come from Jiang Fann, skepticism might have followed. But spoken by Han Qianxue, they carried the weight of the Myriad Treasures Tavern's endorsement, dispelling any doubts.

If Han Qianxue's claims held true, the pills' worth at this moment was immeasurable.

Without setting a fixed price, Han Qianxue invited the gathered cultivators to bid, ensuring the pills' value was pushed to its peak.