《The Healer Demands Payment!》Chapter 72 - Scheme and Ploy
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Translation: Aerial Rain Translation (aerialrain.com) by koffeam
Meng Qi raised her lips, letting Wen He drag her forward. Sikong Xing quickly rushed over to keep up and gently pulled Meng Qi's sleeve.
Xue Chuan and Wen Su were farther behind, looking at the three with a smile, like a kind elder who was watching their family's talented children. A little helpless and a little proud.
Meng Qi lowered her hand, and her fingertips gently traced Sikong Xing's palm. Their long sleeves concealed their palms, so no one else noticed their small movements.
Wen He walked very fast. "Younger sister Lingfeng is very pitiful." He prattled. "Because she was in a hurry to see a person, she ended up departing alone and was attacked on the road." Wen He paused. "The poison is nothing serious, but whoever did it was very cunning, actually using a little trick so that we cannot save younger sister Lingfeng. That person clearly wants to make our Feng Alliance, our four great clans, lose our face. Truly infuriating!"
Meng Qi drooped her eyelids a bit, concealing the gleam in her eyes. "When did you arrive here?" She asked, seemingly in passing.
"I originally set off from Fentian City with Brother Xue, but I have some business on the road, so I was two days late. I arrived at Xingluo City yesterday morning."
"Hmm." Meng Qi responded casually. The corner of her lips raised again, "Where is Murong Fei?"
"He and Brother Xue arrived together. Why?" Wen He looked at Meng Qi curiously.
"Nothing." Meng Qi smiled slightly. She then raised her jaw towards the door before them: "Let's go."
"Right, right!" While talking, the group had reached Xue Lingfeng's room. Outside, it was quiet. Except for the two Feng Alliance disciples guarding the door, there was no one else.
"Where is Fellow Daoist Xue?" Meng Qi asked again.
"He went to see the two other poisoned Feng Alliance disciples. The preparator is truly hateful! There are countless medical cultivators in Xingluo City at this moment, but they are just aiming at our Feng Alliance!" Wen He's voice was filled with righteous indignation. As he spoke, he stepped forward and pushed the door open.
A faintly bitter medicinal scent permeated Xue Lingfeng's room, rushing into Meng Qi's nostrils as soon as she stepped inside. She inhaled slowly, and suddenly remembered the book she had read in Heaven And Earth Book Hall just now.
The book recorded some special medicines from a certain area in the Demon Realm. The author of that book wrote a meaningful sentence in the opening: poisons can save lives, and medicines can also be harmful.
"Meng Qi, come and take a look." Wen He pulled her toward the bed. The curtains were still hanging low, covering the inner bed.
Meng Qi reached out her hand to lift the curtain, and saw Xue Lingfeng lying quietly on the bed. Xue Lingfeng looked paler. Her long eyelashes hung down, and there was a faint blueness under her eyes. Her cheeks seemed to be bloodless. Her lips were slightly dry, with some shallow toothmarks on them.
If the poison of the afterimage grass and winter plum blossom juice remained inside the body for a long time, it would attack more and more frequently, with the pain intensified each time.
Meng Qi had seen Xue Lingfeng resisting the pain when the poison attacked. The toothmarks on her lips were probably from when she gritted her teeth and endured the pain.
"Younger sister Lingfeng is really strong." Even though Xue Lingfeng was unconscious, Wen He still lowered his voice, afraid of disturbing her. "Even if the pain was unbearable, she often endured it in silence."
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"We grow up together. Younger sister Lingfeng usually is so sweet and lovable. I never expect..." Wen He sighed. "I'd rather having myself poisoned instead of her."
Sikong Xing, who came in with them, snorted softly. "Where is Su Junmo?" She asked, "Isn't he here?"
"Brother Su and Brother Xue are seeing the other poisoned Feng Alliance disciples." Wen He quickly explained, "They should be back after lunch." He then turned around and looked at Meng Qi: "Meng Qi, what do you think? Younger sister Lingfeng is poisoned by the afterimage grass and winter plum blossom juice. Qingfeng spell can dispel these two poisons. Did you train Qingfeng spell?"
"Up to the fourth realm." Meng Qin answered.
"Great!" Wen He slapped his palm again. "We should have sought you earlier, so younger sister Lingfeng doesn't have to suffer this long."
"Hey!" Sikong Xing immediately rushed between them and pushed Wen He away from Meng Qi: "We haven't promised to cure this little girl yet." As Sikong Xing spoke, she pulled Meng Qi behind her back.
"Eh?" Wen He was startled.
Sikong Xing was slim and slender, but she was also taller than average women. With her covering Meng Qi with her body, Wen He could only stretch his neck: "Meng Qi, will...will you save younger sister Lingfeng?" He asked cautiously.
Sikong Xing sneered, "Don't you know that we visited your younger sister Lingfeng two days ago. Your elder, a dignified Spirit Severing cultivator, actually grabbed Meng Qiqi and threw her to the wall because of the slightest disagreement!"
"This..." Wen He was also stunned. He muttered, "I don't know about this. It must be Xue Clan's elder who was too worried about younger sister Lingfeng. Brother Xue would definitely not sit back and watch Meng Qi get hurt!"
"And...aren't we friends?" He looked at Meng Qi, "Brother Xue has been complimenting you all the way, saying that you are smart and open-minded, pure-hearted and firm, and that we should learn from you more."
"Meng Qi, as a friend, as a healer, are you going to let someone die without lending a hand?" Wen He muttered.
"He'er!" At this moment, Wen Su and Xue Chuan walked into the room. Wen He's last remarks fell into their ears completely. Wen Su's face sank, and he sternly reprimanded his son, "What are you talking about?"
"Father." Wen He seemed a little dissatisfied, but he turned at his father and didn't retort.
Wen Su glanced at his son sternly. Seeing Wen He's stubborn face, he shook his head helplessly, and sighed: "Didn't I told you many times before? Although our Wen Clan's motto is 'saving the dying and healing the injured, never letting people die without lending a hand,' we can only use our motto to ourselves. You must never demand the same from others." After a pause, he slowly said again: "If Young Daoist Meng is willing to help, Feng Alliance is naturally grateful. But if she has some unknown difficulty and isn't willing to help, we cannot force her. Do you understand?"
"Yes." Wen He's face was still full of dissatisfaction. But in front of his father's authority, he still replied obediently: "This child understands."
Now, even Sikong Xing gradually figured out something was wrong.
"Young Daoist Meng must not take He'er's words to heart. Firstly, you are not our Feng Alliance people. Secondly, you are not even a member of the Medical Society Alliance. Although in the time of crisis, we have the right to mobilize all medical cultivators in Three Thousand Worlds, none of us will misuse our power to force others to help."
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Wen He gently said to Meng Qi, "As for saving Lingfeng, that is our Feng Alliance's responsibility. Young Daoist doesn't need to bear the slightest burden."
Sikong Xing glared intently without speaking a word, totally pissed off. She looked at Wen Su and Xue Chuan again, slowly blinking.
What were they doing? She clearly saw that Wen father and son, plus Cheng Xuan, were actually roasting Meng Qi on the fire.
First, Xue Chuan and Wen Su, the head of two large medical clans and the big figures in the Feng Alliance, greeted Meng Qi with high courtesy. Wen He, who appeared next, became a 'friend' and showed a close relationship with Meng Qi.
Su Junmo had told her before about Meng Qi's meeting with Xue Chengxuan, and also mentioned Wen He. How did Su Junmo describe their relationship? He clearly said that Meng Qi was not familiar with them. They first met in Fentian City and separated ways in Huajiang Manor after two days. Moreover, at that time, Xue Chengxuan and the others seemed to have a little misunderstanding with Meng Qi and were dissatisfied with her. Thus, their last attitude was rather cold.
But seeing Wen He's attitude now, it seemed that he and Meng Qi had been good friends for many years.
They...
Sikong Xing glanced at the pale girl on the bed.
She got it!
They wanted Meng Qi to detoxify Xue Lingfeng! But they didn't want to take the initiative to ask, because it would seem that Feng Alliance was begging Meng Qi.
The best way was, of course, having Meng Qi took the initiative to cure Xue Lingfeng.
And that Wen Su still said to not let Meng Qi bear the slightest burden?
Burden your fart!
Sikong Xing rolled her eyes in disdain.
No wonder her master repeatedly warned her to be careful before she departed to Three Thousand Worlds. Her master also told her that human cultivators were different than demon cultivators, especially celestial demons, who were already natural cultivators the moment they were born.
But humans were very smart. As a whole, their brain was far better than demons or devils. This was also the reason why Three Thousand Worlds could survive in the gap between the Demon Realm and Devil Realm. They gradually developed and grew, and finally, became an individual realm that could stand on their own feet.
Sikong Xing didn't understand the meaning of her Master's words before. But now, she understood thoroughly.
Such a small matter, isn't it easy to speak directly?
But they have to go around in such a circle!
During this time, it was more than enough time for Meng Qi to clearly explain about the Four Orders And Four Seasons Array, and let them cure Xue Lingfeng.
Sikong Xing snorted softly.
No way! She must remind Meng Qiqi not to fall into these people's traps. She must never let her suffer a loss!
She hates this kind of deceitful people the most!
Sikong Xing made up her mind. Anyway, she wasn't afraid to offend these Feng Alliance's bigwigs. She deliberately raised her voice and said: "Wen Clan Head is right. Miss Xue's life and death really have nothing to do with us. We are taking our leave now!" She took Meng Qi's hand: "Let's go, Meng Qiqi. You have been working hard these two days. Let's go back and have a good rest. Tomorrow the conference will start."
Finished speaking, Sikong Xing pulled Meng Qi and was about to take her away.
Wen Su's expression changed, and a trace of annoyance flashed in his eyes. But he quickly nodded with a smile, "Right, tomorrow is the first day of the Medical Cultivator Conference. Young Daoist Meng should take a good rest. This old man also looks forward to your performance in the tournament." He smiled and waved his hand, raising his sleeves slightly. "This old man and Brother Xue are both examiners in the tournament, and we also know the importance of this tournament to young medical cultivators, especially wandering cultivators. I should be more considerate and shouldn't disturb Young Daoist Meng today."
Wen Su smiled at Meng Qi, "Young Daoist should go back and rest earlier. Do not miss the tournament tomorrow."
Sikong Xing raised her eyebrows.
This old fart is truly despicable! He is clearly threatening Meng Qiqi!
Why were these people so annoying? On the surface, they behaved like benevolent immortals. But just for such a small thing, they acted so despicably.
Sikong Xing also knew that the Grand Tournament held during the Medical Cultivator Conference was a significant opportunity for the medical cultivators who had no sect or wanted to join a larger sect. One of the main reasons Meng Qi came to Xingluo City this time was also to participate in this tournament. However, Sikong Xing now didn't want Meng Qi to enter the Feng Alliance. She didn't want Meng Qi to be influenced by these people and became like them in the future.
She really didn't want it to happen!
Sikong Xing bit her lower lip lightly, hesitating. She turned to look at her good friend. Meng Qi's expression was totally indifferent. Except for the slight smile she showed in the beginning, she was never affected by their play at all.
She wasn't ignorant of this kind of method. Although cultivators had to cultivate their minds, Three Thousand Worlds had so many cultivators. Naturally, there were all kinds of them. Especially large sects like Feng Alliance, their insides were always more complicated.
Meng Qi looked at Sikong Xing's worried eyes and smiled. Although she understood why they did this, it didn't mean that she agreed with their way. "I can detoxify Miss Xue." Her voice was clear and cold, with a trace of alienation.
Wen He looked up at Meng Qi in amazement.
Wen Su and Xue Chuan's expressions remained unchanged, as if it didn't matter to them whether Meng Qi offered her help or not.
"Oh?" Wen Su even exclaimed with a concerned tone. "Although I am worried about Lingfeng, we will never force Young Daoist Meng. After all, tomorrow is the first day of the conference, and the Grand Tournament will officially start on the first day. Young Daoist should take a good rest."
"Father!" Wen He became anxious.
"Shut up." Wen Su coldly glared at his son, "We can't be so selfish. Do not just think of ourselves."
Sikong Xing wanted to throw up.
Meng Qi's expression remained calm. "Wen Clan Head doesn't need to be worried. I know my limit." Meng Qi said. "However, since I'm willing to detoxify Miss Xue..." She paused her words, seemingly pondering.
"Since Young Daoist insists, this old man naturally cannot persuade you anymore. Young Daoist can say anything you need. Our Feng Alliance will naturally provide you the best as we can." Wen Su was still smiling.
"I can detoxify Miss Xue, but my treatment fee isn't low." Meng Qi said calmly.
Wen Su and Xue Chuan seemed to be startled. The two looked at each other, and a trace of disdain flashed in their eyes.
Feng Alliance was a medical sect, and they naturally didn't heal people for free. Just, they didn't expect that this small Foundation Establishment cultivator would ask for spirit stones. If they knew she was so superficial, why should they bother going in such a big circle?
"Miss Xue is born noble. Her status is honorable, and the poison afflicted her is very tricky." Meng Qi's tone gradually became colder, "I want three thousand profound grade spirit stones."
"Profound grade? Three thousand?!" Wen He couldn't help but shout.
As the largest medical sect in the Western Realm, Feng Alliance was actually much richer than sword sects like Xingluo Pavilion or spell sects like Fentian Palace.
But what Meng Qi demanded were profound grade spirit stones!
Three thousands profound grade spirit stones. Even Wen He, a Wen Clan's direct descendant of who had never lacked spirit stones since childhood, was shocked!
With such wealth, in Beyond The Heaven's top-end Heaven Auction House, they could get a powerful heavenly treasure or a long-lost medicine formula!
Not to mention small sects, even some medium-sized sects who are eligible to participate in the Medical Cultivator Conference might have to extort all their sect's power and even needed to sell their treasured magic tools and weapons to barely produce so many profound grade spirit stones.
Meng Qi really dared to demand so high!
Wen He's eyes were slightly cold, and all the enthusiasm just now had disappeared. His dark eyes swept across Meng Qi, and he was quite disdainful in his heart. No wonder Brother Xue, who praised her quite a bit in Fentian City, never mentioned Meng Qi again after they parted ways in Huajiang Manor. This woman was truly cold-hearted and calculative. Not only that she had no compassion towards her senior sister, but she was also very greedy.
Really disdainful!
"...alright." There was also fleeting anger in Wen Su's eyes. He took a deep breath and slowly said, "But Young Daoist Meng has to ensure that you really can cure Lingfeng." His voice also turned cold. The smile on his face disappeared, and he stared sharply at Meng Qi. "Young Daoist Meng, can you guarantee?"
"I can." Meng Qi raised her eyebrows and replied with an equally cold voice.
Three thousands profound grade spirit stones. Any of the four major clans that formed the Feng Alliance definitely could pay this amount. It's just that Wen Su never expected that a small Foundation Establishment cultivator would actually be so arrogant, directly asking for profound grade spirit stones payment. He took another deep breath, went out, and whispered to the disciple guarding the door.
Someone with his identity naturally wouldn't carry too many spirit stones on his body.
Less than one incense stick of time, the disciple returned, bringing a brocade bag on both hands. He respectfully gave it to Wen Su.
"Give it to her." Wen Su raised his jaw slightly and nodded in Meng Qi's direction.
The disciple felt the coldness in the Clan Head's voice and quickly gave the bag to Meng Qi. When he retreated, he couldn't help raising his head and quickly glanced at Meng Qi.
The girl was beautiful. Her cultivation base was obviously lower than his own. But even in the face of Feng Alliance's two clan heads, whose cultivation was much higher than herself, she still remained calm and composed.
"All of you, please go out." Meng Qi said.
"Hmph!" Wen He snorted coldly. He turned and strode towards the door.
Wen Su flicked his robe and followed his son out.
Xue Chuan was the last. Before he turned and left, he gave Meng Qi a deep look. The imposing Xue Clan Head paused slightly, and said with a flat tone: "This old man originally wanted to say that since my son admires Young Daoist Meng so much, regardless of how your result in the Grand Tournament is, I can still speak a word in the Feng Alliance to give you a place." He paused for a moment. "But it seems that Young Daoist Meng is pretty thoughtful and very confident of your ability. You certainly don't need this old man's help." Finished speaking, Xue Chuan walked out without looking back.
The door closed with a squeak. Sikong Xing let out a sigh, "Meng Qiqi, I thought those two despicable old men are going to hit you."
"They won't." Meng Qi smiled.
"How do you know?" Sikong Xing looked at her curiously, "Could it be that they are really cannot detoxify Xue Lingfeng's poison? But they obviously only have to..." Sikong Xing suddenly clasped her hand on her mouth. Her bright eyes widened. She blinked several times at Meng Qi. Her meaning was clear.
"They didn't ask Sect Leader Shen?" Sikong Xing became even more puzzled. "Li Che's poison has been solved. They can go and ask Sect Leader Shen, no?"
"They won't." Meng Qi said calmly. "Among all medical sects in Three Thousand Worlds, Canglang Academy isn't even ranked high, while Feng Alliance is one of the largest. They won't ask for help from a sect they look down." Meng Qi paused for a while. "Sect Leader Shen is a low-key person. He won't spread news needlessly, let alone taking the initiative to come without any reason. Probably Feng Alliance people still don't even know that Li Che's poison has been cured."
Sikong Xing "..."
It was rare for her to be this speechless.
"Then Meng Qiqi, they really cannot solve Xue Lingfeng's poison by themselves?"
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