Martial Arts Showdown: My Wife Asked Me to Be the Champion

Chapter 70 Miao Jiang Gu Techniques, Angry Dragon Divine Physician, Mysteries of Fate

Chapter 70 Miao Jiang Gu Techniques, Angry Dragon Divine Physician, Mysteries of Fate

"Ling Su, is something strange going on?"

"I think—I think—I should do some more verification, something just doesn't feel right!"

"Don't worry, no matter what happens, no matter how unbelievable the final result is, you can tell me directly. I trust you completely."

"Don't make it sound like a life-or-death situation. I just think the poisoning technique is a bit unusual. It doesn't seem to be a common technique in the Central Plains, or even a poison at all—"

"If it's not poison, then what is it?"

"It's like poison but not poison, like Gu but not Gu. I remember my master saying that deep in the Miao region, there's a unique technique that combines poison and Gu, called—Witchcraft!"

At this point, Cheng Lingsu felt a little regretful.

She was the disciple of the Poisonous Medicine King in his later years. At this time, the Poisonous Medicine King had transformed all his violence into compassion. The skills he taught Cheng Lingsu and the true teachings he left her were all methods of healing and saving lives.

Although the "Medicine King's Divine Manual" contains methods for cultivating poisonous flowers and herbs, each profession has its own expertise. The Poison Hand Medicine King is skilled in plant-based poisons, but only has a superficial understanding of poisonous insects, poisonous beasts, and Gu techniques, and has only studied antidote prescriptions.

as big as World, nothing is nonexistent.

No matter how powerful the Poison Hand Medicine King was, it was impossible for him to travel thousands of miles south to witness the witchcraft and sorcery of the Miao region firsthand. He could only send his disciples to the Miao region to study the properties of the sorcery and its ingredients.

The disciple who went to Miao territory was Hu Qingniu.

Hu Qingniu lived up to his master's expectations and even developed an antidote for the Miao people's most powerful Gu technique, "Golden Silkworm Gu." However, at the same time, he accidentally saved a hypocritical and sanctimonious man, indirectly causing the death of his younger sister.

This incident caused Hu Qingniu to have doubts about "medical ethics." He wondered, "Should I treat someone who has collapsed from poisoning? What if I treat a bad person? If that bad person commits murder and arson, am I also responsible?"

I'm not a constable, I don't have superhuman eyesight, I'm just a doctor, how can I tell good from bad?

Are all handsome people good people?

Are people from prestigious and upright families necessarily virtuous gentlemen?

Was it right or wrong of me to save people?

Hu Qingniu handed over the Gu-techniques and medical texts he had studied in Miao territory to the Poison Hand Medicine King to repay his master's kindness in teaching him. He then left the sect with his wife and went into seclusion in Butterfly Valley.

It can only be said that the Poison Hand Medicine King was very good at teaching and imparting knowledge. His disciples each had their own strengths, but he only taught his disciples academic subjects and nothing else, which led to more or less psychological problems among his disciples.

Of course, this is not the fault of the Poison Hand Medicine King.

The Poisonous Medicine King's mental illness was more severe.

Hu Qingniu's mental illness will only lead to internal strife. If the Poison Hand Medicine King's mental illness were to erupt and he were to become engulfed in resentment, given his mastery of poisons, he could very well be able to poison people for miles around.

Cheng Lingsu briefly explained the past of her sect, and then said, "Brother Xu, take me around Master Zhao's house. I might be able to find some clues, especially the places Master Zhao frequented before he was poisoned."

Zhao Banshan led a very regular life.

I get up when the sun is high in the sky, eat a big meal, go to the study to handle official business, eat a big meal, go to the training room to practice martial arts, eat a big meal, go to a meeting with the Tai Chi Master, eat a big meal, meditate and practice breathing exercises, eat a big meal, and then sleep until the sun is high in the sky.

Five meals a day, without missing a single one.

Basically, it's a "four-point line".

Bedroom, dining room, study, practice room.

Checking these four places is enough.

Xu Qingya had Zhao Banshan's steward lead the way. Cheng Lingsu, carrying silver needles, gold needles, and a silver knife, examined the toxins at the base of the wall and on the lampstand. Xu Qingya thought to himself that Cheng Lingsu was indeed a professional. Even if the Four Great Constables were to do these things, they would probably do them terribly.

"Brother Xu, take a look at this!"

Cheng Lingsu stirred the oil in the study lamp a few times with a spoon, picked up some lamp oil, and heated it under a fire poker. Red crystals precipitated out of the spoon.

"Ling Su, what is this?"

"This is called Red Scorpion Powder. In Miao territory, there is a special kind of venomous scorpion called Spotted Scorpion. If you feed it medicine during the breeding process, the medicinal properties can be passed down to the next generation, up to eight or nine generations."

If fed the antidote, the spotted scorpion will develop resistance to it. What is meant to be an antidote will instead become a catalyst for the scorpion's venom. If fed the poison, the poison will manifest its properties in the scorpion's venom. The poison's transmission time is relatively short, at most three or four generations.

The carcass of the spotted scorpion is dried, crushed, and mixed with several herbs to make red scorpion powder.

My master once prepared some red scorpion powder. He fed the spotted scorpion fire poison, preserving the medicinal properties of the fire poison. When applied to my clothes, strangers who touched my clothes would feel a burning pain, as if they were being stabbed by thousands of needles.

If I'm not mistaken, the person who poisoned the lamp oil first used Gelsemium elegans to cultivate spotted scorpions, then prepared red scorpion powder, which was then fed to a Gu worm made from a gecko. The Gu worm crawled onto the wall and poisoned the lamp oil through its urine.

Toxins enter the mouth and nose with the smoke.

Gelsemium elegans doesn't cause unconsciousness, but when combined with red scorpion powder and poisonous gecko, it can render someone powerless.

Zhao Sanye was lucky; the old doctor used medicine to clear heat and detoxify, and didn't prescribe medicine haphazardly. If he had only used medicine to treat the intestinal rupture herb, it would have been troublesome!

This method of poisoning is extremely covert and difficult for ordinary people to defend against. My senior sister told me about it once before.

My senior sister said that there are two types of Gu worms.

One type is inanimate objects, which are no different from ordinary poisons.

One type is the living Gu, which retains its biological nature and is connected to its master's mind. It is called the "Life-Bound Spirit Gu" and lives and dies with its master. Only Miao priests, divine servants, and high priests are qualified to refine living Gu. They must feed the Gu worms with their blood and sweat, and each person can only refine one.

The most superior live Gu is the toad, which is rarely seen even once every few hundred years. It is also known as the "Toad Treasure". Whoever can refine the Toad Treasure is the Gu God of Miao Jiang.

Following the toad are silkworms. The vast majority of silkworms are not poisonous and are not suitable for refining Gu worms. However, the Ice Silkworm, Heavenly Silkworm, and Golden Silkworm produced by the mutation of silkworms are rare and poisonous insects, and are also rarely seen in a hundred years.

Further on are venomous creatures such as scorpions, snakes, spiders, and centipedes. Geckos are used very rarely because they are not considered one of the five poisonous creatures in the Miao poison system.

The "Five Poisons of the Central Plains" refers to five poisonous creatures that can be used as medicine: toad, scorpion, spider, venomous snake, and gecko.

The "Five Poisons of Miao Region" refers to five poisonous creatures suitable for refining Gu worms: toad, scorpion, spider, venomous snake, and centipede.

Even my senior sister has never seen a living Gu made from a gecko. I wonder who made it!

When talking about her professional skills, Cheng Lingsu spoke with poise and confidence, her slender frame exuding an indescribable air of authority that was dazzling to behold.

Xu Qingya listened with delight: "Ling Su, it was the right decision to invite you. If it weren't for Ling Su here, my good friend would probably have been in grave danger."

"Brother Xu, what are you saying? It's my duty to treat the sick and save lives. I'll go and brew medicine for Master Zhao. As for things like finding the murderer, we need Brother Xu's help."

"Don't worry, the killer won't get away!"

Xu Qingya doesn't know who the murderer is, but as soon as Zhao Banshan wakes up, the murderer will strike again.

Cheng Lingsu's medicine is very effective.

During lunch, Zhao Banshan woke up and listened to the housekeeper recount the events of the past two days. He learned that Xu Qingya, despite his serious injuries, had traveled a long distance to find a doctor, covering a distance of over a thousand miles in just two or three days. He was moved to tears.

"Brother Xu, I have nothing more to say! You saved my life. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. If I hesitate, may I be struck by lightning, forsaken by gods and men, and condemned to the deepest hell, never to be reborn!"

"Brother Zhao, you're too kind. It's the least I can do! You should recover first, and I'll help you find the killer!"

"The murderer—oh—"

"Does the guy know who the killer is?"

"I can guess some of it. I've stumbled upon something. I know too much."

Zhao Banshan let out a long sigh.

"Brother, let's go to the study to talk this over!"

Xu Qingya helped Zhao Banshan to the study.

Zhao Banshan took a sip of hot tea and sighed, "If we travel south from Jingzhou at full speed, we can reach Dongting Lake in less than a day. Dongting is the territory of the Nujiao Gang, and in recent years, the Nujiao Gang has often had the intention to move north."

Ling Zhantian planted many spies in Jiangling.

These spies run various shops and are all normal business people. Wudang only seeks incense offerings and not territory, so there is no conflict between them and they often cooperate.

Just a few days ago, I happened to see Doctor Chang of the Angry Dragon Gang go to a brothel in the west of the city while he was out buying medicine. It was nothing unusual, so I took the initiative to go up and chat with him, and even helped him choose two courtesans.

Flattering the miracle doctor is definitely a win-win situation!

Then I suffered a great loss.

I am both greedy and lazy, and I can't resist my cravings. I have some health problems. A few days ago, Dr. Chang took the initiative to come to my home to diagnose me and prescribed some medicines for me.

The diagnosis and prescription were all normal.

I thought I'd hit the jackpot.

Unexpectedly, alas! It's impossible to guard against such a thing!

Xu Qingya asked, "Brother, when you were choosing the courtesan for that Doctor Chang, did you say anything you shouldn't have? Repeat what you said."

Zhao Banshan scratched the back of his head: "I was just being polite, teasing him about his youthful spirit despite his age. It's all the usual stuff about going to brothels for pleasure. Brother—you're a man of integrity, I doubt you've ever heard of that!"

Zhao Banshan suddenly remembered that Xu Qingya was still a virgin and had obviously never been to a brothel.

After a moment's recollection, I repeated what I had said.

————Memory Divider————

The faint sound of string and wind instruments could be heard at the entrance of the brothel. Just as Doctor Chang was about to leave, he was spotted by Zhao Banshan.

Zhao Banshan greeted him warmly.

"Dr. Chang! What a coincidence!"

You are truly in good health. After a long day of hard work, you still have the leisure to come upstairs and listen to music.

Hey buddy! Get my friend a jar of Dukang wine, and then go invite the two courtesans, Liuyun and Zuiyue, to keep him company!

"Dr. Chang, you don't know, two courtesans just arrived from Miao territory. Their figures, their tiny waists—when they do the bamboo pole dance, it makes everyone's body go numb!"

Doctor Chang forced a smile.

"Master Zhao, you're joking. I'm just looking for a quiet place to prepare medicine. Please don't be ridiculous."

Zhao Banshan winked and grinned, giving him a knowing look: "Hey! We're all men! What's so hard about saying this? It's just human nature!"

Doctor Chang, if you ask me, you are the one who truly understands the way of life and the destiny of all! Those old Taoist priests on Wudang Mountain, all they do is mutter and divine all day long, what do they know about destiny?

I was even more unlucky. I couldn't endure hardship or resist my cravings. My fellow disciples were celibate, while I ate at least five meals a day, each one a feast of meat and fish.

My master was furious and banished me from the mountain, leaving me trapped in the southern part of Wudang Mountain all day long.

Doctor Chang's fingers suddenly tightened around the wine glass, and his smile froze. He had thought Zhao Banshan was there to flatter him and offer benefits, but he hadn't expected that this guy's words had a hidden meaning!

"What does Master Zhao mean by that?"

Doctor Chang tentatively asked a question.

Doctor Chang was known for his eccentric personality and often made sarcastic remarks. Zhao Banshan, oblivious to this, continued to flatter him: "When it comes to health and happiness, you have to look to a master like you! I've heard there's a secret medicine in Miao territory that can give you a good night's sleep—hehe! You understand?"

Doctor Chang stood up and interrupted, "Third Master Zhao's words today have a hidden meaning! How about this! I have some knowledge of Miao medicine, and I'll prescribe a dose for you in a few days."

Zhao Banshan laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Then thank you very much, Doctor Chang! A man can be careless about other things, but absolutely not about this. I'm so old, and I don't even have a wife. People will laugh at me if they find out!"

Doctor Chang smiled and said, "Third Master Zhao, I'll give you a physical examination tomorrow, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Zhao Banshan laughed and said, "Thank you, thank you! I can't enjoy this 300-pound belly of mine for many more years without the help of the divine doctor. Come here, put the expenses for the divine doctor on my tab, and bring out all your good stuff, all kinds of delicacies and century-old wines!"

————End of flashback————

Zhao Banshan looked aggrieved: "Now that I think about it, it must have been me mentioning the words 'Miao Region' that made Doctor Chang think I had seen through his true nature. My God! How would I know any of that! I was just flattering him!"

I have absolutely no idea what hidden identity Dr. Chang has or what earth-shattering secrets he's hiding!

Brother Xu, what do you think of me—”

"I think you're the one who's old in years but young at heart! What were you doing going to a brothel if you had nothing better to do? You deserve it!"

"Brother! You've misunderstood me! I'm a glutton and not interested in women. I'm just going for some desserts! Miss Shu Han's desserts are unmatched within a three-hundred-mile radius."

"Would you like some snacks?"

"You don't think that brothels are only for pleasure with pipes and flutes, do you? The top courtesans in brothels usually have a few signature dishes to increase their value, so that they can make a living with them when they get old and faded."

"For example?"

"Shu Han, the young lady of Xinghualou in the west of the city, is skilled at making Songyu Lily Pastry; Yao Qin, the young lady of Baihualou in the east of the city, is skilled at making Braised Pork Knuckle and Braised Pig Trotters; and Haitang, the young lady of Yihongyuan in the south of the city, is skilled at making Sweet and Sour Fish Slices."

Zhao Banshan rattled off the signature dishes of every brothel and courtesan within a 300-mile radius, as if reciting a menu. Judging from his expression, he seemed ready to critique each dish. Despite his lack of culinary skills, he could write over a dozen encyclopedias of food appreciation.

Zhao Banshan said smugly, "Brother Xu, within a radius of three hundred miles, you can name any restaurant or eatery, and I can tell you their signature dishes. Just by walking around the kitchen, I can guess which chef it is."

My greatest pleasure in life is satisfying my appetite.

"I can give up martial arts, I can forgo power, and I care nothing for gold and silver; the only thing I absolutely cannot miss is fine food and wine—I'm a glutton!"

Xu Qingya joked, "Being born a Taotie is better than being born a Pixiu, brother. After saying so much, have you thought about one thing? The most important thing about what you said earlier wasn't Miao territory, but the word 'destiny'!"

"Are you referring to the Heavenly Mandate Sect, brother?"

"What's so great about Miao territory? With that Divine Physician Chang's medical skills, even if someone is a traitor to Miao territory, Shangguan Fei can protect him. Miao territory is a disorganized mess; who would offend the Angry Dragon Gang for the sake of a mere doctor?"

"The Heavenly Mandate Cult? This is troublesome!"

"It's not difficult!"

"Brother, you may not know this, but the Heavenly Mandate Sect is most skilled in the art of the bedroom. They have infiltrated the private quarters of countless high-ranking officials, nobles, and princes. Their whispers in the pillow can, at best, lead to the destruction of families and the death of their members, and at worst, turn the world upside down."

"A world that can be turned upside down by pillow talk is not worth my time! As long as I stay true to myself, no matter what temptations I face, they are nothing but fleeting clouds."

"The Heavenly Mandate Cult also has men—"

"I have no interest in that kind of thing!"

Xu Qingya looked at Zhao Banshan seriously.

Having been the leader for so many years, can't you change your habit of speaking without thinking? Has no one ever criticized you?

In fact, there really isn't!

Zhao Banshan was very popular. He was generous and magnanimous, and he was willing to spend money. Some of his unintentional remarks were just laughed off and rarely taken to heart.

After all, Zhao Banshan wasn't Bao Butong, he wasn't deliberately looking for someone to argue with, and he often treated people to meals, so he could arrange a table for even the pickiest eaters.

Zhao Banshan explained, "The honey trap isn't just about what happens in bed. For example, when you're wandering the martial arts world, you meet a chivalrous hero."

This man is generous and magnanimous, and has saved your life many times. You and he cherish each other deeply. On a sunny afternoon, you became sworn brothers, vowing not to be born on the same day, month, and year, but to die on the same day, month, and year.

What if he's a spy for the Heavenly Mandate Cult?

Would you be wary of him?

The psychological warfare tactics of the Heavenly Mandate Sect are impossible to defend against.

I've heard a rumor that Li Xunhuan, the Flying Dagger Master, was driven to despair by this very tactic.

Brother, you really need to be careful!

Xu Qingya pointed to himself: "Brother Zhao, don't you think what you just said fits my criteria? I'm a Destiny Agent?"

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