Chapter 128: Afflicted by a Strange Poison

Swallow the Gu poison? Is this demand not a bit too excessive?

Upon hearing the Gu shaman’s words, everyone’s expression shifted, a chill running through their hearts. They stared at the shaman, wondering if this was some kind of sick joke. Gu poison was a terrifying existence that made people pale at the mere mention of it; to be forced to ingest it was far more daunting than consuming any ordinary lethal toxin.

Jiang Ziyang shook his head violently, his voice sinking as he said, "Shaman Miaoba, your demands are too extreme. We only wish to meet with the chieftain, yet you demand we ingest Gu! Is this how you treat your guests at Fotian Peak?"

Ouyang Yunfeng stood up as well. Everyone understood that Gu poison was not to be trifled with. He stated clearly, "Are you afraid that we might pose a threat to the chieftain? If that is your concern, surely it would suffice for only a few of us to go and see him?"

The other martial artists present echoed this sentiment. If the shamans were truly worried, they could send a representative. They trusted Ouyang Yunfeng’s sense of justice and were prepared to support him.

Shaman Miaoba appeared completely unmoved by either their threats or their attempts at diplomacy. He replied bluntly, "No! Everyone here must ingest the Gu poison if you wish to see the chieftain. Do not worry about your safety; our Gu are very obedient. As long as you do not harm our people and coexist peacefully with everyone in the settlement, we will certainly release you from the effects."

This statement only made it clearer that the Gu planted within them was indeed dangerous.

"We are not bloodthirsty demons; why would we harm your people? Is forcing us to take this poison simply a way to force us into your service?" Even Jiu Yanyue, a young lady of her stature, realized the situation was far from simple.

The one-armed shaman suddenly slammed his hand against his seat and stood up, venting his pent-up rage. "More than three years ago, another outsider came here bearing the Thunder Meridian. We trusted her and gave her no Gu, and in the end, over a dozen of our people died! How can you expect us to trust anyone now?"

Miaoba added sternly, "Either you agree, or you may leave! We will not see you out."

The atmosphere in the hall turned delicate. Su Ye curled his lip; if he guessed correctly, the person who had brought the Thunder Meridian three years ago must have been Luo Gui, Yu Zhisha’s grandmother. He never expected that the enemy he was looking for would be right here.

"Su Ye, come here and listen to me..." Ouyang Yunfeng’s gaze tightened. He pulled Su Ye aside and whispered, "These Gu shamans are exceptionally suspicious. Do not expose your connection to Yu Zhisha now, or we will never get the chance to find Thunder City."

Su Ye understood his meaning. If he were to shout that Yu Zhisha was the granddaughter of that old woman from three years ago, the shamans would surely seek revenge. While that would certainly lead to a miserable fate for Yu Zhisha, it was highly likely that the tribal people would simply drive all the outsiders away, regardless of their individual identities. Knowing the importance of the bigger picture, Su Ye whispered, "Don't worry. I'll take her life after we find Thunder City."

Ouyang Yunfeng looked at Su Ye with surprise, not expecting him to agree so readily.

***

Over there, Ye Lingyun was the first to step forward. Tall and imposing, his mere presence drew the attention of the crowd. He spoke in a clear, resonant voice: "Fine! It is just Gu poison; we agree! But you Miao people..." His gaze turned sharp, carrying an air of superiority. "If you dare to play any tricks, I, Ye Lingyun, will make sure you learn that my methods are a thousand times more ruthless than your Gu poison!"

The one-armed shaman was incensed. "Are you threatening us? How dare you disrespect our shamans—do you have a death wish?"

"Hahaha, what kind of person do you think I am, to fear your Gu? If you were truly capable, you would have left these mountains long ago instead of hiding here," Ye Lingyun retorted, showing no fear of their techniques.

Miaoba raised a hand to stop the argument. He scanned the room and said, "If you agree, then follow me!"

Jiang Ziyang glanced at Ouyang Yunfeng and Su Ye. Seeing no objection, and realizing there was no other way—without the chieftain’s help, they would never find Thunder City safely—he said, "Fine, we agree. Let's go!" He led the group out of the hall.

Su Ye followed along. To his surprise, Jiu Yanyue slowed her pace to walk beside him. She looked at him reproachfully and whispered, "Su Ye, didn't you promise me at the artifact market that you wouldn't go against Brother Lingyun? You are clearly targeting him."

A surge of irritation rose within Su Ye. He gritted his teeth and said, "It was Yu Zhisha and he who provoked me first. Can you not see that? You don't need to involve yourself in my affairs anymore!"

"Su Ye, what are you saying? You are my savior; of course, I don't want to see you in conflict with Brother Lingyun. Do you know how hard it is for me to be caught in the middle? I thought as good friends, you would show some restraint for my sake. Why must you argue with him? If he weren't so upright and magnanimous, someone else with his power would have already dealt with you."

"Haha, 'upright and magnanimous'?" Su Ye shook his head, unwilling to respond.

"I know many people speak ill of him, but look at how he stood by Yu Zhisha even after she fell into misfortune. He is dedicated to restoring her cultivation. Is that not upright?" Jiu Yanyue’s gaze was fixed adoringly on Ye Lingyun’s back.

Just then, Ye Lingyun turned around and called out in a magnetic voice, "Yueyue, come here! Follow me!"

"Coming, Brother Lingyun!" With a joyful expression, Jiu Yanyue hurried to catch up.

Su Ye sighed heavily. Perhaps he shouldn't have accepted her help at the market. What he couldn't understand was how so many women could fall for Ye Lingyun's sweet talk despite the rumors. Still, he had to admit that personal grievances aside, Ye Lingyun was a formidable and capable individual. Such a person was the most difficult to deal with. He realized that if he didn't kill Ye Lingyun now, the man would eventually grow to a height he could no longer shake. As long as a ruthless character like this lived, he would continue to grow at a terrifying pace.

***

Guided by Shaman Miaoba, the group left the courtyard, walked along a stone path, crossed a crystal-clear stream, and arrived at a large clearing in front of the mountain.

In the distance, at the foot of the mountain, stood a house. Seeing the strange totem plaque planted in front of it, everyone guessed it was the chieftain’s residence. Su Ye was stunned. Weren't they supposed to be fed the poison? Why were they being brought directly to the chieftain?

"My friends..." Miaoba smiled, a look of piety on his face. "Since you were all willing to ingest the Gu, it proves you have no ill intent toward us, and thus, you are our friends! We will not poison our friends. Rest assured!"

What?

The martial artists let out a collective gasp. It was just a test? They didn't actually have to take the poison? A wave of relief and cheers broke out; no one wanted their lives controlled by shamans.

"Hahaha, that's wonderful! It was just a test!"
"Indeed, we are forever friends with the Miao people! We owe this to Ye Lingyun’s quick thinking!"

Many began to shower praises on both the shamans and Ye Lingyun. Ye Lingyun laughed modestly, acting as if it were a trivial matter. "Everyone, thank you for your trust in following me. It is nothing; let us wait for the chieftain to emerge."

Just then, the doors of the house creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped out.

As Su Ye looked at the old man, he suddenly felt a slight sting in his feet, as if something had burrowed into his soles from the ground. In a flash of insight, his heart trembled:

*No—we’ve been poisoned!*