Chapter 126: Poisoned by Gu

Jiangnan swiftly steps forward, crouches, and places his finger on Zhou Hexuan's pulse.

A stream of true Qi follows his fingertip, flowing into Zhou Hexuan's body.

After a moment, Jiangnan's brows knit tightly.

He pulls a row of Silver Needles from his chest, flicks his wrist, and several needles fly out, striking the vital points on Zhou Hexuan's body with perfect accuracy.

As the Silver Needles enter, Zhou Hexuan's convulsions gradually cease.

His complexion remains pale, but his breathing steadies considerably.

"Huh……"

Jiangnan exhales lightly and withdraws the Silver Needles.

Zhou Hexuan slowly opens his eyes.

In his sight is Jiangnan's cold, austere face.

He struggles to sit up, but feels his whole body weak, as if his bones were falling apart.

"You're awake?"

Jiangnan's voice is indifferent, revealing no joy or anger.

Zhou Hexuan's heart trembles, fear and guilt intertwining.

He recalls being bribed by a mysterious person, intending to harm his elder brother, only to end up like this.

"I……"

Zhou Hexuan parts his mouth, his throat dry, unable to speak.

He lowers his head, daring not to meet Jiangnan's eyes.

"You've been subjected to a Gu."

Jiangnan speaks, breaking the silence.

"This Gu's poison is fierce; had I not sealed several of your vital points with Silver Needles in time, you would already be a corpse."

Zhou Hexuan jerks his head up, eyes filled with terror.

"Gu?"

His voice is hoarse, tinged with a tremor.

"Who… who wants to harm me?"

Jiangnan gives no answer, merely watches him quietly.

That gaze is like an abyss, seeming to perceive everything.

Zhou Hexuan feels a chill in his heart, a coldness rushing from his feet to the top of his head.

He knows that before Jiangnan, he has no secrets left.

"I have only temporarily suppressed the Gu Poison inside you."

Jiangnan continues speaking.

"To cure it completely, we must find the Five-colored Spirit Stone."

"Five-colored Spirit Stone?"

Zhou Hexuan repeats, his voice carrying a hint of doubt.

He lifts his head, looking at Jiangnan.

That already pale face now appears even more feeble.

"You… know this thing?"

Jiangnan gives no reply, only watches Zhou Hexuan silently.

That gaze, deep as the sea, seems able to read the heart.

Zhou Hexuan feels his heart hair rise under that stare, involuntarily averting his gaze.

He lowers his head, fingers tightly clutching his robe's edge, knuckles whitening.

"I… I think I've heard of it…"

Zhou Hexuan's voice is soft, tinged with uncertainty.

"Where?"

Jiangnan presses, his voice low, bearing unquestionable authority.

Zhou Hexuan's body trembles, as if pressed by an invisible force.

He draws a deep breath, seeming to make up his mind.

"In… in Nanjiang…"

Zhou Hexuan speaks hoarsely, each word seeming to be forced from deep within his throat.

"Southern Frontier Gu Tribe…"

His eyes flicker, as if recalling something terrifying.

"The Five-colored Spirit Stone… is right there…"

Jiangnan's brows tighten slightly; the Southern Frontier Gu Tribe, he has heard of it.

It is a mysterious, ancient clan, dwelling for generations in the Ten‑thousand Great Mountains of Nanjiang, masterful in Gu Technique, acting strangely, and rarely interacting with the outside world.

"Are you sure?"

Jiangnan's voice is icy, with a hint of doubt.

"I… I am sure…"

Zhou Hexuan nods forcefully, his eyes showing a plea.

"I once… went there…"

He seems lost in memory, his complexion growing even paler.

"It's a… very terrifying place…"

Jiangnan said nothing, merely listening quietly.

He knew that Zhou Hexuan was not lying.

"The Southern Frontier Gu Tribe operates in a cryptic manner; outsiders can hardly trace their whereabouts."

Zhou Hexuan continued, his voice tinged with a hint of apprehension.

"Moreover, they… they are extremely xenophobic…"

He lifted his head, gazing at Jiangnan, a flash of complex emotion passing through his eyes.

"You… you want to find the Five-colored Spirit Stone; I'm afraid… it won't be easy…"

Jiangnan was silent for a moment, then spoke.

"Do you have a way?"

Zhou Hexuan was startled, then a spark of joy flashed in his eyes.

"I… I can take you there!"

He was eager, as if clutching a lifeline.

"I have some contacts in Nan Ye Zhou; perhaps… perhaps I can help you…"

Jiangnan's gaze burned like a torch, fixed tightly on Zhou Hexuan.

He seemed to be judging the truth of those words.

After a moment, Jiangnan spoke.

"Fine, you lead the way."

Upon hearing that, Zhou Hexuan let out a sigh of relief.

He struggled to rise, but felt his whole body weak, nearly falling again.

Jiangnan reached out, supporting him, a surge of true Qi flowing into Zhou Hexuan's body.

Zhou Hexuan felt a warm current surge through his body, and his previously feeble form instantly regained some strength.

"Thank you…"

Zhou Hexuan looked at Jiangnan gratefully, his eyes full of complex emotions.

He knew that his life was, for now, saved.

"Jiangnan, do you really… trust him?"

Xia Yurou, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke.

She gripped Jiangnan's hand tightly, her palm already slick with sweat.

She looked at Jiangnan, her eyes full of worry.

"He… after all, he is…"

Xia Yurou hesitated, not finishing her sentence.

She knew that Zhou Hexuan had previously plotted against Zhou Laoyezi; a person like that is truly hard to trust.

Jiangnan lightly patted Xia Yurou's hand back, indicating she should be at ease.

"It doesn't matter."

His voice was calm, revealing no emotional fluctuation.

"I have my own discretion."

Xia Yurou still wanted to say something, but seeing Jiangnan's resolute gaze, she ultimately swallowed her words.

She knew that Jiangnan always acted with his own considerations.

She only needed to trust him.

"Zhou Hexuan, you'd better not play any tricks."

Jiangnan's gaze shifted to Zhou Hexuan, his voice icy.

"Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences yourself."

Zhou Hexuan's body trembled, and he quickly shook his head.

"No… I don't dare…"

His voice quivered, his eyes full of fear.

He knew that before Jiangnan, he had no ability to resist.

"If that's the case, then let's go."

Jiangnan spoke, his tone indifferent.

"There's no time to waste; we set out now."

Zhou Hexuan, hearing that, quickly nodded.

"Fine… fine… I… I'll arrange it right away…"

He struggled to rise, his steps unsteady, and walked outward.

"Wait."

Jiangnan suddenly spoke, calling Zhou Hexuan back.

Zhou Hexuan's body stiffened, he turned slowly, a smile more awkward than a cry forced onto his face.

"Anything… any other instructions…"

Jiangnan said nothing, merely watching him quietly.

That gaze, like two sharp swords, pierced straight into Zhou Hexuan's heart.

Zhou Hexuan felt a chill surge from his feet to the top of his head, his hair standing on end.

He forced down the urge to flee, standing still, awaiting Jiangnan's decree.

A moment later, Jiangnan spoke.

"The Gu Poison in your body is temporarily suppressed by me, but not completely eradicated."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"If you want to stay alive, you must find the Five-colored Spirit Stone as soon as possible."

Zhou Hexuan heard this and his complexion changed.

Zhou Hexuan knows that Jiangnan is warning him.

"I... I know..."

Zhou Hexuan quickly nodded, his voice trembling.

"I will... cooperate with all my strength..."

Jiangnan said nothing more, just waved his hand, indicating that he could leave.

Zhou Hexuan, as if granted a pardon, hurriedly turned around and staggered out, running away.

…