Chapter 496: Chapter 496

Outside the Heavenly Secret Realm.

Several streaks of light descended from the sky.

"Brother Lin, say something, don’t scare us ."

Qin Yang paced anxiously, wondering how the trio, who were unbeatable thanks to their shared fortune, could end up in such a predicament here.

Xiang Fei snarled at Qin Yang, making him shrink back and fall silent. Xiang Fei grasped Lin Fan’s wrist to assess his condition, discovering a terrifying aura raging through his body. Merely attempting to channel Mana inside resulted in it being ruthlessly consumed.

Qin Yang asked worriedly, "What’s the situation?"

"Not good," Xiang Fei replied solemnly. Ordinary afflictions might elude treatment, but he’d at least be able to discern the root cause.

Lin Fan’s case defied even initial comprehension.

Without understanding the fundamental problem, how could resolution be possible?

Luo Fairy suggested, "If the situation is dire, why not take him to my clan? With our elders’ expertise, surely they can uncover what’s wrong with Brother Lin."

"Thank you for your kindness, Luo Fairy, but there’s no need. We will find our own way to save him. If there’s nothing else, Luo Fairy, I must ask you to depart," Xiang Fei responded. Read complete version only at Nov3lFɪre.ɴet

Qin Yang had been about to suggest they heed Luo Fairy’s good-hearted offer, but upon catching Xiang Fei’s sharp gaze, he held his tongue.

We’ll follow your lead.

Understanding Xiang Fei’s intent, Luo Fairy said, "Very well, I shall take my leave. Here is our clan’s life-saving elixir; hopefully, it can help him."

She produced a small jade bottle and set it on the ground.

She had already witnessed the perils of the Heavenly Secret Realm.

Joining others in venturing deeper inside...

...one might never return.

Luo Fairy, practical by nature, realized that Xiang Fei’s words gently urged her departure. To express goodwill, she left behind the healing elixir.

"Thank you, Luo Fairy. Your kindness will not be forgotten," Xiang Fei said with cupped fists.

After casting one last glance at Lin Fan, Luo Fairy transformed into a streak of light and departed.

"Brother Han, we seem to be in rather dire straits here and cannot proceed together. Best if you return as well," Xiang Fei said.

Han Li replied, "Brother Xiang, this situation with Brother Lin happened because of us. Why not come with me to Yin Immortal Mountain? I’m certain the elders there will find a way to save him."

"Thank you for your generosity, Brother Han. I plan to bring him to Brother Qin’s family next. If even they cannot help, then few in this world likely can," Xiang Fei said.

Han Li cupped his fists and departed. He wasn’t a fool; Xiang Fei’s words hinted at mistrust.

Ultimately, suspicion lingered.

After everyone had left...

Qin Yang said, "Brother Xiang, why send them all away? Their clans are powerful enough; if they’re willing to help, surely a solution will be found."

"Brother Qin, are you truly naive, or just pretending? How long have we known them? How much do we understand about them? Lin Fan’s condition is dire. If we rashly take him to various factions, and problems arise, do you think the two of us can protect him?" Xiang Fei replied.

"Hmm, makes sense," Qin Yang nodded. It was true; their constant teasing of Luo Fairy might backfire and lead them into a trap within her clan, making escape nearly impossible.

The same held true for Yin Immortal Mountain.

Their courtesy was palpable...

...but that couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t harbor malicious intent upon seeing Lin Fan’s condition.

Indeed, caution was necessary.

Qin Yang asked, "Then what now? We can’t just do nothing, can we?"

"Of course not. From what I know, the Northern Desolation has a Medicine Immortal living in seclusion. Though his power is limited, his knowledge of medicine is unmatched. Seeking him out will surely yield results," Xiang Fei said.

Qin Yang’s expression changed upon hearing the Medicine Immortal’s name, evidently recalling something from the past.

Yet under these circumstances, there was no room for hesitation.

He knew the whereabouts of the Medicine Immortal.

The Heavenly Secret Realm loomed ominously, alluring as a treasure trove to outsiders while remaining enigmatic within. Those who hadn’t ventured inside could count themselves fortunate, alive and enriched.

Medicine Immortal Valley!

Qin Yang and Xiang Fei brought Lin Fan to a valley shrouded in miasma, obscuring its interior.

"Medicine Immortal, Junior Xiang Fei humbly requests to meet you. Please show us the way," Xiang Fei said with cupped fists. But the valley remained silent; no reply came.

The intent was clear.

"Go back where you came from."

"Brother Xiang, let me try. You stay here with Brother Lin; I know what to do," Qin Yang said.

He walked forward, raising his voice to call out.

"Medicine Immortal, it’s me, Qin Yang. You should remember me. Open the door—I need to talk to you."

The miasma hovering over the valley parted as if sentient, revealing a pathway.

Xiang Fei said, "Didn’t expect you’d have such pull."

"Of course," Qin Yang turned back and added, "A bit of face is always useful. Wait here with Lin Fan; I’ll return shortly."

His words carried a faint air of finality, like a hero departing on a perilous journey, never to return.

Qin Yang’s figure disappeared within the valley.

The valley was teeming with poisonous creatures. Qin Yang spotted venomous beings perched on branches everywhere, their predatory stares fixed on him.

Any disturbance would trigger an attack.

The atmosphere was as nerve-wracking as it was intense.

Eventually, he saw a stele in the distance.

"Medicine Immortal Valley."

Standing before the stele was an old woman hunched over. Her cloudy eyes seemed capable of piercing one’s soul, leaving a chilling impression.

The Medicine Immortal Elder spoke in a low tone, "So, it’s the Little Immortal Venerable of the Qin Family. Years have passed, yet the Little Immortal Venerable remains unchanged. But what brings you to my humble abode?"

Qin Yang smiled and said, "Medicine Fairy, we’re old acquaintances; no need to act distant. Chatting out here isn’t ideal—why don’t we talk inside? I have something to discuss with you."

"Hehe!" The Medicine Immortal Elder chuckled coldly, her laughter chilling to the bone.

She led Qin Yang up the stone steps, each step intensifying the pressure he felt.

He knew why she welcomed him this way.

Some matters simply couldn’t escape the consequences of actions past.

"Little Immortal Venerable, you seem restless. What troubles could weigh on someone of your stature? In my eyes, your power is unmatched in this world," the Medicine Immortal Elder remarked.

"You jest, Medicine Fairy. I scrape by, relying on my family’s protection," Qin Yang responded.

Without replying, the Medicine Immortal Elder continued leading him into the depths of the valley.

They arrived at a courtyard enclosed by bamboo fences. To any outsider, it appeared no more than an average residence for an elderly recluse.

Within the courtyard came the creak of a wooden rocking horse.

A child sitting atop it jumped off in fright upon seeing Qin Yang, hiding behind the Medicine Immortal Elder while glaring at him with resentment.

Qin Yang awkwardly smiled.

The Medicine Immortal Elder stroked the child’s head gently. "Fear not, my child, fear not..."

"Medicine Fairy, I’ve come for..." Qin Yang attempted to state his purpose but was interrupted.

"No need to rush; let’s first enjoy tea," the Medicine Immortal Elder suggested. She guided him to a stone table and poured dark tea from a kettle into his cup. "It’s simple tea—I hope the Little Immortal Venerable finds it acceptable."

Staring at the black liquid, Qin Yang inwardly cursed. He knew he shouldn’t consume it, but the circumstances left him no choice.

Whether he wanted to or not, he had to drink it.

"Delicious—why wouldn’t it be?" Qin Yang replied with forced cheer, closing his eyes to drain the cup in one gulp. He braced himself for what was to come.

"Medicine Fairy, regarding my purpose here..."

Before he could finish, a sharp pain gripped him. Clutching his chest, his complexion turned pale, and agony boiled in his body like ants crawling incessantly under his skin.

The torment was unbearable.

He wanted to curse aloud: Do you know who I am?

How dare you treat me ?

"Little Immortal Venerable, if you cannot endure, you may cry out, and I shall send you away," the Medicine Immortal Elder said.

With strained laughter, Qin Yang replied, "Medicine... Medicine Fairy, you jest. I’m fine... it doesn’t hurt."

The endless sensation of ants tearing at him pushed his psyche to its limits.

Grinding his teeth against the pain, he forced a calm demeanor, though his twisted expression betrayed his struggle.

The Medicine Immortal Elder watched his torment and smiled faintly, pouring another cup of tea. "Please."

Qin Yang froze—another cup?

This was crossing the line; if pushed too far, even the Little Immortal Venerable might rebel.

"Please," the Medicine Immortal Elder repeated.

"Very well." Qin Yang’s bloodshot eyes and trembling hands revealed his reluctance. Clenching his resolve, he downed the black tea in one gulp.

He braced himself for a deeper wave of hellish suffering.

The excruciating pain dissipated entirely.

"Medicine Fairy, what’s..." Qin Yang sighed in relief, realizing she wouldn’t dare go too far.

"One cup to taste torment, another to feel rebirth—what harmony, what perfection," the Medicine Immortal Elder mused.

"Indeed, quite apt. Thank you kindly for such exquisite tea, Medicine Fairy," Qin Yang said calmly, though inwardly, panic still gripped him. What might come next?

The Medicine Immortal Elder remarked, "Little Immortal Venerable has journeyed great distances to visit. But I am old, retired, and unwilling to invite trouble. If this visit involves complications, then you needn’t speak further."

Flustered, Qin Yang replied, "No trouble—a simple request, truly simple."

"I have a friend in need of assistance. Would Medicine Fairy kindly examine him?"