## AST 2090 - Kong Clan, Poison, I Can Cure This

What followed was naturally a joyous affair. Qing Shui left behind some dowry as a gift and helped Yu Zemian and Yu Zehuo to each make a breakthrough. This small breakthrough, however, was not insubstantial. If they could only rank around ten thousandths in the Northern Blue Domain before, they would basically advance by half and could continue to advance further.

There were many cities in the Northern Blue Domain and Azure Rainbow City was amongst the lowest tiered. Therefore, despite their dominance here, the Yu Clan was barely comparable to a second-tier clan in the top cities.

Qing Shui granting them aid was also beneficial to himself, as the Yu Clan would become a staunch and loyal ally with a marriage of coincidence between two willing parties. Yu Zehuo still had a lot of potentials to become a powerhouse throughout the Northern Blue Domain.

As for Big Tiger, his path was still uncertain, but with the Third Young Lady’s entry into his life, he was destined to go beyond the Martial King Stage. At least, he would reach Martial Saint.

However, Big Tiger had already used the Xiantian Golden Pellet, which inspired Qing Shui to think about refining something else that surpassed the Golden Martial King Pill. Perhaps the Martial Saint Golden Pellet?

Big Tiger’s affairs were all settled, including the date of the marriage, which was just a month away. Qing Shui and Big Tiger knew that he wasn’t getting any younger.

Qing Shui returned to the Imperial Cuisine Hall just as Big Tiger and the Third Young Lady were about to leave. Even though the New Year festivities hadn’t ended and there were patients, there were other doctors holding the fort which allowed Big Tiger to relax carefreely.

“Master, this is Mantong,” Big Tiger introduced, slight embarrassment shown on his face.

“Nice to meet you, Young Lady Yu!” Qing Shui smiled as he greeted her.

“Nice to meet you too, Mister Qing!” Yu Mantong said with poise.

Qing Shui took out some Youth Retaining Pills, as well as a few self-refined treasures. He said, “Big Tiger is my disciple. He might be a bit thick-skulled but he’s not dumb. This is my greeting gift. Here’s to a good future for you two.”

Yu Mantong looked back at Big Tiger, who simply laughed and said: “My master is giving gifts. Just accept them. He’s like a father figure to me.”

Though Big Tiger looked older than Qing Shui, Qing Shui was actually old enough to be Big Tiger’s father, as he had lived another life before. Qing Shui was very important to Big Tiger, as everything he had was given by Qing Shui.

“Thank you, Master!” Yu Mantong received the gift and bowed in appreciation.

“I’ve already made a trip to the Yu Clan. You are now officially engaged. The wedding will be on the thirtieth of the next month. Somebody else will make the preparations. Big Tiger, you have to work hard to master the Five Elements Art in this month.”

“En, I’ll do as you say!”

……

Two days later, three men, accompanied by Yu Xixuan, came to the Imperial Cuisine Hall. Two of the three men were middle-aged with the last one on the younger side. Entering the inner courtyard, Qing Shui was looking mindlessly at the fish in the pond before turning around upon noticing their presence.

“Qing Shui, these are the Kong Clan people that I have talked to you about.”

The Kong Clan was not amongst the five great powers of the Northern Blue City but some speculated that they weren’t far off in strength. It couldn’t be confirmed nor denied, but the rumors existed on the basis of certain truths. The Kong Clan would definitely be powerful.

“Miraculous Physician Qing is truly very young!” Said the middle-aged man on the left.

The middle-aged man was very handsome, but with a hint of arrogance in his being. It was not enough to incite hatred, but not enough to attract others either. This kind of men was always skilled.

“Why, are you doubting my medical abilities?” Qing Shui smiled.

“We wouldn’t. Cases where people become great in old age are rare. True experts would become famous in their youths,” The middle-aged man said with a chuckle.

“Come. Let’s have a seat!” Qing Shui gestured for the men to sit at a stone table near the pond.

“I am Kong Di. This is my older brother Kong Yan, and his son Kong Yi,” Kong Di made the introductions.

“You’ve already discussed the conditions with Xixuan, so let’s jump right in,” Qing Shui looked at the youth and said.

The youth held out his arm and Qing Shui took his pulse. Qing Shui could immediately understand his situation.

“Complete loss of cultivation. No wounds. Unable to gather Qi in the Dantian. Shriveling meridians and heart pain.” Qing Shui retrieved his hand as he stated casually.

The trio all revealed expressions of shock. This was too masterful, merely taking the pulse and immediately knowing the problems. This title of Miraculous Physician was fitting for Qing Shui.

“Miraculous Physician Qing, can he be cured?” Kong Yan asked nervously.

“Do you know the cause of this?” Qing Shui asked in response.

Kong Yan shook his head and the other two were also oblivious.

“I can only tell you that this is poison. He was set up with poison.” Qing Shui’s eyebrows furrowed as he answered.

Hearing his words, the trio turned pale, especially the youth. His eyebrows were furrowed, as he raised his head to ask: “Miraculous Physician Qing, are you sure that I’ve been poisoned?”

“Did you assume that this was due to an injury? It seems that you were severely injured right before your cultivation fell.”

“Indeed. All of my meridians and organs were harmed, so I always assumed that my drop in cultivation was due to the extreme injuries,” The youth explained his situation.

“This kind of poison is very strange, without scent or smell. It couldn’t exactly be called poison, but acts to worsen injuries. The key is that it is usually hidden, acting out occasionally, causing your heart, Dantian, and meridians to ache. You may mistake it as a hidden wound from your previous injuries. However, it is not mistaken that it is due to this poison that you can never recover.”

“Is this poison fatal?” Kong Yi asked.

“Yes. You only have three years before it kills you so it was known in the ancient times as the Three Lives Stone. It is incurable by any means.” Qing Shui said firmly.

“Can Miraculous Physician Qing not cure it?”

“It would’ve been impossible in the past, but you’re in luck. I can’t guarantee anything, but I have a 70% confidence in curing you. At the very least, I can allow your cultivation to return, giving you a hundred years of life.” Qing Shui thought a bit before saying.

Kong Yi’s eyes lit up: “Really?”

Kong Yan and Kong Di were both overjoyed, as they didn’t have any hopes before.

“Definitely. In fact, even if I can’t cure you now, I’ll be able to fully cure you in a hundred years’ time,” Qing Shui said and smiled.

This made them even more relieved, as Kong Yan requested seriously: “Please cure my son. The Kong Clan will owe you a debt of gratitude if you do. Whatever you need, we would not decline.”

Qing Shui didn’t expect Kong Yan to be so forthright, nodding: “We can discuss it later then.”

Qing Shui was also clear that the Kong Clan was playing the long game, using a debt of gratitude to profit. Qing Shui didn’t feel repulsed, as everyone knew what was going on. He had a need for the Kong Clan and vice versa.