Xuan Zhi sat beside the unconscious boy, his brows deeply furrowed as he pressed his fingers against the frail wrist. The boy’s pulse was slow, unnaturally cold, and cked any trace of Yang energy. Xuan Zhi muttered under his breath, his mind racing back to memories from his past life.

  “Why does it feel like... Snowfke Poison?” he murmured.

  Snowfke Poison was insidious. It eroded the body’s natural warmth, draining Yang energy and allowing Yin energy to spread unchecked. The process was slow but relentless—first, the limbs would grow weak, then movement would become difficult, and eventually, paralysis would set in. The body, no longer able to generate heat, would feel as if it were trapped in an eternal winter.

  In his past life, Xuan Zhi had encountered many cases of this poison—though, admittedly, for far less noble reasons. The poison was often used in brothels and by nobles indulging in deviant pleasures. It was a way to control someone, make them dependent, pliant, unable to resist. The thought made his stomach churn with disgust.

  “This isn't right…” he whispered, his fingers tightening around the boy’s wrist.

  Someone had deliberately done this. Snowfke Poison wasn’t common—it was expensive, difficult to refine, and only used in the darkest corners of society. If this child had been given this poison, it meant someone wanted to break him completely.

  Xuan Zhi exhaled sharply and withdrew his hand. If this was truly Snowfke Poison, he needed to find a way to neutralize it. But that wasn’t going to be easy.

  --

  Meanwhile, in the bustling streets of the border city, Xuan Yan twirled a strand of her long hair, her cheeks flushed with anger. Today, she had decided to dress as a woman—just once! Yet, the moment she stepped into the streets, she had run into him.

  Yan Rui was still ughing, his broad chest shaking with amusement. “I knew it! I knew you were a girl!” he said, pointing at her with undeniable glee.

  Xuan Yan gred at him, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “You—What do you mean, you knew? You had no proof before!”

  Yan Rui smirked. “Your ‘manly’ disguise was ughable. No man has hands that small. And that delicate nose? Please.” He shook his head, grinning. “I was just waiting for you to admit it yourself.”

  Xuan Yan’s face burned with embarrassment. “You—You arrogant blockhead! I don’t need to admit anything to you!”

  Yan Rui, still amused, took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Why are you so mad? It’s not like I told anyone. You should be thanking me.”

  “Thank you?! For what?!” Xuan Yan practically shrieked, stomping her foot.

  “For not exposing you,” Yan Rui replied smoothly.

  Xuan Yan let out a frustrated growl. “I hate you.”

  Yan Rui raised an eyebrow. “No, you don’t.”

  “Yes, I do!”

  “No, you really don’t.”

  Xuan Yan turned on her heel and stormed off, her silk skirts swishing behind her. “I don’t have time for this nonsense!”

  Yan Rui watched her go, an amused expression lingering on his face. A soldier standing nearby whistled under his breath. “Deputy Yan… that looked personal.”

  Yan Rui frowned. “What?”

  The soldier smirked. “You’ve fallen for her.”

  Yan Rui scoffed. “Ridiculous.”

  The soldier crossed his arms. “Then why do you look like a kicked puppy after she left?”

  Yan Rui stiffened. “I do not.”

  The soldier chuckled. “Whatever you say, Deputy. But I’d start preparing for battle.”

  Yan Rui sighed, rubbing his temples. “Why?”

  The soldier grinned. “Because that woman looks like the type to fight before she falls.”

  Yan Rui groaned.

  --

  Determined to treat the boy, Xuan Zhi left for Yu Tang Apothecary. He strode through the bustling marketpce, ignoring the vendors calling out their wares. The apothecary was busy as always, with patients lining up to receive medicine or consultation. Xuan Zhi approached the counter and listed out his required herbs—several of them rare, some even poisonous, and a few exorbitantly priced. He also requested 500 silver needles for acupuncture and materials for moxibustion therapy.

  The attendant looked at the list and paled. "Honored guest, these are incredibly rare ingredients. And so many needles... Are you treating multiple patients?"

  Yu Tang, the master of the apothecary, appeared from the back, eyeing the list with curiosity. "These medicines—most are for strengthening the body's meridians, but some are known for expelling toxins. Are you treating someone with a unique illness?"

  Xuan Zhi remained calm. "They are for a treatment I devised myself."

  Yu Tang's interest was piqued. "Would it be possible for me to observe this treatment? I have never encountered such a combination of herbs before. If I could see the patient, I might be able to help."

  Xuan Zhi considered it for a moment. He didn't like revealing too much, but Yu Tang’s skills were renowned. He gave a short nod. "Fine. Come with me."

  The purchase cost him 20 gold coins—an astronomical amount, especially considering that each set of ingredients was only sufficient for five treatments. He clenched his fists. The treatment was painful and required five sessions per month to be effective. But once cured, the patient would gain immunity not just to Snowfke Poison, but also to Hungerroot Poison and Skinless Poison—a one-treatment, three-immunity deal.

  The real problem was cost. The boy was in a severe condition, needing at least twenty treatments. That was a fortune.

  Back at Xing Manor, Yu Tang followed Xuan Zhi into the quiet medical chamber where the boy y. The physician's eyes widened as he examined the child. "This is... simir to the condition a patient of mine suffers from. But I do not recognize this poison or any method to cure it."

  Xuan Zhi’s expression was unreadable. "It can be treated," he said curtly.

  Yu Tang narrowed his eyes. "And you know how?"

  Xuan Zhi didn't answer, his gaze cold but firm. Yu Tang exhaled, deciding to drop the subject. Whoever this young man was, he possessed medical knowledge that even he had never encountered. And that was both fascinating—and frightening.