Chapter Sixty-eight: Reputation

Qin Guan’s pupils shrank sharply—what exactly was in that water jar?

As he looked around at the silent crowd, Chen Jiu steadied himself and introduced, “I am Chen Nian’an, a wandering Taoist. Not long ago, I arrived outside Qingcheng County and happened upon my friend Miss Bai. Upon learning of the serpent venom incident and at Miss Bai’s request, I brought forth my ancestral secret remedy to save the afflicted.”

Hearing that Chen Jiu was a Taoist, the crowd’s hopeful expressions instantly darkened.

Taoists... seemed unwelcome here.

“Why don’t you Taoists go hunt monsters and exorcise evil, instead of pretending to be healers?”

“These snake demons—weren’t they released by you Taoists?”

“That’s right! My grandfather always said those monsters who terrorized the world were let loose by Taoists!”

Chen Jiu sighed inwardly.

The decline of the Taoist order and the turmoil across the land were indeed inseparable from the affair at Wangqiao—releasing the monsters.

But how did it come to this?

Chen Jiu mused for a moment before retorting, “But how can you be sure this poison was caused by monsters?”

Someone, furious, shouted, “Then explain! Why is this venom so terrifying? One need not be bitten—poisoned for no reason! And in the entire county, only one place can cure it!”

Chen Jiu’s gaze sharpened as he met the man’s eyes. “Indeed, only monsters could concoct such a toxin, but those who spread it are not necessarily monsters…”

Monsters would never dare such boldness.

Even if the Anmin Bureau lacked powerful guardians in the county, monsters wouldn’t poison the city so brazenly.

For if the bureau traced them afterward, losing a few lives wouldn’t settle the score.

Thus, the two serpent kings laid their poisonous miasma beneath Mount Qingcheng, avoiding a raid on their lair by the Anmin Bureau.

Therefore, Chen Jiu boldly guessed that the poison was spread by someone—or some faction—within the county, acting under the serpent kings’ orders, exploiting the bureau’s lack of manpower to poison at will.

Even if the bureau investigated later, they would likely let the matter drop, as there were no traces of monsters in the city and Mount Qingcheng was difficult to assault.

The man was left speechless by Chen Jiu’s unexpected reasoning, his expression wavering.

“So, since you all can’t afford the medicine and wish to live, isn’t what I offer exactly what you need?” Chen Jiu smiled lightly, then took a wooden ladle from behind him, dipping it into the clear water in the jar.

“One ladle per person. If it doesn’t work instantly, I’ll pay each patient a silver tael.”

The crowd’s faces changed dramatically!

Not only did he not charge, but if the medicine failed, he’d compensate with silver!

Such a tempting offer made many restless the moment they heard it.

“I’ll go first!” someone shouted.

“Master Taoist! I’m dying—let me go first!”

“Nonsense! I’m nearly dead, can’t you see how dark my face is?”

For many, the promise of a silver tael alone was enough to risk anything.

After all, no one believed such a miracle was possible.

Even the renowned Qin the Healer had no such wondrous medicine.

Soon, a man whose arm was covered in black spots rushed forward and drank a ladle without hesitation.

Everyone’s eyes were glued to him, hearts pounding.

Yet instead of pain, the man exclaimed in surprise, “Eh?!”

He looked at his arm, and in the next moment, his expression changed dramatically.

Because his arm, once riddled with black spots and wracked with pain, was now visibly healing!

Within moments, not a spot remained, and he felt warm and comfortable all over.

“A miracle…” He could hardly believe his eyes.

“Everyone, look! This medicine is truly miraculous!” He raised his restored arm high, showing it off to the crowd, excitement in his voice.

Now, the injured finally dared to hope.

With one successful case, the others lined up eagerly to try the miracle medicine.

One after another, they stepped forward, desperate to be healed.

But Chen Jiu stood before the jar.

“Master Taoist! What are you doing?” someone asked anxiously, eyes fixed on the jar behind Chen Jiu.

Chen Jiu smiled gently. “I did say the medicine is free, but there’s a condition.”

His gaze swept the anxious faces. “After you drink, remember one thing: This medicine is provided by the Plain Clothes Hall, asked for by Miss Bai—not solely by Chen Nian’an. Though Miss Bai is under suspicion, she still offers free healing. Neighbors, remember this…”

The crowd exchanged glances. After a moment, someone called out, “I trust Miss Bai!”

“Yes! I trust her too!”

“So do I…”

Chen Jiu’s heart stirred, knowing his goal was met. He climbed the stone steps and said to the attendant, “Bring bowls and distribute the medicine.”

At this, the crowd rejoiced, surging forward like a tide.

Chen Jiu watched, eyes half-closed.

Once the day’s events at Plain Clothes Hall spread, it would be the best reward for both himself and Miss Bai.

After the time it takes for incense to burn—

“Incredible! My body is healed!”

“Amazing—after drinking the water, I coughed up the poison! I feel reborn!”

“Master Chen! You’re my savior!” Someone bowed deeply to Chen Jiu.

Many thanked him, some even offering their meager belongings in gratitude.

Chen Jiu politely refused each, then spoke loudly, “Neighbors, Plain Clothes Hall stands here to serve the people. Please bring more poisoned patients—I repeat, I guarantee to cure the venom, free of charge…”

Someone, moved to tears, declared, “Master Taoist, you truly are a living Buddha!”

Within an hour, word spread like wildfire throughout the county!

Those healed by Chen Jiu’s “Everlasting Spring Water” told everyone about the wonders and kindness of Plain Clothes Hall in the southern city.

All afternoon, the hall’s entrance was packed with wounded, drawn by the rumor.

Some who were being treated at the Healer’s Hall even came over!

Chen Jiu went from one water jar to five.

Of course, he prepared the “Everlasting Spring Water” in secret within the loft.

As sunset fell, the crowd finally dispersed.

The attendant’s sweat-soaked shirt quickly chilled in the winter wind, clinging to his warm back with a sharp, biting sensation.

But he paid it no mind, gazing up at the young man beside him. “Doctor Chen, who are you really? Are you perhaps an immortal?”

Chen Jiu smiled, “Do I look like an immortal?”

The attendant paused, then turned and thought, “Besides your miraculous medicine, you have a broad heart. Even though so many doubted you today, you never got angry…”

Chen Jiu rubbed his head. “Looks like no one’s left today. Let’s go back—it’s cold out.”

“Okay!”

…

At the Healer’s Hall, in the room reserved for the doctors’ meetings—

Over a dozen gray-haired physicians gathered, frowning in silence as they stared at a bowl of green water on the table.

Qin the Healer sat in the main seat, his aged face shadowed with gloom.

His son, Qin Guan, stood beside him and asked quietly, “Father, what’s so mysterious about this medicine?”

Qin the Healer closed his eyes and replied coldly:

“A cultivator has intervened…”

Qin Guan’s face changed dramatically. “You mean the one named Chen is a cultivator?!”

Qin the Healer shook his head. “Not necessarily.”

“Tonight, pick a few desperate men and send them to intimidate him…”

Qin Guan nodded and quickly left.

Moments later, the old man opened his eyes, a fierce glint flashing within. “Why hasn’t the Su Mansion sent word yet…”

…

In the center of Qingcheng County lay an area reserved for the wealthy.

There stood the mansions of the county’s prominent gentry and landlords.

Now, inside the brightly lit Su Mansion—

In a room adorned with red candles, a person was lost in thought before a camphorwood dressing table.

Beside them, a beautiful maid glanced at the handsome face in the bronze mirror, sighing inwardly.

“Yan’er, what are you daydreaming about?” the person asked gently.

The maid, Yan’er, started, then sighed, “I was just thinking—if the Ninth Young Master were a woman, how wonderful that would be.”

Normally, a maid daring to speak so freely to their master would be harshly punished.

But this was the Su Mansion.

Su Jiu gazed at the delicate face in the mirror and sighed softly, applying more rouge and powder. “Yes… why am I not a woman…”

After a moment’s silence, Yan’er spoke again. “Ninth Young Master, the southern city was lively today.”

“Oh? Tell me about it.” Su Jiu applied lip color, admiring the reflection.

Yan’er then recounted everything that happened in front of Plain Clothes Hall.

After some time—

Su Jiu’s fine brows furrowed as he stood up. “Prepare my robes—I’m going out…”