Chapter 73: Settling Down

Although Chen Jiu’s expression remained flawless, calm as still water, disbelief churned within his heart. This creature was undoubtedly one of the peculiar insects belonging to the Bug Master—no, more than that, it was a demon insect capable of invading dreams and causing nightmares.

Yet what puzzled him was why such a thing could be found within the Su residence.

His expression shifted ever so slightly.

By any measure, the Su household was heavily guarded; not even a cultivator of the Bug Master’s caliber, let alone one of the Jade Elixir realm, could have planted such a demon insect undetected.

It couldn’t have been something the beautiful lady contracted long ago either, for without constant manipulation, the insect would pose little danger.

Therefore, it must have been brought into the Su residence by someone and quietly planted upon the lady.

With this thought, Chen Jiu’s heart stirred.

Yesterday, he recalled, Qin the Miracle Hand had visited the Su residence and dispelled the demonic poison from Su Jiu’s mother.

His expression changed, but he carefully put the insect away, setting the matter aside for now.

Whatever Qin the Miracle Hand’s intentions, as long as they did not involve him, Chen Jiu saw no reason to become entangled.

…

Lunch was sumptuous; Chen Jiu swore it was the finest meal he had enjoyed in his entire life—even across both his lives.

He found himself savoring the lingering flavors, marveling at the difference wealth made.

The Su residence was cheerful today; the lady’s recovery from her grave illness brought joy to the entire household.

As the divine physician who had cured her, Chen Jiu was held in even greater esteem; many sought to befriend him, hoping to forge ties with one who could cure such maladies—his abilities had surpassed the boundaries of ordinary medicine.

…

A half hour had passed since lunch. Chen Jiu and the others were resting in a side hall.

Su Jiu’s handsome cheeks were flushed red from the effects of wine; ordinarily, a cultivator would not be intoxicated, but today he was so delighted that he had not used his spiritual power to dispel the drunkenness.

“Brother Chen! I said I must properly reward you!” Su Jiu leaned against the vermilion-lacquered door, playing with the identity jade token he had gifted Chen Jiu months ago, then turned to the steward at his side. “Please fetch three strings of Longevity Coins for Brother Chen.”

The steward paused briefly, confirming, “Three strings?”

A string of Longevity Coins consisted of fifty coins; three strings meant one hundred fifty coins.

Such a sum would tempt even a cultivator of the Jade Elixir realm.

These coins were enough for Chen Jiu to purchase a dwelling rich in spiritual energy, perhaps even allowing him to move to a celestial mountain and cultivate in seclusion.

Seeing Su Jiu’s resolute expression, the steward sighed inwardly and faded from sight.

“I’m not drunk… The coins will be deducted from my expenses, counted against me!” Su Jiu thumped his chest, then looked to Chen Jiu. “Brother Chen, do you know what poison you cured?”

He referred not to the demon poison causing turmoil in the city, but rather the sinister venom that had permeated the beautiful lady’s body.

Chen Jiu’s expression flickered; he shook his head. “I truly do not know.”

Su Jiu rubbed his prominent nose and asked, “Brother Chen, have you heard of the ancient kingdom of Yundian?”

Chen Jiu silently considered the name. “I’ve only heard of it, never studied it deeply.”

Yundian was an ancient kingdom to the south of Great Jin, famed for its practitioners of venom arts; after several southern campaigns by Great Jin, this once-feared land vanished into the sea of clouds, never to be heard from again.

Su Jiu seemed lost in memory, his face tinged with wistfulness. “Back then, the saying ‘The world speaks of Yundian’s beauty, but none know its mysterious nights’ inspired countless fantasies about that ancient kingdom.”

“But beneath that dreamlike beauty, its venom cultivators were ruthless and merciless… My father joined the southern campaign and met my mother in an old village of Yundian. She had already contracted a sinister venom, one thought incurable…”

His expression darkened, but after a moment, his eyes brightened.

He bowed deeply to Chen Jiu. “Today you dispelled the venom, Brother Chen—I am endlessly grateful. Even three strings of Longevity Coins, no, even ten strings, could hardly repay you!”

Chen Jiu’s heart stirred. He quickly helped Su Jiu up, thoughts racing.

This was a golden opportunity!

He had come to Qingcheng County precisely to attract the attention of the Civil Affairs Office, amend his registration, and settle here.

That way, he could escape the pursuit from the Civil Affairs Office of Xinyang County, and his accumulated merit fulfilled the requirements for the Daoist Order here.

So, his gaze sharpened and he spoke solemnly, “In truth, I do have a matter weighing on my heart.”

Su Jiu smiled. “Brother Chen, you are too formal. Today, the Su residence regards you as an honored guest. Speak freely.”

Chen Jiu considered a moment, then said, “I wish to settle in Qingcheng County.”

“Oh? Where are you originally from, Brother Chen?”

“Xinyang County.”

Just then, light shimmered at the side, and the steward’s figure appeared.

“Master, I have brought the three strings of Longevity Coins,” he said, holding the translucent coins, each gleaming with spiritual light.

These were the currency circulating among cultivators.

Su Jiu turned to the steward, asking, “How much longer until Chief Li and the others return?”

“About ten days, but I can summon them back early if needed.”

Su Jiu pondered briefly. “Please ask them to return sooner. Qingcheng County is already in turmoil—if we delay further, the capital will send someone to hold us accountable…”

The steward nodded gravely. “Understood.”

“However, to truly control the situation, your Plain Robe Hall must continue its work.” This was the steward’s first direct conversation with Chen Jiu since discovering the lady’s condition.

He spoke calmly and naturally, without hint or threat, as if the matter scarcely concerned him.

Chen Jiu’s heart raced, but his face merely paled slightly, his tone steady. “You are absolutely right, elder. Plain Robe Hall will remain open until no one is left poisoned.”

“In that case, I thank you on behalf of the people,” Su Jiu said, handing Chen Jiu the coins. “As for your wish to settle here, I will accompany you to the Civil Affairs Office once Chief Li returns and help arrange the matter.”

Chen Jiu’s face lit up with joy; he tucked the Longevity Coins into his sleeve and bowed. “Then I must thank you, Master Su.”

With Su Jiu’s support, the matter was surely settled—he wouldn’t even need An Huayuan’s letter of recommendation.

After chatting a while longer, Chen Jiu took his leave from the Su residence.

Outside, the stars and moon hung high, the sky clear in the late hour.

With Su residence guards at Plain Robe Hall, no one dared cause trouble.

Yet after a day of strenuous work, how could the little assistant’s frail body endure?

He had arrived by carriage, but now, stepping onto his lotus platform, Chen Jiu transformed into a streak of azure light, speeding home.

In the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, he had arrived at Plain Robe Hall.

The medicine hall was already lit, its doors ajar, the exterior deserted and somewhat cold.

Chen Jiu’s heart stirred as he approached.

The moment his palm touched the door, he heard the faint moans of the little assistant from within!

Chen Jiu’s heart sank abruptly; he pushed the door open and entered.