Chapter 49: One Refuses to Give Up, the Other Plays Dumb

Seven times he drew ten in a row, and most of what he received was little more than useless junk. Aside from the "Holy Spirit Sword Technique: Sword of Affection," the Golden Wave Flower Poison, and the Sword of Retention, another item caught Ning Xiu's attention.

"Item: 'Divine Pharmacopoeia of the Medicine King.'"
"Type: Medical scripture."
"Level: One and a half stars."
"Note: Authored by Master Wu Chen, the 'Poison-handed Medicine King,' this is the treasured tome of the Medicine King Estate. Ninety percent of its contents are devoted to healing and medicine; the remainder concerns poisons."

Many things in the Great Qian Dynasty resembled those of ancient China, and the herbs described in medical texts could mostly be found here as well. The most crucial principles of medicine were always universal.

In the world of martial arts, one could never be too careful; every skill learned was another layer of protection, and among them, medical arts were indisputably essential. Whether healing wounds, curing illnesses, or dealing with poisons, such knowledge was invaluable.

Thus, upon obtaining the "Divine Pharmacopoeia," Ning Xiu chose without hesitation to study it. As the system poured a vast trove of medical knowledge directly into his mind, Ning Xiu realized he had already traveled far along the path of medicine.

As for the Holy Spirit Sword Technique, Ning Xiu had only acquired the section concerning the Sword of Affection. Truthfully, its power was not great; as the system's rating showed, two stars—on par with the Blood Blade Scripture. Yet it held much room for improvement, something to look forward to.

After mastering the basics of the Holy Spirit Sword Technique, Ning Xiu intended to continue his cultivation. Just then, a knock sounded at the door; it was someone sent by Xiao Wanli to invite him.

It was already late; ordinarily, unless something urgent arose, Xiao Wanli would never summon anyone at this hour.

The meeting place was the small garden in Xiao Wanli's courtyard—a rare corner of the Bamboo Grove Society where plants besides bamboo flourished.

Moonlight scattered across the garden as the two strolled together.

Xiao Wanli walked ahead, then suddenly halted, turning to Ning Xiu and saying, "The events of today have wronged you. With your strength and achievements, you are truly deserving of an elder's post. But the decision is not mine alone."

Ning Xiu smiled and replied, "You are one of the four masters of Lingnan. Who in the Bamboo Grove Society would dare defy your word?"

Xiao Wanli looked upon Ning Xiu and sighed deeply. "I have observed everything you've done since joining the society. I know your heart is set on its well-being, so there are matters I shall not conceal from you."

They happened upon a stone pavilion, and Xiao Wanli gestured for Ning Xiu to sit. He spoke slowly, "If I still possessed a master’s strength, things would indeed be as you say. But years ago, a strange incident left me gravely injured. Though I have recovered, my abilities are much diminished. I remain stronger than most top-tier experts, but only just."

"Few know of this—apart from you, only Vice Chiefs Zhou Qun and Wei Junkun."

"Wei is a carefree elder, lacking ambition. Zhou Qun is different. Ten years ago he was already at the peak of the first-tier, and now only stronger. Over these years, he has inserted many of his own people into the society; among the elders, at least half are his men."

Here, Xiao Wanli paused, raising his gaze to Ning Xiu with a look that said, "You understand."

Yet Ning Xiu appeared oblivious, refusing to respond.

Xiao Wanli’s smile grew even warmer. "Do you know why Zhou Qun was so harsh with you today, even deliberately targeting you?"

"Is it not because of the society’s rules?" Ning Xiu asked.

Xiao Wanli shook his head. "It’s because you ruined his plans. After Yan Song died, the vacant elder position was supposed to go to his nephew, Zhou Ziru. But you disrupted things; now even if he forces the issue, without resolving the Feng Shuixi matter, it would be improper."

"Such actions would provoke outrage among the members, especially those of the Gale Hall. At this critical moment, he dare not do it."

After Xiao Wanli’s explanation, Ning Xiu feigned sudden understanding.

Thereafter, Xiao Wanli dropped hints both overt and subtle, but Ning Xiu never took the bait.

One was scheming; the other played dumb.

What a grand performance—yet, alas, no audience to appreciate it.

Several times, Xiao Wanli nearly lost his composure, but always managed to restrain himself.

"It’s late. If there’s nothing else, Chief, I’ll take my leave," Ning Xiu said.

Watching Ning Xiu’s departing figure, Xiao Wanli’s expression shifted between light and shadow, but ultimately he took no action.

As head of the society, his network of informants was vast; Ning Xiu’s deeds at Feng Shuixi could hardly escape his notice. In his eyes, Ning Xiu was entirely qualified to be his blade—a blade to strike down Zhou Qun.

Yet from start to finish, Ning Xiu never stepped into his snare, which infuriated him.

At present, he and Zhou Qun were not yet locked in mortal struggle, so he dared not speak openly.

For Ning Xiu, Zhou Qun was irritating—but he loathed being used even more. Especially by someone who fancied himself clever.

He had joined the Bamboo Grove Society solely to advance his own abilities; how could he allow himself to be drawn into pointless power struggles?

A man may not wish harm, but the tiger always has the intent to wound.

The next day, news of Ning Xiu’s private meeting with Xiao Wanli reached Zhou Qun.

"Uncle, do you think Ning Xiu has already been won over by Xiao Wanli, and become his man?" The speaker was a strikingly handsome young man; yet as he spoke, a flash of venom shone in his eyes.

He was Zhou Qun’s nephew, Zhou Ziru. Among the younger generation in the Bamboo Grove Society, none outshone him. Barely in his twenties, he already held the post of outer sect steward. His internal strength had reached the second tier—truly a promising youth.

Zhou Qun regarded Zhou Ziru; he knew well what his nephew was thinking.

In Zhou Qun’s eyes, Zhou Ziru was still too young, too impatient.

"If Ning Xiu truly had pledged himself to Xiao Wanli, how could word of their secret meeting have reached me so quickly? That old fox’s mind is full of petty schemes. Under his leadership, the Bamboo Grove Society is doomed," Zhou Qun sneered.

He continued, "You’d best not trouble Ning Xiu these days. From what I hear, his strength is at least equal to yours, if not greater. In time, when we hold true power, I’ll see your grievance avenged."

Zhou Ziru assented, though whether he took Zhou Qun’s advice to heart was anyone’s guess.