The old man didn't hear what Lü Wan said. Seeing that Nan Shiying had never heard of the Demon Hunter Army, he couldn't help but explain, "The Demon Hunter Army is an army personally created by the current Regent, Ji Jinmo. The unit only has eighteen thousand people, but it is the strongest fighting force in our Linyuan Kingdom. Our Prince, who once led the Demon Hunter Army on an eight-hundred-mile raid, annihilated the invading Dali Imperial Army and terrified the Dali Kingdom into never daring to encroach again. His numerous military achievements are too many to list. If there's a downside, it might be marrying a not-so-virtuous princess."
Nan Shiying: "..."
If you want to praise Ji Jinmo, praise him. Why are you stepping on me?
Bai Zhi, seeing Nan Shiying's instantly stiff expression, almost couldn't help but laugh out loud.
You don't care when so many people in the taverns and tea houses talk about you, but why do you care when it comes to our Lord?
Is it because they praised the Lord and belittled you, or because they said you weren't worthy of the Lord!
Lü Wan tugged at Bai Zhi's sleeve, signaling her to restrain herself—careful, the Princess might take it out on you later!
Bai Zhi was so scared that she immediately lowered her head.
Nan Shiying shot the old man an unfriendly glance, but the old man didn't notice at all. He continued speaking to himself, "Alas, Gouzi is also an unfortunate child. He—"
"Old sir, then who are you?" Nan Shiying interrupted the old man.
The old man choked, almost suffocating from the words he hadn't finished saying. He cast a resentful glance at Nan Shiying, and after a moment, he said, "I am Gouzi's elder, and also his teacher. After he was abducted, I searched for him all the way. It wasn't until 'Darkness' was annihilated that I reunited with him."
Nan Shiying nodded, not asking any further questions. It was unclear whether she truly believed the old man's explanation or simply didn't want to expose him.
She took out a small bottle from her embrace and turned to Lü Wan, "Fetch a basin of water."
Lü Wan had seen the water缸 in the courtyard earlier. As for a basin, there was a basin in the room that was unrecognizable in color and had a chipped corner, which would have to suffice.
Lü Wan picked up the basin and walked towards the courtyard. In a short while, she returned with a basin of water.
Nan Shiying gestured for Lü Wan to put the basin down. Lü Wan placed the water basin in front of Nan Shiying. Nan Shiying opened the bottle cap and poured the pale pink powder into the basin.
As the powder entered the water, the water surface suddenly began to boil. Bubbles gurgled, and a faint, sweet fragrance rose.
It smelled like iris.
The water level quickly dropped by about an inch, and the powder completely dissolved in the water. Only when the water stopped boiling did Nan Shiying stand up and turn to the old man, "Done."
The old man's gaze was fixed on the water surface. Hearing Nan Shiying's voice, he finally looked up, his eyes shining with a green glow.
"Young man, what poison is this?"
There was nothing to hide about this, so Nan Shiying replied, "Iris Fucao Poison."
"Iris flower?"
Nan Shiying let out a soft "Mm."
The old man suddenly slapped his thigh and burst into laughter, "Wonderful, wonderful! It's indeed iris. Iris Fucao, the catalyst is... Bai Zhi!"
"Ah?"
Bai Zhi blinked, a confused look on her face, and asked, "Old sir, how do you know my name is Bai Zhi?"
Nan Shiying: "..."
Where is your brain?
Lü Wan tugged at Bai Zhi's sleeve and glared at her fiercely.
The old man was also taken aback. He swept a smiling glance at Nan Shiying and then said, "My young friend, you misunderstand. This old man was referring to Bai Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, not calling out to you."
"Oh."
Bai Zhi gave an unhappy "Oh."
It's not like I made a mistake, why is Sister Lü Wan glaring at me!
Lü Wan was exasperated.
Made a mistake? With that question, you've completely exposed your identity as a woman, and even revealed the fact that the Princess is a woman.
However, Nan Shiying nodded calmly, "You are correct, it is Bai Zhi."
The old man stroked his beard and suddenly asked, "Young man, are you interested in learning a thing or two from this old man?"
Nan Shiying looked at the old man, "Learn medicine?"
The old man shook his head, "Poison."
Nan Shiying raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"
The old man paused for two seconds and then asked, "Have you heard of Medicine King Valley?"
Nan Shiying's mouth twitched.
Can't you be more direct?
"Medicine King Valley?"
Lü Wan, however, gasped, looking extremely shocked.
The old man looked at Nan Shiying, then at Lü Wan, and shook his head helplessly, "Your knowledge is too limited, isn't it?"
You might as well just say I'm ignorant!
Nan Shiying rolled her eyes.
Lü Wan pressed, "Is it that Medicine King Valley in Lingnan?"
The old man stroked his beard and chuckled smugly, "Yes, it's that Medicine King Valley. This old man is not talented, and was once an unknown nobody in Medicine King Valley. I'm not a master of medicine, but when it comes to poison, I wouldn't dare claim to be the best in the world, but I can certainly rank among the renowned in the jianghu."
Lü Wan was somewhat surprised.
She hadn't expected this old man, who looked like a beggar, to have such a background.
Nan Shiying glanced at the old man, feeling so uninterested that she even wanted to yawn. She clapped her hands perfunctorily, "Impressive, impressive."
The old man: "..."
What? I, the Poison King of Medicine King Valley, and you, a poison user, have this reaction upon hearing my identity?
No respect?
Nan Shiying refused without hesitation, "Thank you for your kindness, but it's really not necessary."
Saying that, she turned to Lü Wan and Bai Zhi, "Let's go."
Lü Wan was stunned, unable to comprehend her Princess's thoughts. Anyone from Medicine King Valley was treated with great respect and admiration when they went out, so why was her Princess treating him with such disregard?
Was it because she hadn't heard of Medicine King Valley?
"Princess, Medicine King Valley..."
Lü Wan wanted to enlighten Nan Shiying about the reputation of Medicine King Valley, but was glared at by Nan Shiying, causing her to stop talking.
Does she not know the reputation of Medicine King Valley?
She doesn't want to invite trouble!
This old man and that little brat over there are clearly a huge problem! A monumental problem!
"No, young man, you're leaving just like that? It'd be good to stay and listen~" the old man shouted as he chased after her.
Nan Shiying suddenly stopped. A look of 'as expected' appeared on the old man's face. He knew that no one in this world could refuse Medicine King Valley.
Seeing Nan Shiying turning back, the old man cleared his throat, "You..."
Just as he began to speak, he saw Nan Shiying brush past him, walk straight back into the house, bend down to pick up the basin, and then walk out again. She walked to Gouzi's side and casually splashed the water.
"Splash splash~"
The entire basin of water was thrown onto Gouzi.
Then she extended her hand to Lü Wan. Lü Wan, understanding her intentions, took out all the silver coins from her embrace.
Nan Shiying poured out the silver pieces from the purse, along with the silver notes she had earned, and placed them beside Gouzi.
After doing all this, she stood up and waved goodbye to the old man without looking back, "Let's go!"
"Never again!"
The old man: "..."
Wait, why are you running!!!