The methods for removing蛊虫 (gu worms) logically fell into two categories: either the person who placed the蛊虫 died, or they were forced to administer an antidote to the afflicted.
An unofficial method involved using medicinal herbs to draw the蛊虫 out of the host's body.
However, upon attempting this, Poison Elder discovered that his plan was far too simplistic. Judging by the current state of the person who had been tormented into a monstrous form by the蛊虫, drawing them out without causing further damage to the host's body would require him to stir the蛊虫 within himself to pacify the蠱虫 within the patient. The problem was, his current body was incapable of activating the蛊虫 within him. Each activation would cause his qi and blood to surge, accelerating the consumption of his internal organs by the toxins he had accumulated over the years.
Yet, in truth, after examining Ji Jinmo's pulse, he had already anticipated this day.
None of this would have mattered, but seeing Nan Shiying's anxious and concerned gaze, the words caught in Poison Elder's throat. He hadn't expected that, as he approached death, someone would actually care about his fate.
He suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter uninhibited and resonant, as if years of accumulated silt in a riverbed had suddenly been cleared.
"I won't hide anything from you. Even if I give it my all, I might not be able to completely remove the蛊虫 from his body. But if something has a thirty percent chance of success, it's worth trying, and this matter has a fifty percent chance!"
"I might die, or I might not."
"Does it make a difference? Anyway, this old man isn't going to live much longer. Might as well spend my final days studying this damnable蛊虫."
As Poison Elder spoke, he recalled the many people in their clan who had died from蛊虫 over the years, and the torment he himself had endured, making him wish he were dead. Suddenly, a fierce resolve took hold. His features contorted as if about to split open. He looked at Nan Shiying, his teeth grinding audibly. "If I fail to completely remove the蛊虫 from him, at the moment of my death, while I still have a breath left, you must extract the蛊虫 along with my bone marrow."
"While the蛊虫 is still alive, inject it into any animal's body. Then, have it drink blood. Perhaps… perhaps it can completely expel the蛊虫 from him."
"You're talking nonsense!"
Nan Shiying felt he was speaking too lightly. A living dissection? Who would do it? She certainly wouldn't. If anyone dared, she would flay them alive.
"Listen here, old man. Don't you come up with any of your bizarre ideas. I'm here, and you're still trying to die?"
"Your Highness… cough, cough, cough, cough!"
"If that day ever comes, I'll chop up Doggy too, to accompany you to the underworld."
Her emotions in turmoil, Nan Shiying almost let slip her true identity, but she quickly recovered and managed to cover it up.
"You…"
Poison Elder's eyes widened, his chest heaving violently. He nearly suffocated, enraged to the point of losing consciousness, all because of Nan Shiying.
"What about me? I mean what I say!"
Nan Shiying narrowed her eyes, her slightly upturned eyelids revealing a provocative glint of "Try me if you dare."
Poison Elder clutched his chest.
He hadn't been killed by the蛊虫, and now he was almost angered to death by her.
His burning rage, his righteous indignation, his valiant determination to fight the蛊虫 to the death, had all been doused by a bucket of cold water, chilling him to the bone.
"Your Highness…"
Xuan Thirteen opened his mouth. If the蛊虫 in His Highness's body could truly be completely removed, then—
Nan Shiying turned her head. Her dark pupils fell upon Xuan Thirteen, and an imposing aura, capable of suppressing all defiance, surged forth. The air seemed to fill with a sharp, deadly intent, as if an invisible carving knife were piercing through Xuan Thirteen's body, flaying his soul.
Fear welled up in his heart, instantly spreading throughout his body.
Even Xuan Thirteen, who had always been by Ji Jinmo's side, now felt an urge to kneel and beg for mercy.
The Princess Consort at this moment was terrifyingly similar to His Highness when he was enraged.
Let alone Xuan Thirteen, who was at the center of the storm, even Poison Elder, standing beside Nan Shiying, felt a heart-stopping sense of dread.
Ji Jinmo cast a sideways glance at Xuan Thirteen. He was well aware of Xuan Thirteen's loyalty, but regarding this matter, whether Nan Shiying was involved or not, he could not agree to Poison Elder's request, neither in principle nor in reason.
He took a step forward and gently grasped Nan Shiying's hand. The slightly cool touch of his hand caused Nan Shiying to pause for a moment. The rolling, ferocious intent, like a mighty tiger awakening and roaring through the mountains, suddenly halted. Then, as if a clear spring had flowed over her skin, it washed away all the bloodlust and rage.
"Rest assured, I promise you, no matter the outcome, I will not lay a single finger on Poison Elder."
"Thirteen was merely acting out of concern. I hope you won't take offense."
Nan Shiying naturally believed Ji Jinmo's promise. She nodded lightly, then shot Xuan Thirteen another fierce glare. Holding Ji Jinmo's hand, Nan Shiying's entire demeanor softened.
Xuan Thirteen, having narrowly escaped, let out a heavy sigh and cast a grateful glance at Ji Jinmo.
Poison Elder couldn't help but tut. Well, he had been subjected to another display of affection by that damned couple.
Sensing Poison Elder's resentful gaze, Nan Shiying suddenly realized her hand was still being held by Ji Jinmo. Flustered, she pulled her hand away.
Ji Jinmo cast a lingering glance at Poison Elder.
Poison Elder touched his nose and let out two dry chuckles.
If you're not capable enough, can you blame me?
Nan Shiying's face flushed and paled repeatedly as she watched their silent exchange. She snorted at Poison Elder and said to both of them, "The treatments will be paused for the next few days. Let the old man recover his strength first!"
"I…"
Poison Elder wanted to say it wasn't necessary, but he was cowed by Nan Shiying's glare.
Nan Shiying gritted her teeth. "If you die, I'll grant your wish. Before you completely die, I'll dig out the蛊虫 that has merged with your bone marrow and feed it to Doggy."
"You wouldn't dare!"
Poison Elder was truly incensed this time.
Nan Shiying let out a cold laugh. "See if I dare!"
"You little brat, you unfilial scoundrel, you…"
Nan Shiying crossed her arms, watching Poison Elder with a cold gaze, letting him curse as much as he pleased. Ji Jinmo, however, his expression darkened slightly.
As he cursed, Poison Elder eventually ran out of steam. He looked at Nan Shiying with unconcealed resentment. The feeling of having no regrets that had arisen from her concern had completely dissipated, leaving only anger.
"Fine, I'll rest. I'll recover my strength. I'll do as you say!"
Nan Shiying nodded with satisfaction. "Wouldn't it have been easier if you had just agreed earlier?"
Poison Elder gnashed his teeth and looked up at Ji Jinmo. "Don't just stand there watching. Starting today, you'll also be undergoing recuperation, acupuncture, and medicinal baths!"
Ji Jinmo: "…"