"Died of illness!"
Hui Ji looked at the Poison Elder and spoke after a long pause.
"Are you sure?"
The Poison Elder stared intently at Hui Ji, his gaze sharp, as if wanting to pierce through his skin and into his soul. Hui Ji remained unchanged, and under his scrutiny, not even a ripple stirred in his eyes. He simply nodded and confirmed, "I am sure."
In the corner of the room with the best light, medical books were piled high. Hui Ji found a not-too-thick book, bound with thin hemp rope, its appearance somewhat crude, amidst the mountain of texts. He gently held the book, his fingertips brushing across the dust-free pages, then turned and handed it to the Poison Elder, "This is the book Master left for you."
*The Twelve Classics of Pharmacy*
This book was not a manuscript but a unique copy, dating back several hundred years.
This was the Master's treasured collection, guarded fiercely when he was alive. The Poison Elder looked at the medical book Hui Ji presented, his lips pursed, the corners of his mouth trembling slightly.
"Did he leave any last words?" he asked.
Hui Ji replied, "Master, in his final moments, he worried you would be without support in your old age."
The Poison Elder's eyes slowly reddened. He took the medical book from Hui Ji's hand, examining it again and again.
"Senior disciple brother, don't leave."
Hui Ji lowered his head and urged.
At his age, why still rush about? Staying in Medicine King Valley to recuperate would surely add years to his life.
The Poison Elder raised his hand, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, and placed the book inside his robe. Facing Hui Ji's plea, he shook his head, "No, I still have unfinished business. If, in the end... I will have my disciple bring me back."
"Senior disciple brother!"
"Enough!"
He interrupted Hui Ji and looked up at him again.
"Speaking of which, I also have something I wish to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Why are you on good terms with Nan Chao Yin?"
Hui Ji lowered his eyelids. He wasn't truly dull, merely disinclined to divert his focus to matters beyond medicine. However, he understood the implication of his senior disciple brother's question.
"A friend made during my travels when I was young," Hui Ji simply stated.
The Poison Elder sighed, ultimately not pressing further.
"Alright, but be more vigilant yourself. Don't be foolishly trusting of everyone."
"I know!"
Hui Ji nodded.
"Farewell!"
The Poison Elder stood up, preparing to leave. At the doorway, he suddenly turned back, "Right, since you mention you and Nan Chao Yin are old acquaintances, have you heard of someone?"
"Who?"
"Concubine Qin!"
Upon hearing the name, Hui Ji's eyes, usually as calm as still water, rippled slightly. He looked at the Poison Elder, and under his expectant gaze, slowly shook his head, "I don't know. Who is this? Nan Chao Yin's concubine?"
"Hui Ji, has anyone ever told you that you are not good at lying?"
"What do you mean, senior disciple brother?"
"Forget it, it means nothing."
The Poison Elder waved his hand, then paused again before stepping out. He looked at Hui Ji and slowly began, "This Concubine Qin had a daughter, whom Nan Chao Yin treated like an animal, abandoning her in the back courtyard to fend for herself. Later, when this daughter grew up, he made her die in place of his beloved daughter. Fortunately, heaven took pity, and the daughter not only survived but also gained the favor of a prince."
"Junior disciple brother, if Concubine Qin knew her daughter was so mistreated, do you think she would crawl out from underground and tear that Nan Chao Yin apart?"
He spoke of the matter in the calmest voice, yet the words were like blades. If Hui Ji truly had a connection with Concubine Qin, they would have been enough to pierce him to the core.
Hui Ji lowered his gaze, appearing not to have heard the words. The Poison Elder believed he understood his junior disciple brother well. If he were acquainted with Concubine Qin, he would not be so composed and indifferent now.
Perhaps he had merely met her?
The Poison Elder suppressed his conjecture and made no further attempts to probe.