The wolf pack leader clearly resisted, blocking Zhang Xiaoniu and the others with the pack.
Ye Bai growled, glaring majestically at the wolves. Eventually, the pack leader relented, leading the pack to the side.
The group entered the wolf clan's sacred land and drank from the sacred spring one by one. They experienced no discomfort, except for Gu Qing, who suffered the same condition as Gu Sinian, and even more severely.
"Awooo, it seems this person was the first to be afflicted by the insects," Ye Bai rumbled.
Qi Zhenzhen frowned. As Zhang Xiaoniu had said, Gu Qing was not injured during the pursuit of the barbarians. Why was he afflicted by the蛊虫 (gu worms), and so severely? A plausible theory was that the蛊虫 (gu worms) were not inflicted by the barbarians, and it was highly possible they had been infected in the capital.
As for who was responsible, Qi Zhenzhen had no clue.
For now, the priority was to cure Gu Sinian and Gu Qing of the蛊虫 (gu worms). Once they were normal, they could discuss other matters.
Although the wolf clan's sacred land held treasures, they were ineffective against the蛊虫 (gu worms). There was no point in staying longer. Qi Zhenzhen took her leave of Ye Bai without delay.
Ye Bai did not detain them but handed a young wolf with grey and white fur to Qi Zhenzhen. "Keep it with you; it will be of help in your future endeavors."
The young wolf, not much larger than a puppy, had clear eyes and a tender growl. "Awooo, I don't want to leave the wolf clan."
Ye Bai growled, "Awooo, the wolf clan is not your good belonging. If you obediently follow her, you will have a chance to return. Trust me, we will meet again."
With that, Ye Bai licked the little wolf's head.
The group did not delay and hurried out of the Qilian Mountains. Zhang Xiaoniu went to inform Yan Dalang, while Qi Zhenzhen led Gu Sinian, Gu Qing, and the others to the Qian family's territory.
"Send word to Qian Yuanbao as quickly as possible. Also, does the Qian family have any familiar renowned physicians at the border?" Qi Zhenzhen inquired.
The person in charge of the Qian family's affairs replied, "Someone from Hundred Herbs Hall will be coming in the next two days to collect our medicinal herbs."
Hundred Herbs Hall? Qi Zhenzhen had heard of it. When Song Mingze had his incident, he was treated at Hundred Herbs Hall. It was rumored that the doctors at Hundred Herbs Hall were extremely skilled. The founder of Hundred Herbs Hall had treated many princes and ministers, and it was said that the Emperor had also tried to recruit him more than once.
"The letter must be sent, but what if the doctor who comes is helpless?" Qi Zhenzhen stated decisively.
A day later, people from Hundred Herbs Hall arrived. To Qi Zhenzhen's surprise, she recognized one of them.
"Uncle, are you from Hundred Herbs Hall?" Qi Zhenzhen greeted him.
The person who arrived was Tang Duo, who used to frequent the noodle shop. Qi Zhenzhen had met him a few times and spoken with him.
Tang Duo was also surprised. "Little girl, how did you end up in this freezing place? Haven't seen you for over half a year. Are you not managing your noodle shop anymore?"
"My aunt and uncle are managing the noodle shop now. I returned to the capital and came to the border for some matters," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
"Are you from the Qian family?" Tang Duo asked.
Qi Zhenzhen shook her head. "I merely know the head of the Qian family. Let's not talk about that for now. I have someone who needs to see a doctor. May I ask which doctor from Hundred Herbs Hall is accompanying you and if they can examine the patient?"
A masked person standing beside Tang Duo stepped forward. "I am the doctor accompanying us this time. Where is the patient?"
Qi Zhenzhen was surprised again. She hadn't expected the accompanying doctor from Hundred Herbs Hall to be a woman!