Ren Yuanhao's expression was blank as he returned to reality from the illusion.
"This snake gall is a good thing, but that coward, if he wakes up, he probably won't dare to eat something so nauseating," he muttered.
Ren Yuanhao reached into the snake's belly and, after some rummaging, took out a fist-sized snake gall and swallowed it without hesitation.
His face remained impassive as he slowly uttered a few words, "It really tastes bad."
"Hey, when are you disappearing?"
The system remained vigilant.
"I will disappear when Ren Yuanhao wants to wake up. However, I don't recommend you tell him the truth," 'Ren Yuanhao' clapped his hands and added, "From now on, we'll look out for each other. Goodbye."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ren Yuanhao collapsed onto the ground.
At this moment, the snake gall entered his abdomen, directly releasing a gentle yet persistent force that converged into the鲛人泪 (Jiaoren Lei). The qi released from the 36 death acupoints miraculously returned to their positions. Although no longer chaotic, if this qi remained uncontrolled, it would still result in irreversible consequences for Ren Yuanhao.
...
After an unknown period, Ren Yuanhao awoke to a sliver of long-lost sunlight filtering through the window frame. He slowly walked to the window and looked up, noticing that the leaves on the green trees in the courtyard had begun to turn slightly yellow.
The warm sunlight fell on his face. Although he could still feel the heat, it wasn't the scorching heat of summer. People came and went in the courtyard, carrying bags of herbs and leaving with satisfaction.
He slightly gathered his qi and took a deep breath. Suddenly, the Zhongwan acupoint tightened, and a needle-like sting made him frown. His throat felt as if it were burning, itchy and painful, causing him to cough.
As soon as the cough started, a series of footsteps surged from the direction of the door. The first to rush into the room was undoubtedly Yang Lingxue, followed closely by Shen Ye and another girl.
"Ren Yuanhao! Are you satisfied only after scaring us to death!"
Yang Lingxue threw herself into Ren Yuanhao's arms, her tears instantly dampening his clothes.
"Why are you so agitated? It's like I almost died again."
"What do you mean 'like'? It is! You slept for half a month!" Yang Lingxue chided. "Hey, I haven't had skewers or hot pot in a long time. You figure it out."
Ren Yuanhao was startled, then looked out the window at the world turning from green to yellow, finally realizing Yang Lingxue was speaking the truth.
"I didn't expect to be gone for nearly twenty days. I wonder what has happened in Ai Shen City and at home," Ren Yuanhao said with emotion.
"Don't worry. I already contacted everyone's homes using the Qiu family's computer with a remote IP address. Everyone is at ease; all is well."
Ye Lan wore a yellow floral dress that day, making her appear even thinner at first glance.
"The Lionheart Building surprisingly took no action against us this time, which is a bit strange. I have a feeling something big is about to happen."
Shen Lan Ni propped her chin on her hand. Her sleek sportswear couldn't conceal her proud figure.
At this moment, Ren Yuanhao suddenly realized that Liu Yu, Qi Da Xian, and others seemed to no longer be in this town, as their familiar frequencies had completely disappeared.
"Where did Brother Liu and the others go?"
Yang Lingxue answered first, "Hmph, they recovered quite well three days ago. Brother Liu knew you were worried about your celestial maiden, so he sent them to scout near Yunjin City."
"Brother Liu really understands me."
"Hmph, what did you say?"
"Uh, I mean, good job. Oh, well done. Oh, right, didn't you want skewers and things? We'll leave this afternoon?"
Ren Yuanhao, being extremely clever, used the 'topic diversion' tactic to quell a potential war arising from 'jealousy'.
"Why this afternoon? We're already prepared." Yang Lingxue pointed to the three packed suitcases in the room.
Ren Yuanhao shook his head helplessly and said, "I need to see a few people before I can leave with peace of mind."
"That's right. We haven't stayed here for a long time, nor a short time. It's time to say goodbye. We'll wait for you here."
Ye Lan seemed very understanding, but Yang Lingxue was a bit more insistent.
"Hey, I want to go too. I'm almost suffocating."
"Don't be silly, it's not a trip for fun."
...
After washing up, Ren Yuanhao went to Bai Fu's house first. He didn't approach but stood far away by a maple tree, watching Qin Feng weave a grasshopper from straw while Bai Fu sat beside him, watching dotingly.
This kind of life was something Ren Yuanhao had deeply longed for, even unattainable. Even now, it remained his heart's desire.
He didn't disturb the two, merely waved his hand from a distance, and then, guided by passersby, headed towards Gan Lao San's house.
Gan Lao San was brushing his daughter's hair. His legs, due to a gunshot wound, could no longer walk normally. However, in exchange for his daughter's safety, he felt it was all worth it.
His last stop was at the Qiu family's residence.
The Qiu family was undergoing extensive construction. The original modern high-rise building had been torn down. After inquiries, he learned that this was Qiu Guodong's initiative to start anew and curb his son Qiu Yang's extravagant and dissolute temperament by rebuilding the incongruous building into traditional residences.
Without waiting long, Qiu Guodong appeared before Ren Yuanhao, wearing a construction worker's hat.
"Uncle, you are doing this~"
"Leading by example, you see? That brat is also working quite diligently?"
Ren Yuanhao followed the direction Qiu Guodong pointed. He saw Qiu Yang, who now had only one hand, wearing coarse cloth clothes and carrying materials on the foundation, covered in sweat, his figure noticeably thinner.
This scene deeply shocked Ren Yuanhao. At the same time, Qiu Guodong took off his hat and led Ren Yuanhao to the passage leading to a hidden tomb.
"Brother, last time was rushed, and you didn't get a good look. This time, the great disaster is over, and we finally have ample time. The items in the large box need to be returned to their rightful owners," Qiu Guodong said with a smile, wiping sweat from his face with a handkerchief as he led the way.
"Uncle, thank you."
...
Unknowingly, it was time for his departure, and Ren Yuanhao had successfully emerged from the large box.
The cultivation techniques and the meridian acupoint chart were too profound and obscure. Not only was it difficult to memorize them in a short time, but even to read through them was a significant challenge.
Fortunately, the system lady appeared at the critical moment and showed him a way. He spent 200 points to acquire the 'replication' blueprints from the system mall, copying and recording the charts and text from the box one by one, to study and observe when he had more time in the future.
By then, the sky was clear, the autumn air was crisp, and the clouds were high. After kneeling and paying respects at the tomb of Qiu Ruhai, who had saved his life, Ren Yuanhao finally drove the jeep gifted by Qiu Guodong, leaving the village town that resembled a paradise and slowly heading towards Yunjin City.