The courtyard echoed with an irregular breeze. Four or five plane branches swayed with the wind. The pervasive dampness felt like a thin veil, gently caressing everyone's skin. The touching scene of family reunion was abruptly dispelled by such a captivating and vibrant display.
Yang Lingxue and Shen Lan'ni hurried forward. The moment they touched Ye Lan's skin, their faces registered shock. Her skin temperature was at least forty degrees Celsius, her face flushed, and her pupils were filled with boundless lust.
"Yuan Hao~" Ye Lan mumbled incessantly, her face flushed with passion, exuding a beauty that no man could resist.
At the critical moment, Shen Lan'ni and Yang Lingxue exchanged a look, seemingly reaching a consensus. Shen Lan'ni struck towards Ye Lan's nape with her fingers like a blade, knocking her unconscious instantly.
Ren Yuanhao scooped up Ye Lan and immediately knelt before Shi Jing'tian, his expression grave. "Senior Shi, please, you must save my friend."
"Friend? I think this young lady is deeply in love with you," he said, stroking his slightly graying beard. "You know, those afflicted by the love flower poison experience a surge of lust throughout their bodies, desperately seeking out any man. Yet, even in this state, this young lady's eyes are only for you, and she could even call out your name accurately. Such affection is truly moving. However~"
"Please, Senior, speak plainly."
"You may rise first."
Shi Jing'tian helped Ren Yuanhao to his feet. He then listened as his daughter whispered something into his ear, her face flushed. He continued, "Since you, young man, have saved my daughter's life, I will naturally do my utmost. However, for those poisoned by the love flower, the deeper their affection for a particular person, the stronger the poison. The method of curing it requires conjugal union. Of course, I know you are a man of integrity and would disdain such a method. Yet, there are other ways to treat the love flower poison."
Ren Yuanhao's gaze was fixed on Ye Lan, unable to move away. Yang Lingxue grew impatient and immediately asked, "Doctor Shi, please don't keep us in suspense any longer. This poor girl has suffered so much~"
"It is not that I am withholding information, but the required herbs are also extremely precious. While I can procure the 'Turtle Breath Grass,' I cannot obtain the 'Thousand Snow Velvet Flower Grass' that can save her. I am truly ashamed." Shi Jing'tian bowed with a look of helplessness.
"Father, can't you rack your brains and think harder? There must be a way, right?" Shi Kexin tugged at her father's sleeve, persistently pestering him. Half of her concern was for Ren Yuanhao potentially having physical intimacy with Ye Lan, and the other half was for Ye Lan's safety. Seeing Ren Yuanhao's agony, she felt uneasy too.
Shi Jing'tian pondered for a moment. "I wonder if Old Sha has this item."
"Old Sha? Father, he's your mortal enemy. Even if he has it, given his nature, he'd sooner throw it away than give the herb to you."
Ren Yuanhao, sensing a glimmer of hope, immediately inquired, "Does this Senior Sha have any particular requirements?"
"Requirements? No, it's just eccentricity," Shi Kexin muttered.
"Eccentricity? Tell me about it."
"He prefers dead people to living ones and lives in a place that is cold and damp, much like a graveyard. It's said he has over a dozen coffins outside his door, and willow trees surround his house. When the wind blows at night, it sounds as if countless vengeful spirits are scratching at the place. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine." Shi Kexin shivered involuntarily, as if the temperature of the entire courtyard had dropped.
"Since it is inconvenient for you to go, Senior, I will personally seek the medicine. Then, I'm afraid I must trouble Senior and Miss Kexin to look after my friends."
"It's no trouble. However, do be wary of Old Sha. He has a peculiar temperament, and this lady's time is running out. By then~" Shi Jing'tian's implication was clear. Ren Yuanhao was not a fool and understood immediately. He then set off with only Liu Yu, following the route indicated by Shi Kexin, heading rapidly towards the depths of the tall buildings to the west.
The two walked along a stone path flanked by lush greenery. The houses on either side were elevated above the road. Some villagers, seeing new faces, were not shy. Some exchanged smiles, some nodded in greeting, and others waved hello. The local customs were simple and exceptionally warm.
Halfway there, Liu Yu sighed. "Brother, this sister-in-law will be yours sooner or later. Why don't you just accept her? Is your heart already taken?"
Ren Yuanhao neither nodded nor shook his head, only speaking softly, "I don't want to delay them. I~"
"Tsk, listen to you. I think you're blinded by proximity. In my opinion, these three sisters-in-law each have their own merits, but they share one thing in common."
"What?"
"They are all devoted to you. Given that, what delay are you talking about? Your current stalemate is truly delaying them."
Ren Yuanhao had considered Liu Yu's words long ago. However, Liu Yu was unaware that he was bound by something called the 'DiDi dating system' and that his lifespan was only seven years. He believed that if Liu Yu were in the same situation, he would act similarly.
He merely smiled and mused, "Brother, a man's ambition lies in all directions. Recently, I've finally come to a clear understanding. With greater ability comes greater responsibility. The research conducted by Lionheart Group will undoubtedly trigger a major upheaval. Moreover, there are many institutions and organizations like Lionheart Group in the world, lurking in the darkness, baring their fangs. If we espers do not unite, we will inevitably be swallowed by the night. If my acquiring these abilities was not by chance, then perhaps I can truly change this situation slightly."
"Hahahaha, that's excellent, brother. There aren't many people in this world who can place themselves at the forefront. After hearing your words, I feel as if I've been injected with adrenaline, filled with passion. Don't worry, you will never be alone." Liu Yu extended his fist. Ren Yuanhao understood and smiled, meeting his fist. The two simultaneously let out hearty laughter and soon traversed the stone path, circumventing the elaborately carved and painted tall buildings to the west. Before them lay a small forest, seemingly perpetually shrouded in mist.
White mist swirled, dancing up and down with the wind. Lush green trees stood unevenly on both sides, rising from the ground. Vines hung down in curves, with nameless flowers coiling around them like flickering tongues of snakes. The ground was covered with fallen leaves and decaying branches, their thickness nearly submerging their ankles. Walking through it felt like sinking into mud. Although the daylight was sparse, upon entering the small forest, the further they went, the darker it became, eventually forcing them to turn on their phone flashlights to find their way.