"My God, he's really gotten up."
"Mmm, he's not howling anymore. He looks like he's all better!"
"Er Zhu, you're a miracle worker! Anyone who dares to doubt you again, I'll fight them!"
...
Hearing the silence behind him, all the villagers turned their heads. The scene before them shocked and thrilled them immensely!
All the livestock had recovered. It was simply unbelievable!
It had only been an hour since Er Zhu arrived and started treating the livestock!
Good heavens, let alone treating livestock, even treating humans wouldn't take such a short amount of time!
Seeing their incredulous expressions, Uncle Liu felt immensely gratified and proud. He smiled and patted Er Zhu's shoulder in encouragement.
He had indeed chosen the right person. Er Zhu, this young man, was destined for greater things than anyone in Shiliu Village!
Uncle Liu liked Er Zhu more and more. He wished he could have Er Zhu take over his duties the very next day!
Meanwhile, Er Zhu remained calm, as if all this was expected.
In fact, it was. He had already neutralized the poison in the livestock even without consulting the "Sacred Doctor's Scripture."
However, even though the poison was gone, the crisis was not over!
Because he hadn't found the poisoner yet!
A spark flickered in Er Zhu's eyes again as he scanned each villager.
Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a man with a full beard. There was some white powder on his pocket, but it was subtly located, and due to the darkness, no one had noticed.
It was him?
Er Zhu sized up the man from head to toe, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
This man, Liu Daming, was one of the first people to get rich with Er Zhu. More importantly, he had never questioned or mocked Er Zhu, no matter the circumstances. Er Zhu could never have imagined that the poisoner would be him!
But the surprise in Er Zhu's eyes vanished in an instant. No matter how much Liu Daming believed in him, he was still human. Er Zhu understood better than anyone that human hearts were unfathomable!
"Alright, alright, everyone stop looking at the livestock and look at me."
Beside them, Uncle Liu saw that Er Zhu hadn't spoken and suddenly remembered an important matter.
"Why would we look at you? Looking at an old man with a face full of wrinkles is worse than looking at livestock. They're much better looking than you."
"Uncle Liu, why would a dignified village head compare himself to livestock?"
...
As a few villagers finished speaking, the scene erupted in laughter, as if the dark cloud hanging over them had dispersed.
"What nonsense are you all talking about? I meant to say, although the poison is gone, shouldn't we investigate who the poisoner is?"
Tickled by their words, Uncle Liu's old face flushed red. He shot an annoyed glance at the jokers before getting down to serious business.
At the mention of this, the villagers' faces instantly turned somber. The dispersed dark cloud overhead seemed to gather again.
They exchanged bewildered glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Only Liu Daming lowered his head, meticulously checking his clothes.
All the arsenic had been used. As long as none of it was on him, no one would be able to prove it was him!
A cold glint flashed in Liu Daming's eyes. He raised his head and stared intently at Er Zhu.
"No need to look any further. He's the culprit!"
Just as Uncle Liu was about to initiate a search for the poisoner, Er Zhu pointed in Liu Daming's direction and spoke slowly.
Following Er Zhu's pointing finger, all eyes converged on Liu Daming.
"It can't be Daming, can it? He's always been the most enthusiastic supporter of any decision made by the village. Why would he poison the cattle?"
"Exactly. I've watched Daming grow up. He wouldn't even dare to step on an ant, let alone poison cattle!"
...
Several people who knew Liu Daming well stepped forward to voice their doubts, and other villagers nodded in agreement.
They believed in Er Zhu's abilities, but finding the culprit with such a casual point seemed too hasty and unbelievable.
Moreover, this so-called culprit was the most honest and proactive person in the village!
"Er Zhu, I was one of the first people to grow ginseng with you. I've supported you so much, why would you say something so disheartening?"
A flicker of shock crossed Liu Daming's eyes, but seeing so many people speak up for him, he mustered the courage to retort.
"That's right. Do you really think you're a god, just pointing at someone and that's the truth?"
"Er Zhu, we know you're capable, but you can't get too carried away."
...
Seeing that Er Zhu remained silent, the villagers assumed he was speechless from their accusations and their own beliefs were further solidified.
"No way, Er Zhu has never been wrong before. Why would he be so wrong today?"
Uncle Liu, noticing Liu Daming's evasive gaze, took a step forward to defend Er Zhu.
"Exactly. Er Zhu has no grudge against Liu Daming, why would he frame him?"
Beside them, Li Mei, though she hadn't seen anything, was unwavering in her belief in Er Zhu.
The remaining villagers nodded in agreement, rallying behind Er Zhu and showing their support.
Thus, the hundred or so villagers of Shiliu Village were divided into two factions. Although those who stood with Liu Daming were fewer in number, their gazes were incredibly resolute!
Er Zhu still said nothing. Just as someone was about to question him again, he slowly walked towards Liu Daming.
Although the villagers were tempted to intervene, they remembered Er Zhu's agile movements and all stepped aside.
"Er Zhu, don't push your luck too far! I said it wasn't me, and it wasn't!"
Er Zhu's gradual approach to Liu Daming and the villagers around him created an unprecedented sense of pressure. Liu Daming was now in a state of extreme tension!
Before he could finish speaking, Er Zhu grabbed his collar, yanked him forward, and swiftly reached into his pocket with a finger, then raised it.
"You say it wasn't you, then what is this? Don't tell me it's just flour. Shall I get it tested!"
At the sight of the white powder on Er Zhu's finger, the scene instantly fell silent. Liu Daming trembled, breaking out in a cold sweat! He had checked so many times and hadn't found any arsenic, yet Er Zhu had discovered it!
Liu Daming opened his mouth, intending to continue his defense, but seeing the angry faces of the villagers, he knew he had lost...
"Liu Daming, damn your ancestors!"
The few most supportive villagers roared curses and charged forward with their fists raised. Er Zhu stepped back, and all those who supported Liu Daming swarmed forward, followed by the sounds of punches and kicks.
On the other side, everyone stared blankly at the scene. They had expected a prolonged struggle, but they hadn't anticipated Er Zhu finding evidence so quickly!
This was simply... divine!