After a mont of silence, Old General Tao said, "There is no free al in this world. This general does not believe that you would give us the antidote without anything in exchange. Envoy, let us not waste ti—tell what you want."
The envoy sighed inwardly and complained, ’Why don’t they trust ? I really don’t want any paynt. This antidote is just a low-grade all-purpose antidote I casually refine. Why do they treat it like a treasure? So confusing.’
Recalling the secret mission he had received directly from the Pavilion Master, the envoy took a deep breath and suppressed his annoyance.
Taking out a small wooden box from the leather pouch at his waist, the envoy threw it to Old General Tao.
"That’s the antidote for Seven Blooming Poison. Take it or leave it. But let remind you that the old minister has less than half a sichen left to live."
The mont his words fell, the envoy disappeared.
Looking down at the small wooden box in his palm, Old General Tao turned to the others and asked, "What should we do? This general had heard about Seven Blooming Poison before. Those who were poisoned with it can only live up to seven sichen before they die."
The young general looked at Lord Ji for a few seconds, then gritted his teeth.
Making a quick decision, he grabbed the wooden box from Old General Tao’s hand and said, "We have no choice. We can only treat a dead horse as if it were alive."
After saying that, he opened the box, took out the pill, and fed it to Lord Ji. Placing the empty box aside, he touched Lord Ji’s throat a few tis.
Glug.
When the young general saw that Lord Ji had swallowed the antidote, he clenched his jaw and stared at him without blinking.
A few monts later, Lord Ji slowly woke up.
"Ugh..."
Seeing this, the young general exclaid in joy, "It works! Lord Ji’s complexion has improved!"
Hearing this, the other generals and ministers quickly gathered around them.
When Lord Ji finally opened his tired eyes, he was greeted by the faces of his colleagues. Stunned for a few seconds, Lord Ji ca back to his senses and asked hoarsely, "...What happened to ?"
"Lord Ji, you were poisoned by the rebel general and passed out just now. We have given you the antidote, so you should be fine now," Old General Tao said.
He then paused for a second before asking, "Lord Ji, how do you feel now?"
When Lord Ji heard this, he scanned the cave but didn’t find anyone other than his colleagues. "Who gave the antidote?"
Based on the Hong Sha Pavilion’s reputation, everyone knew that they now owed them a favor. Although they didn’t know what the Hong Sha Pavilion would ask in return for today’s antidote, they did not regret their choice.
Looking at Lord Ji’s calm expression, Old General Tao thought, ’It’s better to let Lord Ji know about today’s matter. If the Hong Sha Pavilion seeks him out in the future, he won’t be kept in the dark and can make preparations early.’
Having made his decision, he looked at the weak but composed Lord Ji and answered, "It was the Hong Sha Pavilion."
The mont his words fell, Lord Ji showed no reaction.
His calm response was not sothing the generals and ministers expected. They exchanged questioning glances before looking back at Lord Ji.
Receiving their doubtful and curious gazes, Lord Ji calmly clasped his hands and bowed slightly.
Seeing this, Old General Tao hurriedly supported his arms. "Lord Ji, we can’t accept this."
Being supported, Lord Ji could not bow, so he simply shook his head and said, "Today, all of you have saved this old man’s life. It is only right for this old man to bow to you. Thank you for saving my life. This old man owes you all a life-saving favor."
Old General Tao sighed at his words.
"Lord Ji, you are too polite. Everyone present today has shared a life-and-death experience. We can be considered comrades-in-arms."
"There is no need to speak of owing us anything. If you were in our position, this general believes you would do the sa for any of us."
When the other generals and ministers heard this, they all nodded in agreent.
While they were talking, the young general observed Lord Ji’s expression from the side. Frowning slightly, he couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.
’Strange... The Hong Sha Pavilion’s reputation is widely known across the Central Continent, and everyone knows that their favor is difficult to repay. Why isn’t Lord Ji surprised at the ntion of the Hong Sha Pavilion?’
The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he beca.
Lowering his gaze, the young general recalled the events from earlier.
A few monts later, his eyes flickered with realization.
’Wait... why did the envoy of the Hong Sha Pavilion suddenly appear here? Did he follow us? But why did he only appear after Lord Ji had fainted from the poison?’
Racking his brain, the young general replayed the scene and conversations several tis in his head. A few seconds later, he suddenly raised his eyes to look at Lord Ji.
’Could it be...!’
Having finally connected the clues, the young general took a deep breath to calm himself.
Staring at Lord Ji, he waited until they finished speaking before asking, "Lord Ji, don’t you feel uneasy after owing the Hong Sha Pavilion a favor?"
When asked, Lord Ji calmly looked at him and smiled.
"This old man has nothing left except this life. No matter what the Hong Sha Pavilion wants in the future, this old man can just repay today’s favor with his life."
Hearing this, Old General Tao patted Lord Ji’s arm and let out a helpless sigh. "Lord Ji, don’t worry. If the day cos when the Hong Sha Pavilion demands repaynt, this general will help you."
At his words, the others nodded in agreent—except for the young general.
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