Gu Qingli gently withdrew her spiritual energy, and only then did Shao Lan's tense body begin to relax.
His anxiety and anticipation stemmed not merely from Gu Qingli's examination of the toxins within him, but also from the innate, reflexive resistance the human body exerts; the intrusion of Gu Qingli's spiritual force was unfamiliar and unsettling.
Shao Yan was visibly astonished by Gu Qingli's extraordinary ability, yet simultaneously filled with eager anticipation.
"Xiaoli, what did you find?"
"Hmm..." Gu Qingli furrowed her brow slightly, causing Shao Yan and Shao Lan to exchange worried glances.
Her frown was not born of concern for Shao Lan's health, but rather from a perplexing curiosity about the mysterious substance within him, paired with an inability to articulate her thoughts.
Judging by Shao Lan and Shao Yan's expressions, they were oblivious to this enigma.
After all, probing someone's body with spiritual energy is an exceedingly rare art in this world, requiring absolute mutual trust, a formidable soul power, and masterful precision over every subtle nuance of that power.
Hence, Shao Yan and Shao Lan had never been aware of this hidden force.
As Gu Qingli pondered how to broach the subject, she glanced up at them and noticed their anxious faces; it suddenly dawned on her that her troubled expression must have led them to believe the situation was dire.
She exhaled quietly.
"The condition is not grave; Shao Uncle, Shao Lan, you need not be overly concerned. This will not compromise your lifespan or your health."
At her reassurance, Shao Yan visibly relaxed, recalling how he had always feared Shao Lan might succumb prematurely.
"Then why the solemn expression just now, Xiaoli? What troubled you?"
Gu Qingli gathered her thoughts before replying.
"Shao Uncle once told me that the snake gall's venom was extraordinarily potent, yet it preserved your childhood nickname—it was nothing short of a miracle. Though I found it puzzling at the time, I accepted it."
Shao Yan and Shao Lan listened intently.
"But after examining Shao Lan's internal condition today, I have to dismiss that possibility! No ordinary infant could survive exposure to such a lethal poison, unless... the child's constitution is exceptional!"
"Shao Xiaoli, do you mean Shao Lan's constitution is unlike that of ordinary mortals?" Shao Yan asked, unable to restrain his curiosity.
Both Shao Yan and Shao Lan's minds involuntarily turned to those luminous silver eyes—could they be the source of this anomaly?
"Shao Uncle is correct. Shao Lan's constitution is indeed extraordinary, but it is not limited to those silvery eyes you see. When I probed with my spiritual energy, I discovered something exceedingly peculiar."
"Despite the potent venom within Shao Lan's body, as you said, it is nearly impossible to eradicate."
Shao Yan and Shao Lan leaned in, rapt with attention.
"What I found is truly bewildering."
"There exists a covert energy within Shao Lan, concealed within his blood and bones, seemingly integrated with his very being. Because of this energy, even a venom as lethal as snake gall cannot infiltrate his blood or bones, thus sparing his life."
Gu Qingli's revelation explained why the infant Shao Lan was not claimed by the dreadful poison.
"This energy is exceedingly subtle. I dared not investigate deeply, for an infant's body is so fragile. Yet, even then, this force could repel such a virulent toxin. It's extraordinary, to say the least."
"So, this unknown energy is actually a blessing for Shao Lan?"
Shao Yan perceptively sensed this from Gu Qingli's words, while Shao Lan was utterly stunned.
To discover a mysterious force within one's own body, unknown for over a decade, would be utterly bewildering.
"It is indeed a blessing. Without this energy guarding him, the frail Shao Lan would have perished long ago. It is this very energy that prevents the snake gall venom from invading his body and bloodline, forcing it to retreat into his meridians and dantian. At that time, Shao Lan had yet to cultivate."
"As long as it does not harm his body, the rest can be managed gradually," Shao Yan exhaled deeply.
"Shao Uncle speaks wisely. Once we identify the root of the problem, we can slowly address it. Moreover, this wondrous energy protects Shao Lan. Regarding why he loses all power and suffers such agony every fifteenth day..."
"I suspect that on the fifteenth full moon night, this special energy weakens, allowing the suppressed poison to seep from the dantian and meridians into the body and bloodstream, robbing Shao Lan of his strength and causing intense pain."
"Makes perfect sense. That's probably it," Shao Yan nodded continuously, finally understanding why the poison flares only on the fifteenth.
"Is there really such energy within me? Where did it come from?" Shao Lan asked, bewildered after years of ignorance.
"Don't overthink it, Shao Lan. We'll uncover the truth in due time. For now, it's enough to know this energy is innate and protects you. I'm currently contemplating how to suppress the poison on full moon nights."
Gu Qingli's mind was consumed with these thoughts—though challenging, her current strength might just suffice.
"Shao Lan, I need some of your blood."
Prepared for this, Gu Qingli produced a small porcelain vial.
"Alright," Shao Lan extended his arm again. Gu Qingli delicately pricked his skin with a silver needle, allowing a steady stream of blood to collect in the vial.
She required only a modest amount, quickly sealing the wound to halt the bleeding.
"Since the special energy in your blood can suppress the snake gall's poison, though the exact pharmacology is unclear, it's worth a try. Perhaps your blood can serve as a medicinal catalyst."
Carefully, Gu Qingli secured the vial. The principle was sound, but further trials awaited.
"Good, Xiaoli. If you need anything, just tell Shao Uncle. We'll get whatever you require."
Shao Yan's tone was hearty and resolute.
"I understand. Don't worry, I won't hesitate to ask Shao Uncle for help if needed."
Gu Qingli smiled radiantly, hopeful that even if a cure eluded them for now, suppression would be a step forward.