Morning light filtered through the shutters, pale and chilled. Liam Ardent stood near the doorway of the inn's hallway, arms crossed as he faced the two newcomers. Master Elias Rowan's white beard shifted slightly with each breath, and though his expression was calm, his presence filled the corridor with quiet authority. Beside him, Lucas Rowan leaned heavily against a staff, his skin ashen, breathing in short, frost-edged puffs.
A line of frost shimmered across the boy's neck, as if ice had settled beneath the skin.
So… he hasn't absorbed the Nine Suns Divine Skill yet, Liam thought. A quiet relief settled into his chest.
Lucas stared back, his eyes sharp despite the sickness. He looked slightly younger than Liam, but pride burned in his gaze.
"It seems we've arrived at the right place," Elias Rowan said gently. "This innkeeper mentioned a young physician who has already saved several poisoned men. You are he, I take it?"
Liam nodded once. "Liam Ardent."
"Then I should get to the point." Elias Rowan gestured toward Lucas. "My grandson carries a severe cold poison in his veins. The great physicians of the north could only delay it. I've been seeking someone who could stabilize or cleanse it."
Liam stepped forward and examined Lucas openly. Frost-laden veins crawled faintly along the skin of his arms. The poison had already reached the organs. Without Nine Suns Divine Skill, this child had scarcely a month to live. The original history echoed in Liam's mind—Lucas Rowan cured by divine scripture, rising to become an unrivaled master. But here, Lucas Rowan had yet to encounter any miraculous fortune.
Lucas glared. "Don't look at me like I'm already a corpse."
Liam ignored him, fingertips grazing Lucas's wrist. He withdrew his hand calmly. "You have one month," he said. "Cold poison has already entered your organs. Without immediate cleansing, you won't live past the next moon."
Lucas flinched, lips tightening. He said nothing, but his knuckles whitened around his staff.
Elias Rowan's eyes narrowed, though not in anger—more like sorrow. "You speak the truth plainly. That cold poison is cruel."
Liam shrugged slightly. "I'm not finished."
Both Rowans looked at him.
"There is one person in this world who can save him," Liam said.
Elias Rowan's white brows rose. "You refer to the Immortal of Butterfly Valley—Edric Thornwell?"
"No. Thornwell is dead. Slain by Grandmother Goldenflower days ago," Liam replied calmly.
A sharp breath escaped the old master. Lucas stiffened, eyes wide with disbelief. "Dead…? Then—"
Elias Rowan's expression turned solemn. "If even Thornwell is gone, who remains that can save him?"
Liam's mouth curled with faint confidence. "Far away? Not quite. He stands in front of you."
Lucas let out a cold laugh. "You? Don't joke. My great-grandfather could only suppress this poison; you're barely older than me."
"Lucas," Elias Rowan said quietly, lifting a hand to silence him.
He looked at Liam with grave calm. "Is this arrogance or true skill?"
Liam met his gaze, unblinking. "Ten out of ten certainty. I can purge the poison. But afterward… he returns to Wudang. No wandering the west. No stumbling into Ming Cult messes. Understood?"
Elias Rowan's attention sharpened, weighing every syllable. "You speak as someone who knows more than you should. But I will not question that—for now. You claim full confidence?"
"Ten parts," Liam said again.
Lucas Rowan muttered under his breath, "Arrogant bastard…"
Liam heard it and gave a cool glance. "You can keep scowling, or you can keep breathing. Your choice."
At that moment, Lilith Stormbane stepped lightly into the hall, followed by Rowena Sterling, both having overheard enough from the adjacent room. Rowena's eyes softened when she saw the older master, then moved pityingly to Lucas.
Lilith crossed her arms. "We fix poison for breakfast these days, it seems."
Elias Rowan observed the two young women, recognition flickering behind his gaze. "So you are the companions mentioned in the tavern tales."
Rowena bowed her head. "We travel with Sir Liam."
Lucas looked between them, partly incredulous. "So this rogue really travels with two women at his side and claims he's a healer—"
Liam stepped forward with sudden coldness. "Enough. Sit down before you collapse where you stand."
Lucas tried to retort—but a coughing fit cut him off, frost forming faintly at the corner of his lips.
Liam reached out, pressed two fingers to Lucas's pulse point, and let a thin stream of internal energy circulate. Lucas stiffened but was unable to speak; the cold poison surged but Liam pinned it in place, freezing it like a beast caught between bars.
Lucas's eyes widened. For the first time, he looked uncertain.
Liam removed his hand. "I'll need a quiet chamber, hot water, and a brazier. If you want me to cure him, let's begin within the hour. If not—leave before you distract me further."
Elias Rowan exhaled slowly, eyes filled with more respect than before. "Very well. You have our full trust."
But then his gaze sharpened slightly. "One more thing. I've heard rumors that Mother Clarisse Hale of Emei was slain… by a youth matching your description."
Liam's expression turned icy. His voice was calm but dangerous. "She tried to kill me first. She failed. If you plan to avenge her, say it now."
Tension flickered in the air.
Elias Rowan closed his eyes briefly, then opened them with measured calm. "Her temperament was extreme—even I found it difficult to approve her ways. If your battle was one of survival, I shall not interfere. Emei's grievances are not mine. I merely wished to confirm the truth."
Liam nodded once, tension easing by a fraction.
Elias Rowan bowed slightly. "Then I withdraw my suspicion. Liam Ardent… if you can heal my grandson, the Rowan Clan shall owe you a debt."
Liam did not smile. "Prepare the room."
Glossary – Chapter 27
Cold Poison – A lethal icy toxin lodged within the meridians and organs, causing the body to radiate frost and draining life energy. Only rare techniques or medical masters can remove it.
Lucas Rowan – Grandson and disciple of Master Elias Rowan. Currently afflicted with cold poison; destined heir of Wudang.
Master Elias Rowan – Patriarch of Wudang Sect, one of the most respected grandmasters of the martial world. Calm, righteous, and revered.
This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .
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T/N :
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