Journey Through Realms: Fulfilling Last Wishes - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Naive Saintess of the Demonic Sect

Upon receiving Shen Mie’s orders, Shen Jie immediately descended the mountain to summon Shen Yu.

“Greetings, Young Master. The Patriarch has instructed me to bring you back to the sect,” Shen Jie said respectfully after locating Shen Yu, who was having a meal.

“My father forgave me this quickly? Something must have happened,” Shen Yu remarked in surprise. Knowing his father’s temperament, such a swift summons was unusual unless there was an urgent matter.

“It concerns Miss An. Beyond that, I don’t know,” Shen Jie replied. He only knew that An Ran had visited the study, after which Shen Mie ordered him to bring Shen Yu back.

“Did something happen to Ran Ran?”

Shen Yu’s concern was evident as he anxiously pressed Shen Jie for more information.

“I’m not sure. The Patriarch didn’t elaborate. He only instructed that you and Shen Yi return, while the rest of the entourage stays at the base,” Shen Jie explained.

“Just Shen Yi and me? Alright, give me a moment to gather my things,” Shen Yu said, still puzzled but unwilling to delay.

Before leaving, Shen Yu approached Gu Lao. “Gu Lao, my father has summoned me back, but I can’t take you with me this time. Wait here, and I’ll send someone to bring you up once I return.”

Gu Lao appeared momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure, agreeing without hesitation.

“Go ahead, Young Master Shen. I can wait a little longer; it’s no trouble.”

Though outwardly calm, Gu Lao’s mind raced. Had his plans been uncovered? He dismissed the thought, confident that no one could rival his medical expertise—certainly not anyone who could expose him. Assuring himself it was mere paranoia, he resolved to wait patiently.

With his preparations complete, Shen Yu mounted his horse and hurried up the mountain. The moment he heard An Ran was involved, he became increasingly anxious to find out what had happened to her.

_______

Upon arriving at the sect, Shen Yu quickly located An Ran in Shen Mie’s study. The sight of her sitting calmly did little to soothe his worries.

“Ran Ran, are you feeling unwell? Have you had Uncle Mu examine you?”

Shen Yu rushed to her side, his tone full of concern.

“I’m fine, Brother Shen Yu. The reason you were called back isn’t about me—it’s something else,” An Ran replied, confused by his reaction.

“You’re really okay? Shen Jie told me you were in my father’s study before he summoned me. I thought you’d done something drastic to make him call me back,” Shen Yu admitted, relieved yet still wary.

“I would never threaten Uncle Shen! How could you think that of me?” An Ran retorted, her tone righteous.

“Alright, alright. It was my mistake. Ran Ran is the best—I shouldn’t have doubted you,” Shen Yu said, capitulating easily as long as she was safe.

“Brat, do you even realize what you’re saying?” Shen Mie interjected, his voice a mix of exasperation and scolding.

“Ran Ran fainted and was unconscious for three days because of you. The moment she woke up, she begged me to let you return. And you, you believe her just because she says she’s fine? Look at her pale face! How can you not see she’s still recovering?”

Shen Yu was stunned by his father’s words. “Three days? Ran Ran, what happened? Why didn’t you tell me?” He demanded, now both concerned and frustrated.

“Who do you think you’re yelling at, brat?” Shen Mie snapped, smacking Shen Yu on the head. “Ran Ran isn’t someone you can shout at. Do you think she told you because she wanted to hide it? It’s because she ended up like this trying to save you!”

“Brother Shen Yu, don’t listen to Uncle Shen. I really feel fine—better than fine, actually,” An Ran said quickly, trying to defuse the tension. “The reason we called you back is for Uncle Mu to examine you and treat your poisoning.”

Shen Yu’s anger dissipated at her words, replaced by guilt.

“Ran Ran, you don’t have to keep sacrificing yourself for me. I’ll listen to whatever Uncle Mu says this time.”

Seeing Shen Yu finally calm down, Shen Mie grumbled but decided to leave further scolding for later. The most important thing now was to address Shen Yu’s condition and uncover the truth behind the suspicious events surrounding Gu Lao.

An Ran quickly diverted attention away from her uncovered white lie. Pushing Shen Yu toward Mu Xiaodong, she sweetly said, “Uncle Mu, please examine Brother Shen Yu quickly.”

Internally, she thought, I’m so clever. Now everyone’s focus is on Shen Yu. He’s so scary when he’s upset—better to avoid that.

“Shen Yu, sit down and let me take a look. I want to see what kind of poison you’ve been dealing with—it might even expand my knowledge,” Mu Xiaodong said, gesturing for Shen Yu to extend his arm over a pulse pillow. He began his examination with a focused expression.

After a while, Mu Xiaodong asked, “Have you been experiencing difficulty circulating your inner energy? Perhaps occasional dizziness or hallucinations?”

“Yes, Uncle Mu. Since Ran Ran left, I’ve often felt as if I were seeing her everywhere. I thought it was because I missed her too much. Isn’t that the reason?” Shen Yu asked, surprised and impressed by Mu Xiaodong’s accuracy.

“Hah! You’re too careless. Haven’t you realized you’ve been poisoned with an illusion-inducing toxin? It’s a miracle you’ve made it back alive,” Mu Xiaodong said sharply, his frustration evident.

“Brother Shen Yu has been poisoned again? It must be Gu Lao! There’s no one else in the group who could have done this,” An Ran said, quickly connecting the dots.

“I can’t confirm it was Gu Lao,” Mu Xiaodong replied. “But the poison you described as lethal has already been completely neutralized by your blood. However, Shen Yu’s inner energy circulation is disrupted due to differences in how he uses your blood.”

“So, Brother Shen Yu is fine now, but Gu Lao is definitely suspicious. If he’s skilled enough to miss such an obvious poisoning, it’s intentional. He must have used a secondary poison to confuse Brother Shen Yu and keep him from realizing it,” An Ran reasoned, her mind racing to unravel Gu Lao’s potential motives.

“I agree. The illusion-inducing toxin isn’t particularly deadly, but it’s excellent for disorienting someone and interfering with their decision-making,” Mu Xiaodong added.

“Ran Ran, what’s going on? How is Gu Lao involved? Are you saying he poisoned me? What’s happened in these past three days?” Shen Yu asked, confused and increasingly concerned.

“Brother Shen Yu, I’ll explain everything soon. For now, can you call Shen Yi? I have some questions for him,” An Ran said, determined to get to the bottom of things.

“Alright, Ran Ran. I’ll fetch Shen Yi for you,” Shen Yu agreed, setting aside his questions for the moment.

______

Shen Yi entered the room and greeted everyone respectfully.

“Greetings, Patriarch, Doctor Mu, Miss An.”

An Ran wasted no time.

“Shen Yi, I asked you to observe Gu Lao over the past few days. Did you notice anything suspicious? Did he send out any messages?”

“Yes, Miss An. Since we set up camp at the mountain’s base, Gu Lao has sent out three letters. I intercepted two but missed one,” Shen Yi reported, handing the intercepted letters to An Ran. He noticed that everyone deferred to An Ran in this situation and did the same.

“Good. Continue,” An Ran said, accepting the letters but not yet opening them.

“Gu Lao also modified the young master’s medication. The changes were minor, so I didn’t stop the young master from taking it, as it didn’t seem harmful. Additionally, Gu Lao stayed up late every night, working on something in his carriage. Occasionally, he muttered to himself,” Shen Yi explained.

“Modifying the prescription, huh? That could explain the blockage in Shen Yu’s inner energy flow. It seems Gu Lao made contingency plans,” Mu Xiaodong said thoughtfully.

“That wretched Gu Lao dared to mess with my son! I’ll drag him back here myself. He must be punished!” Shen Mie roared, furious at the thought of anyone harming his child.

“Uncle Shen is right. We should act quickly—if we delay, he might escape,” An Ran said, scanning the intercepted letters. “One of these is addressed to the Jianhai Manor, and the other to the City Lord of Qingcheng. Both letters discuss coordinating an attack on the Demonic Sect, claiming their insider support guarantees success. The third letter likely has a similar message but is intended for another recipient.”

“An insider? That means Gu Lao isn’t working alone. I have a good idea who he might be, but I need confirmation,” Mu Xiaodong said coldly, his tone revealing his growing anger.

“Uncle Mu, do you know who this could be?” An Ran asked, sensing that Mu Xiaodong had personal reasons for his reaction.

“I have suspicions, but I hope I’m wrong. For now, rest while I wait for Shen Mie to return with Gu Lao,” Mu Xiaodong said, his expression complicated but controlled.

An Ran nodded.

“Uncle Mu, don’t overwork yourself. We’ll leave you to it,” she said, pulling Shen Yu along as they left the room.

Shen Yi bowed and followed suit.

“Doctor Mu, I’ll take my leave as well.”

______

Once outside, Shen Yu couldn’t contain himself. “Ran Ran, can you explain what’s going on now? Why does Shen Yi know more about this than I do?”

“Alright, Brother Shen Yu. Let’s find a quiet place, and I’ll tell you everything,” An Ran said, finally ready to bring him up to speed. Taking his hand, she led him towards her room to discuss the situation in detail.