"The medicine should be ready by now," Xiao Cai reminded me.
I felt it was about time as well, so I stood up and lifted the lid of the medicine pot.
The liquid had already become thick.
Xiao Cai got up, returned to his room, and brought me a medicine bowl.
I poured the medicine out, my face filled with joy.
Seeing the smile on my face, Xiao Cai couldn't help but smile too.
Carrying the medicine, I returned to the room and helped Ali sit up, slowly feeding him the medicine.
Watching his complexion gradually improve, my anxious heart also calmed down.
Now, all I hoped for was for Physician Luo to detoxify Ali.
I asked Xiao Cai,
"When will your master return?"
"Likely the same as yesterday, returning in the dead of night."
"In that case, I'll be able to see him tomorrow."
"Yes, Master likes sincere people.
As long as you persist, Sister, he will treat this brother."
I clenched my fist and nodded with confidence.
"Alright, I will definitely persuade your master to save him."
"I believe you."
Xiao Cai happily high-fived me, and I was also certain I could do it.
At night, a cool breeze blew gently.
Accompanied by a crisp mountain wind, beneath the half-moon's glow.
Physician Luo was the same as yesterday.
Carrying his herb-filled basket, he emerged from the woods.
He called out again, "Xiao Cai! Xiao Cai!"
This time, Xiao Cai was unusually alert, as if he had been waiting for him inside the room since early on.
Hearing the call, he dashed out like the wind.
"Master, Master, you're back."
He ran with his short legs and threw himself into Physician Luo's arms.
Physician Luo's weary face broke into a smile again.
He picked him up and asked,
"Why aren't you asleep today? Were you waiting for me?"
"Yes, I've been waiting for Master."
"Were you naughty again and worried about getting scolded?"
"Not at all, I just wanted to wait for Master to sleep together."
"Good, my little obedient disciple, you are the best to Master."
"Hehehe, Master is also the best to me."
Physician Luo dotingly stroked his head and carried him back into the house.
I saw everything through the window. I had planned to go out and explain my intentions right away.
But seeing that it was already late and Physician Luo looked weary, it wasn't good to disturb him.
I could only wait until morning to plead with him.
Having made up my mind, I let out a sigh of relief.
I leisurely returned to the bedside, gazing at Ali lying on the bed.
I took his hand and held it tightly, my eyes filled with determination.
"Ali, just wait a little longer. I will definitely get Physician Luo to save you."
Ali's calm face offered no answer.
But I believed that our hearts were connected, and what I thought was what he thought.
Perhaps, in his heart, he had already heard my voice.
A ray of sunlight before dawn arrived quietly.
The sound of chopping wood gradually emerged from the surroundings.
I blinked my eyes open slightly and walked to the window to look outside, seeing Physician Luo chopping wood outside.
I rubbed my eyes, remembering that I hadn't paid my respects to him yet.
So I quickly got up and walked outside, bowing to him.
"Greetings, Physician Luo. My name is Liu Muye. I arrived the day before yesterday.
I was in a hurry then and didn't have time to pay my respects."
He seemed not to have heard me, continuing to chop wood.
I knew he had a peculiar personality and wouldn't easily pay attention to me.
Therefore, only by persevering could I move him.
So I began to explain my purpose.
"I have a friend named Ali. He was poisoned by the Ten Thousand Snow Spider while saving me.
I heard that this poison is incurable, and only Physician Luo of Thousand Herbs Peak can treat it.
So, I traveled day and night.
I rushed to Thousand Herbs Peak from afar, just for Physician Luo to save his life.
As long as he can be saved, I am willing to be your beast of burden."
He remained the same, not acknowledging me.
He simply bent down, picked up the firewood, and carried it to the backyard.
I stood by, unsure of what to do.
Suddenly, an idea struck me. I picked up the broom leaning against the wall and started sweeping.
However, Physician Luo did not look up at me at all.
He treated me as if I were invisible.
I swept both the front and back courtyards clean.
Then I remembered that Physician Luo might not have had breakfast yet, so I busied myself with cooking.
It was then that he seemed to notice me, walking over with a displeased look and shouting,
"Get out of the way, get out of the way. Xiao Cai will cook for me."
I quickly said,
"Physician Luo, I can cook. You must try my skills."
He ignored me and turned back to call for Xiao Cai.
"Xiao Cai, come quickly and watch the fire."
"Coming."
Xiao Cai responded from inside the house and ran to the backyard to take over from me.
Seeing that he was finally willing to speak to me, I seized the opportunity to plead with him.
"Physician Luo, I know you don't save people easily.
But that friend of mine is very important to me.
As long as you save him, I am willing to be your beast of burden."
Physician Luo turned his head away, pretending not to understand.
Perhaps he had heard such pleas too many times.
Seeing his indifference, I knelt down with a thud and begged him,
"Physician Luo, please save him. If you don't save him, he has only death to look forward to.
Please save him."
I took out the gold coins that Brother Daxia had given me and offered them.
"I have money, I'm not begging you for free. I have money."
He paid no attention, his face always maintaining a cold expression, except towards Xiao Cai.
Xiao Cai, seeing my pitiful state, spoke up to plead with him.
"Master, please..."
Before he could finish, Physician Luo interrupted him mercilessly.
"Children should not interfere in these matters. I will handle it myself."
Xiao Cai looked disappointed and worried, his small, anxious eyes secretly glancing at me.
I knew his good intentions, so I gave him a sweet smile, telling him I could do it.
Xiao Cai sighed helplessly and said no more.
I pleaded with him again.
"Physician Luo, please save Ali. Please save him.
In all the world, only you can cure the poison of the Ten Thousand Snow Spider.
Only you can save him. Please save him."
As I spoke, I kowtowed to him.
Physician Luo seemed accustomed to such tricks, his expression remaining unperturbed.
He continued to cook, and soon after the meal was ready, he carried it into the house.
Seeing him go in, Xiao Cai ran to my side and said,
"Master has gone in. Sister, you can get up now."
I shook my head.
"No, since I've come to ask him, I must see it through.
Don't worry, I will definitely persuade your master."
Xiao Cai touched my forehead with his small hand and sighed softly.
"Alas! Alright then, I'll bring you some food later."
I nodded, agreeing to his suggestion.
At that moment, Physician Luo called from inside the house.
"Xiao Cai, why haven't you come in yet?"
"Got it, coming." Xiao Cai replied.
He ran back into the house.
I knelt at the bottom of the steps in the backyard, my head always facing the house.
After a while, the sun shone brightly, and the heat was unbearable. My legs were already aching from kneeling.
Large beads of sweat poured down like water, but I gritted my teeth and persevered.
Physician Luo, sitting inside the house, looked at the person still kneeling in the backyard. He slowly stood up and came before me.
He asked expressionlessly, "Where is that person?"
Seeing that he had finally agreed to treat Ali, I replied excitedly,
"In Xiao Cai's room."
He slowly walked into the house and went to Xiao Cai's room.
I slowly stood up. Having knelt for too long, my legs were numb, and I could barely stand.
Staggering, I was about to fall.
Xiao Cai rushed out and supported me with his small body.
I looked back at him with gratitude and gave him a slight smile.
"Thank you, Xiao Cai."
"Are you alright?"
"I can manage."
"Then let's go inside."
"Okay."
Xiao Cai took my hand and slowly led me into his room.
At this moment, Physician Luo was already sitting by the bed, feeling Ali's pulse.
His brow suddenly furrowed, and he looked distressed.
After a moment, as if he had suddenly made up his mind, he said unfeelingly,
"He is too deeply poisoned. My cultivation is too shallow to save him. You should take him away."
I was startled and knelt down again, begging him.
"Physician Luo, I know you can save him. Please save him.
He cannot die yet. As long as you can save him, I will do anything."
He looked at my sad, pleading face but still showed no mercy.
He stood up and walked out, leaving behind his words.
"You will leave the mountain tomorrow. Don't make me drive you away."
"Physician Luo, save him. I know you can save him."
I chased after him and grabbed his sleeve.
But he violently shook me off, and I fell to the ground.
Watching him storm away, I suddenly felt lost.
I became numb and stared blankly at the door.
After a while, I came to my senses, turned to look at Ali lying on the bed, and my resolve strengthened.
No matter what, I had to make Physician Luo save Ali.
I stumbled to my feet and chased after him, flattering him.
"Physician Luo's medical skills are superb, unmatched by anyone.
He is also skilled in poisons, which no one can resolve.
Therefore, he is known by the world as the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Poisons.
Although I am a frail woman, as long as Physician Luo makes a request.
Whether it's the moon in the sky or a dragon on the earth, I can find it for you."
Hearing me say this, he showed a flicker of interest and finally looked at me properly.
He casually said, "How about your life?"
I replied without hesitation, "As long as he can be saved, I am willing to exchange my life for his."
He looked at me and gave a cold smile.
He pointed to a wilting, lifeless-looking herb planted by the side of the courtyard.
He said, "That herb is called Bloodthirsty Grass. I used all sorts of methods to keep it alive.
However, I have no way to restore its vitality.
If you can find a way to restore this Bloodthirsty Grass to life.
And turn its pale leaves blood-red, I will agree to save your friend."
"Alright."
Xiao Cai watched from the side, looking very worried, and said softly.
"Master has spent over a hundred years on that Bloodthirsty Grass and still couldn't restore it.
How is it possible to restore its vitality in such a short time?"
Even so, I resolutely accepted the task.
"Don't worry, I can definitely do it."
Physician Luo snorted dismissively.
"You better keep your word."
I confidently replied,
"Alright, Physician Luo, you must also keep your word."
He turned away, his hands behind his back, and coldly replied.
"A promise made is a promise kept."
Having received a positive answer, I felt relieved.
Physician Luo suddenly said,
"Everything needs a deadline. Let's set it for three days.
If after three days, you cannot restore this Bloodthirsty Grass to life.
I will drive you and that person down the mountain."
I agreed, "Alright, it's a deal. I will definitely do it."
"I hope so."
After saying that, he returned to the house without looking back.
Xiao Cai, who had been eavesdropping by the door, heard everything we said.
He hurried over to stop me.
"No, no, you'll lose your life doing this."
I touched his head and gave him a sweet smile.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"No, I won't let you do this."
He grabbed my hand, trying to stop me.
Enduring the pain in my legs, I squatted down to talk to him.
"That friend of mine is very important to me. I must save him.
If I accidentally die, can you help me beg your master to save him?"
Xiao Cai's bright eyes welled up with tears. He still shook his head.
I patted his head to comfort him.
"Xiao Cai is the best. But no matter what, I have to save him.
So, please agree to it."
Seeing my persistence, Xiao Cai's unspoken words were stuck in his throat.
He sighed heavily, finally let go, and nodded solemnly.
I was very happy and hugged him tightly.