C9 Saving

"Benefactor, you seem troubled. Let me be frank with you. The reason your meridians were blocked and your blood couldn't flow properly is that the potency of your herbs exceeded what your body can handle. It's like the saying, 'Too much of a good thing can be bad.' Remember when I mentioned the Lifefruit from the Dragon Spine Mountains? It's not something everyone can benefit from; it's quite exceptional."

"However, it can only sustain your life temporarily. The true remedy requires you to thoroughly process the Lifefruit and extend its benefits to the joints in your limbs. Otherwise, what's meant to heal could become a harmful poison. Imagine the medicine not being properly utilized, just accumulating and eventually causing damage, right?" Kerwin paused to catch his breath before continuing, "So, I predict you might experience a toxic reaction from the herbs every five or six years. While I can assist you now, I can't provide a permanent cure. Whether you'll be as fortunate next time is uncertain—it all depends on your circumstances."

Rupert gestured respectfully and asked, "Master, what should I do then? Could you please teach me the way to reclaim my life?"

"Ah, this is somewhat tricky. I can't resolve it for you. If possible, you should travel west to seek my esteemed Sage, the Buddha. He possesses an unparalleled wisdom that might offer a solution. Alternatively, trace the origin of the Lifefruit, as it hails from the Divine World, a realm beyond my reach. But be warned, while the Lifefruit offers protection, it can also backfire. Particularly after your genuine energy increases, you may find yourself restless at night, prowling about like a nocturnal creature while others sleep soundly."

"Really? That's quite the predicament. Master Kerwin, how come you still have a mentor? And where exactly is this western country? Why didn't you stay with your mentor instead of remaining here? And your mentor's mentor—how old must he be by now? An elder among elders..." Rupert cheekily inquired.

"You jest, Benefactor. My mentor taught me that life is about experiences. One must stay composed in the face of danger and calmly meet challenges head-on. The genuine energy within you is nothing to fret over. If you're truly determined to seek a cure, you'll need three things: the Relic of the Gods, mastery of transcendent martial arts, and entry into the Superhuman Realm. With these, no obstacle is insurmountable, and the Sage will surely have the answers you seek."

"Master, your grasp of life's principles within your lifetime far surpasses my years of confusion. I shall follow you and start from the beginning with the most fundamental medical knowledge. Would you be willing to instruct me? Life? The Relic of the Gods? Skills of transcendence? I possess them all."

"Of course!" Kerwin simply nodded in response to Rupert's words, offering his agreement without further ado.

Five days passed, and under Kerwin's guidance, Rupert had significantly improved his understanding of the human body's facial features, meridians, and acupoints, undergoing a transformation akin to rebirth. It was Rupert's good fortune to have received the complete teachings of inner cultivation from Kerwin.

"Mr. Owens, there's no need for such formality. Our acquaintance may be brief, but it feels as if we've known each other for ages. However, you have urgent matters to attend to, and I cannot help with that. In the coming days, I have important instructions for you; you must handle them with care. Do not attempt to head west forcefully, as you lack certain essentials. My senior brother apprentice is a testament to such failure..."

Rupert nodded, turned, and leapt onto his horse, ready to depart. The pain of parting was hard to bear. "You truly are heartless to leave so abruptly. Can your heart handle the departure of a friend?"

"Ha! It's not easy to part with a friend. Friendship is priceless. That's why you know I risked everything to save Mr. Cook's wife, right?" They spurred their horses forward, calling out as they went.

"Do you see those figures? They're alone now," observed several dark silhouettes from atop the hill.

"Yes! Could they be the ones who've been giving us trouble? Brothers, draw your blades, let's catch them off guard. Why not rob them as well? These despicable fellows have had us eating humble pie!" The hefty man brandished his knife, which glinted menacingly.

"Go on then, you fool. Haven't you noticed? Nash is among them. That man has cheated death countless times and is unbelievably resilient! Even uniting several gangs hasn't been enough to best him. We're just a few small fry left. What do you think you're doing? You speak so boldly because you're ignorant of his capabilities," the man in black chided, his slightly portly figure nodding in agreement. "Beyond the pass ahead, there are elder brothers from outside the region. Let's go meet them; they are formidable figures in these foreign lands." The masked man fell silent, hinting at the gravity of the situation.

The relentless sand and sandstorms had been blowing ceaselessly for years, the dry and scorching air incessantly invading their bodies. It was commonplace for them to suffer from dry mouths and raspy throats! For days, the desiccated corpses and bones had been tumbling and drifting. The desert ahead had shrouded the landscape, rendering the dry and barren land unbearable for them, even briefly. Yet, before them lay hills, and nestled against them stood several wooden cabins. A few individuals loitered nearby, their fierce gazes piercing.

"We've arrived, we've arrived! Hey, when you meet my brother later, you'd best show some respect. Otherwise, he'll take your life without so much as a second thought. Remember to keep your guards up!" the masked man cautioned.

"Brother Sharp!" The masked man led them to a certain spot and bowed to a figure perched high above.

"Is that you? Why did you leave the Midlands to come here?" They all observed the man above. He was tall and slender, his eyes sparkling with intensity. His physique was robust, his limbs strong, and his hair neatly bound. Yet from a distance, it was hard to scrutinize the people around him, each one radiating a deadly aura. On the side, numerous captive beasts added to the foreboding atmosphere.

"Brother! I've heard you mention that the Relic of the Gods is due to appear. We've come hoping to benefit from your good fortune and witness the treasure. Additionally, we've been compelled by Rupert to seek your support. What's your take?" The masked man bowed, seemingly having received some news that hastened his arrival.

"The Relic of the Gods isn't something you can just take at will. It requires the right timing and conditions. Besides, the place where the treasure is concealed is heavily guarded. To breach it, you'll need to exert considerable effort. There are several checkpoints, but those are just the beginning. The real challenge lies beyond. I've come close to obtaining it several times, only to be thwarted at the last moment. What's with your disheveled appearance? What happened to you all?" Sharp's voice thundered with anger, his gaze intimidating the crowd below into a state of fearful submission.

"Mm... Senior brother, we encountered some odd characters on our way here. Hear me out... We can't just turn a blind eye to them this year. Let's split into two groups. Some of us will distract them at the front, while the rest of us slip in from behind. If anyone tries to stop us, then..." The masked man had come to offer his counsel to Sharp, leveraging his own connections to make his words more persuasive.

"Ha! That's a devious strategy indeed. Alright, we'll follow your plan and you'll be well taken care of by my side. You'll want for nothing, enjoying the finest food and drink. And you lot, you're welcome to join my ranks in the Western Region. You'll be so formidable that your mere reputation will send your enemies running scared! No one will dare lay a finger on you. What do you say?" Sharp gestured to the few men who were still hesitating.