A Pair Of Fools

Ming Ren's spiritual sense gently swept through Pan Ruolan's cultivation area, finding her thankfully unharmed by the metal Qi pulse. A sudden and inexplicable surge of Qi coursed through her body, leaving her bewildered and disoriented. It was as if an unseen force had swept through her meridians, leaving behind a faint trace of its passage. Though her energies continued to flow harmoniously, there was an undeniable residue of the unexplained disturbance, a subtle dissonance that hinted at the strange phenomenon she had just experienced. He then hurried to the town hall, where Xu Tian was engrossed in his research on the poison.

Xu Tian greeted him with a weak smile, his face pale and drawn. "Senior..." Ming Ren began, his voice laced with concern. The situation was dire. Even a ninth-layer Spirit Sea Realm cultivator like Xu Tian, normally immune to most ailments, was struggling against the insidious spiritual parasites that thrived on spiritual energy.

Xu Tian, already nearing the twilight of his lifespan, found himself facing a particularly cruel twist of fate. The parasitic infestation, with its insidious ability to drain the life force of its host, posed an even greater threat to him than it would to a younger cultivator. As Ming Ren silently activated his Bright Eyes technique, his heart sank as he witnessed the horrifying sight of countless tiny, ravenous spirit bugs crawling all over the Great Doctor's body, feasting on his dwindling life essence.

The surge of metal Qi, like a ripple in a pond, had unintended consequences. It not only invigorated the ethereal spirit bugs but also provided them with a fleeting opportunity to spread their insidious infection. Though incapable of reproduction, these parasitic creatures possessed an instinct for survival. As their current host's spiritual energy dwindled or a more potent source presented itself, they sought new vessels to sustain their existence. Unfortunately for Xu Tian, his proximity and weakened state made him an ideal target for their parasitic invasion

"Now we know why they are stronger," Xu Tian rasped, his voice weakened by the parasitic infestation. "The more spiritual energy I use, the stronger they become. Forgive me, young man; I foolishly believed I would be immune."

Ming Ren offered words of reassurance, knowing that the unexpected surge of metal Qi had caught them both off guard. "We couldn't have predicted it," he said. "As long as you avoid using spiritual energy and continue taking the detoxifying pills, we will have time to find a solution."

Xu Tian's voice lowered to a whisper. "Don't tell Ruolan anything. The girl already has enough on her mind." He then shared his observations about the strange phenomenon they had experienced. "That surge of metal Qi… the only place nearby with such potent metal Qi is Mount Ironclaw."

Ming Ren nodded in agreement. "If these events continue, or even intensify, the spirit bugs will mutate and spread further," he added, his voice grim. "The casualties will be catastrophic."

The Soaring Country, a vast and vibrant realm, teemed with life. Its population, exceeding ten billion souls, represented a tapestry of hopes, dreams, and aspirations. This expansive world, teeming with mortals, relied on those who wielded power to safeguard its inhabitants. Yet, the insidious false plague, indiscriminate and merciless, threatened to engulf the land, swiftly claiming the lives of those without the means to defend themselves.

Xu Tian's eyes filled with despair. "I may be able to slow the poison's progression now that we know metal Qi is involved," he said. "But producing enough antidote for all the nearby villages is impossible, especially without knowing the full extent of the contamination. And it will be a slow process since I cannot use my spiritual energy carelessly. We need help, but… the clans are unlikely to care about the plight of mortals."

"What about the royal family? Or Radiant Bridge City?" Ming Ren inquired.

"The royal family would surely act if they knew the severity of the situation," Xu Tian replied. "But I have no way of contacting them directly. The nearby clans might not believe us, and I don't trust the Brave Clan. Radiant Bridge City is an option. The General of the Fortress City is a righteous man."

"But we need evidence of these spirit bugs," Ming Ren pointed out. "Without proof, no one will believe us."

"My name will suffice," Xu Tian stated confidently. "Though my status has diminished over the years, it still carries weight."

Ming Ren was struck by Xu Tian's selflessness, his willingness to risk his reputation and well-being for the sake of others. He bowed deeply, his respect and gratitude overflowing. Who would be Willing to risk their face in this situation? Which cultivator would be thinking about mortals before his own life? 

The gesture, a deep and reverent bow, was an unspoken gratitude that transcended mere words. It was akin to a parent expressing heartfelt appreciation to the savior of their children, a profound sense of indebtedness that stemmed from the depths of his soul. The reasons behind this overwhelming gratitude remained shrouded in mystery, yet the sincerity and intensity of the gesture left no doubt as to the depth of his emotions.

Xu Tian observed the young man with a thoughtful gaze. He had never encountered a cultivator like Ming Ren before. Most cultivators, especially those from powerful clans, exuded arrogance and indifference towards mortals. But Ming Ren was different. He possessed a genuine compassion and a wisdom that belied his age.

Xu Tian felt a sense of humility in his presence, as if he were the junior in their interaction. Decades of life experience seemed insignificant compared to the enigmatic youth's depth of understanding. He knew there was more to Ming Ren than met the eye, something intangible and inexplicable.

There was an enigmatic aura surrounding the young cultivator, an intangible quality that defied explanation. It was this inexplicable sense that allowed Xu Tian to readily accept Ming Ren's claims about the spirit bugs, guided by an unspoken understanding of a deeper truth. The Dao, after all, was a force of profound mystery, and the world often unfolded in ways that defied logic and reason.

Perhaps Ming Ren was a hidden sage, a prodigy hailing from a secluded clan, or simply an individual privy to knowledge beyond his years, gleaned from a wise mentor or an ancient artifact. Whatever the truth may be, Xu Tian recognized that Ming Ren was no ordinary cultivator.

He made a decision. "I will send Ruolan to Radiant Bridge City to explain the situation and request aid," he said. "Her status as my disciple should be enough."

Ming Ren, lost in thought, contemplated their options. 'Absorbing the parasites is too risky now,' he mused. 'Seeking aid from the clans would likely be a waste of time. Why would they care unless their own people were afflicted? And creating detoxifying pills would only delay the inevitable. If these waves of metal Qi persist, the spirit bugs will only grow stronger. There's only one thing I can do: trace the source.'

Pan Ruolan rushed into the room, her voice filled with urgency. "Master, I sensed something unusual... Oh? You're here too, Yu Ren?"

"Your senses are sharpening, Ruolan," Xu Tian praised her. "It was a surge of metal Qi." He explained the situation and assigned her the task of seeking help from Radiant Bridge City and the royal family.

"Eh? But, Master!"

Xu Tian, his voice firm despite his weakened state, addressed Pan Ruolan. "There is no time for objections," he asserted. "Yu Ren will embark on a mission to seek assistance from the neighboring clans, while you will head to Radiant Bridge City to contact the general and establish communication with the royal family. Time is of the essence; we cannot afford to delay."

Understanding the urgency of the situation, Pan Ruolan accepted her mission with unwavering resolve. "Very well, Master," she declared, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Xu Tian, knowing his disciple well, recognized the potential for resentment if Ming Ren were to remain by his side while she was sent away. He wanted to ensure that she felt valued and trusted.

"If you leave promptly, you may catch up with Bao An's group," Xu Tian suggested. "It would be safer to travel with them."

"I understand, Master. Rest assured, I will not fail you," Ruolan pledged with unwavering determination.

Xu Tian offered his blessing, his eyes filled with concern and pride. "Good. Depart whenever you are ready."

"Yes, Master!" Ruolan turned to Ming Ren, her gaze lingering on him for a moment. "Travel safely, Yu Ren," she said. "And don't get lost in your thoughts, as you often do. Stop letting your mind wander aimlessly like that!"

Ming Ren blushed slightly, surprised by her perceptiveness. "Sister Ruolan, take care," he responded warmly. "May the Heavens grant you swiftness in your journey."

Ruolan bowed to her master and with a final glance at Ming Ren, she departed.

"Senior, you have found a worthy disciple," Ming Ren remarked, watching her leave.

"No need for formalities anymore," Xu Tian replied with a warm smile. "Simply call me Xu Tian. Ruolan possesses exceptional talent in the field of medicine, but I haven't been the best mentor when it comes to martial arts. Perhaps you could offer her guidance again when the opportunity arises."

Ming Ren grinned, recognizing that nothing escaped Xu Tian's keen observation.

"What are your plans, Yu Ren?" Xu Tian inquired, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "Something tells me you are not going to the clans."

"You are too sharp," Ming Ren smiled. "There's only one thing I can do: search Mount Ironclaw. It's likely that the source of the metal Qi wave is located there."

"Venturing to Mount Ironclaw at your current level of cultivation will be dangerous," Xu Tian cautioned. "Why go to such lengths to help others?"

"I'm not entirely certain," Ming Ren admitted with a soft chuckle. "But, senior, isn't it the same for you? Why are you willing to risk so much for the sake of others?"

Xu Tian laughed, a warm and knowing laugh shared between two individuals bound by a common purpose. "Perhaps we are both fools," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.