Don’t hit my mother

"What are the conditions?" Madam Hu asked anxiously, her heart willing to accept any terms for the sake of her son.

"I require his unwavering loyalty as my student," the infamous Poison Hand Medicine King pointed a finger at Hu Fei, his expression betraying a mix of concern and resignation. As the young man grew older, his rebellious nature would become increasingly challenging to tame, especially without the guidance of Lingsu.

Ms. Hu and Song Qingshu exchanged glances, quietly releasing pent-up tension. They had anticipated more arduous conditions, but to their surprise, Hu Fei interjected, his voice brimming with determination, "Before I pledge myself as your student, there is an issue that must be clarified."

"What is it?" The Poison Hand Medicine King glanced at him, a glimmer of surprise dancing in his eyes.

"Is the Black Evil Ice truly your creation?" Hu Fei's words dripped with accusation, each syllable punctuating his anger.

"Yes, it is a concoction I developed in my earlier years. However, due to its extreme malevolence, I have refrained from using it," the Poison Hand Medicine King pondered for a moment before providing his response.

"Then why did my father meet his demise at the hands of Black Ice?" Hu Fei's question resonated with fury. Madam Hu's emotions ran deep, hoping desperately to uncover her husband's murderer. Could her son's life be...

Regret etched across the Poison Hand Medicine King's face. "In my youth, I chose disciples without considering their moral character, resulting in the betrayal of my first three disciples. The one you encountered earlier, Murong Jingyue, was my senior disciple to whom I had entrusted the Black Evil Ice."

"What?" Mrs. Hu's clenched her teeth, a glimmer of hope flickering within her. Perhaps this unsolved case had finally found a lead. "Fei'er, become the Medicine King's pupil, honing your skills under his tutelage. Combine them with your father's family martial arts, and the world shall tremble in fear. I shall first investigate Murong Jingyue to unveil the true culprit, and then we shall seek vengeance together."

Hu Fei nodded fervently, his resolve unwavering. Sensing her urgency, Song Qingshu swiftly interjected, "Sister-in-law, you have recently recovered from a severe injury. The adversary possesses formidable martial arts and expertise in poisoning. Allow me to accompany you and provide assistance."

As of late, Madam Hu had felt unease around Song Qingshu, perceiving a hidden agenda lurking in his eyes. However, she couldn't outright reject his offer, for he had already extended significant aid to her and her son. Suddenly, an idea struck her—a way to politely decline his company without causing offense.

"Esteemed Medicine King, my brother has suffered grievous injuries, his meridians severed. He believes that only the Poison Hand Medicine King possesses the ability to restore his body. That is why he has traversed countless mountains and rivers to seek your aid. I implore you, Senior, to extend a helping hand," Madam Hu inclined herself slightly, gently nudging Song Qingshu forward in the presence of the Poisonous Medicine King.

"Um, Hu Qingniu, the true disciple of the Butterfly Valley Medical Immortal, has thoroughly examined Xia Xia's condition and found himself powerless. After much contemplation, it seems only Senior Medicine King can mend her severed meridians," Song Qingshu's unease was palpable. If he were unable to find a solution, he would be condemned to a life of uselessness.

"The renowned healer, Master Zhang of Mingjiao, has always impressed me with his medical expertise," the Poison Hand Medicine King examined Song Qingshu's pulse and conducted a thorough assessment. Shaking his head slightly, he delivered regretful news, "The son's meridians have been irreparably damaged. It is beyond the realm of possibility to restore them."

Madam Hu's countenance shifted, her gaze filled with worry as she glanced at Song Qingshu. Yet, he offered a genuine smile in return, "Previously, I was plagued by uncertainty and illusions. Now that Senior Medicine King has spoken, I need not fret any longer. A man's worth transcends martial arts. Even without them, I am still a man who walks this earth."

"The son possesses a commendable mindset!" The Poison Hand Medicine King applauded. "However, there is no need for despair. While medical skills may not be able to revive your meridians, have you considered delving into the realm of mystical arts to heal yourself?"

Song Qingshu regarded him skeptically. "When the lower meridians are severed, even if the most extraordinary collection of mystical arts were presented, I would be unable to practice them." Thoughts raced through his mind, recalling the world's finest martial arts such as Jiuyin Zhenjing and Jianglong Eighteen Palms. Alas, with his meridians severed, there was no path to tread.

Lost in contemplation, the Poison Hand Medicine King's voice adopted a nostalgic tone. "While the martial arts world is teeming with a multitude of techniques, most are limited to the realm of ordinary. However, the Sunflower Manual of Heimuya, the Dou Zhuan Xingyi of the Murong family, and the Baishou Taixuan Jing of the South China Sea—some even beyond my knowledge—transcend the boundaries of conventional martial arts. They draw closer to ancient cultivation methods. Perhaps within them lies a potential remedy for your meridians."

"These martial arts have been spoken of in hushed whispers, but I had no inkling of their extraordinary power. May I dare ask, Senior, how did you come to learn of them?" Song Qingshu's skepticism lingered.

With a wry smile, the Poison Hand Medicine King confessed, "I am ashamed to admit it, but my renegade disciple Murong Jingyue is a collateral descendant of the Murong family. Due to his lineage, he was deemed unworthy to practice the Fighting Stars technique. He sought to compensate by acquiring knowledge from various schools, yearning for the Medicine King God Chapter in my possession. His ultimate goal was to gain entry into Yanziwu, assume leadership of the Murong family, and unravel the secrets of star transformation. In his early years, he inadvertently complained to me about Murong Ziying, the sword immortal of Kunlun, who possessed the art of Dou Zhuan Xingyi—a technique capable of manipulating even the stars themselves. He lamented his own inadequacy, unable to defeat Qiao Feng, criticizing Murong Fu for his lackluster aptitude."

"Oh... Is it truly that extraordinary?" Song Qingshu's heart stirred with newfound curiosity.

The Poison Hand Medicine King turned to Madam Hu and spoke, "Locating Murong Jingyue, with his formidable martial skills and elusive nature, may prove to be a challenging task. I suggest that Madam accompany Song Shaoxia to Gusu Yanziwu, leveraging the influence of the Murong family. This will allow for both the clearing of any obstacles and, perhaps, an opportunity to address Song Shaoxia's meridian condition."

Song Qingshu's excitement was palpable, his gratitude towards the Poison Hand Medicine King overwhelming. It truly felt like a new lease on life.

After a moment of consideration, Madam Hu nodded and replied, "Very well, I shall accompany my nephew to Yanziwu."

In the following days, Madam Hu waited until Hu Fei's condition stabilized before making preparations for their journey. During this time, Hu Fei and Cheng Lingsu, the two young companions, engaged in playful banter, teasing each other about their appearances and intelligence. They would often end up in friendly scuffles, with Hu Fei occasionally falling victim to Cheng Lingsu's mischievous use of her red scorpion powder.

Seated on a stool, Madam Hu observed their interactions with a heartwarming smile. The bond between Hu Fei and Cheng Lingsu resembled that of close friends, their exchanges filled with both affectionate insults and joviality. Hu Fei couldn't help but playfully retaliate, only to be ensnared by Cheng Lingsu's red scorpion powder.

Amidst the laughter, Madam Hu's heart swelled with warmth. Song Qingshu leaned closer and playfully remarked, "You seem like a doting mother-in-law."

"Enough with your nonsense!" Madam Hu retorted, casting him an exasperated glance. As time passed, their familiarity with one another grew, their interactions becoming increasingly natural.

"It appears you find fault with the girl's appearance," Song Qingshu teased, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Pah!" Madam Hu inwardly scoffed, "Lingsu may not possess striking beauty, but there is an undeniable aura surrounding her. Sometimes, her smile carries a captivating charm..." She blushed, choosing to withhold the rest of her thoughts. Nonetheless, she found herself content with this prospective daughter-in-law.

...

The following day, the duo bid farewell to Yaowangzhuang. Along the journey, Song Qingshu couldn't help but recall Hu Fei's embrace before their departure, prompting him to jest, "Elder Brother Song, take good care of my mother. But remember, you're not allowed to scold her for any misguided ideas." Laughter escaped his lips, lightening the atmosphere.