plumnovel Chapter 150 Jade Butterfly's Identity
Chapter 150 Jade Butterfly's Identity
Chapter 150 Jade Butterfly's Identity
"What is it?"
The familiar smell of trouble was back, and Li Qingyi felt inexplicably excited.
Seeing that he looked normal, Li Linggui felt a little relieved: "To tell you the truth, my son was ambushed by a villain and has been poisoned."
After consulting numerous renowned doctors, a prescription was finally found, which required the "Youlian Grass" produced deep within the Youquan Mountains as the main ingredient to concoct the antidote.
"This old man—shamelessly wishes to ask the master to lend a hand, to travel to Youquan Mountain and retrieve this herb."
"The Youquan Mountains?" Li Qingyi's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Where is it?"
These words left Li Linggui speechless.
He discovered that this powerful and influential Huanzhu Louzhu, despite his formidable cultivation, seemed to lack any real culture.
With Li Lingui's explanation, Li Qingyi learned where the Youquan Mountain Range was located.
First, one must cross the imperial city and head north to the area near the Northern Zhao Kingdom. Only cultivators who have reached the late stage of Qi Refining will have a chance to retrieve the Youlian Grass.
After listening, Li Qingyi leaned back in his chair, spread his hands, and showed an expression of helplessness: "Lord Li, it's not that I'm unwilling to help. It's just that I have urgent business to attend to and must depart immediately. I'm simply unable to spare the time. Please find someone more capable for such an important task."
He was going to the Zhao family with Zhao Mengxi tonight, so he didn't have time to do this kind of boring side quest.
Li Lingui was taken aback by his decisive refusal and was momentarily speechless.
He had thought that since he was the city lord, the other party would at least give him some face by personally extending the invitation.
For a moment, Li Linggui was in a dilemma.
Li Qingyi had the Zhao family's backing, and besides, her cultivation was inferior to the other party's, so she couldn't force him.
After weighing his options, he had no choice but to plead again: "Lord Fang, if you can lend a hand, I am willing to pay seventy spirit stones as a reward."
Furthermore, if there are any items in the city lord's treasury that catch your eye, you may choose one or two.
Upon hearing this, Li Qingyi's heart stirred, and a look of regret appeared in her eyes.
He wanted to earn that money, but he simply couldn't find the time.
Suddenly, Li Qingyi had a thought, "I wonder how much longer your son can hold on?"
Li Lingui was immediately pleased, "He can still hold out for half a month. With Master Fang's cultivation at the ninth level of Qi Refining, he should be able to manage a round trip."
Li Qingyi sighed, "I appreciate Lord Li's kindness. But I am indeed tempted by these spirit stones."
However, the matter I bear is of great importance and cannot be delayed. I am truly powerless to help with your son's situation. My lord, you should—find another better solution as soon as possible.”
Having said that, he didn't linger any longer, stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and left directly.
Li Lingui stood frozen in place, watching Li Qingyi's figure disappear outside the hall. His face turned pale and then red, and finally he let out a sigh.
He really—can't afford to offend this guy.
After leaving the city lord's mansion, Li Qingyi headed towards Luomei Residence, where Yu Die was.
After all, he was also very curious about what was inside the Ghost Moon Secret Box.
Upon entering the serene plum grove, they were told that Miss Jade Butterfly had just gone out and had not yet returned.
Li Qingyi had no choice but to turn back.
However, as soon as they returned to Huanzhu Tower, they saw Yue Chi smiling broadly as he led a woman dressed in a light pink dress, with an aloof and elegant demeanor like a fairy in the moon, towards a private room upstairs.
Who else could it be but Yu Die?
"Miss Butterfly?" Li Qingyi asked in surprise, "What brings you to my Huanzhu Tower?"
Yu Die turned around upon hearing the voice, her voice soft: "Young Master Fang, you are so busy, have you completely forgotten the matter entrusted to my daughter?"
Li Qingyi was taken aback, then realized what was happening. An embarrassed expression immediately appeared on her face, and she repeatedly cupped her hands in apology: "I am ashamed, I am ashamed! I have been preoccupied with trivial matters lately and have lost my mind, which has delayed this matter until now. It is truly my fault, and I hope you will forgive me, young lady."
Li Qingyi hurriedly led her to the top-floor observation deck, where the view was expansive and the furnishings were elegant.
He was about to personally prepare tea for his guests when Yu Die politely declined.
"No need for that, Young Master Fang."
Yu Die took out the Youyue Secret Box and placed it on the table in front of Li Qingyi.
"After untying it, I did not look at the contents."
"Thank you very much, Miss Butterfly."
Li Qingyi could tell that this thing had indeed not been opened and that the restrictions on it had disappeared.
Li Qingyi picked it up and pressed it gently.
With a "click," the secret box opened.
Inside was a secret letter. Li Qingyi opened it and saw that it contained more than a dozen names, none of which he recognized.
Gao Xuyang, Qi Shuofang, Qu Zidu, Liang Baizhou, Wei Jingming, Shen Zhibai, Zhao Yuanzhen, Wang Yanzhi, Zhou Wenyuan, Chen Tingliao, Zheng Huaiyuan, Sun Boyue, Wu Qinian, Feng Jingyao, and Han Shizhong.
Below the name, there are no notes, dates, or signatures.
Li Qingyi quickly scanned the area, her brows furrowing slightly.
He didn't recognize any of these names, nor could he see any connection or pattern between them.
Is it a code? A list? Or some kind of cipher index?
After all, she was the one who put in the effort to open it, so it's only right that she show it to the other party and ask for their advice on what it means.
After quickly glancing through the information, Yu Die asked, "Where did Young Master Fang obtain it?"
There was nothing to hide, so Li Qingyi told him that the city lord of Xuan Ce City had ordered her to suppress bandits and had set a trap to harm her.
After listening, Yu Die pondered for a moment and asked, "Could it be the name of a minister from the Xuan Kingdom?"
"Please excuse me, young lady, I had no idea."
Li Qingyi had never paid attention to these matters before and knew nothing about them, so she could only make a note of it for the time being.
Faced with Li Qingyi's casual attitude, Yu Die simply smiled and suddenly asked, "Where did Young Master Fang go just now?"
When Yu Die brought up the matter, Li Qingyi sighed and recounted what had just happened with Li Lingui.
He also regretted that he had earned seventy fewer spirit stones.
"My daughter doesn't have any of the Youliancao either, but she learned some medical skills from her adoptive father."
While we cannot guarantee his survival, delaying his life for a while should be possible. The only question is, how long will Young Master Fang's journey take?
"How can we trouble Miss Yudie any further?"
"It's a small matter. I only hope that after it's done, Young Master Fang can introduce my daughter to Young Master Li."
Li Qingyi's lips twitched.
Introducing myself? What kind of nonsense is that?
But seeing the expectant look in Yu Die's eyes, and remembering how she had helped him time and time again, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
"Miss Butterfly wishes to see Brother Li? Of course. He is a lazy and elusive man, and is not currently in Xuanze City. When we meet again, I will certainly introduce you to him."
Li Qingyi betrayed herself without batting an eye.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, young master," Yu Die readily agreed.
Without further delay, the two immediately set off for the city lord's mansion.
Faced with Li Qingyi's return and the ethereal, stunningly beautiful woman in a pink dress beside him, Li Lingui felt a complex mix of emotions.
Upon hearing that Yu Die was willing to try to delay the poisoning of her son, he had doubts: how skilled could such a young woman be?
Out of respect for Li Qingyi, he dared not be negligent and quickly led the two to the inner courtyard.
On his sickbed, Li Yi lay with his eyes closed, his face as pale as paper, devoid of any color.
Even more strangely, his body alternated between hot and cold, sometimes exuding cold air and sometimes steaming hot air.
Li Qingyi knew at a glance that Li Lingui's previous claim that "my son will temporarily assume the position of city lord" was pure nonsense.
In this state, let alone handling official business, it would be a miracle if he could even stay alive.
It seems that Li Lingui was truly desperate and had no other choice but to bite the bullet and beg for help.
With a flick of her wrist, Yu Die took out several colorful Gu worms. Some flew, some jumped, and they all silently burrowed into Li Yi's body.
Li Qingyi was startled and suspicious. This method... she also came from the Youyue Kingdom. Could it be that the adoptive father she spoke of was that kind and amiable Emperor Yuan?
This conjecture sent a jolt through him.
But then I thought about it again and it seemed absurd.
Who is Yuanhuang? A mysterious and unpredictable Golden Core True Monarch. How could his adopted daughter associate with someone as ordinary as me, a rogue cultivator, in a small town in Xuan Kingdom?
The violent, conflicting hot and cold energies within Li Yi's body, as the Gu worm entered, seemed to be being organized and guided by some invisible force—
The pain on his face eased slightly, the frequency of his alternating blush and redness decreased noticeably, and his breathing gradually became longer.
In about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Yu Die gently beckoned with her delicate hand.
The various colored Gu worms then emerged from Li Yi's pores, flew back onto her body, and disappeared.
Although Li Yi was still unconscious, his face had regained some color.
Upon seeing this, Li Lingui was overjoyed. "Thank you, young lady. I will repay you handsomely."
To her surprise, Yu Die simply shook her head, "The poison your son has been afflicted with is quite peculiar, and there's nothing I can do about it."
For now, we can only suppress the symptoms until Young Master Fang finishes his work and obtains the Youlian Grass. Then you can find someone to prepare the antidote.
Upon hearing this, Li Linggui's face showed disappointment, but fortunately, there was now hope.
They immediately planned to host a grand banquet, but the two refused.
On the way, Yu Die returned to Luo Mei Residence, and Li Qingyi, without inquiring about the identities of others, returned to Huan Zhu Lou to wait for Zhao Mengxi.
Night fell.
He opened his eyes and saw two slender figures, like startled swans under the moon, gracefully landing on the viewing platform, their clothes fluttering in the wind.
Looking at the two uninvited guests, Li Qingyi couldn't help but rub her temples and sigh silently, "Why doesn't either of them like to use the main entrance?"
"Can't you learn from Miss Yudie and show some manners as a guest?"