Chapter 007: Etiology

"Naturally, there is hope. I have previously mentioned that the fundamental reason for your physical decline is the toxins within your body. As long as these potent toxins are eliminated, and with gradual nurturing thereafter, your body should be able to recover," Dan Chenzi replied, suppressing the doubts in his heart.

"That young man dares to ask once more, can someone with my qualifications cultivate immortality?" Zhang Cheng asked with a serious expression

But how could my mother be poisoned? My father has never mentioned this matter," Zhang Cheng said, somewhat puzzled

Zhang Cheng looked up at the countless stars in the sky, unsure if it was because the shadow of death had lifted, but at this moment, the starlight was much brighter than before. The moon was also significantly larger than usual

The meaning has changed; one refers to a natural disaster, while the other refers to a man-made calamity, and the nature of the two is entirely different

"No need to, I have already mixed up the order of the ingredients on these two prescriptions. You can just buy them directly from the pharmacy. Also, when you go to buy them tomorrow, it is best to purchase ten sets of each at once to avoid trouble later on," said Dan Chenzi.

"By the way, go clean up the bloodstains in the yard now. I don't want anyone to know I was here. Do you understand what I mean?" asked Dan Chenzi.

The reason your body is in such poor condition is not due to any illness, but rather because there is a toxin within you. Moreover, this toxin is likely one that was transmitted from your mother to you before your birth, which means that these toxins have become intertwined with your body's bloodline, inseparable from one another

Generally, it is administered once a month; however, if I suddenly faint, it will be done earlier. Zhang Cheng did not know why Dan Chenzi asked this, but he understood it must be related to his condition, so he did not conceal anything.

"Master, is there still hope for me?" Although Dan Chenzi's words had been quite clear, Zhang Cheng still felt a bit anxious in his heart

"Is my father not allowed to know? If he doesn't know, how can I get someone to buy the medicine?" Zhang Cheng asked.

I will write two prescriptions shortly; you can have someone buy them tomorrow, as I will need them for my recovery. " As Dan Chenzi spoke, he took up the brush and quickly wrote out two prescriptions, then handed them to Zhang Cheng

"You need not be so formal; my actions are merely a way to repay your life-saving grace." Dan Chenzi waved his hand, clearly not taking the matter seriously, and added, "By the way, do you have any paper and pen here?"

"Is there a problem?" Dan Chenzi stroked his beard and then said irritably, "The problem is serious. He thinks that by doing this he is saving you, but little does he know that his actions are actually harming you."

"Ah, what do you mean by that? What is going on?" Zhang Cheng opened his mouth wide, looking at Dan Chenzi in disbelief.

"It started five years ago, once a month?" Dan Chenzi furrowed his brow and muttered to himself, "If it were at this frequency, it wouldn't have caused the vitality within you to decline so rapidly. How strange."

Oh, I understand now," Zhang Cheng nodded and said

Zhang Cheng secretly vowed that if he could miraculously survive, he would definitely seek revenge for Xiao Zhang Cheng and his mother, to comfort their spirits in the heavens

After leaving the room, he fetched a shovel and dug up some soil from the garden and the *book*, covering the bloodstains with it

He then swept with a broom, repeating this several times. Only after the bloodstains on the ground had completely disappeared did he sit down on the side, breathing heavily and with satisfaction.

However, when he saw Zhang Cheng's disappointed expression, he felt a twinge of compassion and said, "Nevertheless, considering that you have spared my life, I can recommend you to other cultivation sects. However, I must clarify one point: I will only be responsible for making the recommendation, and the level of achievement you attain in the future will depend on your own efforts; I cannot assist you further"

Dan Chenzi did not care about Zhang Cheng's feelings upon learning that his mother had died from poisoning. He only knew that the other party had saved his life, so he would also save his life in return. In this way, they could be considered even.

These young men naturally understand; they have endured for so many years and are no longer lacking in this moment.

"It can be said so," Dan Chenzi nodded and replied

He had previously heard Zhang Fang mention that Xiao Zhangcheng's mother passed away due to complications during childbirth. However, he never expected that she actually gave birth to Xiao Zhangcheng while being poisoned.

Although he felt somewhat fatigued after completing these tasks, at this moment, he was very happy and felt quite relaxed

If it were not the dead of night, fearing to wake others, Zhang Cheng really wanted to shout out loud to express the joy in his heart

"You should come up with a solution for this yourself. Additionally, these two medications must be purchased as soon as possible; otherwise, not only will it be detrimental to my injury, but your condition cannot be delayed either. One of these two prescriptions is essential for stabilizing your condition," Dan Chenzi reminded.

Hmm? Dan Chenzi looked at Zhang Cheng for a moment before understanding his meaning. He smiled and said, "Your disposition is very good, but to be honest, your talent is quite ordinary."

"Hehe, you seem quite open-minded!" Dan Chenzi responded upon hearing Zhang Cheng's words, his eyes flickering momentarily.

I do not know about that, but I have checked and it is correct. Dan Chenzi is not concerned about how Zhang Cheng's mother was poisoned; if he were to worry about everything, he would have been exhausted long ago

Indeed, I will fetch it right away. Zhang Cheng nodded, then stood up and went to the desk to retrieve the ink and brush, placing them in front of the elder

Suddenly, Dan Chenzi thought of something and then asked: "By the way, you just mentioned that your father began to infuse true energy into your body five years ago? How often does he do this?"

Thank you, Daoist, for your support. I, Zhang Cheng, will surely repay your kindness in recognizing my potential if I achieve success in the future. Should I go against this vow, may heaven and earth punish me. Zhang Cheng immediately knelt down and bowed several times to Dan Chenzi.

The issue lies here: due to your body being eroded by this toxin day and night for several years, it has long been in a state of disrepair. Your meridians and dantian have suffered varying degrees of damage. Under normal circumstances, given your condition, living for another twenty to thirty years should not be a problem. However, the mistake was that your father took it upon himself to infuse your body with true energy.

Thank you for your concern, Daoist priest. Zhang Cheng cupped his hands in gratitude, carefully folded the two prescriptions and tucked them into his bosom, then supported his slightly weary body as he exited the room

"What is true energy? It is the energy cultivated by martial artists through the method of breathing and meditation, incredibly violent, far beyond what your fragile body can withstand. Therefore, this has directly accelerated the rate of damage to your meridians. If it were to be delayed any longer, I fear even I would be powerless to help." Dan Chenzi replied.

Then I implore you, Daoist, to save me. Although Zhang Cheng had come to terms with it before, he had no choice at that time. Now that there is a chance to survive, who would still wish to die! He is not a fool; of course, even a fool would not want to die.

Now it is well; he can finally cast aside all shackles, breathe in the air of this world to his heart's content, and fully enjoy the warmth that rightfully belongs to him

Oh, then I will find a way myself. By the way, can I go out now?" Zhang Cheng asked

Because he knew that this Dan Chenzi was meeting him for the first time while masked, it was impossible for him to know who had poisoned him. Therefore, this matter could only be investigated slowly by himself in the future

In his view, Zhang Cheng possesses a maturity that is not typical for his age. If someone of his age were to hear him say that he could save him, they would be eager to take action and provide help, at the very least unable to remain so calm.

"So what does this have to do with my father instilling vital energy into me?" Zhang Cheng shook his head, temporarily setting aside the matter of Xiao Zhang Cheng's mother.

"Daoist, do these two prescriptions need to be prepared separately?" Zhang Cheng asked as he took the prescriptions.

Perhaps this recommendation is not significant for Dan Chenzi, but it is extremely important for Zhang Cheng. Therefore, he made such a solemn vow

I understand what you want to say. Although your qualifications are average, it does not mean that you cannot pursue immortality. This is because the path to immortality does not solely depend on talent; sometimes, one's character and perseverance are equally important. However, due to the rules of my sect, I cannot take you as my disciple. Dan Chizi perceived Zhang Cheng's thoughts and preemptively cut off any further remarks from him.

Such a situation is quite unique; physicians in the secular world are fundamentally unable to directly perceive these conditions from the pulse. Therefore, they naturally cannot ascertain the true state of your body, which in turn prevents them from prescribing the appropriate treatment. This is the fundamental reason why your body remains unhealed, leading to the current predicament.

"The Taoist priest said that my mother was poisoned before she gave birth to me?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Cheng's eyes widened in disbelief.

Dan Chenzi waved his hand and said, "That's enough, you may go now. Take care of your health."

You saved my life, so even if you don't say anything, I will owe you one life in return, and then we will be even. However, I am currently seriously injured and unable to exert my strength for a short period, so I will need some time to recuperate before I can help you dispel the poison. Please do not worry

Since his arrival in this world, he has been burdened by his body, constantly overshadowed by the specter of death. He approaches everything with trepidation, being overly cautious about this and that, leading to a life filled with unhappiness

Since it is a man-made disaster, it must be repaid with blood

"Having seen through life and death, what else is there to be unclear about?" Zhang Cheng said this, then recalled the matter of apprenticeship. He couldn't help but glance at Dan Chenzi a few times before asking, "May I ask, Daoist, how is my aptitude?"