Xu Mu nodded lightly, stepped forward, and took Qin Wu's pulse, feeling carefully.
He sensed there really was something inside Qin Wu—not Qi, but something like a living organism.
Speaking of organisms, Xu Mu opened up his Perception.
His god-tier Perception could detect every living thing within range. Since something alive was inside Qin Wu, he should be able to see through the body and observe the interior.
Sure enough, Xu Mu spotted tiny black specks entrenched in Qin Wu's brain.
Could it be…?
Based on the "plot," Xu Mu did know of similar things—these should be gu worms.
Qin Wu had been afflicted with gu!
As long as he eliminated the gu in the brain, the condition would be cured.
Xu Mu just happened to be able to treat this: since he could see the worms, he only needed to pin them in place with silver needles, then kill them with Qi. As for the remains, he could use a Marrow Cleansing Pill to purge them from the body.
Chen Xuan folded his arms, looking at Xu Mu with a cocky expression.
As a heir to a divine physician, he knew how difficult this was. A youngster like this couldn't possibly identify the cause.
"How is it?" Qin Ju asked Xu Mu.
"It is indeed tricky," Xu Mu stepped aside with a smile, "but it's treatable."
Hearing that, Chen Xuan narrowed his eyes. "Brother, this is a matter of life and death—don't talk nonsense. Are you sure you can cure him?"
"Of course," Xu Mu nodded, then glanced at Chen Xuan. "We're about the same age. If you can treat him, why can't I?"
"And how will you treat him?" Chen Xuan asked.
"How about you—what will you do?" Xu Mu shot back.
"I can't say. If I tell you, you'll just copy it." Chen Xuan shrugged.
"Then why ask me? Your method is too precious to share, but mine's trash?" Xu Mu said evenly, hands in his pockets.
"Heh. Interesting." Chen Xuan didn't believe Xu Mu could cure anything; likely because Chen Xuan had said he could, the other didn't want to lose face.
Qin Qiaoqiao looked between the two. Her grandpa had scoured the world's great doctors and none had a solution. Now two young men suddenly both had a way? How dramatic could this get?
"I don't believe it! You're both frauds—frauds!" she snapped, pointing at them.
Qin Ju laid a hand on her shoulder. He wasn't sure about Chen Xuan—but Xu Mu wouldn't lie. A dignified alchemist had no reason to. Besides, Xu Mu had come because he owed Qin Ju a favor; he stood to gain nothing. If he couldn't cure it, he could simply say so—no need to bluff.
"Since you both have methods, state what you need and your terms," Qin Ju said, first looking to Chen Xuan. "You go."
"I only need a piece of sixth-grade Demon-Suppressing Wood. As for supporting herbs, you don't need to prepare them." Chen Xuan smiled at Qin Qiaoqiao. "If I cure him, you'll serve as my helper for a few days. I just came down the mountain; I need someone to show me around modern society."
Xu Mu smiled to himself. Classic male-lead script. He could already guess the rest: for her father's sake, Qin Qiaoqiao would agree; Chen Xuan would cure him; after a few days of contact, she'd warm up to him and become another heroine.
"Sixth-grade Demon-Suppressing Wood? And you want me to be your servant?" Qin Qiaoqiao glared. "Keep dreaming!"
"Then I won't treat him," Chen Xuan shrugged. "And the helper part only applies after I've cured him."
At that, her angry little face eased. If he truly could cure her father, being someone's helper for a few days wasn't impossible. It's not like he could beat her; if he crossed a line, she'd teach him a lesson.
"And you, Xu Mu?" Qin Ju asked.
"This brother's Demon-Suppressing Wood method can work," Xu Mu said mildly, "but I've got a simpler way—no materials at all. Just silver needles."
Soaking Demon-Suppressing Wood produces a toxin. Clearly, Chen Xuan had also identified the cause and intended to poison the gu with the infusion.
Hearing this, Chen Xuan smirked with open mockery. "Since this brother's medical skill is better, let him do it. If anything goes wrong, don't blame me."
"Dad, this Doctor Chen truly has skill…" Qin Yanzi began.
"Yanzi, the one I invited—Xu Mu—has even more," Qin Ju cut in, then smiled at Xu Mu. "Go ahead. I'll have the others step out."
"No need. It's just a minor ailment." Xu Mu opened his storage space from the side, slipped a box of silver needles into his sleeve, then casually drew the box out with a hand still in his pocket. He opened it, laid the needles out.
Chen Xuan smirked. Let's see how you embarrass yourself. If Qin Wu had gu worms, common medicines couldn't kill them; only high-grade heavenly treasures could. How could mere needles cure it?
Xu Mu spread his Perception, locating the gu in the brain. Without that, he'd have to use Chen Xuan's method. Fortunately, he could see.
Swish, swish, swish!
Three needles landed in rapid succession, piercing acupoints on Qin Wu's head.
"Slow down!" Qin Qiaoqiao trembled. If Grandpa hadn't consented, she'd never have allowed this kid to touch him.
"If I go slow, it won't work," Xu Mu said, and flicked in four more needles to seal off the gu's position.
Swish!
Two more needles drove straight into the cluster.
He flicked the needles with his fingers, channeling Qi along them into the brain. As an alchemist, his control over Qi was exquisitely precise—enough to kill only the gu without harming brain tissue.
One flick—half of them died. He flicked twice more and finished the nest.
Then he withdrew the needles.
At that moment, Qin Qiaoqiao noticed black blood oozing from the acupoints atop Qin Wu's head.
"What's happening?" She grabbed Xu Mu by the collar.
"His brain was already compromised, and you dare stimulate it?" Chen Xuan shook his head. "He might be brain-dead now."
"What? You—!" Qin Qiaoqiao raised her hand to strike Xu Mu.
"Qiaoqiao! Stand down!" Qin Ju barked, face cold.