Chapter 68: Preparation

For the next ten days, Zhou Yuan poured almost all his energy into studying the "Thousand Ant Corroding Poison Rune." After all, Yaoyao's method this time was quite ruthless, and if anything went wrong, given Wei Bin's physical condition, he could very well die on the spot.

To avoid being killed by a furious and childless Wei Canglan, Zhou Yuan had no choice but to throw himself into his studies.

Fortunately, his talent in Spirit Runes was excellent, and his Spirit had also advanced to the mid-stage of the Void Realm, making the study of a second-grade Spirit Rune not too strenuous for him.

Thus, after seven or eight days, Zhou Yuan had already mastered the "Thousand Ant Corroding Poison Rune." All that remained was to refine his proficiency.

In the Grand General's Residence, inside the study.

"What has His Highness Zhou Yuan been doing these past few days?" Wei Canglan looked up at Wei Qingqing and asked.

Wei Qingqing hesitated for a moment, then replied, "He seems to be practicing Spirit Runes."

Since Zhou Yuan was staying at the Grand General's Residence, his every move could naturally be easily observed.

Wei Canglan's face twitched. Was he cramming at the last minute? What exactly was His Highness Zhou Yuan planning?

"Also... I've noticed Commander Lu recently buying some things in the city." Wei Qingqing hesitated before taking out a note and handing it to Wei Canglan. It listed the highly poisonous substances Zhou Yuan had asked Lu Tieshan to purchase.

Wei Canglan took the note, glanced at it, and his face twitched again. If he hadn't confirmed Zhou Yuan's identity, he would truly be starting to doubt Zhou Yuan's motives right now.

"Father, are we really going to let His Highness Zhou Yuan treat Young Master Bin? Should we try to find someone else?" Wei Qingqing asked, feeling quite anxious about Zhou Yuan's approach.

Wei Canglan sighed and said, "Haven't we already searched for enough people? If the Black Poison King's Miasma Demon Poison were so easily curable, he wouldn't have dominated the Black Abyss for so many years."

"Now... we can only choose to trust His Highness Zhou Yuan."

Wei Canglan glanced towards the guest courtyard, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Moreover, our Highness is quite intelligent, not a foolish person. He should be well aware of the consequences of messing around with Young Master Bin."

Hearing this, Wei Qingqing nodded slightly. Zhou Yuan had been so confident that day, even setting the conditions upfront. He must have had some confidence to act that way, otherwise, he would simply be humiliating himself.

"Then, let's wait until the day after tomorrow. I hope he can truly save Young Master Bin." Wei Qingqing sighed. Wei Bin's poisoning had become a deep-seated worry for the Wei family. As long as this illness persisted, the Grand General's Residence would remain stiflingly oppressive.

Zhou Yuan had brought them a glimmer of hope, but they didn't know if this hope would be followed by even greater despair.

In a large estate in the commandery city.

"Heh heh, this Zhou Yuan is truly confident, even laying out his conditions beforehand." Inside a room, Qi Hao's expression was grim. Standing before him was Wei Ting.

Clearly, Qi Hao had obtained all intelligence regarding Zhou Yuan's activities in the Grand General's Residence from her.

"That boy is arrogant. Even Master Ying, whom you invited, couldn't resolve the Miasma Demon Poison. How could he possibly do it?" Wei Ting said with disdain.

"Are there any other updates?" Qi Hao asked.

Wei Ting smiled and leaned closer to Qi Hao, who then extended an arm to embrace her slender waist. From her sleeve, Wei Ting produced a note: "These are the things Lu Tieshan recently bought in the city."

Qi Hao took the note, glanced at it, and his brows immediately furrowed. "All poisons. What exactly are they trying to do?"

He pondered for a moment, finding no answer, then merely sneered. "Let them mess around. If they end up killing Wei Bin, we'll see if Wei Canglan goes mad."

He also didn't believe Zhou Yuan had the ability to cure the "Miasma Demon Poison."

"Tingting, help me keep a close eye on Zhou Yuan at the Grand General's Residence. Report any news to me immediately. Furthermore, if Zhou Yuan makes a mistake, find an opportunity to secretly fan the flames, completely enraging Wei Canglan. Zhou Yuan must not leave the Grand General's Residence alive." Qi Hao instructed.

"Also, if Wei Bin is truly killed by Zhou Yuan's antics, Wei Qingqing will undoubtedly be heartbroken. When that happens, invite her out. Her emotional defenses will be lowered, providing me with an excellent opportunity to seize the moment."

Hearing this, Wei Ting pouted. "You're asking me to help you get another woman?"

Qi Hao smiled slightly. "Tingting, if you wish to marry into the Qi King's Residence, my father's consent is essential. If you can help me win over Wei Qingqing, I'll be able to gain control of the Canglan Army. When that succeeds, it will be a monumental achievement, and my father will permit me to marry you."

Although he had been involved with the Canglan Army for a year, he had never managed to penetrate its true core. He knew this was because Wei Canglan was wary of him. Therefore, to gain control of the Canglan Army, he needed to win over Wei Qingqing.

This woman held considerable prestige within the Canglan Army.

"Really?" Wei Ting asked dazedly.

Qi Hao nodded with a smile.

Wei Ting bit her red lip, then nodded vigorously. "Okay, I'll definitely help you with all my might!"

The two lingered intimately for a while longer before Wei Ting departed contentedly.

Qi Hao watched her retreating figure, the smile on his face fading into a cold expression. He lightly flicked his clothes, as if dusting something off, and said indifferently, "What a delusional woman."

From behind a screen, a figure emerged. It was Qi Ling, the steward of the Qi King's Residence.

"Young Master, what exactly is Zhou Yuan up to? Can he truly cure Wei Bin?" Qi Ling asked with a frown.

Hearing this, Qi Hao immediately sneered. "Him? Dream on."

How many years had the Miasma Demon Poison plagued Wei Canglan? He had sought help from experts everywhere, but none had been able to do anything. Therefore, Qi Hao didn't believe that Zhou Yuan, who hadn't even entered the Qi Cultivation Realm, could succeed.

"However, even if I don't believe that boy will succeed, we must prepare for the worst-case scenario," Qi Hao said, a cold glint in his eyes.

If Zhou Yuan somehow got lucky, Wei Canglan would undoubtedly help him obtain the "Fire Spirit Spikes."

Qi Hao looked up, gazing in the direction of the Grand General's Residence, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Wei Canglan, oh Wei Canglan, if you truly intend to help Zhou Yuan, then I'll have no choice but to eliminate you. Don't worry, once you're gone, I'll take good care of your daughter and the Canglan Army for you."

And under the watchful eyes of all parties, the final two or three days slowly arrived.

In the courtyard, Zhou Yuan packed his belongings, then rolled his eyes at Lu Tieshan, who looked as if he were bravely facing death. Zhou Yuan then gestured with his chin towards Yaoyao and Su Youwei.

"Let's go. Life or death, it all depends on today!"