Chapter 70: To Hand

In the spacious and bright room, wisps of black mist occasionally rose, bringing with them a nauseating stench. However, the people in the room showed no aversion to the foul smell. Instead, expressions of joy appeared on their faces, as it signified that more and more of the miasmatic poison was being neutralized.

Wei Canglan looked excitedly at Wei Bin's waist, observing that the dark mass there had diminished by more than half, and its color had significantly faded. Beside him, Wei Qingqing's hands were tightly clenched, barely containing her excitement. Despite their eagerness, neither of them spoke, unwilling to disturb Zhou Yuan. At that moment, Zhou Yuan's face was solemn, and fine beads of cold sweat constantly appeared on his forehead. The Heavenly Yuan Brush in his hand continuously moved because, due to the repeated assaults of the miasmatic poison, the origin patterns were beginning to show signs of fading. Some areas were even fracturing. Therefore, he had to constantly repair and maintain the formation; otherwise, if the miasmatic poison broke through, it would be even more difficult to lure it out and suppress it again.

Light continuously flickered between Zhou Yuan's brows, a sign that his Spirit power was operating at its peak. Facing a formation that required simultaneously manipulating a first-grade origin pattern and a second-grade one, even Zhou Yuan, with his mid-stage Void Spirit cultivation, found it somewhat taxing and could only grit his teeth and persist through sheer tenacity. Sweat trickled from his forehead and stung his eyes. Suddenly, a faint fragrance wafted over, and a delicate hand holding a handkerchief reached out, gently wiping away the sweat from Zhou Yuan's forehead. Zhou Yuan shifted his gaze in surprise, as the owner of the handkerchief was none other than Wei Qingqing. Noticing his look, Wei Qingqing's lips curved into a slight smile. Zhou Yuan nodded his thanks, then refocused his attention on the origin patterns.

Time passed slowly, and before they knew it, it was already noon. The ink-black mass of miasmatic poison at Wei Bin's lower back had shrunk to only half the size of a fist, and its density had significantly diluted. It seemed that its complete dissolution would be soon. However, just as everyone was about to sigh in relief, the mass of miasmatic poison suddenly began to vibrate violently. It behaved as if it had gone mad, scattering and rushing in all directions.

"No! The miasmatic poison is trying to escape! It's trying to hide deep within Xiao Bin's body!" Wei Canglan's expression changed slightly. The miasmatic poison was indeed troublesome; upon sensing a fatal threat, it instinctively sought a way to escape. If it were allowed to go into hiding again, it would become a major hidden danger.

"Don't worry, it won't escape," Zhou Yuan said calmly. With a flick of his Heavenly Yuan Brush, layers of origin patterns suddenly expanded, blocking all possible escape routes. The "Thousand Ants Corroding Poison Pattern," which had been on the periphery, also squeezed in and began its counterattack.

The miasmatic poison continuously surged in various directions, but to no avail. It was eventually consumed by the "Thousand Ants Corroding Poison Pattern," gradually transforming into wisps of black mist that were expelled. Ten minutes later, when the last trace of miasmatic poison vanished, the entire room fell silent.

Zhou Yuan exhaled in relief. Just as he was about to stand, a wave of dizziness washed over him, causing him to stumble and fall backward. However, he didn't hit the ground; instead, he collapsed into something soft, warm, and fragrant. He froze for a moment, then shifted his gaze to see a snarling beast face right in front of him. It was Tun Tun, roaring at him. He looked up further to find Yao Yao's cool, clear eyes fixed on him. "If you don't get up soon, I'll let Tun Tun swallow you," Yao Yao said, her red lips parting slightly. Tun Tun bared its teeth at Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan instantly straightened up, secretly cursing the "insatiable little beast" in his mind, thinking of all the dried source beast meat he had wasted on it.

"General, I have fulfilled my mission," Zhou Yuan said with a smile, rubbing his temples and looking at the still-silent Wei Canglan and Wei Qingqing.

"Oh, my little brother!" Wei Qingqing was the first to regain her composure. She rushed forward, hugging the young boy and sobbing. Their Wei family's sole descendant was finally safe.

Wei Canglan's hands trembled slightly. He wiped his eyes, then turned to Zhou Yuan and bowed deeply to him.

"General, please rise quickly; I cannot accept such a grand gesture," Zhou Yuan said, hurriedly helping him up.

"Your Highness," Wei Canglan said in a low voice, "I won't say much, but my Wei family will never forget this kindness."

To the side, Lu Tieshan, who had been tense and watching Wei Canglan intently throughout, quietly let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, His Highness had truly succeeded.

Zhou Yuan smiled and said, "We both got what we needed, General, there's no need for such formality."

Wei Canglan waved his hand, and a maidservant brought forward a jade box. He took it and personally handed it to Zhou Yuan, saying, "Inside is the 'Source Swallowing Stone'." Upon hearing this, a flicker of excitement crossed Zhou Yuan's heart. He carefully took the jade box and opened it. Inside lay a greyish-yellow stone, roughly the size of a palm. The stone had two holes, one large and one small. The smaller hole emitted a suction force, drawing in the genesis qi from heaven and earth, while the larger hole spewed out genesis qi that was noticeably more refined. It was indeed the Source Swallowing Stone! Joy appeared in Zhou Yuan's eyes as he placed the jade box into his Qiankun pouch. He had finally obtained the Source Swallowing Stone. Now, all he needed was a fourth-grade python-type source beast soul, and the materials for cultivating the first layer of the Ancestral Dragon Scripture would be complete. This effort was well worth it.

"Your Highness, regarding the ruins in the Black Abyss, I will tell you more about them later. Rest assured, since I have given you my word, I will spare no effort to assist you!" Wei Canglan said solemnly.

"Thank you very much, General," Zhou Yuan replied, overjoyed. With Wei Canglan's guarantee, he now had some assurance in the competition for the ruins, as the General's Residence was one of the two strongest forces in the region.

Zhou Yuan and his companions, knowing the Wei family was now immersed in joy, did not wish to disturb them further. They allowed them time to themselves before bidding farewell and departing.

"Zhou Yuan healed Wei Bin?! How is that possible!" In the manor, Qi Hao abruptly stood up, his face filled with disbelief. Qi Ling, who was beside him, also had a shocked expression. Wei Ting nodded with a bitter smile. Although she also found it hard to believe, it was indeed the truth.

Qi Hao's face turned ashen, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked. He growled, "This Zhou Yuan, how dare he ruin my plans!" All his efforts in Canglan County over the past year had essentially been wasted.

Qi Ling's eyes darkened. "If Zhou Yuan truly healed Wei Bin, given Wei Canglan's personality, he will likely go all out to help him seize the ruins."

"Young Master, we can't stay in Canglan County any longer, or Wei Canglan will keep us under surveillance."

Qi Hao gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with chilling intent, his face contorted. "Wei Canglan, since you're seeking death, I'll grant it to you!" He said decisively in a low voice, "Go, let's leave Canglan County first. That 'Fire Spirit Grain' is destined for our Qi King's Manor. If Wei Canglan dares to help Zhou Yuan contend with us, I'll make him understand that in the eyes of my Qi King's Manor, he is not as important as he thinks!" He stepped out, his cruel gaze fixed in the direction of the General's Residence, his fingers tightly clenched.

"Zhou Yuan, don't think that just because Wei Canglan is helping you, you're guaranteed to win this time. If you dare to enter the Black Abyss, I'll make sure you never return! This Fire Spirit Grain is something my Qi King's Manor desires. If you dare to covet it, this Black Abyss will be your burial ground!"