Chapter 1085: Unexpected

The people in the cave were experienced individuals; they initially paused in surprise but quickly reacted.

Yu Yanluo's cheeks flushed with heat, and she inwardly spat in disgust.

Zu An's expression darkened as he stared intently at Hu Doutongzi. "Are you messing with me?"

As Hu Doutongzi applied medicine to the wound on his leg, he replied, "Hmph, we're all men, isn't this obvious? What's the purpose of 'bull's milk' if not to make women overwhelmed with desire? You can clearly detoxify her with your own body; why would you bother making an antidote and miss the chance to embrace such a beauty?"

Zu An was speechless.

What the fellow said was twisted logic, but it was impossible to refute.

At this, Hu Doutongzi revealed a meaningful smile. "Stop pretending. This is the most beautiful woman in the world; which man wouldn't be tempted? I've created such a perfect opportunity for you, so you should be thanking me. And don't forget to tell me what the milk of the world's most beautiful woman tastes like when you're done."

This topic infuriated him. He had done all the work for someone else, gained nothing, was severely beaten, and even had his kneecap shattered.

The expressions of those around them were peculiar. This fellow had mentioned "milk" several times now; he must have some unusual obsession with it. However, given his childlike appearance, it seemed somewhat understandable.

Kong Qing frowned imperceptibly. This fellow was digging his own grave; it was his own fault for not explaining things clearly. Did he not realize the relationship between this man and the Princess? Oh, to have arranged for the Princess's beloved to be with another woman... who knows how furious the Princess will be when she finds out. But now, he was helpless and could only take things as they came.

Jian Taiding, meanwhile, was both shocked and enraged. "You scoundrel! If you developed the poison, how could you not have an antidote? You're clearly just trying to sow chaos!" He was the last person who wanted to witness this scene. Even if his sister-in-law and this man had likely already slept together before, enduring it again right in front of him was unbearable.

Hu Doutongzi was already in a foul mood and sneered in response, "I advise you not to meddle. They're a handsome couple; why should you object? Or perhaps you yourself want to detoxify this beauty? But look at your pathetic state right now; could you even manage it?"

Jian Taiding nearly spat out a mouthful of blood. "You... you're talking nonsense!" He certainly wanted to help his sister-in-law detoxify, but under the current circumstances, it was clearly not his place.

Hu Doutongzi still wanted to vent his frustration, but Zu An could no longer hold back. "Shut up! How could I be as despicable as you imagine? If I desire a woman, it must be with mutual consent; I would never resort to such sordid methods!"

"Yes, yes, yes, you are so noble, so amazing. I've told you the detoxification method; use it or don't. But don't say I didn't warn you: she's deeply poisoned, and if she doesn't detoxify quickly, she'll die from the internal fire." Hu Doutongzi was fuming internally. He had spent half the day working, and not only did he get no benefits, not even a sip of "soup," but he was also used as a villainous prop. We're all men, why pretend to be something you're not!

With that, he propped himself up with his hands and bounced out of the cave like a ball, clearly unwilling to remain in this disheartening place.

Kong Qing also cleared his throat. "Since the competition is over, we shall take our leave." With that, he turned to depart.

Jian Taiding grew anxious. "Mr. Kong, how can you leave? What about our future cooperation?"

"Second Master Jian," Kong Qing stated coldly, "our demon race only allies with the strong, never with losers." With that, he departed with his subordinates. While business in Cloud County would become somewhat troublesome without Jian Taiding's protection, finding another representative wouldn't be difficult. Furthermore, they had established a good rapport with Zu An, the imperial envoy. Given his relationship with the Princess, Kong Qing doubted he would refuse to offer any help later.

Soon, the group departed one after another, and the previously bustling ice cave became quiet once more.

Just then, a soft moan echoed, a sound so delicate and sweet that it was enough to make any man's heart pound and blood race.

Jian Taiding struggled to rush to Yu Yanluo's side, but alas, his existing injuries were compounded, and with the backlash from the potent medicine, he stumbled and collapsed onto the ground just as he tried to stand. Feeling the coldness of the ground, he was overwhelmed with despair. Even if Yu Yanluo agreed to let him detoxify her now, he was willing but physically incapable.

Zu An paid him no mind, rushing instead to support Yu Yanluo. "Madam, are you alright?"

Yu Yanluo shivered and recoiled. "Don't... don't touch me." Her cloud-like hair had come undone, cascading over her exquisite, peerless face. Yet, with her face partially obscured, it only intensified her mesmerizing allure.

"Alright, I won't touch you," Zu An quickly said, stepping back and spreading his hands to show he meant no offense.

Seeming to realize her tone had been too harsh, Yu Yanluo's voice softened slightly. "Take me back to Jade Manor." Though she tried to control it, her trembling voice still betrayed the intense discomfort she was experiencing.

Zu An shook his head. "You are deeply poisoned; there might not be enough time to go back now." Hu Doutongzi's warning still echoed in his ears.

Yu Yanluo, somewhat wary, clasped her hands over her chest. "What are you trying to do?"

In the corner, Jian Taiding was also in agony. The inevitable moment was upon them, and he wished he could just die. Still, he decided to wait. At least he could catch a glimpse of his sister-in-law's body before he died. This was something he had dreamed of day and night, though he never imagined it would happen under these circumstances, and be unveiled by another man.

Seeing Yu Yanluo's strong reaction, Zu An knew she had misunderstood. After a moment's thought, he took a pill from his pocket. "Take this."

"What is it?" Yu Yanluo hesitated. From her perspective, since she had already been affected by the poison, there seemed no reason for him to administer another medicine. However, after years of being surrounded by opportunists, her reserved nature made her instinctively cautious of any unknown pills. Furthermore, this man had a history of carrying numerous strange and unusual medicines.

"This is a Clear Heart and Calming Spirit Pill, given to me by Ji Xiaoxi," Zu An explained. "It can soothe the mind and nerves, and to some extent, counteract the effects of that other medicine."

Remembering Ji Xiaoxi's innocent and pure face, Yu Yanluo breathed a sigh of relief. All her doubts vanished, and she swallowed the pill.

In the corner, Jian Taiding felt a complex mix of disappointment and relief, his expression profoundly conflicted.