Chapter 191: Learning It Once

This "renowned master" had deceived everyone for so long, making them believe him, but he stumbled on a simple piece of common knowledge.

If he had known that Tianxuan Kingdom had no poison masters, he wouldn't have brought it up unnecessarily!

Although the library contained many books on poison, they were merely collections. Furthermore, since Tianxuan Kingdom had no poison master profession, these books only described the properties of certain poisons and their basic uses, much like the apprentice section of the Alchemist Guild's library. There was no information on higher-level poison master professions, so even if he were to search now, he would likely find nothing.

No wonder Liu Ling and the others' gazes became increasingly suspicious; the root of the problem lay here.

Although he was annoyed that his deception had been exposed, Zhang Xuan knew there was no turning back. If he were to admit now that he couldn't cure them or that he was a fake, Emperor Shen Zhui wouldn't even need to intervene; these masters would immediately beat him to a pulp.

Having thought this through, Zhang Xuan remained unperturbed. He slightly raised his cheek, his eyes conveying a sense of profound weariness, stirring up a nostalgic and sentimental mood as if reminiscing about something.

"That's something I overlooked; I thought I was still in the place I stayed a few years ago..."

To outsiders, it seemed as if he had genuinely forgotten this was Tianxuan Kingdom and had spoken in error.

Seeing his expression, Liu Ling, Zheng Fei, and the others were filled with questions.

The presence of a poison master suggested that the kingdom he had stayed in was at least a first-tier one. Yet, they had visited all the nearby first-tier kingdoms and had never heard the name Yang Xuan, nor was there anyone who matched his description...

"Do you know what kind of poisonous liquid this medicinal solution is made from? If so, we must prepare a dose now; saving lives is urgent."

Seeing that everyone's attention had indeed been diverted, Zhang Xuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the three masters before him.

Facing the half-dead Shen Hong, he couldn't think of any other solution. He could only try to restore some of his energy first so Shen Hong could perform the fist technique.

Otherwise, if this continued to drag on, he would likely die even without further intervention.

"Prepare a dose?"

Liu Ling shook his head, "It seems Master Yang truly doesn't know much about poison masters. To be honest, the formula for this medicinal solution is very simple, consisting of ten poisons; even I can memorize it. However, achieving the precise balance so it has no side effects on people and can even enhance their vitality—that's the true skill of a poison master. Even a slight error renders it useless. Knowing the formula alone is not enough!"

Preparing poisons, like refining pills, requires precision. Even a slight mistake in technique or dosage can lead to a vastly different and incorrect outcome.

It is precisely for this reason that, despite their notorious reputation, poison masters have continued their lineage, becoming figures feared by many.

Some major powers even specifically hire them to handle matters that are inconvenient for them to deal with directly.

"Even knowing the formula, you can't prepare it?" Zhang Xuan glanced at him, "Alright, write down the formula, and let's get these ingredients first."

"Alright, since Master Yang insists, I have no choice."

Liu Ling said no more, had paper and brush brought, and quickly wrote it down.

Zhang Xuan looked at what was written.

Solitary Root Grass, White Bamboo Snake Venom, Deadly Flower, Black Toad Blood...

All ten ingredients were indeed highly poisonous. Any single one, if consumed by a Tongxuan realm expert, would lead to immediate death, let alone by anyone else.

Each was highly toxic, yet when ten of them were combined in specific proportions, they could become a potent tonic. It must be said that the poison master's methods were truly astonishing.

Even if the palace didn't have these items, finding them wouldn't be difficult. Before long, all of them were placed before him, each displaying a chilling color that instilled deep fear with just a glance.

"What's the use of finding these things? Without a poison master to prepare them, they are just highly poisonous substances, completely useless for saving someone..."

Suspicion rising in his heart, Zheng Fei couldn't help but speak.

Finding these things wasted a lot of time. At this moment, Shen Hong was clearly fading. You were invited here to see if you could help him break through his cultivation and extend his life. Why bother with all this? Isn't it just wasting time?

"Yes, Shen Hong's situation is indeed difficult. If this doesn't work, let's figure something out together. Although the medicinal solution prepared by a poison master can restore some energy in a short time and is one of the best current methods, it's useless if we can't prepare it ourselves!"

Zhuang Xian couldn't bear it anymore either.

He had received favors from Master Yang and ordinarily shouldn't have interrupted, but what the other party was doing seemed futile to him. The immediate priority was to find a way for Shen Hong to achieve a breakthrough, not these distractions.

"You yourselves said the medicinal solution is useful. If that's the case, then simply prepare it. We know the ingredients, so what does it matter if there's a poison master or not? Is it impossible to save people without a poison master?"

Interrupting him, Zhang Xuan smiled faintly.

"But... we don't understand the properties of these highly poisonous substances..." Zhuang Xian said, his face filled with anxiety, "Once a mistake occurs, the person will be poisoned to death on the spot, with no room for recovery..."

"Alright, if you don't understand, you can learn; if you can't prepare it, you can try. There's no need to make such a fuss!"

"Learn?"

"Try?"

Emperor Shen Zhui, Liu Ling, and the others stumbled simultaneously, almost fainting on the spot.

Brother, you don't even know what a poison master is; how can you possibly learn?

Even trying to learn last-minute doesn't work like this!

Any profession in this world requires a master's guidance and years of continuous study to achieve anything. Yet you simply declare you'll learn it now. What exactly do you expect to learn?

What kind of joke is this?!

Although the poison master is considered a lower-tier profession, it's not because it's easy to learn, but because the profession itself is disdained. In truth, the difficulty of learning it is no less than that of alchemy.

This is because one must have a profound understanding of the toxicity of every highly poisonous substance; otherwise, one isn't preparing poison, but committing suicide.

Therefore, every official poison master needs to study for countless years... And you? You're going to learn *now*...

If we wait for you to finish learning, I'm afraid Shen Hong won't just be dead; his flesh will have completely rotted away... What salvation would that be?

The others were so dizzy they felt like they were going to faint, and Shen Hong, lying on the bed, was shedding tears, almost crying out loud.

Damn it, whom did I offend?

I just wanted to live a few more years and better protect Tianxuan Kingdom... First sleeping pills, now poisons. Fine, I won't hold on anymore. Can I just die now?

Please, stop tormenting me...

"Master Yang, being a poison master is not a game; it's best not to experiment haphazardly..."

Liu Ling could no longer hold back and spoke.

If you can't cure him, we can just not treat him for now. What are you doing with sleeping pills and poisons?

Do you think these poisons are really easy to prepare?

If it were really that simple, poison masters wouldn't be so terrifying and feared by countless people.

"I know it's not a game, so please wait a moment while I learn..."

Zhang Xuan nodded very seriously.

"Learn... *for a moment*?"

You've got to be kidding!

The three masters almost fell over.

"Fine, we'll see how you learn..."

Liu Ling flicked his sleeve.

Before, he had thought Master Yang was learned and knowledgeable. While his methods for helping people achieve breakthroughs were unbelievable, he could grasp the key points, which was astonishing. But now, he simply says whatever comes to mind, even wanting to learn to be a poison master and prepare medicines on the spot...

Oh, come on!

If you're so incredible, why don't you just ascend to the heavens?

I've seen many masters, even visited some three-star ones, but I've never heard of anyone knowing nothing about a profession and then mastering it in a short time.

"Hmph!"

Like Master Liu, Zheng Fei, though not speaking openly, also had a grim expression, clearly dissatisfied with Zhang Xuan's actions.

What is a poison master?

It's one of the low-tier professions, yet highly renowned. If it could truly be learned in a short time, it wouldn't be so valuable.

"Hmm? Isn't he supposed to be learning? What is he doing?"

The three masters were seething with anger. Emperor Shen Zhui, standing aside, also looked at Master Yang with a speechless expression, and upon seeing him, immediately revealed a strange look.

Didn't Master Yang say he was going to learn?

Why is he standing still and closing his eyes?

Brother, even if you want to learn, show some sincerity! Find some books to read, or ask someone for information. Even if it turns out to be useless, at least it shows some respect for the poison master profession...

Just standing there, eyes closed as if asleep – what on earth is he doing?

"Master Liu, look..."

Zhuang Xian also noticed something was off and couldn't help but say.

"Sleeping?"

"This..."

Liu Ling and Zheng Fei exchanged glances, blinking and rubbing their heads in confusion.

Master Yang, my good man, my venerable elder...

What on earth are you doing?

Didn't you say you were going to learn to be a poison master and prepare medicines?

Standing still, not even looking at the poisons, and crucially... closing your eyes. What the hell are you doing?

We've seen strange people, but never one like this.

The three masters felt their heads were about to explode; they were all going mad.