Chapter 693: Deceptively Drinking the Underworld Poison

Princess Yunxia's heart leaped into her throat. She had likely guessed that Jiang Fan's plan involved poisoning the Primordial Nine-Colored Marrow. However, she hadn't anticipated Yan Dao'an's extreme caution, which led him to force Jiang Fan to drink first! The poison Jiang Fan had introduced was undoubtedly potent enough to kill a Nascent Soul cultivator. If Jiang Fan drank it, he would certainly die!

She was about to cry out. Then, Jiang Fan's hushed voice echoed in her mind.

"Don't make a move!"

"If he suspects anything, the entire plan will be ruined!"

Princess Yunxia immediately halted her impulsive movement and urgently asked in her thoughts: "If you drink it, are you certain you won't die?"

Jiang Fan replied solemnly: "I don't know."

He merely possessed a high resistance to poison. That didn't mean he was immune to all poisons. Since the Nether Poison was reputed to be capable of killing Nascent Soul cultivators, its potency must be extraordinarily fierce. He might not be able to withstand it.

Princess Yunxia's spirit trembled. "What if you die then?"

Jiang Fan sighed softly. "It's better than both of us facing a tragic end, isn't it? If my life can save you from being sold, then it won't be in vain."

In truth, even if Jiang Fan didn't attempt to drink the potent poison, he would still die. Yan Dao'an had no intention of sparing his life. Thus, death was inevitable either way. Why not take a chance? If he could withstand the poison and trick Yan Dao'an into consuming the Nether Poison, they would have a glimmer of hope for survival.

"No, I don't want this to happen." Princess Yunxia's voice trembled.

She had never imagined that one day, a man would willingly sacrifice his life for her. Her heart had never been so profoundly stirred.

Jiang Fan said earnestly: "Don't let emotions guide you. This is our best option."

He paused. His voice softened: "Last time, you risked your life to protect me. This time, it's my turn."

Princess Yunxia's voice became even more shaky: "No, don't say that. That was what I ought to do."

Jiang Fan fell silent for a moment. Then, with a hint of apology, he continued: "Before, we were enemies. I often offended you. Now, I apologize to you. I hope this apology isn't too late."

Princess Yunxia could no longer suppress her emotions. She choked back a sob, heartbroken. "No... I don't blame you. Not in the slightest."

All the past humiliations and awkward memories now flickered through her mind, surprisingly transforming into feelings of shyness, sweetness, and a touch of longing. Yet, the thought of Jiang Fan's imminent death turned these feelings into an even profounder sorrow.

"Jiang Fan, I don't want you to die." Tears welled up in Princess Yunxia's eyes. She pleaded, her voice thick with tears.

Jiang Fan sighed gently: "It's up to fate now. If I live, that would be for the best. If I die and you somehow manage to escape this ordeal, please make a trip to the Human Realm. Please tell my fiancée, Xu Youran, for me. Tell her I'm sorry, but I'll be late for the wedding..."

With that said, under Yan Dao'an's increasingly sharp gaze, Jiang Fan opened his mouth and swallowed the lump of Primordial Nine-Colored Marrow in one swift gulp.

"No!" Princess Yunxia cried out, weeping. Tears streamed down her face. A gut-wrenching pain made it impossible for her to breathe. She was filled with regret. She regretted being gentle to everyone else, but never to Jiang Fan. She regretted every temper she had thrown and every harsh word she had spoken to him. And she regretted only now realizing that Jiang Fan was willing to die for her.

Alas, it was too late.

The spiritual liquid entered Jiang Fan's body. The Nether Poison hidden within it immediately erupted with terrifying virulence! His internal Poison Core instantly developed cracks from the venom. His meridians, internal organs, bones, and flesh began to decay instantly. The excruciating pain that ensued attacked his mental fortitude like towering waves. He didn't even have time to let out a scream. His vision blurred to black. His consciousness instantly plunged into unconsciousness.

The Nether Poison was far more potent than he had anticipated! But he couldn't afford to remain unconscious. He absolutely could not let Yan Dao'an detect any weakness. Otherwise, all his efforts would be in vain!

Clinging to his last shred of consciousness, he mobilized his Poison Core, desperately absorbing the Nether Poison that had infiltrated every part of his body. As the Poison Core circulated, finally, the first trace of Nether Poison was absorbed, followed by the second, and then the third… Though the agonizing pain continued to assault his mind relentlessly, he managed to rouse himself from unconsciousness. He maintained just enough awareness.

More than that, he strenuously controlled his facial expression. He couldn't afford to show even the slightest hint of pain. Because if Yan Dao'an noticed anything amiss, given his caution, he would absolutely not drink it! Success or failure hinged on this moment! Therefore, regardless of the agonizing, thousand-cut pain raging within him, he maintained a facade of complete normalcy.

Yan Dao'an gazed intently at Jiang Fan. He scrutinized his eyes, his eyebrows, his cheeks. Any sign of pain in his eyes, any twitch of his eyebrows, or clenching of his jaw, would betray the presence of potent poison in the spiritual liquid.

"Are you alright?" Yan Dao'an inquired.

Jiang Fan shook his head. By now, his throat was corroding. Each breath felt like a knife cutting him. Yet, he forced himself to remain composed, stating, "It's just a little bit hot in the throat."

Yan Dao'an exhaled slightly in relief. A hot sensation in the throat was normal. The ingredients for the Primordial Nine-Colored Marrow were all high-grade heavenly treasures. How could a mere Core Formation realm cultivator withstand them without some reaction? It would be strange if there was no sensation.

Seeing Jiang Fan's unaffected demeanor, Yan Dao'an completely relaxed. If the liquid truly contained a poison capable of killing a Nascent Soul cultivator, Jiang Fan would have succumbed to it long ago. It would be impossible for him to show no sign of distress. It seemed he had been overly cautious. He had needlessly wasted a tenth of the precious medicine. It was like feeding fine rice to a wild boar, utterly squandered on this boy. A flicker of regret crossed his mind.

He then looked again at the Primordial Nine-Colored Marrow, which continued to emanate its medicinal properties. Yan Dao'an hesitated no longer. He opened his mouth and drank it down in one gulp. This single drink could save him eighteen years of cultivation.

After consuming the Primordial Nine-Colored Marrow, as he waited for its effects to manifest, Yan Dao'an narrowed his eyes and looked at Jiang Fan.

"Boy, you've been a great help," he said. "Without you, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly." He paused. A chilling smirk played on his lips. "To express my gratitude, I, your Vice-Master, have decided to personally send you on your way. I assure you, you will die without any pain."

What did I say? Yan Dao'an's words were to be taken with a grain of salt! As soon as he got what he wanted, he didn't even wait to turn hostile.

Jiang Fan's voice was extremely hoarse, rasping like a broken bellows. "Didn't you say you would spare my life? Does the Jiangshan First-Class Pavilion conduct business with such a lack of integrity?"

Yan Dao'an smiled faintly. "Merchants are indeed expected to be trustworthy, but haven't you heard the saying: 'no trickery, no merchant'?"

Jiang Fan nodded. His voice was even more ragged. "Then I can rest easy. I won't feel a shred of guilt for killing you."

Yan Dao'an's eyes suddenly narrowed. "What's wrong with your voice? And kill me? By what—"

Suddenly, Yan Dao'an's body swayed. He clutched his abdomen, then instinctively reached for his chest and neck. Pain rapidly contorted his face. His voice turned hoarse as well. "You... poisoned..."