Liam's eyes sharpened as he studied Ashley Thornwell's poisoned state. His voice was calm but confident as he spoke:
"She has thirty-six silver needles embedded within her body. Nine hooked into bone, nine anchored to her internal organs, nine clasping her meridians, and nine locking her joints. Each is slightly bent and fixed in place to resist removal. Did I get that right?"
A flicker of surprise passed through Isolde Serpentis's—better known as Grandmother Goldenflower's—bright eyes. "Your words hold weight. Show me, then—let me see how you treat her."
Hearing this, Lilith Stormbane's admiration deepened. Her fondness toward Liam rose to 70 (Admiration), while Isolde's own goodwill ticked upward to 68 (Trust).
Liam's fingers blurred as he unleashed a flurry of precise strikes, golden needles piercing Ashley Thornwell's acupoints. Each quivered with a unique rhythm, manipulating her qi and blood to force the buried silver needles outward.
This was no gentle procedure—the pain was fierce—but it ensured complete extraction.
Shhh!Shhh!Shhh!
One after another, silver needles shot from Ashley's body.
Moments later, all thirty-six lay on the ground. Liam paid no heed to her groans; instead, he looked at Lilith with a roguish smile. "Looks like you'll be staying to keep me company, after all."
Her cheeks flushed, the bold smile nearly stealing her breath. Her affection leapt to 90 (Devotion).
But Isolde's emotions churned unpredictably—one moment rising to 80 (Attraction), the next plunging to -80 (Hatred)—until, at last, hatred claimed the balance.
Thud!
Isolde's cane struck the ground like a judge's gavel. Her voice was ice: "Seven years ago, Edric Thornwell refused to heal my husband, and he died. Now I've injured fifteen experts solely to force Edric to break his vow, so I could take his life. And now, boy—you've ruined it! Hand me your head!"
Liam's mind locked instantly onto the 'Skyblade Experience Trial Card within his storage. If she struck, he would use it without hesitation.
"Grandmother! Don't harm him!" Lilith cried, rushing to stand between them.
"Lilith! He has spoiled my revenge! Move aside!" Isolde's voice thundered, her coughing worsening with her anger.
"No! I said I'd stay with him. If you kill him, you'll have to kill me too!" Lilith lifted her chin defiantly.
Isolde's eyes narrowed, but after a long, rasping sigh she relented. "Fine. I won't kill him."
Lilith beamed and turned to Liam. "See? No need to worry, she won't harm you now."
Liam gave an exaggerated bow. "My thanks, Lady Lilith."
Her smile widened, her affection rising another five points to 95 (Devotion).
Isolde's gaze slid to Ashley Thornwell, her eyes like cold steel. "Lilith—fetch your treasures. Let this woman taste the full fury of our venom."
Lilith obeyed. With a flick of her sleeve, she released her "treasures" onto Ashley's prone form—a flower-patterned venom spider, a vivid emerald viper, a crimson-shelled scorpion.
Ashley recognized each instantly. "Venom Spider… Bamboo Leaf Viper… Scarlet-Tail Scorpion… What are you doing?!"
"You like poison? Good," Lilith replied sweetly. "Then taste them all."
The venomous creatures sank their fangs and stingers deep, colored blood welling from each wound as toxins spread. Ashley writhed in agony, her screams echoing across the valley.
The other injured warriors—Galen Ashford , Garreth Halloway , and the rest—could only shrink back, not daring to move.
Isla Drake clung to Liam's arm, trembling, until Lilith shot her a jealous glare. "Stay away from him—or I'll let them bite you too."
Isla yelped and ran to Lady Moira Drake's side.
Liam's frown deepened. "Was that necessary?"
Lilith pouted but didn't answer—only drove her pets to bite Ashley harder.
Ashley's voice rasped. "What do you want from me?"
Isolde's tone was cold. "I hear you and Edric Thornwell are… close. I'll see if he dares to come for you. A day without him, and you'll suffer for a day. A month, and you'll suffer for a month. Don't worry—our little physician here will keep you alive."
Glossary — Chapter 12
Isolde Serpentis / Grandmother Goldenflower / Purple-Clad Dragon King
Title: Ming Cult's Persian Holy Maiden, leader of Spirit Serpent Island, first among the Four Great Guardian Kings.Alias "Dragon King" is a Ming Cult rank, unrelated to gender, signifying the highest martial commander rank below the cult leader.Notorious for her beauty and lethal cunning. Specializes in poisons and exotic beasts.
Lilith Stormbane
Isolde Serpentis's disciple. Known for her skill with venomous creatures and her playful yet possessive demeanor. Affection toward Liam rapidly increases in this chapter.
Ashley Thornwell
Wife of Edric Thornwell (the Ming Cult's famed physician). Poison specialist. Here, she becomes the target of Isolde's vendetta.
Skyblade Experience Trial Card
System consumable. Temporarily grants the swordsmanship and cultivation of the legendary Leaf Lonelyblade, usable in critical danger.
Venom Spider / Bamboo Leaf Viper / Scarlet-Tail Scorpion
Highly toxic creatures under Lilith Stormbane's control. Used to inflict severe pain without immediate death, perfect for prolonged torture.
This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .
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