Han Li inwardly grumbled as he maintained a calm and confident demeanor. His composed expression helped reassure the others that the antidote's effectiveness was just as he had expected. His control over the situation, coupled with his calmness, made him appear even more capable in their eyes. His earlier frustrations, however, were masked behind a polite smile, as his reputation as a skilled doctor needed to remain intact.
Master Ma was visibly pleased, his smile carrying an unmistakable sense of pride, as though Han Li had already pledged loyalty to him. Perhaps he believed, given the current situation, that he was the most likely candidate to win Han Li's allegiance.
But soon, the situation took a turn.
"Not good!" Zhang Xiu'er exclaimed. "Uncle's black aura is back again."
Her words stunned everyone in the room. Several of the more impatient individuals, including Elder Zhao, rushed forward to inspect. Han Li, however, didn't push his way forward. Instead, he stayed calm and observed from a distance.
Li Shi, ever the perceptive one, immediately instructed the younger ones to step back, ensuring there was enough space for Han Li to approach and properly assess the situation.
After a moment of examination, Han Li realized that what they had mistaken for the return of the black aura was simply residual poison still lingering on Li Changlao's face. It was a faint, almost imperceptible trace of blackness, not the dangerous spreading of the toxin. Han Li glanced sideways at Zhang Xiu'er, who had overreacted, silently reprimanding her for her lack of composure.
The reprimand didn't go unnoticed by Li Feiyu, who had been watching Zhang Xiu'er with a possessive focus. He shot a glare at Han Li, seemingly upset by the implied criticism of his "goddess."
Han Li sighed inwardly, knowing that Feiyu, clearly smitten, had become easily swayed by his emotions. He didn't waste further time on the matter, returning his attention to the patient.
The remaining toxins had caused the poison spots on Li Changlao's body to stop shrinking and remained the size of soybeans. Li Changlao was still unconscious, trapped in a delicate balance between life and death. This indicated that the initial stages of the antidote had worked, but there was more to be done.
Han Li sighed in relief, knowing that the next step would likely be crucial. He turned to the others in the room, his voice now carrying an air of authority:
"Bring me a basin of water—fill it with clean water."
Before Zhang Xiu'er could respond, Ma Rong quickly got up and ran out to fetch it. Han Li then turned to Master Ma and Elder Qian, his tone serious.
"I need your assistance. I'll use acupuncture and bloodletting to expel the remaining toxins, but I need both of you to use your internal energy to push the poison to specific acupoints. Will you be able to do that?"
Master Ma's eyes flickered with uncertainty but he agreed after a moment's hesitation. Elder Qian, on the other hand, simply nodded coldly, his response immediate and unwavering.
Elder Zhao, who had been silently observing, felt slighted by the fact that Han Li hadn't asked for his help. "Why them? Can't I do it?" he protested, his voice thick with dissatisfaction.
Han Li gave him a patient look, knowing he would need to explain himself.
"Elder Zhao, your practice of the "Mixed Circle Palm" is primarily an external martial technique, whereas Master Ma and Elder Qian's internal energy is much purer. For this task, their abilities are more suited," Han Li explained, his tone soft but firm.
Elder Zhao, irritated but unable to refute Han Li's reasoning, fell silent. Han Li, having dealt with him, then turned to the rest of the room, his voice more commanding:
"Everyone except Master Ma and Elder Qian, please step outside. The process requires absolute silence and concentration. It's not something that should be witnessed by many."
Li Shi was the first to understand, immediately bowing respectfully and saying, "I trust you, Han Dafu. Please, take care of my husband." Without hesitation, she led the others out of the room.
As the room emptied, Han Li quickly shut the door behind them, leaving only Ma Rong and Elder Qian inside. Time seemed to stretch as they waited, the quiet tension palpable. Outside, the others fidgeted, growing increasingly restless. The silence in the house was thick, and even Li Shi, who had once been calm, couldn't sit still, her mind plagued with worry. Elder Zhao, unable to contain his impatience, paced back and forth around the living room.
The suspense reached a peak as the door to the bedroom finally creaked open, breaking the tense stillness. All eyes instantly turned toward the entrance, their collective breath held in anticipation.
Han Li walked out, his expression weary but composed. He saw the anxious faces surrounding him and offered a reassuring smile.
"It's all done. The residual toxins have been completely expelled. Li Changlao will need to rest for the night, but he'll wake up tomorrow on his own."
The room erupted in relieved cheers. Li Shi, overwhelmed with joy, immediately turned to rush into the bedroom, but Han Li raised a hand to stop her.
"Li Changlao is still weak. Too many people around will disturb him. I suggest only you go in for now."
Li Shi, her heart brimming with gratitude and relief, nodded without hesitation, eager to see her husband's condition for herself. She left without any further words of thanks, entering the room alone to be with her husband.
The others, while thrilled, respected Han Li's instructions and waited outside, content in the knowledge that Li Changlao was safe. The tension had lifted, and the storm had passed, leaving only the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.