The Unmoving Bride

In the cottage, Shang Bieye followed the girl’s instructions and placed Yan Xinmeng on a wooden bed. “Miss, when will the Medicine King return?” Shang Bieye asked. The girl in purple didn’t respond, instead, she busied herself by placing the herbs she had picked outside into their proper places, then began grinding some medicinal materials. “Miss…” Shang Bieye was worried about Yan Xinmeng’s condition, not expecting to meet such a reticent person. The girl continued to ignore him, grinding the medicine before heading to the medicine cabinet to fetch some. “Miss!” Shang Bieye stepped in front of her, suppressing his impatience, and asked slowly, “Please tell me, when will the Medicine King return? My wife’s illness cannot wait.” The girl finally stopped, looking straight at him, “She’s already dead; if not for your internal energy, her body would have decayed by now.” At these words, Shang Bieye’s body trembled slightly, but he managed to hold back his pain, “She’s not dead, I believe if the Medicine King examines her, he’ll know she’s still alive.” “How do you know the Medicine King will say she’s not dead?” the girl asked with skepticism. Seeing the girl’s attitude, Shang Bieye didn’t want to waste more words. “Miss, today I seek the Medicine King’s help. If you are willing to guide me, I would be very grateful. If not, please at least tell me when the Medicine King will return.” The girl smiled softly and said, “Did I say I wouldn’t help? And I’m not going anywhere now.” Shang Bieye was momentarily confused by her words, but upon reflection, an answer came to mind. “You wouldn’t happen to be the Medicine King, would you?” Shang Bieye asked suspiciously. “What if I am the Medicine King, Yuan Huxiang?” The girl, Yuan Huxiang, looked at him with composure. “But you said the Medicine King wasn’t in the Medicine King’s Residence…” “I did say that, but at that time, I was indeed not inside; I was at the entrance of the Medicine King’s Residence.” Yuan Huxiang approached the bed, took Yan Xinmeng’s pulse, her brows furrowing and relaxing as she tried to understand the pulse condition. “How is she?” Shang Bieye asked anxiously. “She has no breath, yet there’s still a pulse. How strange!”
Yuan Yixiang murmured softly, then looked up and asked Shang Bieye, “What did you use to protect her heart meridian?” “Ox horn.” “Ox horn? Ox horn can only detoxify, how can it protect the heart meridian unless…” Yuan Yixiang stopped mid-sentence, her gaze peculiar as she looked at Shang Bieye. “The Divine Physician, you…” “I should have known, what else would a living corpse want from me besides that thing?” As soon as she finished speaking, Yuan Yixiang abruptly stood up and walked out the door. Seeing her leave, Shang Bieye immediately followed, “Divine Physician…” “Don’t call me Divine Physician, I have a name.” Yuan Yixiang said through gritted teeth. “Miss Yuan, I believe you know why I am here. So, can you save her?” Yuan Yixiang turned back, her eyes mysterious, “I can, but you should know, for me to save someone, you have to agree to one condition.” “I am aware.” Shang Bieye nodded. “Good! Since you know, it makes things easier. As for what condition you need to agree to, we’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Yuan Yixiang suddenly extended her hand towards Shang Bieye, “First, let me see the ox horn that’s protecting her.” “This…” Shang Bieye looked at her with difficulty, because this ox horn was still needed to connect with Niu Qi. If he gave it to her, what would happen to Yan Xinmeng’s soul? “What’s wrong? Can’t do it? That’s fine, you can handle the living corpse yourself.” Yuan Yixiang turned to leave. “Wait!” Shang Bieye called out to her. “How about it?” “I can give you the ox horn, but can it wait until after my wife is cured?” “No, I need to see it now, but don’t worry, I’m just looking at the ox horn. I’ll return it to you intact.” Yuan Yixiang’s expression left no room for negotiation. Shang Bieye had no choice; if he didn’t give it to her, Xinmeng would have no hope. If he did, at least there was a chance, as long as she wasn’t deceiving him. Shang Bieye took out the ox horn from his pocket and handed it to her. Yuan Yixiang examined the ox horn for a long time before saying, “I’ll return it to you in three days. During these days, you and your friend can stay in the thatched hut next door, and your wife will remain here for now.” Yuan Yixiang paused before continuing, “Rest assured, I will channel my internal energy into her body to ensure her physical condition remains flawless.”