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Ding—
A clear, melodious qin note, like pearls dropping onto a jade plate, instantly suppressed the clamor throughout the hall.
Jing Ni's face was covered by a light veil, revealing only a pair of cold, star-like eyes.
Her fiery red dress spun and leaped in the center of the hall. Her dance was a blend of grace and power, each sweep of her sleeve seemingly carrying a strange rhythm—possessing both the tender beauty of a江南 (Jiangnan) woman and a faint, chilling sharpness.
It was a dance born of murderous sword intent.
"Bravo!"
Cheers erupted from below the stage, and countless gold and silver treasures rained down.
However, Gu Liufeng's brow furrowed slightly at this moment.
At this time, Gu Liufeng possessed Grandmaster-level Medical Skills. In his eyes, this exceptionally beautiful dance was an entirely different sight.
Whenever Jing Ni performed a difficult spinning move, her left ring finger would tremble almost imperceptibly; whenever she lifted her qi to lighten her body, a hint of undetectable greenish-black energy would flash deep within her brow.
That was… a sign of severe poison attacking her heart, the last gasp of strength.
"What a pity."
Gu Liufeng sighed and set down his wine cup.
"Pity what?" Huang Rong was completely engrossed, thinking that this courtesan truly had some skill.
"Pity that this beautiful phoenix's wings are already broken."
Gu Liufeng stood up, adjusting his collar.
"My dear brother, enjoy your drink here. I'm going backstage to play the 'flower protector'."
…
Backstage, the courtesan's perfumed boudoir.
After her dance, Jing Ni returned to her room.
As soon as she closed the door, her previously erect posture instantly stooped.
"Pfft!"
A mouthful of black blood sprayed directly onto the Persian rug on the floor, a shocking sight.
Jing Ni's hands trembled as she pulled a small medicine bottle from her bosom, pouring out a few pills that could only temporarily suppress the poison, and swallowed them.
Her exquisite face was now as pale as paper, cold sweat instantly soaking the wisps of hair at her temples.
"The Soul Devouring Gu… is acting up faster and faster."
A trace of despair flashed in Jing Ni's eyes.
Ever since she heard the qin master, Wuming, play "High Mountains and Flowing Water," her heart yearned for freedom, and she resolutely rebelled against Luowang.
But the Gu poison Luowang had planted in her body had become an unbreakable shackles.
If no divine physician came to her rescue, in time, her entire body would fester and she would die.
Thump, thump, thump.
A knock at the door.
Jing Ni instantly reined in all signs of pain, her eyes becoming cold once more. She quickly wiped away the blood from the corner of her mouth, her fingers gripping a silver needle hidden in her sleeve.
"Who?"
"A patron… who saw the lady's dance, yet wishes not for the lady to perish."
A warm, clear voice came from outside the door. There was no forceful entry, rather a hint of politeness.
Jing Ni frowned.
She had heard such pick-up lines many times. But for some reason, there was a certainty in this person's voice that she couldn't ignore.
"Come in."
The door was pushed open.
Gu Liufeng walked in. Unlike other men who would stare lecherously at Jing Ni upon entering, he first surveyed the room, his gaze finally settling on the rug stained with black blood.
"Datura pollen mixed with Seven-Step Snake venom, plus the Soul Devouring Gu worm unique to the Western Regions."
Gu Liufeng's nose twitched slightly as he casually rattled off a string of poisons. Then he looked up at the wary Jing Ni:
"Lady, although your dance is unparalleled, if you were to dance again, I fear your heart meridian… would break."
Jing Ni's murderous intent, upon hearing these words, transformed into a tidal wave of shock.
He… just from the scent of a mouthful of blood, he saw through Luowang's secret poison?!
"Who are you?" Jing Ni's fingers trembled slightly.
"I am Gu Liufeng."
Gu Liufeng walked to the table on his own accord, picked up the teapot, and poured two cups of tea. He pushed one towards Jing Ni and held one himself.
"An idle man who happens to know a little about medicine."
He looked at Jing Ni, his tone devoid of any threat, instead speaking as if to an old friend.
"I have a flaw; I cannot bear to see beautiful things shattered. Your dance, Lady, is undoubtedly peerless. If you were to die just like this, wouldn't it be a loss to the world?"
Jing Ni stared intently at him, trying to find a flaw in his expression.
But he was too composed.
So composed that her heart, which had always hung on the edge of a blade, inexplicably wanted to believe him.
Moreover, to be able to deduce the various components of the poison she was afflicted with merely from a mouthful of foul blood, proved him to be a rare medical master.
"You can… save me?"
Jing Ni's voice was hoarse, carrying a tremor and a hint of hope that even she didn't detect.
"Yes."
Gu Liufeng answered decisively. He stood up and walked towards Jing Ni.
"However, my fees for treating illness are very expensive."
Gu Liufeng extended a finger, gently lifted Jing Ni's blood-stained veil, revealing her devastatingly beautiful yet pale and fragile face.
"What do you want? Money? Or…"
Jing Ni bit her lower lip, a trace of humiliation flashing in her eyes.
If it was for survival, for freedom… what did it matter if she gave him this body? Anyway, she was still pure. Giving herself to this seemingly agreeable man was better than dying in Luowang's hands.
Gu Liufeng seemed to see through her thoughts and smiled gently. His finger did not touch her skin, but lightly tapped the area over her heart.
"I want you to live."
"And in the days to come, only dance for me."
"How does this deal sound, Lady?"
Jing Ni was stunned.
Only dance for one person?
This sounded… not like an unacceptable condition.
"Good."
Jing Ni closed her eyes, two lines of clear tears sliding down. It was the release after countless strained days and nights, finally finding someone to lean on.
"If you can cure this poison, Ni'er… is willing to dance for Young Master for a lifetime."
The smile at the corner of Gu Liufeng's mouth widened.
He took out the bottle of Lesser Rejuvenation Pills from his bosom, poured one out, and offered it to her lips.
"Eat this first, to protect your heart meridian. Then come back to the inn with me."
"Tonight, I will extract the poison for you."
…
A moment later, outside Zuì Yuè Tower.
Huang Rong watched as Gu Liufeng emerged not only unharmed, but followed by the veiled, red-clad courtesan.
The most crucial thing was that the courtesan's gaze at Gu Liufeng, though still cold, carried a hint of… submission, like a young wife following her husband home?
"No way?!"
Huang Rong's melon seeds fell from her hand.
"Spent a thousand liang to watch a dance, and not only enjoyed it, but also took the person away?"
"This guy… did he go to listen to music, or to buy inventory?"
As Gu Liufeng passed Huang Rong, he proudly raised an eyebrow.
"My dear brother, let's go. Back to the inn."
"I'm very busy tonight, big brother. If you're hungry, go buy some osmanthus cakes for yourself."
Watching the two walk away, Huang Rong stomped her foot angrily, a never-before-felt sourness rising in her heart.
"Hmph! You lecherous pervert! Got a new love and forgot your brother!"
"This lady… This lady is going back to change into women's clothes right now! I'll make you furious!"