Chapter 11: Life-Devouring Parasites

Liu Binglan knew exactly what had just happened to her.

Without any warning, her consciousness had drifted, her body had gone limp, and a bone-gnawing pain had taken hold—a pain that, once started, would last for the entire day. Since the first episode more than a year ago, she had lost count of how many times this had occurred. She had no idea how she had contracted this strange illness, but every time it flared up, it left her in agonizing, unbearable torment.

She was intimately familiar with that feeling; it was undoubtedly the illness striking again. She had clenched her teeth, bracing herself to endure the agony. Yet, why had this episode inexplicably ceased after less than a minute? Liu Binglan was completely baffled.

Realizing she was currently leaning in the arms of a strange man, Liu Binglan quickly stood upright, looking at Xiao Nan with gratitude. "Thank you."

She meant it from the bottom of her heart. She was well aware of the effect her body had on men. Yet, this handsome young man, who appeared to be several years her junior, had not taken advantage of the situation. He had acted as a gentleman, simply steadying her so she wouldn't fall, without touching any place he shouldn't have. This shifted her perception of him.

"Truth be told, you did reserve this Purple Gold Ginseng first," Xiao Nan said, watching her as she regained her composure. "However, I helped you temporarily suppress your sudden ailment, sparing you from a day of bone-gnawing pain. We are even."

"Furthermore, while the Purple Gold Ginseng is an excellent medicinal herb for nourishing the body and blood, the reason you are suffering from this condition has nothing to do with your health being inferior to others. It is for another reason entirely. Therefore, this ginseng is of no use to you."

With that, Xiao Nan turned and walked away.

Liu Binglan stood there, stunned. For over a year, she had sought out countless renowned physicians both at home and abroad. Not only had they failed to cure her, but none of them could even diagnose her condition. Even the Purple Gold Ginseng had only been suggested by an elderly traditional doctor who was at his wit's end.

Yet, this ridiculously young man had identified her condition at a glance, knowing exactly what kind of pain she suffered when it flared up. Could her sudden recovery really have been his doing?

"Wait..."

Liu Binglan was dazed for a moment, but when she came to her senses, she saw that he had already walked quite far. She called out loudly.

Xiao Nan stopped and looked back, smiling faintly. "If I were you, I would take off that emerald necklace immediately and throw it into the sewer. I have things to do. Goodbye, superstar."

With a quick movement, he vanished from her sight.

This man was definitely not simple. Ignoring the fact that she was wearing sky-high heels, Liu Binglan hurried after him. Unfortunately, the bustling street was empty of his figure.

Liu Binglan grabbed her hair in frustration. Why had she just stood there like a fool? She should have followed him, and by any means necessary, begged him to treat her! He had clearly stated he had only temporarily suppressed it—what would happen when it flared up again? Now, he was gone, she didn't even know his name, and she had no idea where to find him.

"Right, the necklace."

She knew that since he was gone, regret was useless. Remembering his final words, although she didn't understand what he meant, she took the necklace off. She hesitated for a minute, thinking of her best friend who had started in the industry with her—they hadn't seen each other in a long time—and in the end, she couldn't bring herself to throw it into the sewer.

...

Xiao Nan could have destroyed the life-devouring parasite directly. However, even though these insects were only the size of a sesame seed, their vitality was incredibly tenacious. Especially for a parasite that had already consumed human life force, destroying it would require more effort than he cared to expend right now. If Liu Binglan followed his instructions and threw the necklace into the sewer, the parasite would be trapped inside the emerald pendant; without new life force to consume, its death would only be a matter of time. If she didn't listen, then she was bringing it upon herself, and Xiao Nan saw no reason to intervene.

He was quite satisfied with his trip today, having secured a stalk of Purple Gold Ginseng, and was ready to head back.

"Emerald Mountain Villa District," he told the taxi driver, then closed his eyes to meditate. Even though his cultivation had seen little progress in recent years due to the fire poison in his body, using his spare time to practice was a habit he had maintained for years. Once he returned, he would prepare to absorb and refine the Purple Gold Ginseng. He believed it would bring him a pleasant surprise.

"This guy looks familiar."

The driver looked at Xiao Nan's face through the rearview mirror and muttered to himself. He quickly took out his phone and compared him to a photo, his face lighting up with joy. Wasn't this the guy that Leopard, the local underworld boss of South City, was looking for? He had actually stumbled upon him! He hurriedly sent a message.

...

After about twenty minutes of circulating his energy, Xiao Nan felt the car stop. Assuming they had arrived at Emerald Mountain, he ended his meditation. But as he opened his eyes and looked through the window, he saw he was in a desolate, barren mountain suburb—nowhere near the villa district.

*Bang!*

Xiao Nan grabbed the head of the driver, who was preparing to open the door and flee, and slammed it against the steering wheel. He looked at the blood dripping down the man's face and asked, "Where did you bring me?"

"I... I..." The driver, blinded by greed and wanting the reward for providing information, hadn't expected Xiao Nan to be so violent. Scared out of his wits, he stammered, "It has nothing to do with me! It was Leopard's men who told me to bring you here."

"What Leopard?" Xiao Nan asked.

"They're outside. You'll know when you go out."

*Bang! Bang!*

Xiao Nan slammed the unfortunate driver's head against the steering wheel twice more before opening the door and stepping out. As soon as he did, he saw a dozen hoodlums staring at him with hostile intent.