CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 51: WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE ILLNESS

Although Shi Feiyang had settled down, Lin Wanqing was still immersed in the river of love, visiting him every day, tirelessly diagnosing his pulse. After returning home, she ceaselessly perused medical books, attempting to discover the cause of Shi Feiyang’s illness, but she had yet to succeed.

On this day, during her visit, Lin Wanqing witnessed Shi Feiyang’s agonized state, and her heart was burning with anxiety, a strong sense of worry almost consuming her. Her brows were tightly knitted, her forehead covered with fine beads of sweat, her eyes filled with concern and care.

She longed to instantly improve her medical skills and quickly diagnose the cause of Shi Feiyang’s illness.

Lin Wanqing knew well that Shi Feiyang’s constitution was extraordinary and he had great recuperative power, but his current abnormal condition was puzzling.

She couldn’t help but wonder whether she had missed some subtle detail in her diagnosis or encountered an unheard-of illness.

While taking Shi Feiyang’s pulse, her hands involuntarily trembled slightly, straining to capture the elusive clues.

Lin Wanqing urgently said to Liu Guihua, "Guihua, you must observe Grand Squad Leader Shi’s daily life more meticulously, including his dietary habits, sleep patterns, and any changes in his emotions. I believe the key to solving the mystery is hidden in these details."

Her voice trembled slightly with anxiety, her speech faster than usual, with every word revealing an undeniable sense of urgency.

Soon after, Lin Wanqing slowly walked out of the room, trying to calm her emotions, and softly said to Liu Guihua, "Guihua, there’s no need to be overly anxious; there must be a reason for Grand Squad Leader Shi’s condition. I need to further examine in detail."

Despite her attempt to maintain a calm tone, Liu Guihua still sensitively detected the helplessness and anxiety within.

Liu Guihua gently nodded, although knowing nothing about medicine, her love for Shi Feiyang was sincere and deep, with her concern plainly visible.

As time passed, Liu Guihua witnessed Shi Feiyang becoming increasingly debilitated, her heart filled with urgency, and her spirit turned increasingly despondent.

She often sat alone at the bedside, staring at the sleeping Shi Feiyang, her eyes empty and confused, her heart full of helplessness.

She began to carefully recall Shi Feiyang’s recent abnormal behavior, trying to find any possible clues, but after much contemplation, she could only suspect that Shi Feiyang might have been poisoned by the Divine Water Palace.

Liu Guihua then relayed Liu Yanran’s words before her departure to Lin Wanqing.

Lin Wanqing was greatly surprised upon hearing this and hurriedly returned to Shi Feiyang’s side, lightly touching his pulse with delicate fingers.

Closing her eyes and concentrating, she devoted herself fully to examining Shi Feiyang’s internal condition.

However, after a thorough examination, her brows were still tightly furrowed, finding nothing.

Confusion and helplessness intertwined on her face, and she constantly asked herself, "Where exactly lies the problem? Why have I found nothing?"

She began to doubt whether her medical skills were insufficient or perhaps she had overlooked some critical details, necessitating another thorough examination of Shi Feiyang’s body, leaving no subtlety unchecked.

After a near-rigorous meticulous examination, Lin Wanqing concluded: there were no signs of poisoning in Shi Feiyang’s body. Instead, his inner power had seemingly increased several times suddenly in a short period, yet his body temperature was unusually low and cold.

This discovery made her even more puzzled because, ordinarily, body temperature should rise with the enhancement of inner power, but Shi Feiyang’s situation was contrary to the norm. At that moment, urgent footsteps were suddenly heard outside the door.

Everyone looked up to see a disciple from Changsheng Castle hurrying in, his expression panicked, evidently reporting an urgent matter.

The disciple reported, panting, "Fortress Master, the team from Divine Water Palace is advancing towards this place with great momentum!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqing’s expression instantly became grave, knowing well the vast influence of the Divine Water Palace; they must have an agenda in coming here.

Thus, she quickly made a decision, ordering to strengthen vigilance and prepare for a possible battle.

At the same time, she vaguely sensed that this sudden conflict might somehow be intricately linked to Shi Feiyang’s abnormal condition.

However, at that very moment, Shi Feiyang suddenly opened his eyes.

In his gaze, there was a bitter sharpness, like a beast awakened from slumber, exuding unyielding confidence, ready to face the coming challenge.

Yet, beneath this strong exterior, Shi Feiyang was suffering the merciless torment of illness.

Every breath felt like sharp blades stirring within his chest cavity, his joints suffering relentless blows, unbearably painful. But he endured the pain, not letting others know.

"Wanqing, don’t worry, I have my own countermeasures." Shi Feiyang slowly stood up, his tone revealing a firm and unshakable belief, imbued with strength, giving everyone present an indescribable sense of security.

Lin Wanqing gazed at Shi Feiyang, a surge of inexplicable trust surging in her heart, then nodded to express her trust, believing in Shi Feiyang’s judgment and abilities.

Following this, Shi Feiyang walked out of the room, accompanied by Lin Wanqing, the disciples of Changsheng Castle, and several other companions, bravely facing the challenges ahead. His figure appeared especially magnificent in the shadow of the night, like an indestructible mountain peak.

However, Liu Yanran led the elites of Divine Water Palace to Changsheng Castle this time, intending to exchange Gong Simeng for Shi Feiyang as a hostage to retrieve Liu Tingting, Gong Ci’en, and Gong Yao’en.

When Gong Simeng saw Shi Feiyang’s figure, time seemed to freeze.

Months ago, she was tasked with monitoring Snow Eagle Castle. During that time, she silently observed Shi Feiyang daily, witnessing his fearless courage and chivalrous spirit. Unknowingly, her heart was drawn to this young hero of wisdom and bravery.

Though she was aware that Shi Feiyang already had a family, once the seed of love takes root in the heart, it quickly spreads.

As a maid of Divine Water Palace, she was long accustomed to the deceitful intrigues of Jianghu.

To her, being able to stay by Shi Feiyang’s side was the greatest satisfaction. At this moment, the joy of reunion overwhelmed her, her eyes brimming with tears, her lips trembling slightly, and her body involuntarily moved closer to Shi Feiyang.

"Brother Shi!" Gong Simeng called out, her voice filled with excitement and grievance, throwing herself into Shi Feiyang’s embrace without hesitation.

Her tears poured out like a fountain, soaking Shi Feiyang’s clothes, her hands tightly embracing Shi Feiyang as if letting go would make Shi Feiyang vanish from her life.

"Brother Shi, I missed you so much. During the days Liu Yanran imprisoned me, I thought of you every day, fearing that I would never see you again." She choked on her words, each syllable carrying tears, pouring out her fear and longing.

Shi Feiyang hugged Gong Simeng tightly, feeling her warmth and rapid heartbeat, gently patting her back, comforting her in a tender voice: "Everything’s over now, the suffering has passed, we are going home."

Gong Simeng gradually calmed down in Shi Feiyang’s embrace. She lifted her tearful, blurry face, gazing at Shi Feiyang, her voice slightly choked: "Brother Shi, during those difficult times when you confronted the villains of Snow Eagle Castle, I always watched you in the shadows, attracted by your bravery. Therefore, I abandoned everything and came to join you."

Upon hearing Gong Simeng’s words, Shi Feiyang felt a sharp pain deep within his heart, as if stabbed by a blade.

He held Gong Simeng tighter, wanting to merge her into his body, passionately promising: "I won’t let you leave. No matter what changes the future brings, no matter what difficulties and challenges we face, I will be by your side, protecting you, guarding you, until eternity." Gong Simeng was extremely moved by his words, tears flooding like a torrent.

Liu Guihua witnessed this scene, feeling increasingly lonely.

Her eyes showed a hint of solitude as she silently turned away, walking aside alone. Her shoulders trembled slightly, her heart a mix of emotions, wondering if Shi Feiyang’s discomfort at night was due to longing for Gong Simeng.

At this moment, Lin Wanqing and others gathered around.

They watched Shi Feiyang and Gong Simeng tightly embrace, their faces showing comforting smiles.

Shi Feiyang noticed Liu Guihua’s doubt but only responded with a calm smile, not directly answering, knowing that the most urgent task was to ensure Gong Simeng’s safety, and other matters could be temporarily set aside.

He gently patted Gong Simeng’s back, soothing her with a soft voice until she gradually calmed down.

Gong Simeng’s beauty was not only evident in her innocent and extraordinary appearance but also in her resilient and gentle disposition in adversity. Under the moonlight, her skin seemed to glow softly, and her eyes sparkled with wisdom and courage. Gong Simeng’s beauty was so unique, it was unforgettable.

Lin Wanqing, witnessing the situation, took Gong Simeng away to avoid causing Liu Guihua misunderstanding and sorrow, treating her with kindness akin to a sister.

Meanwhile, Lin Wanqing also harbored intentions of gathering secrets about Divine Water Palace from Gong Simeng, so she could effectively seek revenge in the future.

Especially regarding the intricate maps of Divine Water Palace, Lin Wanqing longed to acquire them from Gong Simeng.

However, Gong Simeng’s heart was already attached to Shi Feiyang, often evasive in her words when facing Lin Wanqing’s probing, causing Lin Wanqing to feel quite helpless. Nevertheless, Lin Wanqing did not give up, firmly believing that by continuously showing care and companionship to Gong Simeng, she would eventually win her trust and uncover the secrets of Divine Water Palace. Therefore, Lin Wanqing devoted herself even more to looking after Gong Simeng, occasionally taking her out for walks, sharing Jianghu tales, and striving to close the distance between them.

After Lin Wanqing took Gong Simeng away, Shi Feiyang, who was exceptionally talented, found himself filled with complex emotions.

He felt a sense of relief for Gong Simeng’s safety but harbored concerns about Lin Wanqing’s intentions. Shi Feiyang was well aware that Lin Wanqing’s outward enthusiasm could not conceal the flames of revenge burning deep within her heart, flames that might engulf Gong Simeng.

But currently, he was unable to change the situation, so he could only silently pray, hoping Gong Simeng remains safe and sound.

Late at night, Changsheng Castle was silent.

Shi Feiyang stood alone in the night, quietly gazing into the distance.

After a while, Liu Guihua came to urge him to return to the room to rest.

Upon hearing Liu Guihua’s urging, Shi Feiyang felt a surge of fear.

He was afraid to face Liu Guihua’s disappointed gaze, afraid that he could not give her enough care, and more afraid that his condition would bring more pain and trouble to those around him.