Chapter Fifty-Four: Seeing Through Clearly

Several high-ranking members of the Witch Doctor Sect, upon hearing this distinctive voice, couldn’t help but turn to look. The speaker was a young man, sporting a pair of neat mustaches and clad in a blue linen robe. He held a dust whisk and sat upright in a deliberately dignified manner, exuding an air of immortality and wisdom—he appeared even more like the Sect Leader of the Witch Doctor Sect's Da Qi dynasty branch than Zhou Bing himself.

Zhou Bing, somewhat displeased, said, “Huang Taiyi, I’ve made it clear what consequences might arise if Chu Yun cures the illness of the Young Lord of Qi. How can you say there’s nothing to worry about? Is this your excuse for failure?”

Yet inwardly, he harbored a hint of expectation. He knew Huang Taiyi was a man of many cunning ideas. His sharp words were merely a reflection of the threat he sensed from Huang Taiyi’s intelligence, which endangered his own position as Sect Leader.

Huang Taiyi remained calm, took a sip of tea, and replied mildly, “Master Zhou, no need to be so agitated. I’ve truly devised some countermeasures.”

“Since Chu Yun, Luo Feng, and Ye Zelan are guarding so closely and giving us no opportunity, let’s change our approach and petition the King of Qi to allow us to cooperate with Chu Yun in treating the Young Lord.”

“In this way, if the Young Lord recovers, our Witch Doctor Sect will share in the credit.”

“Moreover, if the Young Lord’s condition improves and our secrets are exposed, we’ll be able to respond swiftly.”

Upon hearing this, the senior members nodded in agreement, praising Huang Taiyi’s insightful analysis.

Zhou Bing, however, snorted, “What’s so insightful? Chu Yun and his companions have always guarded against us, fearing we’ll interfere. Do you really think he’d agree to treat the Young Lord together?”

Huang Taiyi waved his hand dismissively. “I believe he will agree, for he has no reason to refuse.”

“Firstly, if he allows our Witch Doctor Sect to join in the treatment, he won’t have to remain constantly vigilant, which is exhausting. They’ve managed for four days so far, but the Young Lord’s illness is not something that can be cured quickly—they won’t last much longer.”

“Secondly, now that the Young Lord’s condition has clearly improved, if any problems arise after we join the treatment, the blame will rest entirely on us. He’d gladly have a scapegoat.”

“Lastly, our Witch Doctor Sect wields considerable influence, with followers spanning several vassal kingdoms. Chu Yun is isolated and weak, and even with the King of Qi’s protection, he cannot oppose us. I’m sure he’ll be happy to grant us this favor.”

The senior members, listening to this analysis, once again showered praise, saying Huang Taiyi’s reasoning was sound and that he possessed remarkable clarity.

Zhou Bing became even more jealous, and snorted, “Fine, suppose you’re right and Chu Yun agrees. What about the King of Qi? Previously, we tried everything, yet failed to cure the Young Lord. The King holds strong prejudices against our Witch Doctor Sect. Do you think he’ll consent?”

Huang Taiyi smiled slightly. “Master Zhou, rest assured—if Chu Yun agrees, the King will follow suit. The King isn’t a fool; he knows well what consequences would follow if he refuses us.”

Once more, everyone nodded and praised Huang Taiyi, telling Zhou Bing not to worry.

Zhou Bing pursed his lips, unable to retort, feeling as if his authority as branch leader had become meaningless, and he was quite displeased.

Huang Taiyi continued, “Therefore, we truly have nothing to be concerned about. We simply need to request permission to join Chu Yun in treating the Young Lord.”

“After all, the Young Lord’s recovery or demise doesn’t greatly affect our overall plan. If he dies, we’ll support another son of the King as Young Lord and future King. If he recovers, he’ll fall under our control and become our puppet.”

“The only complication is the unexpected appearance of Chu Yun. Chu Yun’s revival of the Young Lord has earned him great fame, which is now a fact. What we must do is diminish his influence and see if there’s any chance to bring him into our Witch Doctor Sect.”

The senior members listened to Huang Taiyi and once more praised him, saying, “Physician Huang, your analysis is spot-on. With this, we can finally breathe easier.”

Huang Taiyi, smiling, looked at Zhou Bing. “Master Zhou, let’s proceed to the palace and petition the King of Qi to allow us to work with Chu Yun in treating the Young Lord.”

Zhou Bing responded softly, “Very well.”

Clearly, he was somewhat disgruntled.

Nevertheless, he led Huang Taiyi to the royal palace.

At that moment, the King of Qi had just returned from the Young Lord’s chamber. Seeing that the Young Lord could now eat and his condition had visibly improved, he was overjoyed, his face radiant with smiles.

Just then, someone came to report that Zhou Bing and Huang Taiyi requested an audience.

Upon learning that members of the Witch Doctor Sect were coming, the King’s smile vanished instantly. He snorted, “What are they doing here at this hour?”

He was most unwilling to see the pair.

Yet, compelled by the Witch Doctor Sect’s formidable influence, he agreed to meet Zhou Bing and Huang Taiyi.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

“Greetings, Your Majesty!”

Zhou Bing and Huang Taiyi bowed to the King of Qi.

It was a bow, not a kneel.

This displeased the King. He thought, Zhou Bing is a branch leader, so a bow is understandable, but Huang Taiyi is merely a physician—why does he do the same?

The King quickly concealed his feelings, smiling as he looked at Zhou Bing. “Master Zhou, what brings you here? Are you here to fulfill your wager and eat a stool?”

His words left Zhou Bing awkwardly frozen on the spot.

Seeing this, the King’s smile grew even brighter. “Master Zhou, you said that no one in this world could cure my son’s illness, and if Chu Yun succeeded, you’d eat a stool. Surely you won’t renege on your word?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bing’s expression grew even grimmer.

Huang Taiyi was also surprised—he hadn’t expected such a wager between Zhou Bing and the King, and for the King to bring it up so bluntly.

It seemed the King not only harbored prejudice against the Witch Doctor Sect but held them in little regard.

A lesson was in order!