Chapter 55: The Heart-Devouring Gu

"Madam Zhang, this is the 'little divine doctor' I just mentioned to you. His medical skills far surpass mine, so I believe Mr. Zhang's illness can be cured." Although Li Zhengtang could not praise Madam Zhang's character, a doctor’s duty is to heal and save lives. Thus, he kindly reminded her, lest she offend someone later and suffer unnecessary losses. This alone showed the true nature of a healer.

"Thank you, Elder Li, for your advice. I know what to do now," Madam Zhang replied. She then walked over to Liu Fan, knelt before him, and pleaded, "Little divine doctor, please forgive my earlier rudeness. It was my fault for speaking carelessly. I beg you to save my husband."

"Rise, please," Liu Fan said. "Since I’ve come, I will do my best to help him. After all, he is my brother's father. Still, I want to advise you: think carefully before you act in the future. Do you realize half of your husband's illness is because of you?" Though Liu Fan was dissatisfied with Madam Zhang's character, she was, after all, his brother's stepmother, so he gave her due respect.

"How…how can that be? My mother has always loved my father; how could she hurt him?" Zhang Tao exclaimed in surprise, as did those around him, all looking to Liu Fan for an explanation.

"Heh, you may not believe it, but Madam Zhang's eyes are large and reveal everything; her cheekbones are high and her nose prominent, lips thin and mouth sharp—such women are strong-willed, love to compete, and are fiercely stubborn. They rarely yield, often disregard others, talk excessively, and cannot keep secrets, inevitably offending people for no apparent reason. Ancient wisdom says: 'A malicious gaze punishes the husband; high and prominent cheekbones kill the husband without a knife; punishment has no end.' Moreover, there is a slanted mole between her brows, confirming the fate of harming her husband. Thus, most of Mr. Zhang's illness stems from her," Liu Fan explained using his knowledge from the Book of Fuxi Divination. The final detail was meant to frighten her, as only drastic measures would prompt her to change.

The others listened as if to a storyteller, unable to grasp the details, but the one thing understood was: Madam Zhang has a fate that harms her husband.

"Absurd! In this day and age, everything should be based on science. How can such mystical physiognomy be convincing?" Su Xiaofei immediately retorted, dismissing Liu Fan's words as superstition.

"Heh, sincerity brings results. I believe Madam Zhang has learned something by now. Reflect on your past actions—do they match what I said? If you don't change, today's misfortune may befall your son as well. This is your destiny!" Liu Fan ignored Su Xiaofei and continued, infuriating her even more.

"Thank you, master, for your guidance. Your words were like a wake-up call, making me realize the gravity of my past mistakes. Please grant me an opportunity to redeem myself and make amends," Madam Zhang said, now void of her previous arrogance, her eyes showing a touch of reverence.

"Yes! To recognize and amend one's mistakes is a great virtue. If you overcome your flaws and cultivate your character, your fate will turn auspicious," Liu Fan replied, seeing sincerity in her eyes and knowing she would change for the better. He painted a bright future for her—not merely empty words, but because her appearance had indeed changed in that moment, signifying her destiny had shifted.

"Hmph! Pretending to be mystical!" Though Su Xiaofei admired Liu Fan’s ability to guide people towards goodness, she refused to admit it, always looking for reasons to criticize him. Ah, the mind of a woman is unfathomable, and Liu Fan, with his clumsy emotional intelligence, could never figure out where he had offended her. His indifference only made Su Xiaofei feel ignored, deepening her resentment. Women are paradoxical creatures: cling to them and they dismiss you; ignore them and they feel neglected. Truly perplexing.

Even Li Zhengtang could not bear it any longer and shot her a stern glance before turning to Liu Fan. "Young friend, what is your opinion on Mr. Zhang’s illness? I am ashamed to say that, after a lifetime in medicine, I have never seen such a case."

"Heh, Elder Li, it’s not surprising you don’t know—because it’s not an illness," Liu Fan replied with a smile.

Elder Li was astonished. "Not an illness? Then what is it? Please enlighten me."

"Have you ever heard of the Gu poison from Miao territory?" Liu Fan asked gently.

"Gu poison? I've read about it in ancient medical texts but never seen it. It's said to be terrifying—once afflicted, only the caster can lift it; otherwise, no medicine can cure it. Victims die tragically. Could it be…" At first, Li Zhengtang didn't understand why Liu Fan brought up Gu poison, but recalling fragments from medical books, he realized Mr. Zhang’s symptoms were indeed similar, and his words trailed off in alarm.

"Exactly. Mr. Zhang is afflicted with Gu poison from Miao territory—not just any Gu, but a variant. Gu poison originated from sorcery; in ancient times, it was a medical practice. As humanity developed, so did selfishness and conflict. Sorcery split into two factions: white sorcery, focused on healing, and black sorcery, practitioners of all evils; the two are sworn enemies. Gu poison can be insect-based, animal-based, plant-based, or object-based. Of all Gu, the Golden Silkworm Gu is the most potent. Mr. Zhang is afflicted with a variant known as the 'Heart-Eater Gu,' or 'Blood Silkworm Gu,' because its parasite feeds on the victim’s essence and blood. Within seven days, it will drain all blood, leaving only a dried corpse. Worse still, after consuming one victim, the Blood Silkworm seeks out another direct relative, continuing until all kin perish," Liu Fan explained.

Everyone present gasped in horror at the description, their hearts trembling.

"Th-then, third brother, can you cure it?" Zhang Yi, pale and trembling, asked, clearly terrified by the Heart-Eater Gu.

"Don’t worry. Since I know what it is, I have a way to break it. When the time comes, I promise to return your father to health," Liu Fan answered calmly. In truth, such Gu poison was hardly worthy of his concern; with his current abilities, he could eradicate the Blood Silkworm in minutes. But to ensure Mr. Zhang’s recovery left no aftereffects, he was cautious in his approach.

Hearing this, everyone relaxed considerably, though Gu poison remained a mystery even to medical experts like Li Zhengtang, whose curiosity was now piqued. He asked, "Young friend, how does one resolve the Heart-Eater Gu? If there are any secrets you must keep..."

From ancient times, the secrets of medicine have always been closely guarded, so Li Zhengtang hesitated as he spoke.

Noticing his hesitation, Liu Fan replied openly, "Elder Li, it’s no secret. The Blood Silkworm in the Heart-Eater Gu is a pure yang creature, emerging only at noon to feed. The rest of the time, it lies dormant, digesting the essence it’s absorbed. The best time to kill it is at noon, when the sun is strongest and yang energy peaks. But you must use something that counteracts it, or it will be futile."

"Oh!" Li Zhengtang exclaimed in sudden understanding, then fell into deep thought, stroking his chin like a thinker.

"Is there anything else you need, little divine doctor? I can arrange for it," the hospital director, Qi Wentao, hurriedly interjected. Observing Liu Fan since he entered, Qi Wentao realized that, though young, his medical skills surpassed even Elder Li’s, and his mastery of physiognomy was extraordinary. Such a remarkable person must not be missed; even acquaintance would be worthwhile, and any guidance from him would be invaluable. Lacking an introduction before, now was his chance to make a good impression.

"And you are...?" Liu Fan asked, having noticed Qi Wentao upon entering but not knowing his identity.

"Oh, this is Director Qi Wentao of the hospital, and also my junior. If you need anything, just ask him," Elder Li introduced.

"Hello, Director Qi. Just call me Liu Fan. I do need your help. When I treat the patient later, I’ll need a large wooden tub—like those used for bathing—filled with hot water, and a small copper basin. Please have them ready before noon," Liu Fan said after a brief introduction, listing the required items without hesitation.

"Certainly, I’ll arrange it immediately," Qi Wentao replied, rushing out without waiting for Liu Fan’s response.

"Young friend, your plan is to use steam therapy for detoxification, correct? What medicine will you use?" Elder Li, a master of traditional medicine, immediately discerned the method but, unsure, asked out of curiosity.

"Indeed, steam therapy will be used as an auxiliary treatment. The main method, however, will be acupuncture," Liu Fan explained.

At his words, Elder Li’s eyes sparkled. He recalled Liu Fan’s remarkable acupuncture skills when saving lives in Linhang, which had amazed even him. Now, his anticipation grew even stronger.