Chapter 20: Unwavering Determination to Tame the Duan Family's Young Master

Liao Yangsu’s condition was equally dire; his willpower wasn’t as strong as Li Dong’s, and he had attempted self-harm multiple times during this period. Consequently, when Duan Wenxuan saw him, Liao Yangsu was securely restrained and tied down to the hospital bed.

“When we found him, he was lying injured at the base of Little Peak Mountain. Since then, we have actively provided treatment. Apart from individuals like Li Dong, who voluntarily dedicated themselves to the nation, we have not conducted any involuntary experimental treatments on other infected patients. I assure you, Old Tang, this is true.” Zhao Mingcai feared causing misunderstandings and immediately swore upon seeing the situation unfold.

The circumstances surrounding Liao Yangsu’s appearance near Little Peak Mountain were indeed peculiar. They had genuinely devoted efforts to treat him, intending to question him about other matters once he recovered consciousness.

“No matter.”

Duan Wenxuan waved his hand dismissively and stepped forward alone to examine Liao Yangsu’s condition.

Despite being mentally exhausted, Liao Yangsu couldn’t sleep due to constant pain and fear without anesthesia. However, after enduring prolonged torment, his eyes appeared lifeless, staring blankly at the ceiling. Occasionally, he would instinctively struggle with distorted movements.

If this continued, Liao Yangsu would be irreparably broken by the torment.

“Kid.” Duan Wenxuan gently patted Liao Yangsu’s shoulder.

After a long moment, Liao Yangsu weakly shifted his gaze towards Duan Wenxuan. Gradually, as if seeing a glimmer of hope, he began to wriggle incessantly.

“Xia Wenwu has explained everything to me; your current condition was unforeseen. Don’t worry, Master won’t abandon you.”

Hearing the word “Master” from Duan Wenxuan, despite being already in his thirties, tears unexpectedly rolled down Liao Yangsu’s face, accompanied by a profound sense of relief.

Duan Wenxuan patted Liao Yangsu’s shoulder affectionately. With a hand reaching inside his attire, he produced a peculiar vine-like plant.

Nearby, Zhao Mingcai and Zhai Zhengping instinctively took several steps back, frightened.

When Li Dong’s group entered Little Peak Mountain, they had brought recording equipment with them. The vine in Duan Wenxuan’s hand, although differing slightly in leaf color, was unmistakably a mature specimen of the mother vine.

“Go, extract the parasitic juvenile from within him,” commanded Duan Wenxuan.

Duan Wenxuan placed the vine on the hospital bed, and its leaves, as vividly green as artificial flowers, swiftly extended branches. Then, slender tendrils thinner than hair split off and penetrated Liao Yangsu’s body.

After four or five minutes, Liao Yangsu’s entire chest began steadily rising, and his mouth opened wide as a semi-mature vine slowly emerged from his throat.

This semi-mature vine was covered with mucus, and surprisingly, its leaf veins were red, differing from what Duan Wenxuan had observed at Little Peak Mountain. He glanced at Liao Yangsu, still struggling, and recalled Zhai Zhengping’s words about these vines having strong adaptability. This indicated that after parasitizing, the vines underwent mutations beyond the white deer’s control.

Once the semi-mature vine emerged, Duan Wenxuan’s mother vine promptly sent out two robust branches, instantly tearing it apart. Another dozen minutes passed, during which the mother vine extracted a total of five juvenile vines, each three to four meters long, along with eight seed-stage parasites from Liao Yangsu’s body.

However, all the juveniles were immediately shredded and killed by the mother vine. As for the seeds, Duan Wenxuan’s mother vine consumed them.

Witnessing this process made Duan Wenxuan feel somewhat physically uneasy.

Duan Wenxuan suspected that Liao Yangsu’s prolonged survival was due to the vine’s strategic approach for long-term growth. The initially developed vine would suppress the growth of other vines, and once the fully matured vine left its host, the next strongest vine would continue absorbing nutrients and growing until Liao Yangsu’s death.

After the mother vine indicated that there were no more parasites within Liao Yangsu, his body was drenched in blood, yet surprisingly, his breathing became steadier.

“Thank you… teacher.”

Liao Yangsu, with barely any strength left, lips trembling as he addressed Duan Wenxuan, then promptly lost consciousness. This time, relief was evident on his face.

“All done. Please provide further treatment for him now,” Liao Yangsu said with a smile, turning towards the others.

Zhai Zhengping signaled immediately, calling for assistance to administer subsequent care to Liao Yangsu.

Outside the hospital room:

Zhao Mingcai hesitated before asking, “Old Tang, how did you come across… something from Little Peak Mountain?”

Duan Wenxuan held up the vine, “This is what you’re referring to?”

Upon closer inspection, even Duan Wenxuan was slightly taken aback. Perhaps due to consuming mutated vine seeds, the vividly green leaves of this vine now displayed a faint tinge of blood red at their edges.

Zhao Mingcai hastily stepped back two paces.

The parasitic abilities of this vine were truly terrifying.

“Don’t be afraid, it’s just a gift from Little Peak Mountain’s spirit to my little master. Having no children myself, only after finding a suitable apprentice did I muster the audacity to borrow it for treating Liao Yangsu.” Duan Wenxuan placed the vine back into his robe.

Zhao Mingcai hesitated, feeling somewhat awkward to ask, but given the circumstances, he wondered aloud, “In these times, is there still someone who uses terms like ‘master’ and ‘young master’?”

“Old Tang, may I inquire who you refer to as your ‘little master’?” Zhao Mingcai asked cautiously.

Duan Wenxuan shook his head, “As you should have noticed, the mystique native to this world is returning. Since childhood, I was nurtured by the Duan family, so naturally, they are whom I call my masters.”

“I’m not sure where the Duan family resides within Hanming Country. As Old Tang can see, our nation has always been peaceful and prosperous. Now, with such events unfolding, it’s crucial for knowledgeable individuals to help stabilize public morale,” Zhao Mingcai stated.

Upon finishing, he saw Duan Wenxuan shake his head with a faint smile. It wasn’t mockery, but rather a resigned expression, as if amused by their ignorance.

“The Duan family does not reside in Hanming Country. Ever since the Yue Dynasty era, when profound spiritual energy dissipated and Xuanlan Star fell into dormancy, the Duan family retreated into a hidden sanctuary.”

However, with the return of universal truths and the resurgence of mysticism, it’s not just the Duan family that will emerge. Fearfully, I suspect other genuine sects, influential families, and ancient lineages will also come forth one by one. When that time comes, things will truly become chaotic. Unfortunately, as I grow older and my vitality wanes, I doubt I’ll live to witness it.”

Initially, Zhao Mingcai found Duan Wenxuan’s words utterly absurd.

What minor blessed land? And claiming it’s not on Xuanlan Star?

But upon recalling the recent mysterious events unfolding across Xuanlan Star, which had already plunged some small nations into chaos, Zhao Mingcai felt deeply despondent. He couldn’t help but believe there might be some truth to it.

“The Duan family merely controls a tiny minor blessed land, their lineage rooted in ancient martial traditions. They cannot compare with those grand holy sects and major Daoist lineages of this world.

Did you know that some large sects have endured through over a dozen dynastic changes? In fact, during certain shifts, these very sects played pivotal roles. Facing such powerful factions, relying solely on the Duan family for protection is nothing more than a joke.”

Zhao Mingcai’s face darkened further. ”…Times have changed now; we have modern weaponry…”

“Is it truly useful?” Duan Wenxuan asked with a smile.

Zhao Mingcai remained silent. While firearms were effective, their impact was not as significant as one might imagine. In fact, due to their ease of use even by children, they could sometimes lead to worse outcomes.

For instance, when Li Dong confronted the paper figurine, guns proved ineffective against it. However, the figurine had the ability to bewitch minds, inciting people to turn on each other. If a large-scale armed force advanced, encountering such mystical entities like the paper figurine would spell disaster for the entire contingent.

Another example was the ongoing unsolved mystery of the real-world mirage incidents. The number of individuals being pulled into this deadly game seemed to be steadily increasing. What if someday an entire city could be drawn in, eventually affecting all of Xuanlan Star…

“Well, we must at least try. Doing nothing guarantees our demise. As pioneers wielding the mysterious, whether you care or not, ordinary people like us have no choice but to save ourselves.” After a long pause, Zhao Mingcai managed to speak his thoughts.

Duan Wenxuan fell silent before suddenly saying, “There is some good news.”

“What kind of good news?”

“A few days ago, the young master left the Duan family and went to Little Peak Mountain to seek the mountain spirit. Along the way, he showed great interest in the current societal developments, particularly smartphones.”

Zhao Mingcai looked utterly bewildered.

“After all, the Duan family is rooted in ancient martial traditions and not entirely detached from the world. Following Yue Country’s withdrawal, there have been occasional instances where family members ventured out to observe Xuanlan Star’s changes.

In the past five decades, Xuanlan Star has undergone significant transformations, which the Duan family is aware of. Your current weapons, along with…the internet…are quite intriguing.

About seven or eight years ago, someone even proposed setting up what you call a signal station within the Duan family’s minor blessed land. However, some members were rather…unfavorable towards it and rejected the idea. This time, the young master experienced it himself and found smartphones incredibly convenient and enjoyable. Upon returning, he plans to establish a signal station within the minor blessed land for its inhabitants to use.”

“That’s fantastic, keeping pace with the times. Old Tang, let me assure you, Hanming Country’s government would be more than willing to construct the signal tower for the Duan family free of charge. We’ll also ensure full maintenance support without any issues,” Zhao Mingcai enthusiastically agreed, his face beaming with happiness.

“Excellent.” Duan Wenxuan smiled, continuing, “However, this matter will require some time as the young master, although decisive, still needs to persuade those who disagree. Nonetheless, the young master has also stated that, as fair exchange, we will treat the individuals affected by parasitic possession on your behalf.”

Zhao Mingcai had a sudden realization; so that’s what they were waiting for.

Old Tang’s visit this time was indeed intended to finalize this transaction with him.

Despite understanding this, Zhao Mingcai continued expressing his heartfelt gratitude repeatedly. With one successful deal, there could be subsequent transactions, and as those occur, the ties between the Duan family and Hanming Country would only strengthen.

The young master of the Duan family, huh? A youth fresh out from a minor blessed land, the sole heir of the Duan family’s direct lineage… That made things easier.

In modern society, knowledge of mysticism might be scarce, but expertise in entertainment, dining, and leisure activities was undoubtedly abundant.

Without needing to think further, Zhao Mingcai knew that higher-ups would surely establish a dedicated department to analyze the personality, temperament, and interests of the Duan family’s young master.

Once they determined his preferred forms of entertainment, they would provide exactly that. By indulging and charming him, they aimed to firmly tie the young master of the Duan family to Hanming Country’s interests. Zhao Mingcai couldn’t imagine the Duan family wouldn’t then lean towards Hanming Country.

Duan Wenxuan released the vine once more, allowing it to continue addressing the parasitic issues. As evening approached, the vine returned with its roots noticeably swollen, and the veins within its emerald leaves had turned entirely blood-red, creating an eerie appearance.

“All done?”

Zhao Mingcai personally poured Duan Wenxuan a cup of hot tea. “Many thanks to Old Tang. Out of the six hundred and fifty-two individuals, ten couldn’t survive due to their advanced age during the parasite removal process, while eight had pre-existing illnesses leading to complications. The rest were all successfully saved. On behalf of these survivors, I express our gratitude to the Duan family and Old Tang.”

Duan Wenxuan waved his hand dismissively.

“I’ll take my leave now. In two days, I will return to bring Liao Yangsu with me.”

Just as Zhao Mingcai was about to offer an escort, Duan Wenxuan exited on his own. His steps appeared leisurely but covered considerable distance, making it impossible for Zhao Mingcai to keep up. After turning a corner in the hospital corridor, Duan Wenxuan unexpectedly vanished.

This left Zhao Mingcai stunned for quite some time. Finally, he snapped his fingers with a determined look, ”…In such a vast Hanming Country, there’s no way we can’t handle one young man. The little young master of the Duan family, huh? Just wait!”