Chapter 420: Healing the Dao Injury
In comparison, the Red Flower Camp appeared far more modest—even crude.
The chevaux-de-frise were ordinary, the camp gate a simple wooden frame. The watchtowers were barely half the height of those at the White Jade Camp. Even the flags fluttering in the wind had long since faded, the edges frayed and threadbare, as if they might fall at any moment.
However, though the camp looked run-down, the soldiers guarded their posts diligently, all standing with straight backs and sharp gazes.
Ning Zhuo walked directly toward the Red Flower Camp.
After all, the Iron-Crutch Imperial Physician, Zhang Chongyi, had chosen to serve in this poorest, least prestigious of camps—commanded by the weakest of generals.
“Stop! This is a military restricted area. One more step, and you die!” the gatekeeper cultivator barked.
Ning Zhuo immediately halted, smiling as he explained his purpose.
After listening, the gatekeeper frowned impatiently. “Hmph, another one come to seek Lord Physician Zhang. Even hiding in camp, the man gets no peace.”
Ning Zhuo maintained his smile and quietly activated his secret arts.
Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread!
Treasure—Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
Along with a soft, earnest tone: “My good brother, I had no other choice. The one dearest to me is afflicted by grave illness. It pains me even more than if I were the one sick—my heart is like being sliced by a knife, burning with desperation. I beg Lord Zhang for mercy.”
The guard’s compassion was magnified to its utmost, his sternness softening as empathy welled up within him. “Go on, go on. Ah, you’re a poor soul indeed. I can’t turn you away.”
Ning Zhuo quickly clasped his hands in thanks. As he was about to step through the gate, he discreetly produced a handful of Spirit Stones, slipping them toward the guard. “A small token. You brothers work hard at your post—please, have some tea.”
But the guard reacted as though burned, his face darkening. “What is this? What are you doing! Don’t you dare bribe us!”
He straightened, voice loud and righteous. “We let you through not because we seek your gift, nor because we pity you! It is because General Mu Lan is kind and merciful—she has already ordered that the sick and needy be granted entry.”
“Now go quickly, see your doctor, and leave right after!”
Through Life Hanging by a Thread and the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, Ning Zhuo sensed the man’s true sincerity—his words carried no falsehood. He was genuinely upright, which surprised Ning Zhuo deeply.
“I am but a commoner—a vulgar man! I misjudged you all. My apologies, my apologies.” Ning Zhuo bowed again.
The young guards still looked somewhat offended, feeling that Ning Zhuo had insulted them.
Life Hanging by a Thread!
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
Their expressions soon softened again, and one of them waved him away irritably. “Go, go!”
Ning Zhuo nodded, thanking them once more before stepping quickly into the camp.
Just before leaving, he retracted all the Life Threads.
After the incident with Linghu Jiu and the Heart Demon Cave Lord, he had become much more cautious. He resolved not to use Life Hanging by a Thread recklessly ever again.
This was, after all, a military camp—part of the Liangzhu Kingdom’s army assembled to attack Thousand Peaks Forest. Who knew how many powerful cultivators lurked here? If anyone discovered the Life Threads and traced them back to him, it would be disastrous.
Inside the camp, he found that despite its worn appearance, it was tightly disciplined. Patrols, sentries, and drills all proceeded in order—efficient and methodical.
“It seems that this General Mu Lan, though only at the Golden Core stage, truly comes from a family of generals. Her command is strict, her troops loyal—her leadership is impressive.” Sun Lingtong’s voice sounded from within the Wanli Dragon, filled with admiration.
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly.
A cultivator soon approached. “You’re here to seek treatment from Lord Zhang?”
After confirming Ning Zhuo’s purpose, the man said, “Then follow me. Normally, no outsider may set foot in a military camp. But General Mu considered the suffering of the sick, and since Lord Zhang joined of his own will, she didn’t wish his medical reputation to be harmed—so she made an exception for you people.”
Ning Zhuo quickly expressed his gratitude toward General Mu Lan, which softened the soldier’s face, his eyes saying, “Now this one knows how to talk.”
Lifting the tent flap, Ning Zhuo entered—and finally saw Iron-Crutch Imperial Physician Zhang Chongyi.
He looked around fifty, tall and lean, with a sharp nose, sunken eyes, and a hard, chiseled jaw. Every inch of his skin seemed tempered by years of hardship—tough as steel.
His brows and temples were faintly gray, exuding a sense of weathered dignity.
Most striking of all was the heavy iron crutch resting at his side.
According to reports, he had once served as an Imperial Physician, highly favored by the King of Liangzhu Kingdom for his extraordinary medical skill.
One day, the prince fell gravely ill, and the King commanded Zhang to treat him.
But Zhang refused, saying, “This son of the King, spoiled by favor, has long acted arrogant and cruel, bringing disgrace upon the royal name. His illness is Heaven’s punishment. Man must not interfere.”
The King, furious, ordered him to treat the prince regardless.
Zhang grew equally enraged, roaring within the royal hall. In wrath, the King ordered him flogged.
Zhang said not a word—he would rather die under the rod than yield.
By fortune, General Mu’s father, then returning victorious from campaign, witnessed the punishment before the palace. After learning the truth, he interceded on Zhang’s behalf, begging the King for mercy.
Thus Zhang was spared death. Even so, his injuries were grave. Despite his own healing arts, he was left crippled, forced to walk with a crutch.
Worse still, his cultivation had once reached the Nascent Soul stage—but after that incident, it fell to Golden Core, never to advance again.
Now Zhang Chongyi sat upon a wooden stool. He lifted his gaze to Ning Zhuo; a flash of sharp light glimmered in his eyes. “You, young man—you are injured, yes, but rest a while and you will recover on your own. What illness needs to be treated?”
Ning Zhuo clasped his hands respectfully. “Lord Physician’s sight is keen. The patient is not I, but my elder brother.”
With that, he patted the Puppet Dragon at his waist.
Sun Lingtong emerged from the Wanli Dragon, bowing to Zhang in greeting.
Just as he raised his hands, Zhang noticed the stone-like skin covering them.
By now, both of Sun Lingtong’s hands had turned entirely to stone—no longer just the outer palms, but the very centers were now petrified.
Zhang’s expression changed slightly. “This… is a Dao Injury.”
Ning Zhuo’s pupils shrank; his heart skipped a beat. “Dao Injury?”
For this was the very same type of wound that afflicted his mother.
Zhang’s face grew grave. He nodded slightly and drew out a bottle of salve. “Say no more for now. Apply this first.”
Ning Zhuo reached to take it, but Zhang waved him off, turning to Sun Lingtong. “You apply it yourself. During the course of this affliction, avoid direct contact with others. A Dao Injury can be contagious.”
Sun Lingtong gathered his mana, directing his spiritual sense to lift the bottle into the air, scooping out a portion of salve and spreading it evenly across his hands.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily manipulate objects with spiritual sense—and Sun Lingtong’s cultivation specialized particularly in the Sea of Consciousness.
The task was simple for him.
As the ointment touched his skin, a wave of coolness spread inward, seeping deep into his flesh.
The sensation was intense, yet soothing—the creeping stone transformation halted almost instantly.
Sun Lingtong’s face lit up with joy. He looked at Ning Zhuo. “It works!”
Ning Zhuo smiled with relief. “That’s wonderful!”
But Zhang shook his head. “This only treats the symptoms, not the cause. To truly heal, one must address the origin—only then can a Dao Injury be cured.”
Ning Zhuo’s curiosity surged, and he asked, “May I ask, Lord Zhang—what exactly is a Dao Injury? How can it be healed at the root?”
He had long sought answers to this question—through texts, through sages consulted at the Radiant Reflection Wall—but now, hearing it from such a master of medicine, he hoped for something new.
Yet Zhang’s reply was almost identical to the others. “A Dao Injury, as the name suggests, is being harmed by the Dao itself—by principle and law.”
“When one lifts a heavy object and is crushed, that is being wounded by the principle of weight.”
“When one touches fire and is burned, that is being wounded by the principle of fire.”
“This young man’s hands have been eroded by the principle of earth. To heal him, you must understand that principle in full, then absorb or dispel it using the proper means.”
“So—you must first uncover the truth behind it. Without that, I cannot treat it.”
After a pause, Zhang continued, “Once you’ve found the answer, return to me. This ailment is indeed troublesome. First, you must ensure your conclusion is correct—if the root cause is mistaken, even my best medicine will fail, or worse, harm the patient.”
“Second, once the true cause is known, you must find a master of the Earth Attribute, one who has attained mastery of its Dao, and who can devise a corresponding art to counter it.”
“Third, as you see, I now serve in the army as the Red Flower Camp’s physician. At any time, an order may come for us to march to the front. Once we reach the battlefield, no one will be permitted to enter or leave so freely.”
“So—you must act quickly!”
Sun Lingtong glanced at Ning Zhuo, seeking his opinion.
Ning Zhuo understood at once.
Their previous plan had been correct. Though perilous, it had led them to a clue—the Stone-Forged Earth Treasure.
But this matter was crucial.
Why?
Because it involved the Stone Dwelling Old Monster, a Nascent Soul–level being.
From the army’s standpoint, the Stone Dwelling Old Monster was a major enemy—one they not only must beware of, but were already deeply wary toward.
But for the time being, neither the Liangzhu Kingdom’s army nor the Thousand Peaks Forest had any idea of this secret.
Sun Lingtong and Ning Zhuo had no intention of exposing it either.
Although Sun Lingtong was injured, he still held a burning determination. He had suffered humiliation at the stone sphere, and he longed to stand up from where he had fallen.
Ning Zhuo’s desire was simpler. The stone sphere at the bottom of the cave was the body of the Stone Dwelling Old Monster, who had failed in his Soul Formation attempt, and also the complete wealth of that Ten-Thousand-Year Earth Essence. It was an enormous fortune!
As long as he could resolve this Dao Injury, his current state of financial strain would be completely lifted. For a long time afterward, there would no longer be such hidden worries.
Moreover, Ning Zhuo faintly sensed that the death of the Stone Dwelling Old Monster might still have great value to be used.
Sun Lingtong said nothing. He wanted Ning Zhuo to decide.
Within a few breaths, Ning Zhuo had already thought it through. He cupped his hands toward Zhang Chongyi and said, “Lord Zhang, may I ask, what would be the consultation fee this time?”
Zhang Chongyi chuckled. “That is difficult to calculate. It depends on what sort of principle has entered your young companion’s body. Only after prescribing the proper remedy can the required ingredients be determined.”
“And to invite a master of the Earth Attribute, one who has reached the Grandmaster realm, will not be cheap either.”
“In short, the more consultation fee you prepare, the better.”
Ning Zhuo thought for a moment. “If we could directly invite such an Earth Attribute Grandmaster, could he cure this Dao Injury outright?”
Zhang Chongyi gave Ning Zhuo a surprised look. Although his own cultivation had fallen, he was still a Golden Core Cultivator. The two before him appeared young, and though only of the Foundation Establishment realm, from their tone it sounded as if they had the means to invite such a person.
That was not an easy matter.
Anyone who reached the Grandmaster level could already establish their own sect.
Zhang Chongyi shook his head. “Even if you do find an Earth Attribute Grandmaster, he must still design the spell according to my medical diagnosis.”
Considering that the other party’s identity might be unusual, he added an explanation. “A Dao Injury lies within the body. Many spells can target the Dao Injury but may also harm the body itself.”
“From what I can see, this young one has not practiced much in body refinement. If the Dao Injury were forcibly removed, his frail frame might not withstand it.”
Ning Zhuo nodded to show he understood.
He continued, “I fear that if I do invite such an Earth Attribute Grandmaster, by then you, Lord Zhang, may have gone with the army to the front line. May I ask, if I were to find such a Grandmaster and hire another ordinary physician to assist, what are the chances of safely removing the Dao Injury?”
Zhang Chongyi stroked his beard and smiled proudly. “Even most physicians of the Nascent Soul level would have no such confidence.”
“My case is unique. My past experience as an Imperial Physician forged my insight and skill.”
“At least, throughout all of the Liangzhu Kingdom, I do not believe there is a second physician capable of treating such an affliction.”
Ning Zhuo understood at once and immediately praised, “In that case, it is truly our honor to receive Lord Zhang’s help!”
“Sir, I also have another Dao Injury I would like you to examine.”
After some hesitation, Ning Zhuo finally brought out the Buddhist Doctor—Meng Yaoyin.
“A Golden Core–grade mechanical puppet?” Zhang Chongyi’s eyelid twitched slightly when he saw her, and he gave Ning Zhuo another scrutinizing look.
Without showing his emotions, he examined her carefully and soon discovered traces of purple spiritual light.
He could no longer hide his astonishment—his expression turned deeply moved.
“This puppet possesses spiritual awareness!”
“What powerful spirituality! Even suffering such a Dao Injury, it can still resist it, even sustain itself for so long.”
“My young friend, is this perhaps a guardian puppet bestowed upon you by an elder?”
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly, swallowing hard, keeping his eyes fixed on Zhang Chongyi. “I wonder, Lord Zhang, can such a Dao Injury be cured?”
Zhang Chongyi’s brows furrowed deeply, then he slowly shook his head. “Too severe. Its Dao Injury is far too grave. Forgive this old man, but I am powerless.”
“What?” Ning Zhuo’s face paled slightly.
Zhang Chongyi explained, “This Dao mark is connected to the Night Rain Dynasty. The Night Rain Dynasty has two major external Daos—one is the Ghost Dao, the other the Bizarre Dao.”
“It is because of the Ghost Dao that the underworld flourishes there, filled with countless spirits of the dead. When a man dies, there remains another great destination for his soul.”
“The Bizarre Dao, however, is the most absurd and unfathomable of all—extremely difficult to comprehend.”
“Unfortunately, this Dao Injury originates from that very Bizarre Dao.”
“It is beyond my ability to heal. Even if you found a Grandmaster of the Bizarre Dao, I would be unable to cooperate with him—for I cannot interpret such principles through normal reasoning.”
Ning Zhuo took a deep breath, remaining silent for a long while before speaking hoarsely, “So that’s how it is.”
Zhang Chongyi smiled faintly. “May I ask, where does young friend Ning come from?”
Ning Zhuo replied, “I come from the Ning Family of Huoshi Immortal City. Long ago, our clan migrated south from the North Wind Country, but we were betrayed by the Six Caves Sect, who turned their backs on their word and nearly exterminated us all.”
“Now, as I travel the lands, I have seen the army mobilized to crusade against the Thousand Peaks Forest. By chance, I came across this expedition and wished to contribute a small part to the campaign.”
“However, my dear friend is gravely wounded at the moment. Until he is healed, I can think of nothing else.”
Zhang Chongyi’s eyes lit up slightly. “Ah, I see.”
“If you truly manage to invite an Earth Attribute Grandmaster, then come to me directly. As for the consultation fee, I have a suggestion.”
“Why not enlist in the army—join the Red Flower Camp? You can pay with military merit instead of gold. That way, your friend’s treatment can be expedited, and you can also strike back for your family’s old grievance.”
“This is the perfect time for revenge.”
“Under the iron hooves of our nation’s army, though the Six Caves Sect may be local overlords, they will surely be crushed to dust.”
Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. Inwardly, he shook his head, but outwardly he showed a thoughtful look. “Senior Zhang, my friend’s condition weighs heavily on me. I cannot yet think that far ahead. Allow me to first find the Grandmaster—then I shall consider your offer carefully.”
Zhang Chongyi stroked his beard. “Very well, very well.”
When the conversation ended, he handed Ning Zhuo a token, then summoned a young servant to politely escort Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong out of the tent.
Though the matter concerned his very life, Sun Lingtong said not a word, cooperating silently with Ning Zhuo’s lead.
Before leaving, he once again entered the Puppet Dragon.
Only after they had fully exited the Red Flower Camp did Sun Lingtong contact Ning Zhuo, asking for his plan.
Ning Zhuo replied, “To heal your wound, we must ultimately rely on Zhang Chongyi’s power.”
“But the Red Flower Camp itself is not an ideal place.”
“If we follow his terms, we’ll remain too passive. We need to turn passivity into initiative.”
Sun Lingtong asked, “How do we turn passivity into initiative?”
Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. “We still need to join the army!”