Not long after, the shrill scream characteristic of a erupted once more from within Wu Zhiguo's body. Long Cheng watched Qu Meilan warily, his eyes betraying his unease.

Qu Meilan chanted faster now, her voice a blur of syllables. The scream intensified until suddenly she seized the dragon-herb flower on Wu Zhiguo's arm in her palm. At that moment, a pale red insect about the size of one's thumbnail emerged from his forearm.

The worm found itself without prey and darted sideways just as a bloodthirsty maw materialized before it. With no time to react, it was swallowed whole by Wu Zhiguo's shadow. The shadow devoured it in an instant then nibbled its lips with lingering satisfaction.

"Master Zhang, it's done!" Qu Meilan exhaled a soft sigh of relief as the poison finally lifted from Wu Zhiguo. His well-being ensured her own survival - if anything happened to him she'd be first to face punishment.

"I see," Zhang Yang nodded slightly, having monitored Wu Zhiguo all along. Without hesitation, Qu Meilan retreated to the sidelines. To her now, Zhang Yang's every word was a decree not to be questioned.

Approaching Wu Zhiguo's side, Zhang Yang pressed his fingers to the pulse point on his wrist. The absence of meant no further threats lurked within - though his constitution remained fragile requiring time for full recovery. Now, however, medicinal remedies could be administered.

Producing a pill he'd personally refined, Zhang Yang helped Wu Zhiguo swallow it. This was an excellent replenishing tonic. Previously such treatments had been impossible due to the's presence. With that threat neutralized, these restorative herbs were now suitable.

After administering medicine, Zhang Yang dispelled the tortoise breath state. Slowly, Wu Zhiguo's breathing resumed and his complexion revived. Though still unconscious, he was otherwise perfectly normal.

"Zhang Yang," Long Cheng finally approached with a hushed question once all was finished. He'd witnessed the emerge himself and felt considerable relief.

Zhang Yang smiled faintly, "He should wake tonight. We'll depart soon - by evening we'll reach the town for rest."

With his presence, Wu Zhiguo's safety was assured. Even if his health remained poor, Zhang Yang could gradually restore it to optimal condition. Long Cheng merely nodded in silence.

The matter resolved itself, there was no need remaining on this mountain. Yet he felt a quiet regret - having come along without contributing anything but company.

"Zhang Yang," Long Feng approached directly now, "What about these people?" He gestured toward Qu Meilan and the other female disciple he'd brought down from the peak.

Their fates still rested in Zhang Yang's hands as they awaited instructions. This question made Zhang Yang's brows twitch slightly.

Handling them presented difficulties indeed. None were truly wicked - many had lived on this mountain since childhood, training in isolation without venturing outside. Even those who descended did so under orders and committed no independent crimes. Their transgressions weren't grave enough to warrant death, nor was it necessary to strip their.

Their martial arts cultivation levels were low and hard-won through years of effort. Moreover, as women they would struggle to survive in the wild if deprived suddenly. Killing them or disabling them both carried unacceptable consequences.

"Let's ask their preferences," Zhang Yang finally decided. "Those wishing to leave may go freely. Those remaining can continue their cultivation but must never practice again. I'll implant a slow-acting poison within each of them. Three years hence when I return, if they've committed no crimes I'll lift the curse."

Zhang Yang feared these people might become dangerous without constraints. Though not as powerful as he or Long Feng, their martial arts could still cause significant harm.

Long Feng nodded approvingly - this was an ideal solution under the circumstances.

Returning to the mountain peak, Zhang Yang announced his decision to all gathered there. These women were still bound and hadn't eaten in a day. News they'd be released without having their stripped brought mixed reactions. While no one desired death or loss of hard-earned cultivation, swallowing poison was still troubling.

Yet they accepted it eventually - freedom was better than being forced into service under the old witch and her three sisters who punished freely for any mistakes. The poison wasn't to control them but serve as a deterrent against future misconduct. With this arrangement acceptable to most, they were now truly free.

As medical practitioners could both heal and harm, Zhang Yang had no difficulty preparing his poison using mountain herbs combined with a touch of venom from lightning. The dosage ensured only he could counteract it effectively.

Once the pills distributed, Zhang Yang departed immediately. Abundant supplies remained on the mountain for their sustenance - they weren't completely cut off from civilization after all.

While descending later that day, Zhang Yang suddenly paused, his brow furrowing.

"You're free now," he turned to speak softly behind him where Qu Meilan had followed.

"Lord... Lord Zhang, may I accompany you to Changjing?" she asked timidly. Kneeling before him, her voice trembled with urgency, "Please let me serve as your servant or maid! I'll do any menial work if you take me in!"

This was a hasty decision for Qu Meilan. Though once terrified of Zhang Yang's ruthlessness after enduring hardships under his hand, she'd observed his mercy toward the other women and found him less cruel than expected.

More importantly, he was young with formidable power already - reaching tier 3 meant inevitable progression to tier 4 in time. Following such a master would aid her cultivation and offer prestige beyond anything her previous instructors could provide.

Plus there was that poison now within her body. Staying close ensured she'd receive the antidote when due.

"I want to follow you," Zhang Yang asked, pointing at himself in surprise.

"Yes! Lord Zhang, please accept me!" Qu Meilan nodded fervently, eyes alight with hope.

Zhang Yang was about to refuse when Long Feng interjected, "Ours is a strict family. If she follows, she must abide by our rules - can you do this?"

"I will!" she answered promptly, eyes glowing brighter still.

Zhang Yang glanced at his cousin with surprise. Watching the mouthing of his lips through subtle movements, he understood instantly it was about Mǐ Xuě. Though he could protect her from most threats, ordinary people might still target an unguarded woman.

Bringing Qu Meilan along could serve as additional protection for Mǐ Xuě. Even if she proved trustworthy later, helping improve her martial arts skills wouldn't be difficult.

"Very well," Zhang Yang finally relented. "You may come but must pass three months of testing first."

Hearing this, Qu Meilan bowed joyfully before rising to her feet.

………………