: Treating Dao Injuries

Compared to the others, the Red Flower Army camp appeared very plain, even shabby.

The horse barriers were ordinary, the camp gate was a large wooden frame, the watchtowers were less than half the height of the White Jade camp's, and even the fluttering army flag had faded, its edges frayed and blurred, as if it might fall at any moment.

However, despite the camp's rundown state, the soldiers guarding key posts were all dutiful and spirited.

Ning Zhuo headed straight for the Red Flower Army camp.

This was because Iron Crutch Physician Zhang Zhongyi had joined this very camp—the one with the worst conditions and the weakest commanders.

"Halt! This is a military restricted area! Take another step, and you'll be executed!" The cultivator guarding the gate sternly stopped Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo quickly stopped in his tracks, smiling as he stated his purpose.

After listening, the guard grew impatient. "Hmph, another one looking for Physician Zhang. Even hiding in the army camp doesn't bring him peace."

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly while secretly activating his methods.

Divine Ability—Life Threads!

Artifact—Buddha's Heart Demon Seal!

Combined with his words: "Brother, I have no choice. My closest kin in this world is suffering from illness, and it pains me more than if I were sick myself—it's like a knife to the heart, burning with anxiety. That's why I've come, desperate for Physician Zhang's mercy."

The guard's sympathy was amplified to the extreme, feeling the pain as if it were his own, and his expression softened. "Go in, go in. Ah, you're a pitiful soul. What can we do with you people!"

Ning Zhuo quickly cupped his hands in thanks. Just before entering, he discreetly took out a handful of spirit stones and pressed them into the guard's hand. "A small token. You brothers stand guard diligently; please have some tea on me."

To his surprise, the guard reacted as if scalded, his face turning angry as he scolded, "What are you doing? What is this? Don't even think about bribing us!"

"We're letting you in not because we want your petty favors or pity. General Mu is kind-hearted and has already ordered that we provide some convenience for those seeking medical help."

"Hurry in, get treated, and leave immediately!"

Through Life Threads and the Buddha's Heart Demon Seal, Ning Zhuo sensed the guard's sincerity—his words held no falsehood—and he was inwardly surprised.

"I'm a common man, a common man! I've underestimated you brothers, my apologies, my apologies." Ning Zhuo quickly cupped his hands in apology.

The guards, all relatively young, looked offended, feeling insulted by Ning Zhuo.

Life Threads!

Buddha's Heart Demon Seal!

Their expressions quickly softened again, and they waved Ning Zhuo away impatiently. "Go on, get out of here!"

Ning Zhuo nodded in thanks and hurried into the camp.

Before leaving, he withdrew all the Life Threads.

After the incidents with Linghu Jiu and the Heart Devil Cave Master, he had become more cautious, deciding not to use Life Threads recklessly in the future.

After all, this was a military camp—the forces of Liangzhu Kingdom attacking Thousand Peaks Forest—who knew how many skilled individuals were here? If Life Threads were discovered and traced back to him, wouldn't that be disastrous?

Entering the camp, Ning Zhuo found it old and worn but heavily guarded, with patrols, sentries, and training all proceeding in an orderly manner.

"It seems this General Mu Lan, though only at the Golden Core stage, comes from a military family. She governs the army strictly, has won the soldiers' hearts, and is quite capable in military affairs," Sun Lingtong remarked to Ning Zhuo through the Ten Thousand Miles Wandering Dragon.

Ning Zhuo gave a slight nod.

Just then, a cultivator approached him. "Are you here to seek Physician Zhang's help?"

After Ning Zhuo affirmed, the cultivator said, "Then follow me. This is a military restricted area, not a place for outsiders to wander. But General Mu, considering the suffering of patients and not wanting to tarnish Physician Zhang's reputation since he joined voluntarily, has given you this opportunity."

Ning Zhuo promptly expressed gratitude to General Mu Lan, which immediately softened the cultivator's expression, his eyes conveying, "You, lad, know what's up."

Lifting the tent flap, Ning Zhuo stepped inside and finally met Iron Crutch Physician Zhang Zhongyi.

He appeared to be in his fifties, tall and lean, with a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, a strong jawline, and skin that seemed carved by time, tough as iron and steel.

His brows and temples were slightly gray, exuding an air of weathered hardship.

Most noticeable was his heavy iron crutch.

According to intelligence, he had once been a royal physician, highly trusted and valued by the king of Liangzhu Kingdom for his medical skills.

One day, the crown prince fell gravely ill, and Zhang Zhongyi was summoned to treat him.

But Zhang refused, stating that the prince, spoiled by the king's favor, had been arrogant and oppressive, damaging the king's reputation. The prince's illness was heaven's punishment, and humans should not interfere.

The king was furious and forced Zhang to treat the prince.

Zhang also grew angry, roaring in the royal court, which enraged the king so much that he ordered Zhang to be caned.

Zhang remained silent, preferring death to compromise.

As fate would have it, Old General Mu was returning victorious and saw Zhang being punished at the palace gates. After learning the reason, he pleaded for Zhang's life before the king.

Thus, Zhang was spared, but he was severely injured, left disabled even with his medical skills, and could only walk with a crutch.

Worse, he had been at the Nascent Soul stage but fell to the Golden Core stage, with little hope of ever advancing again.

Zhang Zhongyi sat on a stool, glanced at Ning Zhuo, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. "You, lad, have some injuries, but they'll heal with rest. What illness are you here for?"

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands. "Physician, your insight is keen. The patient isn't me, but my elder brother."

With that, Ning Zhuo patted the mechanical dragon at his waist.

Sun Lingtong leaped out from the Ten Thousand Miles Wandering Dragon and cupped his hands to Zhang Zhongyi.

As soon as he raised his hands, Zhang saw the stone skin covering them.

After all this time, Sun Lingtong's hands were completely covered in stone skin; what had been only the edges of his palms now included the centers, turned to stone.

Zhang's expression shifted slightly. "This is a Dao injury."

Ning Zhuo's pupils contracted, his heart leaping. "A Dao injury?"

Because his mother's injury was also a Dao injury.

Zhang's face turned solemn as he nodded slowly, taking out a jar of ointment. "Say nothing for now. Apply this first."

As Ning Zhuo reached for it, Zhang refused, looking at Sun Lingtong. "You apply it yourself. While the condition persists, avoid close contact with others or objects. This Dao injury can spread easily."

So, Sun Lingtong channeled his spiritual power, using his divine sense to levitate the jar, scoop out the ointment, and evenly apply it to his hands.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator could already manipulate objects with divine sense, and Sun Lingtong's primary cultivation method specialized in the sea of consciousness.

Thus, this task was effortless.

Once applied, he immediately felt a cooling sensation penetrating deeply from the surface of his palms.

The cooling was intense, ceaselessly eroding, and the petrification was instantly fully suppressed.

Sun Lingtong's face lit up with joy as he looked at Ning Zhuo. "It's very effective!"

Ning Zhuo also smiled with relief. "That's great."

But Zhang Zhongyi shook his head. "This treats the symptoms, not the root. To truly cure it, we must address the source to resolve the Dao injury."

Ning Zhuo, burning with curiosity, pressed further. "May I ask, Physician Zhang, what exactly is a Dao injury? And how can it be cured?"

He had already searched through texts and asked many sages via the琳琅映照壁; now he wanted to hear this skilled physician's perspective.

Zhang's answer was almost the same as others': "A Dao injury, as the name implies, is an injury inflicted by Dao and principle."

"If someone lifts a heavy object and can't support it, getting crushed, they're injured by the principle of weight."

"If someone covers a fire with their hand and gets burned, they're injured by the principle of fire."

"This young one's hands have been eroded by some earth-element principle. To cure it, you must understand the details and use corresponding methods to absorb or expel the principle."

"So, you must first uncover the answer; otherwise, I cannot treat it."

Pausing, Zhang added, "Once you have the answer, come find me again. This illness is quite troublesome. First, you must ensure the answer is correct. If the root is wrong, even with my skills, it may not work and could worsen things."

"Second, with the correct answer, you must find an earth-element master, one who has reached the宗师 realm in earth-element principles, understands its essence, and can devise a targeted technique accordingly."

"Third, as you see, I've joined the army as the Red Flower camp's physician. Who knows when orders will come, and we'll march to the front lines. There, the camp won't allow free entry and exit as it does now."

"So, you must hurry!"

Sun Lingtong then looked at Ning Zhuo, seeking his opinion.

Ning Zhuo immediately understood what Sun was asking.

Their previous strategy had been correct; though they took excessive risks, they had found the answer—Stone-Cast Earth Treasure.

But this matter was crucial.

Why?

Because it involved the Stone-Centric Elder, a Nascent Soul level entity.

From the perspective of the expeditionary force, the Stone-Centric Elder was an enemy they had to take seriously, and they did.

But currently, neither the Liangzhu Kingdom army nor the Thousand Peaks Forest side knew about this.

Neither Sun nor Ning wanted to reveal this secret.

Sun Lingtong, though injured, was determined. Having stumbled over the stone sphere, he wanted to rise from where he fell.

Ning Zhuo's desire was simpler. The stone sphere at the cave's bottom was the body of the failed Stone-Centric Elder and all his wealth as a millennia-old earth essence. It was a considerable fortune!

If he could resolve the Dao injury, his current financial straits would be completely alleviated, and he'd be secure for a long time.

Moreover, Ning Zhuo had a vague feeling: the death of the Stone-Centric Elder might still have great utility.

Sun Lingtong remained silent, letting Ning Zhuo decide.

In a few breaths, Ning Zhuo had thought it through and cupped his hands to Zhang Zhongyi. "Physician Zhang, may I ask what the consultation fee will be?"

Zhang chuckled. "That's hard to calculate; it depends on what principle the young one is afflicted with. Tailoring the remedy determines the required ingredients."

"And hiring an earth-element master at the宗师 realm often comes at a high price."

"In short, prepare ample funds; it's never wrong."

Ning Zhuo pondered. "If we can directly invite an earth-element宗师, can we resolve this Dao injury outright?"

Zhang gave Ning Zhuo a surprised look. Though his cultivation had declined, he was still a Golden Core cultivator. These two seemed young, their true ages unknown, only at Foundation Establishment. Yet, from their tone, it sounded like they could invite an earth-element宗师.

That wasn't easy.

Anyone who reached the宗师 realm could establish their own school.

Zhang shook his head. "Even if you invite an earth-element宗师, they must design the spell according to my diagnostic method."

Considering they might be of notable background, he added an explanation: "Dao injuries are within the human body. Many spells can target the injury but may harm the body."

"From what I see, the young one shows little sign of body refining. If the Dao injury is forcibly removed, his slight frame might not withstand it."

Ning Zhuo nodded in understanding.

He pressed further: "I'm concerned that if I invite an earth-element宗师 master, you might have moved to the front lines with the camp. May I ask, if I find an earth-element宗师 and seek an ordinary physician's assistance, how likely is it to safely resolve the Dao injury?"

Zhang stroked his beard, smiling proudly. "Even most Nascent Soul level physicians lack such certainty."

"My case is special; my past as a royal physician forged my vision and abilities."

"At the very least, within all of Liangzhu Kingdom, I don't believe there's a second physician who can treat such conditions."

Ning Zhuo understood and promptly flattered Zhang: "In that case, we are truly honored to have your help!"

"Sir, I have another Dao injury here; please take a look."

After a moment's hesitation, Ning Zhuo finally brought out the Buddha Physician—Meng Yaoyin.

"A Golden Core level mechanical puppet?" Zhang's eyelids twitched slightly at the sight, and he reassessed Ning Zhuo.

He examined it carefully, noticing the purple light traces on its spirit.

He couldn't hide his astonishment.

"This is a mechanism with sentience!"

"Such deep spirituality, enduring such a Dao injury and still resisting, able to hold on for quite some time."

"Young friend, is this a protective item given to you by your elder?"

Ning Zhuo nodded, swallowing hard, his gaze fixed intently on Zhang. "Physician Zhang, can such a Dao injury be treated?"

Zhang first frowned deeply, then slowly shook his head. "It's too severe, the Dao injury is too heavy. I regret I am powerless to help."

"Ah?" Ning Zhuo's face paled slightly.

Zhang explained: "This Dao trace is related to the Night Rain Dynasty. The Night Rain Dynasty has two external paths: one is the Ghost Soul Dao, the other is the Bizarre Dao."

"Because of the Ghost Dao, the underworld thrives with countless spirits. After death, there's a major destination."

"The Bizarre Dao is the most absurd and bizarre, extremely hard to comprehend."

"Unfortunately, this Dao injury originates from the Bizarre Dao."

"This is beyond my ability to cure. Even if you found a Bizarre Dao宗师, I couldn't assist. Because I can't use normal reasoning to understand its principles."

Ning Zhuo took a deep breath, remained silent for a long moment, then spoke with difficulty: "I see."

Zhang showed a slight smile. "Where are you from, young friend Ning?"

Ning Zhuo replied: "I am from the Ning family of Fire Persimmon Immortal City. Years ago, our clan migrated south from Beifeng Kingdom, were betrayed by the Six Caves Sect, who went back on their word, nearly wiping out our entire clan."

"Now, while traveling abroad, I saw the army attacking Thousand Peaks Forest. Seizing the opportunity, I wish to participate and contribute to the campaign."

"However, my friend is critically injured and cannot wait. I must heal him first before considering anything else."

Hearing this, Zhang's eyes lit up slightly. "I see."

"Young friend, if you invite an earth-element宗师, feel free to come directly to me. As for the fee, I have a good proposal."

"Why not join the army, enlist in the Red Flower camp, and use military merits in place of payment? You can heal your friend faster and vent your clan's grievances."

"Now is the best time for revenge."

"Under our kingdom's mighty army, even the Six Caves Sect, as local powers, will be crushed."

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly, inwardly shaking his head, but outwardly showing thoughtful expression. "Physician Zhang, I am too worried about my friend to plan far ahead. Allow me to find a宗师 first and consider this carefully then."

Zhang stroked his beard. "Very well, very well."

With the conversation ended, he first gave Ning Zhuo a token, then called an attendant to escort Sun and Ning out of the tent.

Though it concerned his life and death, Sun Lingtong remained silent, cooperating seamlessly with Ning Zhuo, watching him handle the situation.

Before leaving the tent, he slipped back into the mechanical dragon.

Only after completely leaving the Red Flower camp did Sun contact Ning Zhuo to discuss his plans.

Ning Zhuo said: "To heal your injury, we must rely on Zhang Zhongyi's skills."

"But the Red Flower camp isn't a good place for us."

"Following Zhang's approach makes us too passive. We need to turn passive into active."

Sun asked: "How do we turn passive into active?"

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "We still need to join the army!"

(End of )