Chapter 536: Chapter 142: Catching a Chill

Although that’s the case, this matter is no small affair. With Chen Tang saying so, anyone would harbor some suspicions in their heart.

Seeing that the members of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect were still doubtful, Wang Xiang stepped forward, picked up a bowl of fish soup from the table, and drank a big mouthful without regard for the scalding heat. Then, he looked at everyone and shouted loudly, "Where’s the poison!"

Seeing Wang Xiang’s actions, most of those present believed him.

But those like Jian Qiuchi and Guo Heng, who have been traversing the Jianghu for many years, were still not completely at ease.

If there were poison, taking the antidote in advance would naturally mean there is no need to worry.

Guo Heng, after a brief hesitation, still took out a silver needle and said, "Please forgive me, Brother Wang. It’s best to be cautious when traveling. If the fish soup is indeed poison-free, I will certainly apologize to Brother Wang."

"As you please!"

Wang Xiang sneered.

Guo Heng stepped forward, dipped the silver needle into the fish soup in the pot, and after pulling it out, the silver needle showed no change.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and instinctively looked toward Chen Tang.

That glance brought about a burst of laughter.

In that short moment, Chen Tang had already nearly finished the bowl of fish soup in his hand!

Someone couldn’t stand it anymore and snorted, "He claimed the fish soup was poisoned, yet he’s the one gulping it down!"

Guo Heng also saw this scene and couldn’t help but frown.

If Chen Tang was joking earlier, it was not a funny joke.

Moreover, it was an untimely one!

Guo Heng did not immediately lash out but instead took the silver needle and tested each table nearby one by one, confirming that there were indeed no problems.

"What do you have to say now?"

Wang Xiang sneered repeatedly from the side.

Lin Ling’er hurriedly explained, "Brother Wang, don’t misunderstand. This person is not one of us from the Ba Mountain Sword Sect. He must have spoken carelessly."

"Spoken carelessly?"

Wang Xiang was furious, "Can you speak carelessly about something that tarnishes one’s reputation?"

The members of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect all looked at Chen Tang with unfriendly expressions.

Previously, although everyone was somewhat displeased seeing him getting close to Senior Sister Jade Flute, they mostly didn’t show it, merely gossiping in private.

But now, with Chen Tang causing such a scene, he not only misguided the Boat Gang brothers but also made the Ba Mountain Sword Sect members very unhappy.

Chen Tang stood up, scooped another bowl of fish soup, and smiled at Wang Xiang, "Don’t be agitated, Brother Wang. I never said it was you who poisoned it. Oh, by the way, the Boat Gang brothers’ craftsmanship is indeed impressive."

"Oh?"

Wang Xiang raised an eyebrow and asked, "So according to you, the fish soup is still poisoned? I’m curious, from the time the knife fish was caught and prepared for the table, our brothers have been watching the whole time. Who would have the ability to poison it?"

At this moment, Chen Tang had roughly guessed it was most likely the handiwork of the Dongyi race’s hermits.

These hermits’ methods of poisoning are varied and unpredictable, making them hard to guard against.

The reliance of the Ba Mountain Sword Sect members on their so-called Jianghu experience is nothing compared to these hermits.

The Dongyi race was exiled from the Divine Land by Emperor Wu years ago, crossing the East Sea, long before the birth of everyone present.

Let alone Guo Heng, even Jian Qiuchi probably has never dealt with the Dongyi race hermits.

Ye Yushi, being Human Ranking’s top, fell for it as soon as she landed on the Hermit Continent, showcasing the skills of these hermits.

Guo Heng asked in a deep voice, "Brother Chen, you say this fish soup is poisoned. May I ask what kind of poison it is that the silver needle cannot detect?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"I don’t know."

Chen Tang took another sip of fish soup and shook his head.

He didn’t know much about poisons and such.

Just tasting the fish soup, his Grandmaster Divine Illumination ability, being meticulous and insightful, allowed him to first notice a slight anomaly.

As to what poison it is, he indeed didn’t know.

But this poison likely isn’t lethal. He didn’t even need to expel the poison from his body; merely circulating his blood slightly dissolved it.

"Senior Brother Guo, don’t waste your breath on him. He was obviously talking nonsense just now!"

Someone couldn’t hold back anymore and sneered, "Look, he hasn’t stopped drinking. He’s almost finished two bowls by now. If the fish soup were really poisoned, would he still be drinking so enthusiastically?"

Another person said, "This guy just wants to drink more fish soup and fooled us all!"

"Let’s ignore him and eat our own. Don’t let him drink it all up."

Everyone responded and started serving themselves soup.

Chen Tang looked around and said calmly, "I drank the fish soup without issue. I’m afraid it might not be the same for you."

"Haha!"

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"Come on, you’ve been exposed, yet you’re still trying to act mysterious."

"Why is it that the fish soup you can drink, but we can’t?"

After what just happened, no one believed Chen Tang’s words.

Except for Ye Yushi.

She understood Chen Tang.

Chen Tang wouldn’t say such things casually.

Ye Yushi put down the bowl she had just picked up and didn’t touch it again.

However, the others from the Ba Mountain Sword Sect began to drink the soup eagerly, with some deliberately slurping in front of Chen Tang.

Chen Tang shrugged slightly.

The poison in the fish soup wasn’t deadly, and he didn’t bother talking much.

In this situation, he couldn’t persuade them either.

Some lessons in life are only learned by stumbling.

Jian Qiuchi witnessed this farce and couldn’t help but shake her head and sigh inwardly.

She found it increasingly puzzling, not knowing what Yushi saw in this man.

She had just lifted her bowl when Ye Yushi softly reminded her, "Master, be careful."

"No worries."

Jian Qiuchi smiled faintly and said, "If it is truly poisoned, I would know with just a taste."

To her, if a Fourth Grade Awakening Realm Body Refining Martial Artist like Chen Tang, without any Inner Qi, could drink the fish soup without issue, then as a Second Grade Innate, even if the soup were truly poisoned, she’d be able to expel it with her Innate True Qi instantly!

Jian Qiuchi took a small sip.

The fish soup was delicious with no strange taste whatsoever.

She slowly swallowed and carefully sensed it. Her body felt perfectly normal.

Jian Qiuchi nodded at Ye Yushi and said, "Yushi, give it a try. It’s fine."

With Jian Qiuchi’s assurance, the matter was considered absolutely settled.

Guo Heng stood up, went over to Wang Xiang, bowed, and apologized, "Brother Wang, I apologize for any offense earlier. Please forgive me."

Wang Xiang waved him off, "Brother Guo, you’re being too polite. It’s not you who should truly apologize but those who speak recklessly!"

Guo Heng looked at Chen Tang behind him, signaling him to step forward and apologize.

After all, it was he who caused the commotion, startling everyone and leading the Boat Gang brothers to misunderstand.

Chen Tang seemed unbothered and unmoved.

"Brother Chen, this is your fault."

Guo Heng said solemnly, "Although you are a friend of the Senior Sister, I must say it. As we traverse the Jianghu, trust and loyalty are paramount. How can you speak so wildly and recklessly?"

Just then, a few workers from the Boat Gang staggered over, their faces pale, drenched in sweat, and their steps wobbly.

"Brother Wang..."

One was trembling all over, teeth chattering continuously, saying intermittently, "We... feel like we caught a chill, have a fever, and our bodies... feel extremely cold."

"How could a fever break out suddenly?"

Wang Xiang frowned deeply.

As martial artists, they were strong and seldom got sick for years.

How could they suddenly catch a chill and all come down with a fever?

At this moment, Wang Xiang also suddenly felt a chill and couldn’t help but shiver!