Even today, Li Xuan still clearly remembers the first time he took Princess Ankang to practice cultivation.
At that time, he had just cultivated the Bloodthirsty Tiger Claw to the perfect realm and successfully broken through to the Ningxue Realm.
Then, on a whim, Li Xuan wanted Princess Ankang to also practice the basic movements of the Tiger Form Ten Styles with him to strengthen her physique.
As a result, it was also because of this that Princess Ankang, for the first time through cultivation, actively ignited the cold qi within her body.
Li Xuan was clueless at the time, only thinking that Princess Ankang's old ailment had recurred, so he lay on her coldest belly to warm her, and only then did he discover that he could absorb the cold qi from Princess Ankang's body.
At this point in time, Li Xuan had just reached the Ningxue Realm and had only cultivated the Tiger Form Ten Styles and the Bloodthirsty Tiger Claw.
In the cultivation of the Tiger Form Ten Styles, Li Xuan was no different from other ordinary martial artists; this conclusion could be easily drawn because Deng Weixian could serve as a reference.
But when it came to cultivating the Bloodthirsty Tiger Claw, different changes began to appear.
For some still unknown reason, Li Xuan could purify the blood fiend in the Linhu Essence Blood and then absorb it into his body, making it part of his own strength.
Although he can now replicate this process through the Ice-Cold Breath in his body, when Li Xuan first absorbed the Linhu Essence Blood, there was no Ice-Cold Breath in his body.
In other words, there were other reasons at that time that allowed Li Xuan to purify the blood fiend in the Linhu Essence Blood.
And the Linhu Essence Blood, purified by Li Xuan, would no longer cause severe pain when absorbed by others, nor would it pose the danger of going berserk, and it was also easier to absorb.
Deng Weixian can also verify this point.
Thus, if one does not consider innate factors such as race, in the process of acquired cultivation, it is only in the aspect of Linhu Essence Blood that Li Xuan showed obvious differences from other ordinary cultivators.
"Is the collision between me and the Linhu Essence Blood the cause of all these unusual occurrences?"
"Is it because of the blood fiend I absorbed into my body?"
"Or is it because the Linhu Essence Blood comes from the Arctic Tundra?"
"The Arctic Tundra is very close to Consort Xiao's hometown, Northern Liang."
"Is there a connection here as well?"
One guess after another flashed through Li Xuan's mind, but ultimately, he was unable to determine which one was the true reason he could help Princess Ankang absorb the cold qi from her body.
The others saw Li Xuan deep in thought, and no one spoke to disturb him, but quietly waited for him to reach a final conclusion.
After much more thought, Li Xuan finally wrote down his guesses on paper.
Upon seeing the handwriting on the paper, Imperial Physician Xue immediately fell into thought again, muttering to himself:
"Linhu Essence Blood?"
"You speculate that it's either because of the blood fiend you absorbed from the Linhu Essence Blood, or that the Linhu Essence Blood, also from the north, is related to Princess Ankang's constitution."
Imperial Physician Xue nodded at the two conjectures Li Xuan proposed:
"That's also possible, but we cannot verify it yet."
Imperial Physician Xue had some understanding of Linhu Essence Blood.
After he came to The Great Within to serve as an imperial physician, he intentionally inquired about many heavenly treasures that would be used in cultivation.
Among these heavenly treasures, there were actually hidden medical principles, which is why they had the miraculous effect of enhancing cultivation in the human body.
As for this famous Linhu Essence Blood, Imperial Physician Xue had naturally heard of it.
Linhu Essence Blood was the most common method used by Zhao Feng's lineage to cultivate core newcomers, claiming to allow an ordinary person to step into the martial path in the shortest possible time.
But Imperial Physician Xue had also heard that there was actually a considerable risk involved.
And now, according to Li Xuan, by purifying the blood fiend in the Linhu Essence Blood through him, all the risks could be removed.
"This is interesting!"
Imperial Physician Xue's eyes sparkled, as if he had discovered some rare treasure, staring intently at Li Xuan.
Li Xuan felt uncomfortable under his gaze and quickly picked up his brush to write:
"How is it?"
"Have you thought of anything?"
In this regard, Li Xuan already trusted Imperial Physician Xue's judgment implicitly.
Through various previous events, Imperial Physician Xue had already proven his ability to the Three Little Ones.
If Princess Ankang wished to recover her health in the future, Imperial Physician Xue's help would undoubtedly be indispensable.
Moreover, Li Xuan could tell that Imperial Physician Xue had a great interest in Princess Ankang's constitutional issues.
"Do you still have Linhu Essence Blood here?"
Li Xuan nodded, then retrieved a jar of Linhu Essence Blood from the di hong bone ring, which he had previously obtained from Chief Steward Shang.
This was originally intended for Cat Overlord and the others to cultivate the Bloodthirsty Tiger Claw.
Imperial Physician Xue was not polite, directly opened the jar, and smelled the unique aroma of the Linhu Essence Blood.
He took a drop from the jar onto his fingertip and instantly felt a bone-chilling cold.
"Has the blood fiend in this Linhu Essence Blood been purified?"
Li Xuan nodded.
Imperial Physician Xue took out a small medicine bottle from his bosom and then said to Li Xuan:
"Give me some; I'll go back and study it."
As it concerned Princess Ankang's life, Li Xuan naturally would not be stingy on this point.
After receiving Li Xuan's permission, Imperial Physician Xue took out his professional tools and extracted a little Linhu Essence Blood from the jar into his medicine bottle.
"I will go back and thoroughly research the issue of Linhu Essence Blood. If there is any progress, I will come and inform you."
After receiving Imperial Physician Xue's promise, the Three Little Ones also felt much relieved.
It is always correct to leave professional matters to professionals.
What Li Xuan could not figure out, Imperial Physician Xue might be able to find a more reliable answer through his medical theories.
It was certainly better than them sitting here making wild guesses.
"Let's put aside the question of why you can help His Highness absorb the cold qi for now."
"What is more urgent right now is that the cold qi in His Highness's body is constantly strengthening. If one day you are unable to help His Highness absorb the strengthened cold qi, both His Highness's life and yours will be in danger."
That's right, this was also one of their biggest headaches at the moment.
As Li Xuan's cultivation continued to improve, his cultivation speed would inevitably slow down.
However, the speed at which the cold qi in Princess Ankang's body strengthened had not significantly slowed down to this day.
If this continued, the mismatched speeds on both sides would certainly lead to problems.
"You also know that I am just a doctor; I cannot give you any useful help in terms of cultivation," Imperial Physician Xue wrote with a hint of regret.
On this point, Li Xuan had no unrealistic expectations.
When he invited Imperial Physician Xue today, he didn't even expect him to identify any physical problems with Princess Ankang; he merely wanted to use Imperial Physician Xue's reputation to have Princess Ankang appear before others in a healthier image.
It could be said that today's gains far exceeded Li Xuan's initial expectations.
He also hadn't anticipated that Imperial Physician Xue's skills were so formidable, which was why he had been able to determine early on that Princess Ankang was beyond cure and even provide an estimated lifespan.
Even more fortunately, Imperial Physician Xue was very interested in Princess Ankang's constitutional issues, which could become a great asset to them.
At this moment, Imperial Physician Xue continued to write:
"But when it comes to absorbing cold qi, I might be able to help somewhat."
Seeing this sentence, Li Xuan looked at Imperial Physician Xue with some surprise.
Imperial Physician Xue immediately explained:
"Although I have some ideas, I still need to actually try them to know the effect."
"So, next time you absorb cold qi for His Highness, remember to notify me in advance, and I will come then."
"Whether it's useful or not, observing the process of you absorbing cold qi for His Highness is also very important to me."
Li Xuan couldn't help but cast a deep glance at Imperial Physician Xue.
Honestly, he had never thought of involving Imperial Physician Xue to this extent.
"You don't have to look at me like that; I know what I'm doing."
"There are quite a few people in the palace who hope His Highness remains ill, or even dies from illness."
"But I don't care about these things. As long as you let me participate in this matter, we can consider it mutual help."
"As you can see, at my age, I don't have many years left to live."
"My only hope is to complete my medical book during my lifetime; establishing a written work would leave me with no regrets in this life."
Li Xuan finished reading what Imperial Physician Xue had written and did not say much, simply writing two short sentences:
"If I discover you have ill intentions, I will kill everyone you care about."
"I mean what I say!"
Imperial Physician Xue knew very well who Li Xuan was referring to, but he quickly nodded.
He had no ill intentions to begin with, so he naturally didn't need to worry about Li Xuan's threat.
Imperial Physician Xue considered himself to be upright and honorable, doing no wrong, and thus not fearing retribution.
The matter was settled, and Imperial Physician Xue and the Three Little Ones reached a preliminary cooperation agreement.
As for the specifics, that remained to be seen… After a long while, the door was reopened.
Yuer escorted Imperial Physician Xue out.
Zhao Feng, who had been waiting in the courtyard for a long time, saw Imperial Physician Xue finally emerge and quickly stood up to greet him.
"Imperial Physician Xue, how is it?"
Although Zhao Feng had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Imperial Physician Xue's attitude, he still very much hoped that Imperial Physician Xue could do something about Princess Ankang's illness.
After all, Li Xuan and Princess Ankang were deeply bound now, and if Princess Ankang passed away too early, it would not be a good thing for Great Xing.
They still needed a long time to build enough trust with Li Xuan.
Before that, Princess Ankang must continue to be the link between Great Xing and Li Xuan.
Li Xuan had proven his potential time and again; with enough time to grow, he would definitely be a very worthwhile investment.
Of course, this was Zhao Feng's official reason to Emperor Yongyuan; whether there were any selfish motives of his own was unknown.
"There was some effect, but it was still minimal."
Imperial Physician Xue relayed the agreed-upon statement to Zhao Feng, which he had discussed with the Three Little Ones earlier.
"Under this old man's attempt, His Highness can become somewhat healthier. In a few days, getting rid of the wheelchair's confinement will also be no problem."
Zhao Feng's face lit up with joy upon hearing this; this was incredibly good news.
But then, Imperial Physician Xue changed his tone:
"However, for her lifespan, it may still be of no help."
Zhao Feng's smile instantly froze, and he immediately asked, puzzled:
"Why is that?"
"Hasn't His Highness already recovered her health?"
"Is she still unable to break free from this death trap?"
Imperial Physician Xue shook his head:
"At least, this old man is still powerless for now."
Zhao Feng's eyelids drooped. After a brief thought, he turned to look at Yuer, who was standing nearby.
"Yuer, go back and stay with His Highness. I can see Imperial Physician Xue out."
Yuer nodded and returned to the room to accompany Princess Ankang as Zhao Feng instructed.
Imperial Physician Xue's expression remained unchanged as he stood still, maintaining the gesture of stroking his beard.
After Yuer returned to the room, Zhao Feng directly led Imperial Physician Xue out of Jingyang Palace.
As soon as they stepped outside, Zhao Feng immediately pulled Imperial Physician Xue to a secluded spot.
"Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Imperial Physician Xue blinked twice, looked at Zhao Feng strangely, and then said:
"What do you mean, what happened?"
"Didn't I explain everything clearly to you earlier?"
"His Highness can be healthier, but it's estimated she still won't live past eighteen."
Imperial Physician Xue didn't dare to say that Princess Ankang's current estimated lifespan was shorter than before.
If he had said that, at least Zhao Feng probably wouldn't have allowed him to continue treating Princess Ankang.
"What does this mean?" Zhao Feng humbly asked.
"I can't explain medical matters clearly to you," Imperial Physician Xue said impolitely to the Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau.
Zhao Feng's eyes widened in anger. If it were anyone else, he would have long ago let them taste his power.
But Imperial Physician Xue held a special position in the palace; even Emperor Yongyuan had to show him some deference.
Medicine and martial arts were different. With Imperial Physician Xue's strength, Zhao Feng could easily crush him, but his medical skills were needed by everyone, and Zhao Feng was no exception.
"Not to mention, even I haven't figured out the root of His Highness's problem," Imperial Physician Xue added at this point.
"I've only found a way to make His Highness not suffer as much as before."
"I'm telling you the truth about this matter: I don't know if His Highness can be saved."
"But His Highness's condition is crucial to my research."
"Whoever stops me, I'll be furious with them!"
Imperial Physician Xue spoke to this extent, and Zhao Feng, upon hearing it, couldn't help but point at him in anger, saying:
"You!?"
"What 'you'!"
Imperial Physician Xue was not at all afraid of Zhao Feng, stepping forward towards his pointing finger:
"You know about my medical book; even you can't stop me!"
Imperial Physician Xue had been in the palace for many years. When Great Xing recruited Imperial Physician Xue, they promised to help him complete his medical book, but unfortunately, after so many years, it had yet to be finished.
It wasn't that Great Xing had gone back on its word and failed to keep its promise, but rather that Imperial Physician Xue still felt lost in his medical path.
If he were to hastily finish it now, he would certainly be able to write a classic medical work worthy of being passed down through generations.
But Imperial Physician Xue had always stubbornly believed that this was not the limit of what he could achieve. He felt that he had already touched the thin membrane that restricted him, and he only needed to grit his teeth a little more to break through to a brand new realm.
That would be the best time for him to complete his medical book.
Yet, even Imperial Physician Xue himself hadn't expected that this gritting of teeth would mean the ruthless passage of over a decade.
Imperial Physician Xue uttered his harsh words, then flicked his sleeves and left, showing no regard for Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng's face alternated between shades of anger, and he finally transmitted a message to Imperial Physician Xue's departing figure:
"I will report this matter to His Majesty. If you cannot guarantee His Highness's safety, I assure you that you will not be able to step into Jingyang Palace again."
Imperial Physician Xue stopped, turned back, and retorted to Zhao Feng:
"Do you think I would personally destroy this hard-won opportunity?"
Zhao Feng was choked by Imperial Physician Xue's retort.
Seeing that Zhao Feng said no more, Imperial Physician Xue turned and left with a flourish.
However, the moment he turned around, a smile couldn't help but appear on his face.
From beginning to end, Imperial Physician Xue had not uttered a single lie to Zhao Feng.
No matter how keen the Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau's observational skills were, he would absolutely not be able to detect anything amiss from his reactions.
Imperial Physician Xue silently looked up at the distant sky, recalling everything that had happened earlier in Jingyang Palace, and couldn't help but muse:
"A propitious omen from heaven, indeed it is true."
Regardless of what significance Li Xuan held for others, for Imperial Physician Xue, Li Xuan's appearance indeed brought a turning point.
Without this turning point, Imperial Physician Xue might have died of melancholy.
He remembered the mysterious black cat in Jingyang Palace and couldn't help but murmur in his heart:
"Li Xuan, huh…"