I Have Medicine

Chapter 560 - (Slightly Drunk) Methods for Dealing with the Foreign Tribes.

Gu Zuo pondered for a moment.

The Blue-Eyed Clan… He had a premonition that ever since arriving in Eight Desolations City, his greatest enemy would be the Blue-Eyed Clan.

It was likely that the two sides could not coexist.

Suppressing this sudden thought, Gu Zuo asked, “Then what about the Giant Rock Clan and the Demon Wolf Clan?”

Wu Zhenhuang replied, “The Giant Rock Clan has fifty thousand members, while the Demon Wolf Clan has nearly one hundred thousand. The former has a Rock City in the wilderness, while the latter, like the Blue-Eyed Clan, sets up tents and forms tribes.”

At this point, Wu Yingyuan’s willow brows shot up, and her eyes flared with fury like raging fire. “The Giant Rock Clan has gone too far! Because they have a taste for human flesh and blood, they have set up a marketplace in their Rock City, specifically trading wolf-blood ore in exchange for humans to eat!”

Gu Zuo caught the key point. “Wolf-blood ore?”

Wu Yingyuan took a deep breath. “Since ancient times, the Giant Rock Clan has been mining a rich vein of wolf-blood ore at the site of their current Rock City. It is said that this ore was formed when the blood of an ancient rank-eight desolate wolf seeped into the land upon its death, mixing with the earth and stone over countless years to condense into a unique type of wolf-den ore. This ore has some minor applications, but if smelted, it can extract a trace of the ancient desolate wolf’s blood. The quality of the wolf-blood ore determines the level of desolate wolf blood obtained—but even the lowest grade can enhance the abilities of wolf-blooded races, temper their bodies, and even strengthen their bloodlines.”

Gu Zuo suddenly understood. “The Demon Wolf Clan must covet this ore greatly.”

Wu Yingyuan said, “Precisely. Because of this, the Demon Wolf Clan hunts humans in large numbers to trade with the Giant Rock Clan for wolf-blood ore to aid their cultivation.”

Gu Zuo was puzzled. “Why doesn’t the Demon Wolf Clan just attack the Giant Rock Clan and seize the wolf-blood ore vein for themselves?”

Wu Yingyuan closed her eyes briefly.

Wu Zhenhuang let out a bitter laugh. “The members of the Giant Rock Clan possess immense strength and incredibly tough bodies. Once they reach adulthood, they are unafraid of demon wolves’ bites. They grow to an enormous size and mature extremely quickly—reaching adulthood just a year after birth. Although their numbers are fewer than the Demon Wolf Clan, the demon wolves are powerless against them. As for us humans…” He sighed heavily. “…If the Demon Wolf Clan suppresses their bloodline aura, their appearance is indistinguishable from ours. The Blue-Eyed Clan and the Giant Rock Clan find it difficult to infiltrate Eight Desolations City, but the Demon Wolf Clan is different. They are on good terms with the Blue-Eyed Clan and can obtain blue eye stones from them, which provide a certain level of concealment when worn. Since they already resemble humans, it is easy for them to blend into the city. Outside the city, they can transform into demon wolves, boosting their strength by thirty percent. This gives them a great advantage against humans of the same cultivation level, and they can even summon wild wolves and primordial wolves to hunt and encircle humans.”

Once they captured humans, the Demon Wolf Clan would take them to the Giant Rock Clan’s stronghold, Rock City, and exchange them for wolf-blood ore to strengthen themselves. When their supply of wolf-blood ore ran out, they would go hunting for more humans.

Additionally, during every large-scale beast tide, the Demon Wolf Clan would assist the Blue-Eyed Clan in controlling the tide, commanding countless wild wolves to become part of the onslaught.

As for why the Blue-Eyed Clan targeted humans… They saw themselves as noble and sought to occupy human cities, unwilling to remain confined outside the walls. That alone was enough for them to launch countless assaults against humanity.

After all, their cost of waging war was hardly significant…

Gu Zuo understood.

So, this was how the enmity between humans and non-humans became so deeply entangled. These three non-human clans were locked in a web of conflicting interests, maintaining a delicate balance while collectively preying on humans.

Just then, Gongyi Tianheng suddenly spoke. “Do any of you know the locations of the Blue-Eyed Clan and Demon Wolf Clan’s settlements in the borderlands?”

Wu Zhenhuang shook his head. “We don’t know their exact locations. In the past, warriors hunting wild beasts outside the city have occasionally come across their dwellings, but they were usually discovered and killed before they could report back. Even in rare cases where information was brought back, the non-human clans would quickly relocate, making it impossible for us to track them down again.”

Gu Zuo understood as well.

After so many years, humans had developed defensive strategies against the non-human clans, and naturally, the non-humans had their own countermeasures. Otherwise, one side would have been wiped out long ago—there wouldn’t still be this ongoing stalemate.

After that, Wu Zhenhuang and the others discussed the weaknesses of these non-human clans.

“If you encounter the Blue-Eyed Clan in the borderlands, remember never to meet their eyes directly. You must shut off your vision as much as possible and rely on your other senses to maneuver around them before striking. Naturally, if the enemy has already awakened both of their eyes, they will be even harder to deal with. In that case, it’s best to escape rather than risk being killed by them.”

“If you face the Giant Rock Clan, their bodies are impervious to blades and spears, making them extremely difficult to destroy. However, there is a concave spot at the back of their heads that serves as their weakness. If you pierce it with a sharp weapon, you can slay them. That said, fighting them requires utmost caution. They possess immense strength, and ordinary warriors of the same rank can hardly match them in combat.”

“As for the Demon Wolf Clan, they are extremely agile. When they transform into half-wolves, their speed doubles. Their hands bear sharp claws, and their mouths are lined with fangs, making them incredibly fierce. If they fully shift into wolf form, they can summon powerful wolf packs to shield themselves and attack their enemies. If you come across a Demon Wolf Clan member who can transform, you could easily find yourself surrounded. In such a situation, fleeing immediately is the wisest choice. Furthermore, the Demon Wolf Clan rarely acts alone. They usually travel in groups of several individuals or even dozens, making them particularly dangerous…”

They continued providing more details, and both Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo listened attentively. Information like this was invaluable experience passed down by the warriors of Eight Desolations City. It could save them from having to test things out personally and significantly reduce the casualties among their subordinates in the early stages.

However, after hearing about the abilities of these foreign clans, Gu Zuo wasn’t too worried about his big brother.

With his longbow in hand, his brother could easily take down any of these enemies from a distance. Even against the Giant Rock Clan, he only needed to harass them with arrows until they were forced to turn around and expose their weakness. Then, with another shot, he could pierce their heads.

As the discussion continued, more and more information about the foreign clans was revealed, and time passed without them realizing it. By the time they finished eating and drinking, it was time to rest.

Although the earlier serious discussion had dampened their initial joy somewhat, overall, they were still pleased.

After all, there had been no casualties… How rare was that?

Gu Zuo followed behind his older brother as they headed back to their quarters.

Gongyi Tianheng, deep in thought about the details he had just heard, walked slowly.

Before long, the two returned to their room.

Suddenly, Gongyi Tianheng heard a muffled thud beside him. Startled, he turned his head and saw his little pharmacist lying on the bed, his face flushed and his bright eyes unfocused.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting its glow upon his face. A playful itch danced across Gongyi Tianheng’s fingers, an urge he couldn’t ignore. Approaching the young man, he gently cupped Gu Zuo’s face, his touch both tender and exploratory.

Gu Zuo looked over drowsily, tilting his head into the touch. Then, as if instinctively seeking comfort, he rubbed his cheek against Gongyi Tianheng’s fingers. The slight haze of intoxication in his eyes added a layer of vulnerability, making him all the more endearing.

Gongyi Tianheng was taken aback by the young man’s reaction, his expression softening into a gentle gaze.

Gu Zuo seemed to revel in the attention, his body seeking closer and closer contact until he was nestled against Gongyi Tianheng. Seeing him like this, Gongyi Tianheng’s heart swelled with affection.

Satisfied, he released his hold and turned to prepare for his bath.

Gongyi Tianheng had only taken a few steps when he felt a gentle pull on his clothing. Glancing down, he saw Gu Zuo holding onto the hem of his robe, his grip surprisingly strong

Gongyi Tianheng said softly, “Ah Zuo, let go.”

Gu Zuo frowned. “No.”

Gongyi Tianheng: “…I’m going to bathe.”

Gu Zuo: “What’s so great about bathing? I don’t mind if you’re dirty.”

Gongyi Tianheng was helpless and tried to pull away again.

Gu Zuo clung to him, unwilling to let go. A wounded look crossed his face when Gongyi Tianheng made a move to leave, as if he were a moment away from tears.

Gongyi Tianheng, unable to resist any longer, took Gu Zuo’s hand and gently pulled him closer. With a swift motion, he discarded his outer robe and slipped into bed.

Gu Zuo was finally satisfied. Without needing any further encouragement, he naturally scooted over, wrapped his arms around Gongyi Tianheng’s waist, and rested his face against his chest, letting out a contented sigh.

Gongyi Tianheng shook his head but still reached out, pulling Gu Zuo fully into his embrace. Closing his eyes, he took a brief rest.

As a martial artist, he had no real need for sleep, yet surrounded by the faint scents of alcohol and medicinal herbs, he unexpectedly found himself growing drowsy.

And then, he truly fell asleep.

…

The next morning, Gu Zuo’s eyes abruptly snapped open.

The events of last night rushed back into his mind, making his face instantly flush red.

He actually—got drunk?!

Unbelievable!

As a pharmacist, Gu Zuo’s resistance to substances was exceptionally strong. His body was practically immune to most drugs, so he never imagined that alcohol would bring him down.

Of course, it wasn’t as if his alcohol tolerance was so low that just a few drinks would knock him out. It was just that the liquor had been particularly strong, making his mind sluggish. Maybe it was the beauty of the night, the moonlight, or some indescribable feeling in the air, but his slight tipsiness had somehow deepened, and in that atmosphere, he had done things he normally wouldn’t dare to do—things he secretly longed to do.

In any case, he had fully and completely expressed his attachment to his big brother!

Gu Zuo was a little worried.

Would his brother think he was too immature because of this…?

As he fretted, he suddenly felt a warm touch lightly brush against the center of his forehead.

Only then did he snap out of his thoughts, realizing that while he had been spacing out in distress, Gongyi Tianheng had already woken up—and had even given him a good morning kiss.

Gu Zuo blinked, then returned the kiss with a quick peck.

Gongyi Tianheng got up and dressed, showing no intention of bringing up last night. Gu Zuo’s embarrassment faded significantly, and he hurried to get ready as well.

The two moved swiftly, and before long, they were ready to head out.

Gongyi Tianheng took a few steps forward, then suddenly turned back and smiled slightly. “I found last night’s Ah Zuo particularly captivating.”

Gu Zuo: “…”

‘Wasn’t it agreed not to bring it up?!’