"Get out of my way!" Eighth Master Mu roared.
Mu San Niang stood her ground, "Ridiculous! A charlatan like him wouldn't even be allowed through the Mu Family's gates on a normal day, let alone deceive the old man and swindle us? Dream on!"
Eighth Master Mu, feeling helpless, turned to the Patriarch, "Old man, I can vouch that Master Su is definitely not some charlatan…"
The Patriarch of the Mu Family pondered as he looked at Terra Su.
Under normal circumstances, the Patriarch would never believe that a young man who appeared to be only fifteen or sixteen years old could be an alchemy grandmaster.
However, if it were an ordinary fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy stepping into the renowned Mu Family and meeting the legendary Patriarch, even the most composed youth would inevitably feel nervous, excited, or even fearful.
But the young man before him, ever since entering the courtyard, had remained calm and composed, exuding a sense of ease and tranquility. It didn't seem like this was his first time in the Mu Family's courtyard; rather, it felt as if he were strolling leisurely in his own backyard.
Moreover, even when facing a powerful Transforming Realm expert like himself, the boy's expression remained unchanged, showing none of the usual anxiety or unease.
Such composure was truly extraordinary.
After a moment of silence, the Patriarch slowly spoke, "Young man, what poison do you claim I have been afflicted with?"
"Nine Laughing Powder," Terra Su replied calmly.
"I've never heard of such a poison," the Patriarch said, frowning slightly.
"Nine Laughing Powder is an extremely rare and ancient poison. It was prevalent in ancient times but has almost been lost to history," Terra Su explained. "Its characteristics are that it is colorless, odorless, and highly toxic. Just a tiny amount can kill an elephant. Even a Transforming Realm expert would fall victim to it if unprepared."
"The poisoned individual will die after laughing nine times, with their internal organs rupturing. There's no known cure. At least, I've never seen anyone survive after laughing nine times."
Eighth Master Mu, hearing Terra Su's explanation, was secretly alarmed.
According to Terra Su, Nine Laughing Powder was indeed a deadly poison. Fortunately, the old man hadn't laughed nine times since being poisoned, which meant there was still hope.
The old man, however, remained calm. Having weathered many storms, his face showed no emotion, nor did he exhibit the panic that most people would feel upon learning they had been poisoned.
After a moment of silence, the old man slowly spoke, "Young man, it's not that I don't believe you, but what you say is quite extraordinary. I have stayed within the Mu Family, not stepping outside, and haven't met any outsiders in the past few months. How could I suddenly be poisoned?"
The old man's doubt was the same as what Mu San Niang had expressed earlier.
The old man hadn't come into contact with any outsiders, and everything he ate and wore was inspected by trusted people. If he were poisoned, there had to be a source, right?
If it wasn't brought by outsiders and didn't come from his food or clothing, then where did the poison come from?
Mu San Niang respectfully said, "Old man, there's no need to waste words with him. It's clear he's a charlatan. I'll have him beaten and thrown out."
"Silence."
The old man waved his hand to stop Mu San Niang, his gaze fixed on Terra Su.
He wanted to know if Terra Su could explain the source of the Nine Laughing Powder.
"Has the Patriarch had any particularly cherished or frequently admired items in the past few months?" Terra Su asked.
"There is one such item," the old man replied after some thought.
"May I see it?" Terra Su asked.
The old man then instructed, "Bring the Purple Jade Coral Plum here."
Soon, a servant brought in a pot containing the Purple Jade Coral Plum and placed it in front of them.
The plant stood about as tall as a person, its colors vibrant and its luster warm, exuding a gentle spiritual Qi. It was clearly a priceless treasure.
"Heh, are you going to claim that the Nine Laughing Powder was placed on this Purple Jade Coral Plum?" Mu San Niang sneered. "This plant was a gift from Marquis Anyang to the old man. Are you suggesting that Marquis Anyang wants to poison him?"
The old man also showed a hint of doubt. The Purple Jade Coral Plum was indeed a gift from Marquis Anyang. It was highly unlikely to have any issues, and Marquis Anyang had no reason to harm him.
In Anyang City, Marquis Anyang was like an emperor. If she truly wanted to kill a subordinate, she wouldn't need to go to such lengths.
Moreover, the old man had been a loyal servant to the late Marquis Anyang, contributing greatly. Even though the old princess had passed, the current Marquis Anyang would have no reason to kill him.
"The problem lies with this Purple Jade Coral Plum," Terra Su said confidently after sniffing the plant.
Immediately, Mu San Niang sneered again, "See? This so-called grandmaster is a fraud with no real skills. He's even accusing the princess of poisoning."
Eighth Master Mu was also filled with doubts. Although he didn't suspect Terra Su of lying, he couldn't help but ask, "Master Su, could there be a mistake? This Purple Jade Coral Plum was a gift from Princess Anyang. It can't possibly be poisoned."
"Bring me a trowel," Terra Su said, ignoring their doubts.
Eighth Master Mu suppressed his suspicions and called out, "Bring a trowel for Master Su."
Soon, a trowel was brought over.
Terra Su took the trowel and quickly scraped off a thin layer of brown powder from the surface of the Purple Jade Coral Plum.
"This is Nine Laughing Powder," Terra Su said calmly.
Eighth Master Mu examined it closely and sniffed it. His face immediately showed shock. The brown powder was identical to the powder he had expelled using his internal energy at the tavern!
"How is this possible? Could the poison really be on the Purple Jade Coral Plum?" Eighth Master Mu muttered to himself, unable to accept the fact. Could Marquis Anyang really want to poison the old man?
Mu San Niang, however, didn't believe it at all. She shouted, "Boy, you are slandering Marquis Anyang, which is a serious crime!"
Turning to the old man, Mu San Niang said, "Old man, this boy is spouting nonsense. This brown powder can't possibly be poison. If you don't believe me, we can test it on a dog to see if it’s poisonous."
"Hmph, since you suggest it, I'll have someone fetch a dog, and we'll test it right here!" Eighth Master Mu snorted coldly. He didn't believe Terra Su would lie, so he was determined to prove Terra Su right.
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