Poison Doctor Roaming the Martial World

The two, temporarily isolated from the world, sat together, enjoying their dinner. The two dishes were served in large leaf-shaped dishes, along with a fruit platter woven from rattan, all of which Jingnan had never seen before. Next to them were two pairs of bamboo chopsticks that Qingdai had carved with a dagger. If there were also a pot of wine, wouldn't that be wonderful?

In the past, when they were in the wild, Jingnan and his friends would only hunt animals to roast, and they didn't know that these animals could also be eaten.

He picked up a dark, umbrella-shaped object and asked Qingdai, "What is this? A mushroom?"

Qingdai smiled and replied, "This is called termite mushroom, which is a type of mushroom."

Seeing Jingnan's surprised expression, it was clear that they all thought the mushrooms were poisonous and inedible. Qingdai quickly explained, "There are many kinds of mushrooms. Miss said that these are also called fungi. In fact, many fungi are edible and especially delicious."

Qingdai picked up a roasted termite mushroom and said, "We're lucky to have found this kind of mushroom called termite mushroom. It's a top-quality delicacy among mushrooms, and it's often hard to come by. It's delicious no matter how you cook it."

He slurped it down and put it in his mouth. His expression of enjoyment made Jing Nan want to try it too. The chicken mushroom tasted just like chicken, and was even more delicious than chicken.

Jing Nan couldn't help but marvel, "I never expected that something everyone thinks is poisonous would taste so good." He then added teasingly, "Qingdai, if I hadn't met you, wouldn't I have missed out on so much?"

Qingdai's face flushed instantly, turning rosy like a little apple. Jingnan looked at her delicate and lovely face and wished he could take a bite.

To ease the awkwardness, Qingdai placed another dish on Jingnan's plate, saying, "Jingnan, try this snail dish. There are no seasonings here, so I just seasoned it with wild garlic and mountain peppers. It's a bit mild, but it's still quite palatable."

Jingnan didn't pick it up himself, but ate it directly from Qingdai's chopsticks, making Qingdai feel awkward again.

The snail vegetables are crisp and refreshing, with a slightly spicy flavor from garlic and chili peppers that makes them irresistible. "Qingdai, you're such a fairy! You can still make two dishes under such difficult circumstances. You're amazing!"

Qingdai enjoyed Jingnan's praise. "These are all things Miss taught us. We can actually eat dried meat too, but we don't know when we'll be able to meet up with Prince Ning and the others tomorrow, so we need to keep some for emergencies. I'm just using what's available."

Jingnan patted Qingdai's head, "You're so smart. Your young lady isn't as gentle and sensible as you."

Qingdai was unaware of Prince Ning's feelings for Yang Jianwu, but anyone who dared to say a bad word about her mistress would be touching a raw nerve. With her chin raised, she said with particular pride, "My mistress is beautiful, kind-hearted, intelligent, and capable. No one else is worthy of her!"

Jing Nan thought about how the poisonous powder could corrode people's eyeballs... Was she really kind-hearted? She was practically a witch... A chill ran down her spine; she couldn't bear to imagine it...

Qingdai thought Jingnan had a fever, so she touched Jingnan's forehead and asked, "You're fine, why are you shivering?"

"Ahem~" He couldn't let Qingdai know that he regarded Yang Jianwu as a little witch, so he quickly changed the subject, "It's a bit cold, is there any water? I'd like to drink some water."

Qingdai took the water pouch and handed it to Jingnan. "You can only drink a little to quench your thirst. We need to save some water for later. Eat some mulberries. These fruits are sweet and sour and quite delicious."

Jing Nan picked up a mulberry. "How can something so dark and unappetizing taste good?" he wondered. The sweet and sour flavor filled his mouth. "What did you just call this mulberry?" he asked.

Qingdai smiled and said, "Mulberry. 'Before the mulberry leaves fall, they are lush and green; alas, dove, do not eat the mulberry.' This refers to this fruit. Wild mulberries have the effects of nourishing yin and kidneys, calming the mind and strengthening the spleen, and help to quench thirst."

Upon hearing "nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys," Jing Nan first conjured up some inappropriate images in his mind, then coughed and looked at Qing Dai with some surprise, "Qing Dai, is this something your young lady taught you?"

Qingdai nodded, "Yes, Miss treats us like sisters. We have studied the Four Books and Five Classics, and we also have to learn the Six Arts, especially archery. Miss said that if you don't have good aim, even the best weapon is a waste, so she has very high expectations for us."

Jingnan suddenly understood why Mujin and Ziping were so good at archery. "So that's why."

Qingdai was confused. "Jingnan, what are you talking about?"

Jing Nan explained, "Last time in the army, your young lady brought Mu Jin and Zi Ping, and they really opened our eyes. Their archery skills were truly amazing."

Qingdai happily agreed, "I'm not bragging, but if Miss's archery skills dare to claim second place, no one dares to claim first."

Jing Nan agreed this time, "I agree with that point of view. By the way, how's your archery?"

Qingdai lowered her head in shame, hugged her knees, and rested her head on them. "I'm the worst among us... I had a serious illness when I was little, and Miss said I'm not suited for strenuous activities, so I only learned the basics and can only deal with one or two petty thieves... As for archery, I can hit the target, but not the bullseye... Every time we go out, Miss assigns someone to protect me. This time it's Songyin. If I get injured and go back, Miss will definitely punish Songyin. I'm just a burden to them."

Jingnan felt a pang of heartache seeing Qingdai's self-reproachful expression. "It's alright, Qingdai. I'll protect you from now on."

Qingdai chuckled and rolled her eyes, "It seems like I'm the one protecting you today."

Jingnan felt incredibly embarrassed, so he leaned forward to tickle Qingdai, still trying to show off, "Today was just an accident, from now on I'll be the one protecting you!"

Qingdai was so itchy, she begged for mercy, "Okay~ haha~ I know~ From now on~ haha~ you'll protect me~"

Jingnan originally just wanted to play a joke on Qingdai, but he didn't expect that the woman's slender and delicate body would make him so fond of her that he couldn't bear to leave.

"Haha~ Jingnan~ Stop scratching~ I misspoke~ Haha" Jingnan ignored Qingdai's pleas for mercy and continued to grab at Qingdai's body at will.

Qingdai kept dodging and didn't pay attention to her center of gravity. "Ah—" she suddenly swayed to one side, and Jingnan also fell on top of Qingdai. For a moment, both of them were stunned.

Jing Nan swore he really didn't mean it... Could he hold it in a little longer?

Qingdai's mind went blank... After a moment of stunned silence, she gently nudged Jingnan, "Jingnan, you're pressing on me, get up..."

Although Jingnan was reluctant, he knew the timing wasn't right. He kissed Qingdai on the forehead and stood up. Qingdai quickly got up and straightened her clothes. For a moment, neither of them spoke...

Qingdai chose to forget what had just happened. "Jingnan, have something to eat. You're injured, so eat and rest."

Jingnan knew Qingdai was shy, so he didn't bring up what had just happened. "Okay, you can eat with us too."

"Ah."

The cave was filled with soft chewing sounds, murmurs, and the occasional soft laugh, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.