The Beggar's Curse

After the Grand Matriarchs concluded their rites in the Grand Canyon, Du Chen's affairs on the McAllen Great Plains were largely settled. Rejoining Jamis and Old Bovin, among others, Du Chen embarked on the journey back to Heaven's Ocean Pass.

A small incident occurred: Andy, who had suddenly appeared beside Du Chen with a dramatically altered appearance, left their classmates utterly astonished. Du Chen, with a touch of "sadness," explained that the real Andy had vanished without a trace alongside Brockman, so he had specially acquired a Snow Wolf Divine Pet and named it Andy...

Fortunately, the students had only spent a few days with the original Andy, and awed by the corpulent wolf's imposing presence, no one dared approach it. Naturally, no one truly understood Andy's temperament or nature, so they quickly accepted the handsome new Andy!

The luxurious open-top carriage, equipped with twenty seats and a small lounge, ambled leisurely across the Great Plains. The teachers and students sat in a circle, yet an unusual quiet pervaded – save for Sem, whose boundless energy occasionally erupted into a shout: "Hey, that's a Tier 3 grassland lion! You'd never see one of those in our Sinos mountains!"

Du Chen found it quite peculiar that three strange gazes were fixed upon him, refusing to budge even for a moment.

"Oh, dear Professor Jemison, have you perhaps lost all your Silver Coins gambling again and are hoping I'll cover your debts, which is why you're staring so intently?" Du Chen chuckled, shrugging.

"What are you implying?! You are insulting my character! You have inflicted irreparable damage upon my very soul! Compensate me at once! Otherwise, your academic performance might just..." Jemison smiled, his demeanor "earnest" and his voice "innocent," as he spoke! His expression, his tone – anyone unaware would surely believe Du Chen had truly wronged the elderly man before him!

Regrettably, every passenger in the carriage was intimately familiar with this "innocent" old man, and all met his words with disdainful snorts.

Du Chen, obliging, spoke: "Innocent Professor Jemison, how much do you believe it would take to mend your damaged soul?" Jemison shook his head vigorously. "My soul has been grievously wounded; it's beyond monetary repair... Just give me 5 Silver... no, 50 Silver Coins!"

Jason, from the side, scoffed contemptuously, "So, 'irreparable damage' is worth a mere 50 Silver Coins..."

Du Chen, caught between laughter and tears, had Harry give Jemison the money. Harry handed Jemison a Gold Coin.

Jemison loudly exclaimed, "Get change! I don't have change!"

Harry said with difficulty, "I only have Gold Coins on me, no Silver or Copper. So, it's all yours..."

Jemison, his face contorted, leaned closer. "My dear young Harry, how about I draw you some Portraits? One Silver Coin each..."

Harry shook his head. "I don't have time!"

...

Over here, Du Chen smiled. "Mr. Bovin, and what is your reason for staring at me so intently?"

"You rascal! This old man is thinking of how to deal with you. Last time, in the orchards outside Saint John City, you actually allowed those lowly slaves... Hmph, you escaped quickly last time, but this time..." Old Bovin bared his yellowed teeth, threatening fiercely, his murky old eyes darting slyly at Du Chen.

"What? You want to deal with me?! Alright, no problem!" Du Chen shamelessly sidled closer, flashing a wicked grin that made Old Bovin want to swat him. "Oh, I forgot to tell you something. The people in that orchard are no longer slaves; they're all my servants, meaning they're free now. I heard they have some 'Votive Paper' that seems quite valuable?! Not sure if it's true or not! They all told me they especially like you, particularly your *person*... they welcome you to visit often!"

"You... you ruthless brat!" Old Bovin nearly passed out. He finally recovered, but helpless against Du Chen, he angrily turned his head away.

Du Chen gazed at them with a smirk, rubbing his nose with his right thumb, thinking to himself, "What excellent composure! You two old fogies love playing these little games, don't you? Fine, this young master will play you to your deaths and see who begs for mercy first!"

Having dealt with two of the gazes, Du Chen dared not confront the owner of the third peculiar stare.

For the owner of that gaze was Annie!

The seats inside the carriage were arranged in a circle, and Annie happened to be sitting directly opposite Du Chen. From the moment they boarded, Du Chen noticed Annie staring at him with a very... well, difficult to describe, very complex look. Previously, Annie's eyes held only pure admiration for Du Chen, tinged with a hint of shyness. But now, Du Chen read a different meaning in her beautiful eyes, and that was...

Du Chen, a virgin across two lives, couldn't quite decipher it. But based on masculine instinct alone, Du Chen felt Annie was acting a little off.

Keenly aware that Du Chen was looking at her, Annie's gaze grew even stranger. Those clear, sky-blue eyes, brimming with unspoken words, made Du Chen's heart pound. Unconsciously, he shifted to the side, leaning against Porter, then tilted his head and, in the lowest voice, almost whispered into Porter's ear: "Porter, what's wrong with Annie? Did something happen to her while I was away?"

Being so close to Du Chen gave Porter goosebumps. He quickly shifted, putting distance between them, then lowered his voice. "I'm not too sure either, but a few days ago, while visiting the Beastmen Royal Capital, Annie received a letter from the post office – seemed like it was from her family. After that, she's been looking quite troubled. It's personal, so we didn't feel it was right to ask."

Could something have happened in Annie's family, and she wants my help? Hmm, that seems likely. Judging by Annie's attire and daily expenses, while not poor, her family isn't exceptionally wealthy either; probably a minor noble house. It's perfectly reasonable for a small noble family facing trouble to seek assistance from a wealthy lord and classmate like myself.

Du Chen shifted again, pressing close to Porter once more, and whispered his thoughts: "Porter, find an opportunity to ask Annie what kind of help she needs. Financially, connections-wise, I can assist with both!"

Du Chen, with good intentions, was trying to uncover opportunities for good deeds, but instead received a profound look from Porter. "Francis, you truly don't understand a girl's heart!" With that, he slid his backside away, once again putting distance between himself and Du Chen.

Du Chen, utterly confused, leaned in again. "I don't understand? Do *you*? You don't actually understand, do you?" He pouted, looking at Porter's watermelon-shaped head.

Porter had grievances unspoken, secretly lamenting in his heart. *Heavens, who can make Francis just go away?! Why is he always clinging to people?!*

Honestly, Francis truly had a commendable character. He possessed both power and decent political acumen, and he was eager to help others. Perhaps, *I* could ask him for assistance...

Porter was startled by his sudden thought, but upon careful consideration... *Yes, why hadn't I thought of Francis before? If... then... Yes, that's what I'll do!*

*When we reach the next stop, I'll write that letter!*

Porter had made up his mind, while Du Chen was still pondering the meaning of Annie's peculiar gaze.

Du Chen didn't notice this time, but another strange gaze had begun to watch him...

After two days, the group arrived at Heaven's Ocean Pass, the first fortress of the Lanning Empire's northern frontier. Harry led the teachers and students to retrieve the Wyvern Carriage stored at a transport depot subordinate to York Town, preparing to fly back to Southern Lanning. Du Chen, however, personally made a trip to the Holy Church cathedral in Heaven's Ocean Pass. Using his identity as a White-Robed Archbishop, he personally arranged for the Grand Matriarchs' reintegration into society. Afterwards, carrying his daughter and accompanied by Deboning, he rushed to the nearby Damir Pastures to settle the surviving Daobet people.

Currently, there was no war in the northern frontier, and Heaven's Ocean Pass, a vital military stronghold, was merely in a state of routine readiness. Several gates were even open, with merchants traveling north and south in an endless stream.

Du Chen walked down the street, observing the ubiquitous longsword-and-flame emblem, a cold sneer forming in his heart. Heaven's Ocean Pass was perpetually garrisoned by the Sigurd Legion, making it, in essence, Arges's lair – even more crucial than the Saint Sigurd Cain Estate in the Imperial Capital. Recalling Arges's appearance, Du Chen harbored a secret hatred. If Heaven's Ocean Pass weren't such a critical northern fortress, safeguarding the peace of Lanning's northern populace, he would truly want to set Arges's den ablaze!

Even without setting fires, Du Chen couldn't be bothered to greet the Sigurd Legion's generals – those bastards were cut from the same cloth as Arges! Thus, Du Chen had at this moment changed out of his Earl's lordly attire, opting instead for a simple Baronet's robe he previously owned.

As he walked, Du Chen's ears, exceptionally sensitive since the manifestation of his Primordial Spirit, caught a flurry of agitated whispers: "Damn commoner!"

"Stinks to high heaven, let's get out of here!"

"So pathetic, can anyone help him?"

"Look at him... Sigh, if you want to help him, go yourself, don't drag me into it!"

An opportunity for good deeds! Hey! Du Chen quickly looked towards the sound. At the street corner ahead, over a dozen people were gathered, seemingly watching some spectacle. "Deboning, you take Beibei to the pastures first!" Du Chen took a few quick steps and squeezed into the crowd.

"Excuse me, please!" The crowd was packed tightly. Du Chen frowned, pushing aside a few people.

"Hey, what are you doing?! You're far too rude! I am a Baron's wife, and a Viscount's daughter!" A noblewoman, blocking the way but not helping, merely gawking, glared fiercely at Du Chen. However, seeing Du Chen dressed as a Baronet as well, she let out a "Hmph," resentful but not saying more.

A beggar lay slumped in the corner, his white hair dishevelled, his face obscured. He seemed either ill or injured, huddled against the wall, trembling incessantly, occasionally emitting faint moans. He looked truly pitiful. The surrounding nobles paid no heed to his plight, some even laughing heartily as they sauntered past. Some kind-hearted commoners wanted to offer help, but the beggar's appearance made them hesitate.

"Ugh..." The beggar's body convulsed, and he spewed a puddle of filth. Onlookers quickly covered their noses and left with grimaces. The beggar's tattered, dirty clothes and the mess around him indicated he had been vomiting repeatedly.

Du Chen wasted no words. He pushed through the onlookers, squatted beside the beggar, and secretly channeled his Lotus Internal Force to help him up. At first glance, the beggar's face was covered in black grime, with only some remnants of filth clinging to the corner of his mouth. He appeared to be sixty or seventy years old.

"Old man, can you hear me?" Du Chen asked several times. Seeing no response, he gently bent down, lifted the man onto his back, and then frowned, "What are you still staring at? Quickly tell me, where are the nearest inn and temple?"

"Hmph, dressed like a minor noble, yet you stoop to such lowly deeds! You truly shame our aristocratic class!" The noblewoman, making snide remarks, stared defiantly at Du Chen under his icy gaze.

"Tell me, where are the inn and temple?! Did you hear me?!" Saving a life was paramount. Du Chen couldn't be bothered with such noblewomen, so he loudly repeated his question.

The Sixth's Holy Light had already poured into the beggar's body, yet there were no signs of improvement, making Du Chen somewhat anxious.

A person dressed as a slave whispered, "The third house on the right after turning onto East Street!"

"Hmph, judging by the mark on your belt, you must be a slave of the Surigen family, aren't you?" The snarky noblewoman sneered. "Your master is a Baron! Aren't you afraid your master will punish you for giving directions to someone who shames nobles?"

Her accusation was baseless, but did nobles need to be reasonable when dealing with slaves? Moreover, everyone understood she was indirectly criticizing Du Chen by scolding the slave – Du Chen's gaze moments ago had greatly displeased her!

The slave, however, dared not speak further, bowing his head and awkwardly backing away.

"You've done well, this is your reward! Tell your master you aided a noble, and that noble is grateful to the Surigen family for cultivating such an outstanding servant. This way, your master will certainly not punish you!"

Du Chen casually tossed a few Copper Coins to the slave and was about to walk away when suddenly, the beggar on his back leaned his head onto Du Chen's shoulder and "Ugh!" vomited again, the filth streaming down Du Chen's chest.

"Hmph, serves you right! What kind of do-gooder are you, a petty noble?" The noblewoman shrugged, coldly tossing out a remark.

A putrid stench stung Du Chen's nostrils, making him frown silently. He glanced at the old beggar's aged face, sighing inwardly. For some reason, he suddenly recalled the scene of dismembered bodies floating down the Kuren River. Perhaps, if he hadn't saved Old Bibby, even if Bibby had been miraculously rescued downstream, he might have ended up looking like this in the future, too? An old man who had lost his son and grandson, with no one to care for him... *Never mind, a bath and a change of clothes will fix this later.*

Du Chen resumed walking, but at this moment, the noblewoman, looking at him with disdain, refused to move aside and clear the path!

*Damn it, what does this petty Baronet think he's doing?! I, a dignified Baron's wife, scolded a slave, and you immediately oppose me and even praise him?! With so many people watching, where is my noble face?!*

Du Chen gave the obstructing noblewoman a cold look. "Move aside, do you hear me?!"

"Hey! You dare order me?! I am..."

"You bloody move aside, do you hear me?! I'm saving someone!" Du Chen's battle qi flared, sending the noblewoman sprawling. However, he had a sense of proportion, not using excessive force, merely administering a light punishment to make the lady look dishevelled and lose a little of her noble dignity.

"Ow!" The noblewoman fell flat on her face. She scrambled up, covered in dirt. "You, you're a Battle-Warrior? Fine, just you wait!" She fled in a panic.

"Damn scum!" Du Chen cursed under his breath, quickening his pace with the old man on his back.

Just then, the slave who had given him directions ran over. "Respected Sir, you are a noble; let me handle this. Your kindness in giving him a few Copper Coins is already a boundless grace!"

Du Chen paused, then smiled. "Thank you. Could you help support him from behind?"

The slave also smiled, and together they carried the old beggar away from the crowd.

Suddenly, an old fruit seller from the roadside caught up. "Respected Sir, I don't have the strength to help you carry him, but my blanket and these poles can make a stretcher!" She packed up her stall and pulled out two carrying poles.

"Thank you, venerable elder!"

"Sir, don't worry. I'll go fetch the priest for you; I'll ask him to meet us halfway!"

"Sir, we're all used to hard labor; we have the strength. You rest, let us take over!"

"Merciful Sir, that lady might seek revenge on you. Hand him over to us and leave quickly! We guarantee we'll take him to the temple!"

"Yes, please hurry and go! Sigurd, the Battle God, will protect you!"

...

When Du Chen met the approaching priest, he was accompanied by seven or eight kind-hearted people. Du Chen said little, tossing two Gold Coins to the priest. "Quickly, take him to your temple! Get him the best medicine and the finest tonics!"

Soon, the old beggar faintly stirred, took his medicine, and then fell into a deep sleep again. The priest explained that the old man suffered from Blackblood Sickness, a common ailment on the Great Plains. It was fortunate he was brought in promptly, or his life would have been in peril. Hearing this, Du Chen breathed a sigh of relief, yet a few doubts lingered in his mind. *Does 'The Sixth's' Holy Light distinguish between symptoms? It had miraculous effects on Old Bibby's blade wounds, but is it not very useful for normal aging and diseases?!*

As Du Chen pondered, the slave who had accompanied him suddenly rushed in from outside, anxiously exclaiming: "Sir, when I went out to buy tonics just now, I saw Lady Aaron bringing men to seize you! She truly is a Baron's wife, you must leave quickly!"

Du Chen's eyes widened. "Seize *me*?! A Baron's wife intends to deal with me in Heaven's Ocean Pass?! Ha!"

Du Chen broke into an incredulous laugh.

The slave and the common folk who had helped Du Chen became anxious. "Sir, why are you still laughing? From your attire, you seem to be a Baronet, but Lady Aaron's father is a Viscount! Please, leave quickly! We'll just say you departed long ago and we don't know your whereabouts!"

Du Chen continued to smile, not moving an inch. A moment later, Lady Aaron rushed in with over a dozen soldiers, pointing at Du Chen and shouting, "It's him! Yes, it's him! He insulted the dignity of a Viscount's daughter! Seize him!"

Instantly, the soldiers surrounded Du Chen, their long spears raised and pointed at him.

"Lady Aaron, please be magnanimous! This lord was merely anxious to save a life, which is why he offended you!" someone pleaded.

"Do you have the right to speak to me?" Lady Aaron snorted, stomping her foot and yelling, "What are you standing around for?! Do you dare defy a Baron's wife's orders?! Quick, seize him and bring him to judgment before the statue of Sigurd, the Battle God!"

At that very instant, the soldiers were ready to act, but Du Chen, smiling, stepped forward and patted the leading general's cheek, flashing a token of a high-ranking Holy Church cleric before his eyes – he dared not use too high a rank, fearing these ordinary soldiers wouldn't recognize it!

"Little fellow, recognize this?"

The general's expression instantly changed drastically. He spun around and barked, "Reverse your spears! Arrest Lady Aaron! Charge: Blasphemy!"

Lady Aaron was stunned, and so was everyone else.

Du Chen smiled. "My child, the Gods have spoken. Deal with Lady Aaron as you see fit! And do not disturb me again, understand?"

With that, he flicked his sleeve and turned to leave the temple, leaving behind only a squad of soldiers standing rigidly at attention and a group of dumbfounded people.

Finding an inn, he took a bath and changed clothes. Du Chen quickened his pace towards the pastures. By the time he was close, he had already forgotten the incident – such things happened too frequently, and even his prodigious memory couldn't be bothered to retain so many trifles.

Not long after, the unsettled priest cautiously went to deliver medicine to the old beggar, pondering, *Could this beggar be some fallen Eminence? Even though he's down, he still has many influential friends looking out for him!*

*Creak,* the priest pushed open the sickroom door. *Clang!* The bowl of medicine slipped from his hand, shattering. "Th-this..."

On the bed, there was only a bundle of ragged beggar's clothes, and a... *face mask*!

In the secluded back alley of the temple, a lean old man dressed in a green robe stood. His face was sharp and vigorous; clearly, he was no ordinary individual.

With no one around, he gently took a step. With that single stride, he instantly covered several zhang, as if the very earth had shrunk beneath his feet. Not only did the earth shorten, but the old man's body grew smaller and smaller with each step, eventually vanishing completely into the dark yellow dirt of the back alley...

A moment later, outside Heaven's Ocean Pass, a very unassuming carriage stood in the open wilderness, appearing as if a group of ordinary merchants were resting there.

The old man's body grew larger with each step, and by the time he reached the carriage, he had resumed his true form!

Suddenly, the old man spread his hands, bowed slightly, and spoke respectfully in an extremely ancient ritual and language: "Master, I have investigated Francis's character. The world says Francis is kind-hearted and righteous, possessing the bearing of a fallen deity-hero. In this old servant's opinion, he is at least seven-tenths trustworthy!"

"And the other three-tenths?" a mysterious voice emanated from inside the carriage.

"The other three-tenths, this old servant has only observed his person and actions, not his heart. I dare not confirm whether he is utterly hypocritical, seeking to deceive all under heaven with good deeds and garner eternal fame as a patient schemer!"

"Hmm, even if utterly hypocritical, someone capable of performing good deeds you deem seven-tenths trustworthy is already extremely rare and precious! What about other aspects? You know what I want to ask!"

The old servant suddenly chuckled. "Golden hair, blue eyes, handsome and uninhibited, impeccable demeanor, proud and confident bearing – truly a rare beauty in this world..."

"Is that truly so? Hmm?" The voice grew urgent, as if someone had won a grand lottery, unable to believe it, eager for confirmation.

The old servant nodded, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Frankly, Francis's appearance and demeanor are unlike any this old servant has ever witnessed! He would absolutely not lose to anyone!"

"Good, good, good!" The person inside the carriage exclaimed "good" three times in a row, then burst into laughter. "Such a handsome young man, he mustn't fall into anyone else's hands! Hahahahaha..."

*Caw! Caw!* The laughter startled a flock of crows in the sky.

The old man tightly pursed his lips, lowering his head. "Master, then should I still..."

"Continue, continue! And ideally, get me a Portrait of Francis – the handsomest one! Hahahahaha..."

The old man respectfully retreated slowly, but a thought surfaced in his mind: *Master, your Battle God Physique's plant-elemental secretions are disordered; you should regulate them with a water-elemental flow-stabilizing Secret Technique!*

*Heavens, to be stuck with such a master... truly... Sigh, to think that I, a dignified... must impersonate a beggar, and one with Blackblood Sickness no less, all for my master's selfish desires! Only this master could give such an order...*

The old man vanished into the earth.

Oh, and if that thought in his mind were translated into Earthly terms, it would be... *schizophrenia, time for some medication!*

...

When Du Chen arrived at the pastures, he was still muttering to himself, *Why was there no reaction from the lotus after saving a life this time? Hmm, I suppose it's the third divination now. This one calculates merit in terms of thousands of lives. Saving just one life this time would, at most, cause the eighth lotus to bloom by one-thousandth, or perhaps even less. Such a tiny change, it's normal for it not to manifest clearly!*

After much thought, this was the only plausible explanation. As Du Chen settled on this idea, Damir Pastures appeared before him.

Old Bibby, along with Johnson and the other Daobet people, were waiting at the entrance of the pastures. Seeing Du Chen approach, Deboning, holding Beibei, flashed beside him and whispered, "Young Master, according to Johnson, Susanna is still alive!"

"That vixen isn't dead yet!?" Du Chen raised a hand, rubbed his nose, and quickly said, "If Susanna is still alive, she will definitely track me down. However, she didn't see my betrayal during the tomb robbery, so... she might still consider me a friend. In that case, she'll come to York Town seeking my help!"

His mind racing, Du Chen made up his mind. He took his daughter from Deboning's arms. "Deboning, send a letter to York Town in my name. Should a fox-tribe beauty seek Thirteenth Master, treat her well and extract information on how many of her subordinates are still alive. Then..." He extended his right arm, drawing his pinky across his neck. "The big shots in York Town are shrewd; I don't need to say more!"

"Understood, I'll go at once!" Deboning nodded and turned to carry out the task.

"Wait, Deboning, you don't need to go!" Du Chen rubbed his nose in thought for a moment, then said to Deboning and his daughter, "We haven't seen Susanna, nor have we participated in any tomb robberies, right?"

Deboning and Beibei both nodded in understanding, a friendly smile gracing Du Chen's lips. He then turned to the Daobet people. "Rest assured, everyone, Susanna won't live much longer! But for your own safety, please don't speak of this matter." As he spoke, Du Chen suddenly noticed that, including Old Bibby, there should have been two hundred and seventy-four Daobet people, but far fewer were present—less than two hundred.

He couldn't help but look at Johnson with a questioning gaze.

"Benefactor, thank you for everything you've done for us! Although Susanna escaped, I believe the Supreme Father God will not let this rebellious descendant go unpunished!" Johnson, noticing Du Chen's doubtful gaze, explained, "Benefactor, you have shown us great grace, providing us a path to survival. However, some of my kin were reluctant to leave the Great Plains. They returned to Kuren Mound, but I instructed them to live anonymously and establish a new village!"

Du Chen nodded in understanding. It was hard to leave one's homeland; the Daobet people's choice was understandable. "Very well, Johnson. The rest of you, pack your belongings immediately. I will grant you a suitable tract of land in the hills along the Newin River! It will surely provide you with freedom and space to thrive!"

"Benefactor, we Daobet people do not need land, and we have already received such immense grace from you; we cannot accept your land without earning it!" Old Bibby pushed his son aside, stepped forward, and bowed, his voice trembling. "I now know you are a lord of Lanning. We Daobet people have no other special skills, but if your territory requires artisans for digging tunnels and canals, we are willing to serve you, using our abilities to earn food and shelter!"

*Stubborn beastmen!* Du Chen smiled.

Old Bibby continued, "But we have only one request: we can serve as combat engineers in your territory's army, but we will never participate in any military actions against the Great Plains!"

"You needn't worry about that. My territory is in the southernmost part of Lanning, bordering the sea, thousands of li away from the Great Plains... My army would absolutely never participate in a war against McAllen!" He shrugged. "To be honest, Lanning's southern soldiers are the most looked down upon by other Lanning soldiers. They do nothing but catch bandits and bully commoners, because Southern Lanning hasn't seen war for many years!"

The Daobet people all broke into heartfelt smiles.

But just then, Deboning flashed away into the distance. "Young Master, someone's coming!" His speed was incredibly fast, almost comparable to his combat velocity.

"I found this Daobet person collapsed by the roadside. He seems to be Johnson's friend!"

Deboning landed beside Du Chen, still carrying a Daobet person.

"Cherry! It's Cherry!" Johnson exclaimed in shock, rushing over. "What happened?! Cherry was supposed to live anonymously, start a new life! He..."

Cherry was trembling all over, his face ashen, dark and colorless. His limbs were curled into his body, and he was dry-heaving constantly, yet nothing came out.

"Blackblood Sickness?" Du Chen was startled. This Daobet's symptoms were identical to the beggar he had saved earlier in the day!

Regardless of whether the Lotus Holy Light would be effective, Du Chen irradiated Cherry with it, then urgently said, "Quick, call the pastures' priests and have them bring all the medicine for Blackblood Sickness!"

"Heavens, how could it be Blackblood Sickness!?" Johnson hastily ran into the pastures.

"Wait!" Old Bibby suddenly called out loudly to his son. "No, although it looks similar, it shouldn't be Blackblood Sickness, Lord Francis. Trust me, I, Old Bibby, have personally experienced Blackblood Sickness three times! I swear, Cherry's appearance is very similar to Blackblood Sickness, but it's absolutely not!" As he spoke, he used a sharp fingertip to nick Cherry's arm. A trace of blood flowed out, and it was red!

Old Bibby then anxiously shouted, "It's truly not Blackblood Sickness! Johnson, go fetch the Shaman Priest from the pastures!"

*Indeed, the old man's experience is vast!* Du Chen sighed inwardly. "Uncle Bibby, look at Cherry, he's..." Suddenly, Du Chen noticed Old Bibby's face was ashen, and he was trembling uncontrollably.

"It's a curse! A curse!" he cried out distractedly.

At this moment, "The Sixth" had its effect. Cherry actually woke up, but after clearly seeing the crowd before him, he immediately raised his arm and cried out, "Elders, they're dead! Our kin are all dead... Only I survived to find you all..."

His eyes were filled with terror. "Have we angered the Supreme Father God? Has the Supreme Father God... brought down a curse!?"