"Xuefeng pays his respects to Master Yin."
Shen Xuefeng dismounted and bowed respectfully to Yin Daoyan, his face full of joy.
"Master Yin, you have finally arrived, Heavenly Eagle Castle is saved."
Yin Daoyan also lifted the carriage’s curtain, looking at the bowing Shen Xuefeng, his brows slightly furrowed.
"Even that old Shen Hongyu didn’t come to greet me, it seems something serious has really happened to your Shen family. Lead the way."
Shen Xuefeng nodded, quickly leading the way in front, the carriage swiftly entered Heavenly Eagle Castle.
As they traveled, Zhong Lin finally realized what a martial family truly meant.
The ground was paved with marble, flowerbeds were built all around. Although it was early winter, the flowerbeds were filled with fragrance, its method unknown.
A huge lake was dug at the center, with water flowing from the mountains, fish swimming joyfully.
As for the pavilions and towers, they were extravagantly beautiful with exquisitely carved eaves.
"No wonder they are a powerful force, truly luxurious. Compared to this, the Du family is simply rustic," marveled Zhong Lin internally.
Zhong Lin only glanced at these, but what astonished him the most were the martial artists in Heavenly Eagle Castle.
The security was extremely tight, with groups of martial artists patrolling, while the leader in front had a hawk perched on his shoulder.
"Something’s not right!"
Mei Weixuan whispered, "The Shen family is the leading powerful clan in Wuling County, akin to a local emperor. I haven’t heard of any formidable martial artists nearby. Why is Heavenly Eagle Castle so heavily guarded?"
"Better safe than sorry, Brother Mei. If there really is any unexpected situation, please take care of my brother," Zhong Lin pleaded.
"Don’t worry, even if Heavenly Eagle Castle has a problem, no one would dare provoke Master Yin, unless they’re tired of living," Mei Weixuan replied confidently.
The group dismounted the carriage, Zhong Lin led the little boy, Xiao Shitou, walking behind the others.
Despite being curious about why there was a child among Yin Daoyan’s entourage, Shen Xuefeng didn’t say much.
Under Shen Xuefeng’s lead, everyone entered the Fortress Master Mansion of Heavenly Eagle Castle, where an elderly man with a commanding presence approached them with brisk strides.
This elder also had a hooked nose, his sharp eyes piercing like needles, exuding a domineering aura, resembling the giant eagle statue in the courtyard outside.
"Brother Yin, I’ve been eagerly waiting for you."
This person was the Master of Heavenly Eagle Castle, Shen Hongyu, a powerful Third Grade Inner Breath Realm master, whose "Eagle Claw" had shredded countless enemies to pieces.
"Brother Shen, what happened that made you summon me in such a hurry?"
"Come with me and you’ll see."
After speaking, he led Yin Daoyan towards the inner hall, soon arriving at a room with a few people inside, presumably from the Shen family.
Incense was burning in the room, its scent refreshing yet indescribable.
Shen Hongyu yelled at the gathered individuals.
"This is Xuexin, my second son. About a month ago, he inexplicably fell ill. It started with excessive sleepiness, but he soon became comatose and hasn’t woken up despite all my efforts."
"Not only him; within the fortress, thirteen others have contracted the same strange illness, exhibiting identical symptoms and nothing more."
Shen Hongyu quickly and meticulously explained Shen Xuexin’s condition.
Yin Daoyan frowned slightly, stepping forward to take his pulse, then checking Shen Xuexin’s eyes and lips.
"Have you consulted any other physicians?"
"I have. All famed physicians throughout Wuling County were summoned, but none could diagnose anything. Desperate, I sought you, Brother Yin."
"Moreover, this strange illness seems to be spreading inexplicably. Half a month ago, apart from my son, no one else was sick, but subsequently, thirteen others manifested identical symptoms. Now the entire Heavenly Eagle Castle is anxious. I’m pleading with you, Brother Yin, for help!"
Shen Hongyu’s tone revealed his anxiety, for his son had not awakened for a whole month, and the outbreak of illness within Heavenly Eagle Castle added tremendous pressure on him as Fortress Master.
"No rush. Where are the other patients?"
"Brother, please follow me,"
Shen Hongyu led the group to another room.
Compared to the chamber where his second son, Shen Xuexin, was kept, this one resembled a prison cell, strictly guarded, allowing no one in or out.
Yin Daoyan entered without hesitation, examining each patient meticulously without missing any detail.
"Brother, can you ascertain the cause of the illness?" Shen Xuexin eagerly asked.
"I have some understanding. However, this ailment appears quite complex!"
Shen Hongyu was overjoyed upon hearing this. Complexity was irrelevant; as long as the cause was identified, a solution could be pursued. Given Heavenly Eagle Castle’s influence, the illness could surely be cured.
"Have everyone else withdraw,"
Yin Daoyan glanced around at the accompanying individuals, shaking his head.
Shen Hongyu paused slightly at this demand, then seemed to realize something, a shadowing sense of hostility surfacing in his eyes.
At his command, all the Shen family members departed.
Zhong Lin looked around, also preparing to leave with Xiao Shitou.
In his current role as a painter, it was obvious that such matters were confidential, and it was best not to get involved.
"You need not leave. Xiao Shitou, go out and take a walk; don’t wander too far,"
Mei Weixuan said, pressing Zhong Lin’s shoulder and then instructing Xiao Shitou.
Unenjoyed by the oppressive atmosphere, Xiao Shitou left the room with short strides.
Zhong Lin puzzled, "Is it appropriate for me to stay?"
"It’s inappropriate for others, not for you. Don’t worry about Xiao Shitou; someone will look after him," Mei Weixuan reassured him.
Zhong Lin hesitated to speak further, but Shen Hongyu’s expression turned grave, and he solemnly asked, "Brother Yin, I have dismissed everyone, please tell me frankly, what exactly is this illness?"
Yin Daoyan glanced at Shen Hongyu, then spoke, "It seems you’ve guessed correctly; this is not an illness, but poison. Someone is poisoning your Heavenly Eagle Castle."
Shen Hongyu showed no shock, remaining extremely calm, although a fierce killing intent enveloped him.
"Well, well! I haven’t taken action for decades, and some think I’m a toothless tiger."
Shen Hongyu did not doubt Yin Daoyan’s capabilities; if he said it was poison, it must be poison.
"Brother Yin, is this poison curable?"
Yin Daoyan shook his head, "This is a mixed poison, very tricky. We must fully understand what it is to concoct an antidote; it will take time. Although this poison isn’t immediately lethal, once it acts, it ravages the internal organs, and even an immortal couldn’t save them if too much time passes."
Shen Hongyu bowed deeply, earnestly pleading, "Brother, please save my son. I would be eternally grateful."