Bloodkiller - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Mother and Son

Late in the night on July 28th, the quiet city lay under a still sky. At the rear hall of the Gantry Sect’s western branch, Yun Fengtian was immersed in his medical texts when a sudden flicker from the candlelight caught his eye. The flame swayed oddly, as though a chill wind had entered the room. Suspecting an open window, he picked up the candlestick and moved toward it. But before he could inspect it, a tall figure emerged from the shadows inside the room.

Startled, Yun Fengtian turned sharply. “Who’s there?!”

The figure pulled down a black scarf, revealing his face. “Uncle Shi, don’t be alarmed—it’s me.”

“Chuan’er? What are you doing sneaking around in this outfit at such a late hour?” Yun stepped forward, surprised.

Just then, a light creak came from behind. Another silhouette leapt smoothly through the window. Upon landing, the young man straightened his attire, cupped his hands in respect, and said with a smile, “Uncle Yun, I am Lin Yi. Apologies for this sudden and unorthodox visit.”

Yun Fengtian narrowed his eyes, lifted the candle to see clearly, then stroked his beard with feigned annoyance. “You two brats are bold now. So grown up that you can’t even use the front door anymore?”

Yao Chuan looked tense. “Uncle, time is short. We entered through the main gate, yes, but we had to avoid attention. I’ll explain all later—right now, we need your help. It’s urgent.”

As he spoke, he carefully unwrapped the black cloth tied around his chest, revealing a child nestled inside. The boy’s little face was flushed, his brows furrowed as though in pain, and his mouth trembled in silent distress, lost in a nightmare.

Yun Fengtian’s brows drew tight. He asked no further questions, but instead leaned in and examined the child. “Chuan’er, unwrap his clothes. Yi’er, bring the lamp closer.”

They did so without hesitation. Yun fetched a bowl of water, gently opened the child’s palm, dabbed water on his wrist, then pressed specific points on the baby’s tongue and chest. He studied the child for a long moment.

When the inspection ended, his expression remained grim. He tugged at his beard and sighed.

Yao Chuan, anxious, asked, “Uncle, what’s wrong with him?”

Yun replied, “Come, bring him to my quarters. I need to hear all that’s happened in recent days.”

The three of them quickly made their way to Yun’s sleeping chamber. A few disciples on night patrol greeted them with curiosity but didn’t interfere.

Once inside, Yao Chuan explained, “This child was fine a few days ago—he could cry, eat, and seemed healthy apart from being sleepy. But starting three days ago, he became groggy and has barely awakened. I never saw him get injured, though I did carry him during a scuffle. Could he have been frightened?”

Yun Fengtian shook his head slowly. “Not fright. This looks like poison.”

Lin Yi stiffened. “Poison? Do you know what kind?”

“I had my suspicions. Now, hearing you describe the symptoms, I’m fairly sure. Tell me, have either of you heard of something called ‘Mother-Child Gu’?”

They looked at each other, puzzled. Yao said, “I’ve only heard of the ‘Golden Silkworm Gu’ and stories of love poisons from the Miao tribes—but this is new to me.”

Yun nodded. “They’re all variants of the same dark art. But this one is particularly sinister. The ‘Mother-Child Gu’ is crafted with uncanny precision. First, ashes of a white chick are used to brew a base poison. Then, it is fed to a worm. If the worm survives for sixty days, it’s deemed ready. That worm is then placed inside a baby’s stomach.”

Lin Yi looked disturbed. “In a child? What for? Why would anyone do this?”

“This Gu requires bl00d from the child’s biological mother—three drops. That, along with the worm, forms a bond. The child becomes the ‘host’ of the child worm, and the mother retains the ‘mother worm.’ Once this link is formed, the mother can track the child no matter how far apart they are—guided by a white bird that can trace the connection.”

The two young men exchanged shocked looks, recalling the ambush from days prior. Lin Yi clenched his fists. “So that’s how those thugs found us.”

Yao Chuan asked, “But what’s the real danger here? Could a mother truly poison her own child like this?”

Yun Fengtian sighed. “According to an old account, the Gu was invented by a grieving Miao woman who had lost two children. In her madness, she created this as a way to never be separated from her third child. The Gu lies dormant when mother and child are near—but if separated too long, the child becomes sleepy, dreams in torment, and slowly weakens. After a month, the grown worm begins consuming the child’s internal organs until death follows.”

“In essence, this Gu serves two purposes: it ensures the child never strays far from the mother, and it allows the mother to find the child if separated.”

As the weight of this truth settled on them, Yao Chuan looked conflicted. Despite everything, he struggled to accept that Bai Yulian—his late senior brother’s wife—could be behind something so cruel. She had once seemed noble, graceful.

He turned back to Yun Fengtian and asked, “Uncle, is there a way to cure this?”

Yun nodded. “There is. Oddly enough, the cure also comes from the same original source—the Miao woman herself. Most of the ingredients are common herbs, but one is exceedingly rare: the petal of the red epiphyllum.”

Lin Yi’s face darkened, and he clenched his fists.

Yao, oblivious to Lin’s reaction, asked, “What’s special about that flower?”

“It only grows on dangerous cliffs, blooms just once a year on the first of August, and its bloom lasts mere minutes. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait another year.”

Yao’s eyes widened. “So if we’re too late… the child will die?”

Yun nodded. “Yes. Fortunately, this flower blooms locally—on Mount Zhu Xiu, about thirty miles west. You still have time.”

Yao looked stunned. “Again… such coincidence?”

He turned to Lin Yi—only to find his companion’s expression cold and unreadable. Lin met his gaze and said flatly, “You’re thinking of going up the mountain, aren’t you? You know it could be a trap.”

Yao Chuan smiled bitterly. “It may well be, but how can I ignore the child’s life?”

Lin Yi’s voice was sharp. “Noble, as always. But have you considered—this child’s own mother may have set this all in motion to capture us. Why throw yourself into the fire for someone who’s used a child like bait?”

Yao’s voice was calm but firm. “We don’t know for sure it was her. It could be manipulation, coercion… I won’t pass judgment without proof.”

“Still idealistic,” Lin scoffed. “You always want to be the hero, and I end up the scoundrel.”

“Then stay behind,” Yao said. “If I’m not back by the third of August, go to Bianjing and report everything to my master.”

Lin’s sneer turned into a smirk. “And let you walk into danger alone? I’m going with you.”

Yun Fengtian intervened. “Enough, both of you. This isn’t the time to argue. But Lin Yi… you do know that Zhu Xiu Peak is no ordinary place, yes?”

Yao turned to him. Yun Fengtian sighed. “The base of that mountain belongs to a private estate called Plum Villa. Its mistress is fiercely protective and doesn’t allow anyone on the mountain without her permission. And she is…”

Lin Yi spoke coldly: “My mother.”

Yao looked stunned, while Yun gave him a subtle nod to keep him calm. But realization dawned on Yao—if that woman was Lin Yi’s mother, then…

Then Lin grinned devilishly, patted Yao on the shoulder, and said, “Here’s the real catch. Plum Villa has one rule—only married couples are allowed to visit. No single men are permitted. So, my dear Yao, are you ready to play house with me?”

Yun Fengtian coughed awkwardly. “The lady is eccentric, yes. But with proper attire, you two can pass. I’ll send someone for clothing tomorrow.”

Looking to Lin, he added, “You may need a disguise. Your features are distinctive. A human-skin mask is ideal, but we don’t have time.”

Lin shrugged. “No need. I’ll wear a veil. She hasn’t seen me in years. As long as I keep my face covered, she’ll never suspect.”

Yun smiled and nodded. “Then it’s settled. I’ll prepare the necessary herbs. All we need now… is for the two of you to return safely.”