68: Infect

At this moment, the second dish was served. The maidens brought each person a large plate of salmon. Under Lan Pangzi’s skillful hands, the fish was sliced into thin pieces, arranged in a circle like blooming snowflakes. Fine red lines in the fish slices formed small red flowers, complemented by crushed ice that gave off the warmth of red flames in snow, full of intricate details and an immediate sense of high-end sophistication.

Long Yuan learned from others, using chopsticks to pick up the edge of a fish slice, gently rolling it into a small ball. Then, he dipped it in the local sauce from Fengyang, slowly placing it into his mouth. He felt the sweetness of the fish and the spiciness of the sauce blend together, erupting into an indescribably delicious flavor. There was no need to chew; it simply slid down his throat. Bursts of Profound Qi exploded one after another, making him feel as if firecrackers were constantly going off inside his body, each wave stronger than the last, each sound more powerful than the previous. It intensely stimulated his inner world, forcing Long Yuan, who was new to this Dao, to use his Xuan Power to contain these micro-explosions, lest he lose his composure again.

Next, fish belly, fish liver, fish intestines, roe, fish skin… arrived in quick succession. Each had its own unique flavor, leaving a fragrant taste in the mouth, causing sweat to break out, and making everyone exclaim in satisfaction, unable to stop eating.

The multi-course salmon was just one dish of the evening’s banquet. Afterwards, there were sliced giant conch for light blanching, small stewed elephant trunk clams with ginseng, blanched blood clams with wine, fragrant braised lion’s head goose head, golden broth Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup, Fengyang’s secret recipe ham slices paired with Northwest grape wine…

The most unforgettable was the last dessert, gingko and yam glutinous rice ball soup, which directly enveloped all the delicious flavors consumed that night into the stomach, leaving one feeling completely satisfied and in a state of blissful euphoria!

Woah, woah, woah…

Long Yuan secretly exclaimed in his heart, never imagining that Qin Third Master, Qin Fu Yang, and Lan Pangzi, working together, could create such a feast. This was definitely the first truly grand meal of his life. After this meal, his pursuit of delicious food would probably elevate several levels!

As the saying goes, it’s easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Hanging out with this group, he feared the little money in his pocket wouldn't be enough.

However, indulging occasionally should be fine, right?

Long Yuan mingled with these people in a state of both enjoyment and conflict. However, he firmly stuck to his decision not to reveal any of his background information, yet he wouldn’t deny their subtle probing in their words, allowing them to guess without being able to uncover his true origins. That was enough.

Finally, the banquet ended. Since the core buildings in Yuhua District were all connected underground, and the commercial atmosphere in the underground passages was unique and bustling with people, everyone went directly through the underground passage into the Luo Family Building and arrived at the newly arranged laboratory in Zone C of Luo Family Hospital.

Geng Yun looked around and said in surprise, “This place really is different from a typical hospital ward… What are these instruments for?”

Luo Pingchuan replied, “County Head, this isn’t a ward, but a laboratory arranged according to Long Yuan’s requirements.”

“A laboratory? Does that mean patients can’t be treated directly and experiments are still needed?” Geng Yun asked.

Long Yuan said from the side, “County Head, this is where new skin is cultivated. These instruments are called petri dishes, and the new skin is cultivated and grown within them. Only after they reach a certain size can the skin graft surgery be performed. This process can take up to ten days, or as short as a week… Of course, this requires continuous nourishment and cultivation day and night…”

“So, it will take some time for them to recover…” Geng Yun realized.

“Of course! But they still need treatment during this time, because I found that their current infection is very serious. Their infectious symptoms must be stabilized before the Late Stage surgery can be performed,” Long Yuan said.

“Infection? You mean their… situation is not good?” Geng Yun was startled.

Luo Pingchuan interjected, “Long Yuan, the infection you’re talking about is…”

“Their wounds are festering continuously because of constant bacterial erosion. Relying solely on their own immune Systems to recover would take a very long time, and given their current condition, they might not be able to overcome it. If the infectious symptoms cannot be stopped in a short time, they might not live to see the day of the surgery!” Long Yuan said.

“This…” Luo Pingchuan was stunned. He exchanged a glance with Luo Yunfeng, and both felt a moment of confusion. He didn’t quite understand what Long Yuan was saying, yet Long Yuan spoke with such certainty. Could the situation really be as he described?

Luo Yunfeng couldn’t help but say, “Their condition is already stable, and the festering areas are gradually shrinking. Why do you say they are being eroded by some bacteria, and what is this immune System…”

Long Yuan sighed inwardly, knowing that explaining it verbally wouldn’t be clear. So he said, “Seniors, why don’t you come with me to see them? However, since Luo Family Hospital doesn’t seem to have disinfection facilities yet, it’s best if you observe from outside the window… Oh, Luo Shu, have the spraying devices I requested arrived?”

“They’ve arrived, and they’ve been installed as requested, but we don’t know how to use them,” Luo Pingchuan quickly said.

“Very good. Once I prepare the disinfectant, they can be used. For now, let’s go see them…”

Everyone followed Long Yuan and Luo Pingchuan to the ward of the three female patients. Long Yuan, Luo Pingchuan, and Luo Yunfeng, dressed in white medical gowns, walked in, while the others remained at the door to observe.

Hearing the painful wails of the three, everyone couldn’t help but frown!

The delicious food they had just eaten now felt a bit nauseating.

Luo Pingchuan and Luo Yunfeng’s hearts sank when they saw the condition of the three patients, because anyone could tell that their vital signs were extremely poor. The exposed areas on their faces and necks were flushed red, and each of them seemed to be enveloped in a ball of fire.

“Water… thirsty…”

“I want water…”

“Hoo… hoo…”

All three opened their mouths wide, vaguely crying out for water.

Luo Pingchuan quickly moved to pour water but was stopped by Long Yuan, who said, “It’s not advisable to give them water immediately. They must drink saline solution!”

“Saline solution?!” The two Luos were astonished, not knowing what kind of water Long Yuan was referring to as saline solution.

“It’s a sterile, mild saltwater solution that is compatible with the pH balance in their bodies… Because their internal immune Systems have been largely destroyed by bacteria, if they drink other types of water, it’s almost no different from drinking poisoned water. Many patients are actually ‘poisoned’ to death this way by ordinary food and water!”

“Oh my goodness…” The people at the door gasped, finding it incredible that ordinary food and water could kill someone.

Luo Pingchuan said anxiously, “We don’t have this kind of saline solution you’re talking about here…”

Long Yuan pondered for a moment, then said, “How about this: Is there anyone here with water-element talent? They can condense some water. Then, get some cups and salt. Please, someone with fire-element talent can heat the cups to sterilize them for holding water…”

“I have water-element talent!” Geng Yun said.

“I have fire-element talent!” Qin Third Master, Qin Fu Yang, said.

Luo Pingchuan immediately ordered some cups and salt to be brought over.

……