Han Li furrowed his brow tightly, not saying a word.
He had just finished taking the pulse, examining the tongue coating and pupils, and had preliminarily determined that this poison, much like the "Silk of Entangling Fragrance" he had encountered before, was a composite toxin. To target and extract each of its various poisonous components one by one was beyond Han Li's current ability. He had no choice but to try the "Clear Spirit Powder" along with a few other unconventional methods.
At this thought, Han Li silently cursed those other doctors who didn't dare treat the poison themselves but had dumped this thorny problem onto him, all while maintaining an outward appearance of deep contemplation and study.
After a while, Elder Zhao could no longer hold back and spoke up: "You boy! Can you save Elder Li or not? Say something!"
"Elder Zhao, you're far too impatient. Can't you see Doctor Han is thinking of a solution? Have some patience!" Before Han Li could even respond, Sect Master Ma chimed in from the side, playing the good guy once again while taking a dig at Elder Zhao.
Elder Zhao glared and was about to open his mouth to retort, but before he could speak, Han Li gave a light cough, cutting off his intended words.
This cough drew startled looks from everyone in the room, and it was only then that Han Li realized—coughing like an old man at his age, barely into his teens, was somewhat comical! But it hardly mattered. The goal had been achieved, and he had no desire to listen to those two bicker any longer.
"This poison is a composite toxin, and it is indeed very troublesome to counter. I cannot guarantee that I have absolute certainty in neutralizing it, but I am willing to try. The detoxification process will involve certain risks that may endanger Elder Li's life. Do you gentlemen still wish for me to proceed?" Han Li put on a look of reluctance as he spoke these words.
For him, it would actually be better if he weren't asked to perform the detoxification—his chances of success truly were not great.
Han Li's words left the family members present exchanging uneasy glances. None of them dared to agree to let him proceed immediately, yet apart from Han Li, the other physicians seemed even less capable.
After a long moment, Elder Li's wife, Madam Li, suddenly spoke up.
"I wonder, Doctor Han, what are your chances of saving my husband?"
"Fifty percent," Han Li replied without hesitation.
"Very well, Doctor Han, please go ahead and save him. If my husband truly meets with some unfortunate end, I will hold no grudge against you. It is simply the will of Heaven." Madam Li revealed a resolute expression and, to Han Li's surprise, made her decision at once.
"Sister-in-law, shouldn't you reconsider? This young doctor is so young—I think this is rather dubious!" Elder Zhao grew anxious and hurriedly tried to dissuade Madam Li from what he saw as a momentary impulse.
"I have considered it carefully. If we do not let Doctor Han attempt the detoxification, I fear my husband will not survive the night. It is better to take the risk; at least there remains a half-chance he can be saved." Madam Li lowered her head and spoke softly, her tone tinged with sorrow.
"This..." Elder Zhao was left speechless.
Han Li glanced at the others and, seeing that none appeared to oppose Madam Li's decision, retrieved a green porcelain bottle from the medical pouch he carried with him. From it, he poured out a single red pill.
"Who will go fetch a bowl of warm water? Dissolve this medicine in the water and give it to Elder Li to drink."
"I'll go." Before Han Li had even finished speaking, a clear voice rang out from nearby.
Zhang Xiuer, who had been standing to the side all this while with reddened eyes, responded and headed out of the room.