Under the bright light, the mouse inched slowly toward its companion, who had turned purple after being poisoned earlier.
However, it must have sensed the danger because it retreated slightly after taking a few steps closer before climbing out of the cage.
“Dr. Larson, is this the miracle tonic for bringing the dead back to life?” Baltazar inquired with his gaze drawn to the mouse on the table.
Compared to selecting the competition’s winner, the procedure for creating the resurrection elixir was more intriguing to him. Afterward, he mentally cataloged each step of Josua’s elixir preparation and committed it to memory.
Baltazar knew that, based on the characteristics of the 16 types of herbs, it was impossible to attain that effect by relying on them alone, even though Josua’s concoction method and dosage were hidden. Soon, his eyes ignited with a raging fire when he realized that he could not replicate the elixir through observation.
‘If I can obtain the resurrection elixir, the Dupont Family will become the most powerful family in Emsgate and the most powerful family in the world! Moreover, I never anticipated discovering such a miracle tonic in Stonedale and Eastshire…’
Soon, his eyes were no longer filled with contempt when he looked at Josua.
However, Josua noticed his avaricious gaze and uttered, “Forget about it. This elixir is solely effective on small creatures. If I used it on other creatures, they would die instantly. Mr. Dupont, please decide on the winner!”
Following Josua’s explanation, Baltazar took a deep breath and began to think things over.
‘We will learn in the second game whether Josua’s assessment of the situation is accurate. In the first match, Zayn triumphed, especially considering the poison factor. However, Josua wins based on his knowledge of the ingredients’ properties and the concoction method…’
‘If this had been a private match, I would have declared my disciple the victor, but Salazar has footage of the entire event. Should I butter up Josua?’
Then, Zayn spoke while Baltazar was weighing his options, “Master Baltazar, it’s okay. What difference does it make if he wins the first match? Josua Larson’s hara and meridians have been damaged, and he has also lost his cultivation base. I shall seek his life in the next match. Those who dare insult our nation will pay with their blood.”
After he said that, his master, Baltazar, nodded in agreement.
“Since Dr. Larson’s skills are superior, the winner of the first match goes to Josua Larson. So, we shall begin immediately if both participants are ready for the second match.”
Although the outcome appeared favorable to Richard, Salazar was not pleased.
‘Well… The second round is a match in which the poisons are used, but the target is no longer a mouse but a human. The two participants will use the poison they created in the first round and administer it to each other. After administering the elixir, their victory was determined by the ability to concoct the antidote…’
‘To put it another way, it is a life gamble. if one fails, one may lose their life. Zayn concocts a lethal poison that can kill his opponent instantly, but Josua creates… A drug that can bring the dead back to life? There’s no way for these two to compete with one another…’
On the other hand, Zayn was eager to show off his skills. Rowan intended to put an end to Josua’s life, and that was the reason he suggested the competition.
“Let’s start.” With that, he started moving toward Josua.
‘You shall die in my hands today!’
The silver needles had been dipped in poison, and after they pricked each other’s hands, they returned to their base to prepare the antidote.
At that moment, Baltazar gazed intently at his beloved disciple.
‘If the seven-step vine poison does bring the dead back to life, I will rescue Josua and demand the recipe. l’ll let him die if he doesn’t give it to me. How could a worthless person like you expect to live after insulting my beloved disciple?’
On the other hand, Josua had returned to the medicine box.
There was a small purple spot on the back of his hand at first, but it had spread to his arm in a matter of seconds. Despite his displeasure with Zayn, he had to admire his method of drug-making. The amount of poison at the tip of a needle was less than a milligram.
Still, he feared that if Zayn increased the dosage, even a master would die on the spot.
Without hesitation, he tapped on his arm and sealed his acupoints before concocting the antidote.
