Chapter 36: Seven-Heart Begonia

Even if one were to actually succeed in swallowing the Mang Gu Scarlet Toad, it still wouldn’t necessarily grant immunity to all poisons like Duan Yu.

Think back to Duan Yu’s situation at the time.

First, he was fed Duan Chang Cao (断肠草, “Broken Intestine Herb”). Then he was bitten by a Lightning Mink, followed by being crawled into by a giant black-red centipede—and only after all that did he encounter the Mang Gu Scarlet Toad.

Although the first three weren’t as potent as the Scarlet Toad, they were all far from ordinary poisons.

Duan Chang Cao was the most toxic concoction developed by the Shennong Sect in the Wuliang region—considered a “deadly poison” (qí dú, 奇毒).1 The Lightning Mink fed on poisonous snakes and could easily poison members of both Wuliang Sect and Shennong Sect. As for the black-red centipede, the fact that even the Scarlet Toad would chase and bite it was proof of how extraordinary it was.

These three poisons, combined with the supreme toxicity of the Scarlet Toad, may have been the true reason Duan Yu became “immune to all poisons.”

Of course, Fang Han wasn’t entirely certain—but it wasn’t the kind of thing you’d want to gamble on. If he lost that bet, even with Cheng Lingsu present, he might not die—but he’d definitely suffer. Most likely, he’d die instantly, ending the simulation prematurely.

For something like “immunity to all poisons,” cutting short his second life simulation was simply not worth it.

After all, even if he obtained that trait, it would only make his simulation life smoother. Once he returned to the real world, such a physical characteristic couldn’t be brought back.

Besides—swallowing a live toad was disgusting. Unless he absolutely had to, Fang Han didn’t think he could go through with something like that.

The real reason he came here was to capture the Mang Gu Scarlet Toad for medical research.

After all, such a miraculous creature wasn’t an ordinary beast. It faintly carried a mythical aura—like a natural treasure or spiritual artifact.

With only a “Proficient” level in medical skill, Fang Han wasn’t sure if he could handle such a thing alone.

But with Cheng Lingsu’s expertise—it might truly be possible to develop something valuable from it.

However, after personally witnessing the scorched and withered paths left behind by the toad, Fang Han couldn’t help but feel unsettled by its terrifying toxicity. Slowly, he began letting go of his ambition.

The risk didn’t match the reward.

This wasn’t a gamble worth taking.

He whispered to Cheng Lingsu, “Forget it, Lingsu. Best not to provoke the ‘King of Poisons.’ We don’t want to be harmed in return.”

Seeing Fang Han’s serious expression, Cheng Lingsu also thought for a moment, then nodded slightly. The two of them began retreating.

After retreating several dozen meters, Cheng Lingsu suddenly said, “Brother Fang, don’t go too far yet.”

Fang Han asked, puzzled, “Why?”

Cheng Lingsu slightly tilted her head to indicate the direction of the Scarlet Toad.

Fang Han looked over—and saw the Mang Gu Scarlet Toad leap high into the air like a blood-red arrow, spitting out a burst of crimson mist that enveloped a poisonous snake hidden in the vines.

The snake was three meters long, pitch-black with faint yellow-white bands along its body. Once engulfed by the red mist, it froze completely without moving a muscle.

The surrounding plants also wilted rapidly—as if the color itself drained from them.

Fang Han’s scalp tingled.

That toad was so fast! And that red mist…

Could it be instant death upon contact!?

He gently stepped in front of Cheng Lingsu and said in a low voice, “That toad’s speed is frightening. If anything seems wrong, we leave immediately.”

Cheng Lingsu felt a warmth in her heart and nodded quietly.

Over on the other side, after poisoning the snake to death, the Scarlet Toad leapt onto it and bit down—apparently sucking something from it.

Cheng Lingsu watched and said, “It’s absorbing the snake’s poison essence.”

After just a few breaths, the Mang Gu Scarlet Toad jumped off the snake and began heading in a new direction.

Both Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu immediately thought the same thing—

That direction led toward her medicinal garden.

They exchanged glances and silently followed.

Thanks to both of them having practiced Lingbo Weibu, their steps were light and soundless.

Soon, the toad reached a small medicinal garden enclosed by wooden fencing—no more than half an acre—planted with numerous rare flowers and herbs.

At the center of it all was a petite, beautiful begonia.

Its petals bore seven small yellow dots.

The entire plant—root, stem, and flowers—was barely larger than two open palms.

It was the Seven-Heart Begonia (七心海棠)!

The Mang Gu Scarlet Toad, upon arrival, immediately locked its eyes onto the Seven-Heart Begonia. Its cries grew more shrill. With a few bounding hops, it landed in front of the small flower.

It began slowly circling the begonia.

But did not approach it directly.

From afar, Cheng Lingsu beamed with a smile and said to Fang Han, “Looks like my Seven-Heart Begonia is no joke either.”

Fang Han was also slightly amazed.

In the original novel, the Mang Gu Scarlet Toad had quite the impressive track record.

It sprayed red mist and instantly killed a Lightning Mink.

That mink, known for devouring poisonous snakes, had absorbed countless poisons under Zhong Ling’s care. Yet even it was terrified at the sight of the toad—unable to flee, and killed in a single breath of red mist.

The toxicity was horrifying.

But now, faced with the Seven-Heart Begonia, the toad hesitated.

Which proved that Cheng Lingsu’s flower truly had remarkable venom.

Just as Fang Han was thinking this, the Scarlet Toad finally made its move.

With a blood-curdling jiang-ANG!, it sprang toward the Seven-Heart Begonia like a red arrow and took a bite—

Swallowing one of the blossoms along with its leaf.

Within moments, the toad’s eerie cry began to fade. Its movements slowed, growing stiffer.

Until it lay completely still.

Like it was dead.

Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu stared at each other.

They said nothing.

Their eyes were locked on the unmoving toad.

A quarter of an hour passed.

The Scarlet Toad still hadn’t moved.

Cheng Lingsu’s eyes narrowed. She picked up a small stone from the ground and gently tossed it forward. With a thud, it landed just ahead of the toad.

No reaction.

She whispered, “Brother Fang, should we go take a look?”

Fang Han hesitated for a few moments—then nodded slowly.

He activated Lingbo Weibu, floating lightly to the front of the garden.

Even though he approached, he still kept a distance of several meters.

He carefully observed.

But just as he reached within about ten feet—

He suddenly felt dizzy.

His vision blurred.

Thankfully, his internal energy stirred instinctively, and the bitter taste of the antidote pill in his mouth stimulated his senses. The dizziness eased slightly, bringing clarity back.

But his heart was now pounding.

Only after experiencing it personally did he understand just how poisonous this thing really was.

Just one breath in its proximity had caused this level of toxicity?

If not for his internal strength and Cheng Lingsu’s antidote pill, another few seconds—he might’ve fainted… or died outright!

FOOTNOTES

1. 1. 1. 1. 奇毒 (qí dú)– Literally “strange poison,” but commonly refers to highly rare and potent toxins in martial arts fiction. These are often central to deadly plots or used in rare antidote-making. ↩ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/21a9.svg]