Chapter 84: Feigning Complete Ignorance

The pair of black and white gloves Jiang Hao wore held a secret: the black glove contained an extract of the Corpse Fragrance Blood Lotus toxin, while the white glove was filled with its antidote. With a mere snap of his fingers, a mechanism within the gloves could launch either the toxin or its antidote in droplet form, hitting the target with unerring accuracy.

Once the toxin touched the skin, it was immediately absorbed, spreading swiftly through the body and causing instant unconsciousness, plunging the victim into a comatose state, much like a living corpse. When Zhao Shibo, the head of the Zhao family, once inhaled the floral toxin, he was first paralyzed before succumbing to unconsciousness. But Jiang Hao’s extract, being highly concentrated, was far more potent—it bypassed paralysis altogether, rendering its target insensible on the spot.

To put it plainly, the principle behind it was simple. Yet to those unacquainted with its workings, it seemed nothing short of supernatural.

Bai Tianyu gazed at Jiang Hao with surprise and admiration, unable to contain herself. “I never imagined you were such a master of poisons!”

“As a divine doctor, isn’t it perfectly reasonable for me to be skilled in the art of poison?” Jiang Hao replied with a tone that brooked no dissent.

Bai Tianyu nodded at once, her agreement effusive. “Reasonable, very reasonable!”

However, worry soon crept into her expression. Though she had quarreled with Qian Youwei, it had been a matter of pride, nothing more. But Jiang Hao had knocked out Qian Youwei and his two bodyguards—this feud had escalated far beyond a petty dispute. What if the Qian family sought revenge against Jiang Hao? She wanted to ask, but hesitated, intimidated by Jiang Hao’s uncanny mastery of poison.

After a long while, she finally mustered the courage to speak. “Jiang Hao, aren’t you afraid the Qian family will retaliate?”

“If the Qian family wants revenge, let them come,” Jiang Hao answered carelessly. “Whatever they try, I’ll meet it head-on.”

With the Red Jade Ring in his possession, his body had grown far stronger than any ordinary man’s, and now, having fashioned these black and white gloves, he wielded a formidable weapon. What was there to fear? If the Qian family did nothing, so be it; if they sent people after him, one would fall for each they sent, two for every pair. Should the entire Qian family come, they would all be wiped out.

With such power, what reason had Jiang Hao to be anxious? Besides, it was Qian Youwei who had provoked him first. Even by the rules of reason, Jiang Hao stood firm.

“I think I’m starting to admire you,” Bai Tianyu exclaimed, covering her face with both hands in excitement. “You’re suddenly so handsome—what am I supposed to do?”

“That’s enough!” Jiang Hao snapped, irritated.

If it had been before, Bai Tianyu would have laughed off his rebuke, taking nothing seriously. Now, she instantly sat up straight, docile and silent, not daring to utter a word in protest.

Upon returning to the eastern villa, Jiang Hao parked the battered Bugatti Veyron carelessly in the courtyard, not bothering with the underground garage. The car had been smashed beyond recognition—though still drivable, it was a spectacle too wretched for careful keeping.

That night, Bai Tianyu made no fuss and soon retired to her room to rest. Jiang Hao lay on his bed, meticulously reviewing the self-defense and attack methods within the Flame Emperor’s Legacy.

The knowledge contained within the Flame Emperor’s Legacy was vast and profound, as boundless as the starry sea. Yet, precious few techniques suited Jiang Hao’s current circumstances. The events of the night had revealed to him the true power of poisons, stirring his interest in toxicology. He focused his study on poisons and medicaments, delving into each with great care.

Unconsciously, dawn arrived. Jiang Hao had not slept a wink, yet remained full of vigor—undoubtedly the effect of the Red Jade Ring. By morning, he had mastered the formulation of hundreds of poisons and medicaments. With a thought, he could procure herbs and concoct whatever remedy or toxin he desired.

Of course, there was no need to rush—it would be a gradual process.

After breakfast, Bai Tianyu lounged lazily on the living room sofa, watching television like a contented kitten, while Jiang Hao practiced his cultivation in his own room.

A whole day passed without incident, much to Jiang Hao’s surprise—and Bai Tianyu’s as well. Given that Jiang Hao had poisoned Qian Youwei and his two bodyguards the previous night, they fully expected the Qian family to seek vengeance, or at the very least, to issue some threat. Yet, the day unfolded in perfect tranquility.

It was puzzling.

Could it be that the Qian family was too afraid to make trouble for Jiang Hao? Unable to make sense of it, Jiang Hao summoned Bai Tianyu to ask her opinion.

Bai Tianyu shook her head, replying, “The Qian family is formidable—every bit as powerful as our Bai family. All prominent families like ours employ bodyguards to ensure our safety. For the Qian family not to make a move after what happened is truly strange.”

“What do you think they’ll do?” Jiang Hao pressed.

She pondered a moment, then shook her head again. “I don’t know—I’m not the head of the Qian family. How could I possibly know what they’re planning?”

Jiang Hao realized he was wasting his breath and grew annoyed. “You’re useless—always eating or sleeping, or watching TV. Don’t you feel any shame as the Bai family’s heiress?”

“What do you expect me to do? Should I help you with the chores?” Bai Tianyu grinned mischievously.

Her doing the chores? Perish the thought! This demolition heiress would probably tear the villa down if she tried.

Another day passed, and still, the Qian family made no move. A third day, and the silence continued.

Jiang Hao gave up waiting. He put all thoughts of the Qian family out of his mind, withdrew some cash from the bank, and headed to Maple City’s largest pharmacy to buy a variety of Chinese medicinal herbs, as well as equipment for preparing potions.

In the days that followed, Jiang Hao sequestered himself in his room nearly every day. He cleared out a room in the villa to serve as his laboratory, working around the clock to prepare medicines and poisons. Through his tireless efforts, a multitude of toxins and remedies took shape.

He stored each poison and its corresponding antidote within the black and white gloves.

The first was a powerful paralytic, capable of instantly numbing the body—not causing unconsciousness, but rendering the target immobile.

The second was a mental stimulant, which could drive a person into a state of extreme excitement. For an ordinary person, the effects were overwhelming, causing severe headaches and muscular spasms; only Jiang Hao’s superhuman body could withstand its effects.

The third was a potent hallucinogen, inducing visions tailored to the target’s memories and experiences.