After leaving the garden, Lin Rui returned to the secluded courtyard where he lived with his father. The events of the day left him uneasy. While his conversation with Lin Yueyao and Wang Ruhan seemed calm on the surface, Yueyao's fleeting expression of surprise and Ruhan's insincere concern fueled Lin Rui's growing suspicion about their true intentions.

Standing at the entrance of their run-down courtyard, Lin Rui glanced at the worn-out surroundings and couldn't help but smile bitterly. Despite the Lin family's wealth, the central estate's residents enjoyed luxurious lives with servants at their beck and call. Yet Lin Rui and his father, Lin Yuntian, were treated like invisible outsiders, left to fend for themselves. Even their daily meals depended on Lin Rui's efforts. Compared to the other family branches, their life was undoubtedly more challenging.

"Figures. The original Lin Rui and his father were marginalized in the family," Lin Rui muttered, hinting at self-mockery in his tone.

Despite his rebirth into this world, he found himself missing the conveniences of modern life. At least back then, he hadn't had to worry about securing three meals a day.

Feeling his stomach growl, Lin Rui headed toward the kitchen. Although he had already reached the first layer of the Qi Refinement stage, he was far from attaining the ability to survive without food through breatharianism.

Pushing open the kitchen door, he found a few simple ingredients on the counter: grains, odd-looking vegetables, and chunks of spirit beast meat radiating faint spiritual energy.

"These should still be edible," he muttered, his stomach growling louder. Without hesitation, he set the grains to cook, chopped the vegetables and meat, and quickly prepared a simple meal. While it was far from delicious, it would suffice to fill his belly.

"As long as it keeps me fed, that's good enough," Lin Rui said to himself, carrying the meal to a small wooden table in the courtyard. He gave a self-deprecating smile as he sat down to eat.

While eating, Lin Rui's thoughts wandered back to the day's encounters. The strange undercurrents in his interaction with Lin Yueyao and Wang Ruhan left him unsettled. Their subtle hints and mutual understanding made him suspect that the original Lin Rui's death wasn't as simple as it seemed.

"It looks like I'll need to tread more carefully in the future," Lin Rui silently reminded himself. Though his current cultivation level was still too low to challenge the family's influential figures, vigilance would be essential as he slowly uncovered the truth.

After dinner, Lin Rui sat cross-legged on a stone bench in the courtyard, ready to continue his cultivation. Relying on the original Lin Rui's memories, he began channeling spiritual energy through his meridians. However, something felt off—his spiritual energy moved unusually sluggishly as if blocked by an invisible force. Every attempt to circulate it became increasingly difficult.

"What's going on?" Lin Rui frowned, feeling a growing sense of unease.

Even though he was a cultivator with five spiritual roots—widely considered a disadvantage—his energy flow shouldn't have been this obstructed. He forced himself to remain calm and carefully focused on sensing the movement of spiritual energy within him.

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Gradually, he realized the issue was not in his cultivation method but within his body.

"Could it be… something is wrong with me?" Lin Rui's heart raced as he recalled the original owner's death, accompanied by hazy memories of pain and regret. A chilling thought struck him.

"Could it be poison?"

The idea sent a jolt through his mind, deepening his frown. The more he reflected on the sluggish energy flow, the more certain he became—some residual toxin might still be lingering in his system, impeding his progress.

Determined to verify his suspicion, Lin Rui directed his energy toward his Dantian, carefully observing how it moved through his meridians. Sure enough, the energy became erratic near his Dantian, as if encountering an invisible barrier.

"So, I have been poisoned…" Lin Rui's heart sank. He needed confirmation.

"I'll have to ask that ridiculous little chicken tomorrow," he thought, feeling reassured. Despite its strange appearance, the Chickpedida system has proven reliable.

The bamboo forest swayed under the moonlight as the night deepened, and a gentle breeze brushed against Lin Rui's face. Though his heart felt heavy, his thoughts gradually became clearer.

The toxins within him, his disadvantageous five spiritual roots, and the hidden conflicts within the Lin family were shrouded in uncertainty. Lin Rui knew that to survive in this world, he had to become stronger.

Just as the sky lightened the following day, Lin Rui eagerly summoned Chickpedida. A familiar burst of light appeared, and soon, the comical little spirit chicken fluttered into existence, brimming with confidence as it flapped its wings.

"Hehe! Summoning me again, huh? Looks like you're becoming addicted to my brilliance!" the little chicken exclaimed, full of smugness.

Lin Rui couldn't help but laugh, waving his hand dismissively. "You're my only lifeline right now. I've got something important to ask you today."

"Oh? What's the matter?" The chicken cocked its head, curiosity sparkling in its eyes.

"I think there's some residual poison in my body, which is interfering with my energy flow. Can you confirm it?" Lin Rui asked directly.

The chicken's expression turned serious as it fluttered onto his shoulder. "Got it. Hold still, and let me take a look."

A delicate strand of spiritual energy entered Lin Rui's Dantian with a gentle flap of its wings, circulating through his meridians to probe for abnormalities.

After a moment, the chicken landed in front of Lin Rui, expression solemn. "You were right. There are indeed traces of poison left in your body. But don't worry—it's no longer lethal. What remains are just residual toxins."

Lin Rui's heart tightened. "Will these toxins still affect my cultivation? Do I need an antidote to cleanse them?"

Shaking its head, the chicken explained, "The toxins will slow down your energy flow, making your cultivation more difficult. However, you won't need any specific antidote. As long as you continue cultivating, the spiritual energy will gradually purge the toxins from your system. But it'll take time—probably a few months."

Though relieved, Lin Rui knew the delayed progress would still be a significant setback.

The chicken continued, "If you can find herbs like spirit bamboo root and purple leaf grass, they'll help speed the detox process."

Lin Rui nodded, committing the names to memory. "Are those herbs easy to find?"

The chicken flapped its wings confidently. "Luckily for you, both herbs grow abundantly around Bamboo Cloud Town. You should check the family's Resource Exchange Hall—you might be able to trade for some there."

"Resource Exchange Hall, huh? That's a good idea," Lin Rui said, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

"Don't stress too much, Host! With me by your side, you'll get through this just fine!" the chicken chirped, its playful tone easing some of Lin Rui's tension.

Lin Rui chuckled. "Well, you've helped solve today's issue. I'll head to the exchange hall soon and see if I can get those herbs."

Lin Rui felt renewed determination as the chicken's form faded. He knew that every step he took now would shape his future, and he couldn't afford to falter.

In the courtyard, Lin Rui looks at the sky slowly brightening with the morning sun. Though the poison would temporarily hinder his cultivation, he was determined to persevere and overcome this challenge.

As Chickpedida disappeared, Lin Rui steeled himself with a clear goal. Each step forward would bring him closer to uncovering the truth and surviving in this treacherous world.