Chapter 95: Igniting the Pill Fire
Discovering that the wooden token flickered in both Qihuang Hall and Ninth Street, Hua Changxi grew increasingly curious about its purpose. Seeing the crowds on Ninth Street, she suppressed the urge to investigate immediately and hurried towards Apothecary Shop Number Twelve.
It wasn’t Hua Changxi’s first time visiting Pharmacist Xu. The gatekeeper, seeing her in laborer’s attire, assumed she had been given a task by Pharmacist Xu and let her pass without issue to announce her arrival.
Soon, Pharmacist Xu emerged.
“Uncle Xu.”
Pharmacist Xu saw Hua Changxi and said helplessly, “You, you’re too bold. How could you dare to confront Eunuch Zhou directly?”
Hua Changxi replied, “I couldn’t stand by and watch.”
Pharmacist Xu shook his head. “There are countless injustices in this world. Can you manage them all?”
Hua Changxi stated, “I only manage what I see.”
Pharmacist Xu sighed. “Have you considered the consequences? If Eunuch Zhou truly decides to deal with you, what will you do?”
Hua Changxi let out a cold laugh. “He wouldn’t dare.”
Pharmacist Xu was momentarily speechless by her righteous attitude. He soon thought of something and asked, “Are you truly a cultivator?”
Hua Changxi nodded. “Mm.”
Pharmacist Xu seemed to hesitate, wanting to ask how Hua Changxi became a cultivator, but he knew such matters were private.
Since the incident at Five Finger Mountain broke out, coupled with hearing about the Demon Suppressing Division’s demon-slaying activities while working at the Medical Affairs Department, the existence of supernatural powers in this world could no longer be concealed.
However, even with such news spreading, it was still very difficult for them to obtain concrete information.
The people in power seemed unwilling to let ordinary people know about these matters, and they all collectively sealed off the news, only disseminating it within their own networks.
Although he was a pharmacist at the Ninth Street Apothecary Shop, he didn’t have any strong connections, and the information he gathered was always vague and unverified.
Hua Changxi noticed this and said, “Uncle Xu, it’s been a year since I last saw you. Are you and Xu Ling doing well? Especially Xu Ling, has her sleepiness problem been resolved?”
Speaking of Xu Ling, Pharmacist Xu’s face lit up with a smile. “It has been resolved.”
Hua Changxi asked curiously, “How was it resolved?”
Pharmacist Xu explained, “In October last year, Ling Ling rescued an injured monk. While the monk was recuperating at the apothecary shop, he discovered Ling Ling’s problem and taught her a breathing technique. After Ling Ling practiced it, her sleepiness significantly lessened.”
“Later, whenever Ling Ling felt sleepy, she would go to the monk and join him in striking the wooden fish and chanting scriptures. Her sleepiness gradually resolved.”
Hua Changxi frowned upon hearing this. “A monk? Uncle Xu, the monk Ling Ling casually rescued just happened to be able to solve her sleepiness problem. Isn’t that too coincidental?”
Pharmacist Xu paused and explained, “Nine Niang, you haven’t met Master Kong Hai. Master Kong Hai is devoted to good deeds and compassion. He’s already over seventy and wanders the world, his sole purpose being to save all sentient beings.”
Hua Changxi still felt something was amiss. “Uncle Xu, based on the information I have, Ling Ling’s sleepiness is due to her bloodline returning to its ancestral state.”
“This doesn’t necessarily mean your ancestors were snakes. It could also mean that people in your clan were protected by a snake god, and after their bloodline returned to its ancestral state, they could awaken the snake god’s divine abilities.”
“The Master Kong Hai you mentioned taught Ling Ling a breathing technique. If I’m not mistaken, that should be a cultivation method.”
“Uncle Xu, you know how rare and sought-after cultivation methods for martial artists are. Cultivation methods for cultivators are even harder to come by. Master Kong Hai just gave it to Ling Ling so readily. Is that normal?”
Pharmacist Xu became worried upon hearing this. “But… Ling Ling did save Master Kong Hai’s life.” He hesitated. “Nine Niang, you are a cultivator. Can you go with me to see Master Kong Hai? To check if he has any issues, so I can be at ease.”
Hua Changxi thought for a moment. “Yes, I can. When you finish your shift later, I’ll go with you to your apothecary shop to meet Master Kong Hai and see what cultivation method Ling Ling is practicing.”
Seeing her agree, Pharmacist Xu breathed a sigh of relief. While he was still willing to believe the kind-faced Master Kong Hai was good, he trusted Hua Changxi, whom he had watched grow up, even more.
Hua Changxi was still a cultivator now; if anything was amiss, she would surely discover it.
Pharmacist Xu patted his chest. “After you said all that, I’m feeling a bit uneasy.”
Hua Changxi smiled. “Uncle Xu, it’s also possible that I’m overthinking things.”
Pharmacist Xu replied, “It’s good to overthink. The martial artist’s world is already so dangerous. The cultivator’s world, though I don’t understand it, I can imagine it’s not easy either.” He paused. “Even though you are a cultivator now, you should still be careful and not make enemies everywhere.”
“Like Eunuch Zhou, the person behind him is a noble from the palace. They have power and influence. If they can’t deal with you, a cultivator, they can still deal with your family.”
Hua Changxi smiled. “Uncle Xu, I’m not that unreliable. I have backing too.”
Pharmacist Xu looked surprised. He knew the Hua family’s situation well; they were fringe members of the Hua clan. The most powerful among the Hua clan was the Dingyuan Earl’s Mansion, but the Dingyuan Earl’s Mansion didn’t pay them much attention.
“Who is your backer?”
Hua Changxi didn’t know Hua Shiniang’s specific situation and didn’t want to elaborate. “Uncle Xu, you just need to know that I have a backer that commands respect.”
As she spoke, a cold glint flashed in her eyes. “Even without a backer, anyone who dares to harm my family will face consequences, no matter who they are.”
Seeing Hua Changxi’s fierce gaze and her aura change drastically, Pharmacist Xu was taken aback.
Hua Changxi retracted her ferocity and looked at Pharmacist Xu, taking out a handwritten copy of 《Four Arts Beginner》 and handing it to him. “Uncle Xu, although this book discusses alchemy, formations, talismans, and artifacts, because it’s an introductory text, it covers a lot of common knowledge for cultivators.”
“It mentions things like what spiritual meridians cultivators have, how realms are divided, and common cultivation resources like spiritual medicines, spiritual fruits, and spirit mines that cultivators use, as well as potential dangers. You can take it to read.”
Pharmacist Xu eagerly accepted the book, feeling touched that Hua Changxi was considerate of his feelings and didn’t want to make him feel awkward. “Nine Niang, I won’t say any polite words to you.”
Hua Changxi smiled. “Uncle Xu, you go ahead and be busy. I still have things to do at the Labor Department. I’ll come find you when you finish your shift, and we’ll go back to the apothecary shop together.”
Pharmacist Xu smiled and watched Hua Changxi leave, then carefully tucked the 《Four Arts Beginner》 into his embrace before entering the apothecary shop.
That afternoon, at the fourth quarter of the 18:00 hour, Hua Changxi met Pharmacist Xu at the entrance of the Medical Affairs Department, and they returned to Xu’s Apothecary Shop together.
As soon as they arrived at the shop, Pharmacist Xu called out to his shop assistant, Wu Shuang. “Nine Niang is here. Quickly go and call Ling Ling out to meet our guest.”
Wu Shuang remained still. “Master, Ling Ling went out with Master Kong Hai.”
Upon hearing this, Pharmacist Xu’s expression turned anxious. “When did this happen?”
Wu Shuang replied, “This morning. You had just left when they departed.”
Seeing Pharmacist Xu’s worried look, Wu Shuang was a bit confused. “Master, didn’t Ling Ling go out with Master Kong Hai before? They should be back soon.”
Hearing this, Pharmacist Xu immediately said to Hua Changxi, “Yes, yes, Ling Ling used to go out with Master Kong Hai.”
Hua Changxi looked at Wu Shuang. “Did they say what they were going out for?”
Wu Shuang replied, “Master Kong Hai probably discovered someone in distress again and took Ling Ling to help them.”
Hua Changxi looked at Pharmacist Xu. “Uncle Xu, setting aside what kind of person Master Kong Hai is for now, are you not afraid that Ling Ling will become a nun if she constantly follows a monk?”
Pharmacist Xu was stumped. “I hadn’t thought of that. I just thought Master Kong Hai could cure Ling Ling’s sleepiness, which would be good for her.”
Wu Shuang interjected, “Master, I’ve wanted to say this for a while. Since Master Kong Hai arrived, Ling Ling has indeed become a bit… detached.”
Pharmacist Xu and Hua Changxi both looked at Wu Shuang. Since Pharmacist Xu had to go to work at the Medical Affairs Department, Wu Shuang had the most contact with Xu Ling.
“What do you mean, detached?”
Wu Shuang became a little scared under their intense gazes. “Master, haven’t you noticed? Ling Ling’s gaze when she looks at people is very indifferent now, as if she has no emotions.”
“Of course, this is just my feeling. Perhaps Ling Ling is only like this with me?”
This statement did not comfort Pharmacist Xu; instead, it deepened his worries.
Hua Changxi looked at Wu Shuang. “Did Ling Ling always return on the same day when she went out with Master Kong Hai before?”
Wu Shuang nodded. “Yes, they always returned the same day.”
Hua Changxi said to Pharmacist Xu, “Uncle Xu, I’ll be having dinner at your place tonight.”
Pharmacist Xu’s hands trembled as he gripped Hua Changxi. “Nine Niang, if that monk Kong Hai really has a problem, you must save Ling Ling.”
Hua Changxi comforted him. “Everything is just our speculation. Let’s wait until they return and see. Don’t scare yourself first.”
As the sky gradually darkened, Pharmacist Xu kept looking out from the entrance of the apothecary shop.
Just as the last ray of light disappeared, two figures appeared at the street corner.
“Master, my father is waiting for us.”
From a distance, Xu Ling saw Pharmacist Xu pacing at the entrance of the apothecary shop. A flicker of light appeared in her indifferent eyes.
Monk Kong Hai saw this, frowned, then quickly relaxed and smiled. “Then let’s hurry back, so he doesn’t worry.”
“Mm.”
Xu Ling’s voice was filled with cheerfulness. “Master, what’s taking so long for the person we’re supposed to enlighten?”
Monk Kong Hai replied, “He’s likely still being obstructed by karmic power. No rush, we’ll take our time, and we will definitely enlighten him.”
Xu Ling asked again, “Master, you said I am the protector of the snake god, and the person in Feng’an Ward is the protector of the bull god. Besides the snake god and the bull god, are there other demon gods?”
Monk Kong Hai replied, “Of course there are. There are twelve great demon gods in the demon realm, but unfortunately, the demon gods are all still slumbering.”
When they were still dozens of meters away from Xu’s Apothecary Shop, Monk Kong Hai suddenly stopped, looking at the shop with a solemn expression. “Ling Ling, we’re not going back to the apothecary shop for now.”
Saying this, he pulled Xu Ling and turned to leave.
Xu Ling struggled. “I don’t want to go back, Father will worry.”
Monk Kong Hai turned and gave Xu Ling a cold glance. Xu Ling’s eyes instantly went blank, and she obediently followed him away.
The moment Kong Hai crushed a teleportation talisman and pulled Xu Ling away, vanishing into the street, Hua Changxi emerged from the apothecary shop.
Seeing Pharmacist Xu pacing anxiously, Hua Changxi wanted to comfort him. As she stepped out of the shop, she sensed a spiritual energy fluctuation in the distance. She turned to look but saw nothing.
Hua Changxi frowned, hesitated for a moment, then quickly went to investigate.
In the gentle breeze of the Capital City in March, Hua Changxi walked along the street, no longer able to sense the spiritual energy fluctuation.
“Nine Niang, what’s wrong?”
Pharmacist Xu saw Hua Changxi suddenly fly away and then wander around the street. He ran over, panting, to ask.
Hua Changxi replied, “I just sensed a spiritual energy fluctuation. Uncle Xu, there will be more and more cultivators in the future, so try to avoid going out at night.”
Afterward, Hua Changxi waited until midnight. Xu Ling and Monk Kong Hai had still not returned.
Pharmacist Xu had passed the most anxious period and had now calmed down. “Master Kong Hai stayed at the apothecary shop for several months. Besides having Ling Ling chant scriptures with him, he also took her to help others. Even if he has ulterior motives, he shouldn’t harm Ling Ling in the short term.”
“Nine Niang, you don’t need to wait. Ling Ling will definitely come home. When she returns, I’ll notify you immediately.”
Seeing his calm demeanor, and remembering that she still had the matter of the wooden token to investigate, Hua Changxi didn’t refuse. She bid farewell to Pharmacist Xu and returned to the Medical Affairs Department.
This time, Hua Changxi didn’t use the back door but flew in through the main entrance of the Medical Affairs Department.
She wanted to see if the lanterns on Pilgrimage Road in the nine streets would also make the wooden token flicker.
Recalling Leng Xiangru’s theft of pills and her swift discovery and pursuit to the Labor Department, Hua Changxi inferred that the Medical Affairs Department must have cultivators stationed there.
Before beginning her investigation, Hua Changxi changed into night-vision clothing and a mask. Then, riding the Somersault Cloud, she flew to the T-junction where First Street intersected with Pilgrimage Road.
On both sides of the intersection stood cylindrical pillars, each topped with a transparent lantern.
Hua Changxi held the wooden token and passed between the two lanterns.
“Boom~”
The moment she passed through the lanterns, green flames erupted within them.
The flames emitted a rich incense of pills. Bathed in the incense, Hua Changxi found that some of the previously stagnant issues she encountered during alchemy instantly became clear.
The green flames illuminated the night, and the green light enveloped First Street at a visible speed.
Hua Changxi was both surprised and frightened.
She was surprised because the lanterns lit up without her doing anything.
She was frightened because such a commotion would surely be noticed.
Hua Changxi panicked and flew to the top of the pillar, trying to extinguish the green flames. However, no matter what she did, she couldn’t put out the fire.
“What’s going on?”
At this moment, Hua Changxi heard sounds from the Medical Affairs Department Building, and soon, several figures flew out from the building.
Seeing this, Hua Changxi no longer cared about the green flames. Having learned from Leng Xiangru’s bitter experience, she rode the Somersault Cloud and fled directly from the Medical Affairs Department, disappearing into the night.
Simultaneously, in the Old Plaza Courtyard, Gu Qiming, the Department Head of the Medical Affairs Department, who was comforting Gu Xing, suddenly stood up, looking in surprise at the row of wooden tokens hanging on the wall, all glowing with white light.
“Senior Gu, what’s happening?”
Receiving no response, Gu Qiming looked at Gu Xing and saw that he had his eyes closed, as usual, unwilling to speak much with him.
Gu Qiming thought for a moment and said, “Senior Gu, please rest assured, no one will dare to drive you out again in the future.”
Gu Xing suddenly opened his eyes. “No, you don’t need to stop it. What is meant to come will come.”
Gu Qiming looked surprised. Gu Xing had previously acted as if he would rather die than leave this courtyard. Why had his attitude changed so suddenly?
“Master, something has happened.”
Yuan Tianchou rode his flying sword to the courtyard gate, dismounted, and rushed into the courtyard. “Master, someone has broken into the Medical Affairs Department. Several stationed masters have already gone to pursue them.”
Gu Qiming was displeased with Yuan Tianchou’s rashness. “Since someone is already pursuing them, why are you disturbing me?”
Yuan Tianchou walked up to him and whispered, “The two lanterns on First Street have lit up. You should go and take a look.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Qiming looked sharply at Gu Xing. Seeing that he had closed his eyes again, he could only leave with Yuan Tianchou.
As soon as they left, Gu Xing opened his eyes, tears streaming down his face. “This old man has waited.”
Feeling the life force surging from the lounge chair beneath him, and the life force quickly seeping into his frail body, Gu Xing, with tears in his eyes, felt his body regain its vitality.
