Chapter 350: Where There Are People, There is a Jianghu (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 350: Where There Are People, There Is a Jianghu (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The inverse scale of a deer-dragon.

It was exceedingly rare, purely because the deer-dragon was born in the bitter, freezing desolation of the extreme north, making it an exotic beast foreign to the Great Wei Empire.

The lineage of the Nine Bends had only acquired it by mere chance.

It was said that the Divine Physician of the Nine Bends had purchased it from a merchant who spent his years traveling between Northern Mang and Great Wei; because that merchant failed to recognize its worth, the physician had picked up a tremendous bargain.

In his delight, he had bestowed one such scale upon Wen Xiuyin.

At this moment, Wen Xiuyin stood up in shock and anger, glaring at Yuan Liu'er, utterly unable to believe her own eyes.

Had she not been absolutely certain that no one else present recognized the inverse scale of a deer-dragon, she would have suspected someone was secretly directing Yuan Liu'er from the shadows.

Yuan Liu'er removed the cotton cloth covering her eyes, gazed at the scale in her hand, and allowed a hint of marvel to cross her face:

"It is recorded in the *Extension of the Materia Medica* that the deer-dragon is born in the dark, freezing realms of the extreme north. Upon its neck lies a single inverse scale, which gathers the very essence of the creature's bodily blood and qi."

"The inverse scale of a deer-dragon is as dark as iron, smooth as a mirror, salty and slightly pungent in taste, and fierce in nature. It corresponds to the heart, the kidneys, and the eight extraordinary vessels."

"Because its spiritual resonance appears cold but is actually hot, condensing ice-soul on the outside while harboring yang-fire within, it can shatter yin to restore yang, suppressing the animal soul and quieting the spiritual soul."

As Yuan Liu'er murmured, she caressed the scale, then looked toward Wen Xiuyin and spoke in an earnest tone:

"The *Extension of the Materia Medica* is a medical canon passed down from the Qianyang Dynasty. Anyone who is a physician ought to have read this book."

Hearing these words, the expression on Wen Xiuyin's face froze. She naturally knew of the *Extension of the Materia Medica* and had even read it several times.

Yet, the canon comprised eighty-one volumes in total, recording three thousand species of herbs and up to six thousand kinds of medicinal insects and beasts across the world.

Among them were no shortage of long-vanished medicinal ingredients, causing many physicians to merely skim through it.

Moreover, ordinary physicians of the Great Wei Empire did not rely on the *Extension of the Materia Medica* when treating patients; they mostly combined their own inherited teachings, choosing prescriptions and medicines according to what was appropriate for the time and place.

Thus, Wen Xiuyin could not deny it—when she had first received the inverse scale of a deer-dragon, she too had searched through the *Extension of the Materia Medica* to discover its medicinal properties and principles.

It was exactly as Yuan Liu'er had stated, without a single discrepancy.

She stared blankly at Yuan Liu'er and asked, "Solely based on this, you dared to judge that this is the inverse scale of a deer-dragon?"

Yuan Liu'er raised the inverse scale, pointing to the microscopic, nearly imperceptible lines upon it to demonstrate:

"Aside from the *Extension of the Materia Medica*, I have also seen records of the deer-dragon's inverse scale in another medical canon—it said that the patterns on its scale resemble growth rings."

"The surface appears smooth, but when a fingertip touches it, there is a sensation of friction and resistance."

Wen Xiuyin pursed her lips, then turned her gaze to her disciple, Zhou Wenying, and said with a trace of anger in her voice:

"When we return, you are penalized to copy the *Extension of the Materia Medica*. Do you have any objections?"

Zhou Wenying naturally did not dare refuse, nodding silently.

She looked sideways at Yuan Liu'er, her face inevitably bearing a few hints of defiance and resentment.

If she had only stood firm on her initial judgment just now, this first round could have been a draw, and she would not have to suffer punishment.

But thinking carefully, her master had already brought out the inverse scale of a deer-dragon; so what if it had been a draw?

Were she in that position, blindfolded, it would have been difficult for her to ever think of the deer-dragon's inverse scale.

Pei Guanli, Ma Liangcai, and the others cared nothing for such nuances.

They only knew that Yuan Liu'er's judgment was flawless, having directly stated the names of all ten medicinal ingredients.

"Sister Liu'er, amazing!"

"Good disciple! Your master, your master... if your Grandmaster learns of this, he will surely be delighted for you."

Ma Liangcai clapped his hands with a face full of gratification, sighing deeply in his heart.

Others gained honor through their sons or fathers, but in his case, it was the master basking in the glory of the disciple.

And though the surrounding onlookers had not expected such an outcome, the more unexpected it was, the more excited it made them.

Especially this kind of victory where the weak defeated the strong.

"I said long ago that the descendants of the Nine Bends lineage aren't that terrifying. It's just a frightening reputation, nothing more."

"That's where you're wrong. If the disciples and grand-disciples of the Divine Physician of the Nine Bends aren't up to par, it doesn't mean the Divine Physician himself isn't capable."

"True. It's too early to say all this now. There are four trials in the medical arts, and three remain contested..."

However, superiority in medicine depended on heritage, but also on personal comprehension.

Just like mathematics, an arithmetic problem could have multiple solutions, and the same was true for medicine.

Whether it was supporting the yang or fighting poison with poison, as long as the treatment matched the symptoms, it sufficed.

It was merely a matter of speed.

Although Yuan Liu'er had not been exposed to the medical arts for long, just as Chen Yi had previously judged, her talent was truly terrifying.

Once she saw something, she understood it, and she could apply that knowledge to other cases by extension.

Coupled with her photographic memory, she had worked diligently during these days, seeking out and reading through many medical canons, storing a vast amount of knowledge in her mind.

Consequently, in the subsequent contests, she only lost the single trial of bone-setting and alignment. The remaining three trials—herbal identification, acupuncture, and medicinal principles—were all narrowly won over Zhou Wenying.

Upon seeing such a result, the surrounding crowd was naturally pleased.

Ma Liangcai, Liu Quan, and the others from the medicine hall all breathed a sigh of relief.

Pei Guanli was even more radiant with smiles, tilting her head up as she looked at Wen Xiuyin and said:

"The lineage of the Nine Bends is nothing special after all."

Wen Xiuyin's face was flushed with anger, yet she did not dare do anything to Pei Guanli. She merely glared at Zhou Wenying and snorted:

"Since the Xiao Family Medicine Hall has capable people sitting in power, there is presumably no need for my Nine Bends lineage to diagnose and treat Marquis Xiao. We shall depart from Shuzhou at once."

She waved her hand to the people behind her: "Let's go!"

The party of four walked out of the Jishi Medicine Hall amidst the jeers of the crowd, heading directly toward the city gates.

Pei Guanli watched them walk away, clapping her palms with a look of smug satisfaction.

"What Divine Physician of the Nine Bends? Nothing special. Next time they dare come to Shuzhou to flaunt their power, I'll surely have Grandmama teach them a lesson."

Ma Liangcai smiled and complimented: "Many thanks to Great-Aunt Pei for your assistance."

Yuan Liu'er also wished to bow and express her gratitude, but she was pulled back by Pei Guanli. "Sister Liu'er, no need for thanks."

"I merely spoke a few fair words. In the end, it was your own medical skill that defeated them."

Yuan Liu'er paused, a faint smile appearing on her face as she said with some embarrassment:

"Great-Aunt, my, my medical skill is still a bit lacking. I lost one round."

"It's fine, it's fine. Brother-in-law said that victory and defeat are common occurrences for a soldier. Since you lost this time, just work harder in the future."

"Mhm..."

Seeing that the entertainment was over, the onlookers gradually dispersed.

Yet those travelers of the martial world had already departed much earlier.

How early?

It was mostly at the moment when Pei Wanlu said she would have her "Grandmother" step in.

So those gossip-mongering folk in the world of men guessed her identity—the granddaughter of the mountain-dwelling elder.

Where could they possibly remain here, then?

What if Pei Wanlu bumped into them or brushed against them, would the mountain-clan folk count them as their own?

Not long after, the bustling Jishi Pharmacy settled back into quietude.

Pei Wanlu glanced around, then took Yuan Liu'er by the hand and bounced away from the pharmacy.

"Master Shu, Grandfather, you... where are you taking me?"

"I'm taking you to Xiao's mansion to practice martial arts."

"I, I..."

Yuan Liu'er wanted to say she was lacking in interest in martial arts, preferring to stay at the pharmacy.

But after struggling a few times, she found she couldn't wrench free from Pei Wanlu's grip, so she simply went along with it.

"Xiao family, Duke Xiang's mansion... can I even go there?"

Yuan Liu'er, a native of Shuzhou, had grown up hearing tales of Duke Xiang's deeds.

Not the Duke of the present age, but the heroic exploits of the Duques past two hundred years—the ones who drove the barbarians out of Shuzhou, led armies into their territories, and fought the Meng Water Pass battle.

These deeds were well-known to all in Shuzhou; any one of them could recount several.

Yet Yuan Liu'er had never imagined she would one day set foot in Xiao's mansion, not even passing by its gates, for fear her patched-up cloth shoes might soil the stone slabs.

Pei Wanlu, unaware of these thoughts, pulled her toward Xiao's mansion, saying, "Your master and grandfather are a renowned scholar of light boats. If you study under him, in books and martial arts... ah, no—study under him in books and poetry, you'll become as accomplished as he someday."

Yuan Liu'er thought of Chen Yi, and in her mind's eye, she saw the scene from that day when he saved her younger brother, Yuan Hao.

Is he really your master?

If so, he truly is remarkable.

Yuan Liu'er, though her horizons were somewhat narrow from her upbringing, was not foolish. She knew Chen Yi was a scholar of books, martial arts, and poetry.

She had also heard from Ma Liang that Chen Yi's medical skills were equally impressive.

If the person who had come to her home that night was indeed Chen Yi... then she would have a master skilled in books, medicine, and martial arts.

Such a person, in her previous life, she could barely even imagine—yet now he was her master.

"Master Shu, Grandfather, could you tell me about your master?"

"Your master?"

Pei Wanlu turned her head, smiling broadly. "If your brother knew you called him so, he'd be overjoyed."

Yuan Liu'er instinctively scratched her head, thinking of Chen Yi's gentle demeanor, and nodded.

"Master, he's young, and... also very remarkable."

Pei Wanlu laughed. "Of course, brother is the most remarkable person under heaven."

"I'll tell you, when I first came to Shuzhou..."

Passing the examination hall, Pei Wanlu pointed at it playfully. "Your master was there taking the imperial examination."

Yuan Liu'er looked enviously, and decided then to save up money to send her younger brother Yuan Hao to study properly.

"Master Shu, if I ask you to teach my brother to read, would he agree?"

"He probably won't agree, brother."

"Why not?"

"He's the type who hates trouble. If you weren't so talented, he wouldn't even want to take you in."

"Oh..."

The two laughed and walked back to Xiao's mansion.

They didn't know, however, that outside, on Zhennan Street, a low tavern held two figures facing them with smiles.

"The granddaughter of the mountain elder, and the niece of Master Xiao's household... how interesting."

Shui He and Tong Zheng had arrived at the mansion's gates early that morning, after parting ways with Xiao Jinghong the night before.

They hadn't made a show of searching for Xiao's family, but instead decided to stay nearby.

One reason was for convenience in their schemes.

Another was that they wanted to observe Chen Yi.

"Master Xiao had previously sensed something—why else would he mention Chen Yi to Ye Lanxian?"

"I do want to take a good look."

Shui He and Tong Zheng knew quite a bit about Chen Yi—the renowned Light Boat scholar, his mastery of books and poetry, and the recent turmoil in Shuzhou stirred up by the famed "Dragon-Tiger" duo, Liu Wu.

They were well aware of Chen Yi's prowess in books, medicine, and martial arts.

Given that, they were curious.

There truly existed someone in the world whose talents surpassed even their father, White Da Xian.

And not just surpassed—far surpassed.

Shui He and Tong Zheng acknowledged their own exceptional abilities, having practiced martial arts for twenty years, reaching the third tier of cultivation, their boxing techniques complete.

Compared to White Da Xian in his youth, they too had no cause to feel inferior.

But Chen Yi's accumulated knowledge was truly astonishing.

Shui He and Tong Zheng were just thinking this, when they noticed two figures approaching from the western market.

One wore blue robes, a jade belt fastened at the waist, and a long sword hung at his side.

The other was a woman with a luxuriant headdress, her figure elegant.

Shui He and Tong Zheng's eyes fell upon the sword-wielding man, his handsome face showing surprise.

"How did he come to Shuzhou?"

The man seemed to sense their gaze, pausing to look back. Upon seeing their faces, his expression of wariness faded, and he smiled gently, his lips moving slightly.

"Long time no see, Shu brother."

Shui He and Tong Zheng temporarily restrained their thoughts, nodding. "Song brother, we meet again."

The man was none other than Song Jinjun and Liu Zhaoxue.

After exchanging greetings, Song Jinjun and Liu Zhaoxue whispered a few words, then took a seat across from Shui He and Tong Zheng.

The renowned long sword—"Do Not Argue"—was placed upon the table.

Song Jinjian took in Shu Hetong with a casual glance, smiling as he asked, “Earlier, I heard your master was coming to Shuzhou. I’ve been wondering if you’d come along.”

“Indeed, you’re so restless when you’re alone.”

Shu Hetong waved dismissively, not wishing to clash blades, his face breaking into a smile.

At first, upon his initial departure for service, upon arriving at the Prefecture of Beijing, visiting a reclusive martial arts elder, he happened to meet Song Jinjian, who was also there.

He didn’t know Song Jinjian’s identity at first, only later learning he was a renowned swordsman and a high official in the court.

From that point onward, Shu Hetong had no intention of deepening his relationship with Song Jinjian.

The martial world and the court, though in the same realm, are entirely different paths.

Not to mention Song Jinjian, who willingly serves as a servant of the state—even his disciple Xiao Jinghong would keep her distance, were it not for Li Wu’s influence.

“Song, you know I’ve longed for a worthy opponent.”

“Why not let fate decide? Come outside the city with me and spar?”

Song Jinjian paused, then shook his head, “I’m not you, I have matters at hand, and I’m afraid I can’t accompany you.”

“Oh? The matter with the Cui family?”

“Yes, the Cui family’s mistress is now in Shuzhou. That gentleman has sent me to protect her.”

“You must have heard about the unrest in Shuzhou, then.”

Shu Hetong nodded slightly, with regret, “In that case, I’ll say no more.”

Song Jinjian, too, could not press further, turning instead to look around and ask, “Has your master also arrived in the prefecture?”

Shu Hetong shook his head, then nodded, “His lordship travels often, coming and going. As a disciple, I dare not ask too many questions.”

The matter of Master Bai’s journey to Youzhou is better left unknown to as few people as possible.

Shu Hetong naturally would not speak further.

Upon hearing this, Song Jinjian seemed to trust him, his voice tinged with quiet admiration, “Master Bai has been absent from the martial world for so long, and now his return has me intrigued.”

“Hah, not just me—anyone in this world would be curious about a master’s movements.”

When Shu Hetong spoke thus, Song Jinjian’s smile remained unchanged, yet he asked no more, instead pouring them both some wine.

After about a burn of incense, Song Jinjian stood and prepared to leave.

Before departing, he bowed, “Alas, we couldn’t indulge you fully today. Perhaps another time, we’ll find another place to spar.”

Before Shu Hetong could respond, he added, “But I’ve heard Master Hua of Mount Wudang has arrived in Shuzhou, perhaps even within the prefecture.”

“If your hand feels restless, you might go find him and try your luck.”

Shu Hetong gave a noncommittal nod, “Thank you, brother Song.”

When Song Jinjian smiled and departed, Shu Hetong’s smile faded, his gaze fixed on the window beyond.

Similarly, as Song Jinjian stepped out of the tavern, his smile was gone, a chill flickering in his eyes as he strode away at a steady pace.

The sun had begun to set, warmth absent, a cool breeze drifting in.

A single yellow leaf fell before the tavern.

Shu Hetong withdrew his gaze, his face etched with thought.

As one of the proprietors of the Storm and Rain Tower, he knew some things long forgotten by others.

Among them was the reason Song Jinjian had gone to the Cui family.

“Wherever there are people, there is the martial world… Brother Song, may you find your own path…”

(End of Chapter)