Buying Medicinal Herbs

The sky had only just begun to brighten, and Wutan City was still shrouded in the hazy morning mist. Crystal-clear dew clung to the stone-paved road, crunching beneath his feet with a "creak" and carrying a refreshing chill. Xiao Yan tucked the red Money Pouch Xun'er had given him into his clothes. Its embroidered gold trim gleamed faintly in the morning light as he briskly passed through the silent streets toward Hundred Herbs Hall in the southern part of the city.

The south of Wutan City was the hub for medicinal herb trade. Already, scattered herb farmers carrying bamboo baskets moved through the streets, the freshly gathered herbs in their baskets carrying the earthy scent of soil and the clean fragrance of vegetation, Mixed with the cool air and especially invigorating. From time to time, shop assistants could be seen yawning as they opened their medicine shops, removing the door panels one by one in preparation for the day's business. The street gradually came alive with the bustle of daily life.

The signboard of Hundred Herbs Hall gradually came into view in the morning light. Its gold lettering against a black background hung above a Vermilion Red doorframe, its edges carved with winding vines and medicinal herb patterns. Tiny leaf veins had even been engraved into the vines, lending it an air of ancient simplicity and refinement. Two rows of bamboo baskets stood on either side of the entrance, filled with freshly picked herbs from outside the city—emerald mint, fuzzy perilla, and broad-leaved plantain. Every plant was Stained with dew, and the occasional early-rising butterfly landed upon the leaves, fluttering its colorful wings and bringing a touch of life to the chilly morning.

Xiao Yan pushed open the half-closed wooden door. It let out a soft creak, as though breaking the morning's silence. A rich medicinal fragrance immediately washed over him, Mixed with the calming scent of sandalwood and a faint hint of honey—the aroma of honey used to preserve precious medicinal ingredients, which instantly refreshed his mind. Rows of shelves filled the shop, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. Every level was neatly stocked with herbs wrapped in kraft paper, each package bearing a yellowed label with the herb's name and price written in neat, forceful ink. The aisles between the shelves were lined with non-slip wooden planks. Several large earthenware jars sat in the corners, filled with dried herbs and sealed with cloth, leaving only narrow gaps through which medicinal fragrance wafted.

Behind the counter, an elderly man with graying hair and a green robe was bent over his ledger, organizing the accounts with a writing brush. He wore a pair of thin-rimmed reading glasses, and his eyes behind the lenses were focused and bright. His brush Swiped past the paper, leaving behind neat writing. He was Uncle Wang, the proprietor of Hundred Herbs Hall. He had run a medicine shop in Wutan City for decades. Not only was he exceptionally skilled at identifying medicinal herbs, but he was also an honest man. Xun'er had once said that Uncle Wang was an old acquaintance of her father's. In his early years, he had helped the Ancient Clan on numerous occasions, making him absolutely trustworthy.

Hearing the sound, Uncle Wang looked up, removed his reading glasses, and wiped the lenses with a cloth. He carefully examined Xiao Yan at the entrance, surprise flashing through his eyes. He recognized this youth from the Xiao Clan. Once, Xiao Yan had been a genius praised by all of Wutan City—he had begun cultivating Qi at ten and broken through to become a Dou Master at twelve. What splendor he had once enjoyed. Yet now, he had been Reduced to the "waste" everyone talked about. Uncle Wang had heard that he could barely even gather the most basic Dou Qi anymore. Still, Uncle Wang showed not the slightest hint of disdain. He merely smiled gently, set down his brush, and cupped his hands. "Isn't this young master Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan? What brings you to my humble shop today? Does someone in your family need medicinal herbs to restore their health, or...?"

"Uncle Wang, I came to buy some medicinal herbs for cultivation." Xiao Yan stepped up to the counter, his gaze sweeping across the herbs on the shelves. After steadying himself, he recited the list of ingredients he had long memorized. "I need one Qi Gathering Grass, and three portions each of Green Leaf Grass, Dew Condensing Flower, and Clematis Vine. Please pick some fresh ones with strong medicinal properties." His tone was sincere, without the slightest impatience of youth—only an urgent need for the herbs.

Uncle Wang nodded and rose to his feet. Though advanced in years, he remained nimble. He walked around the counter to a shelf specifically stocked with spiritual herbs, reached out, and took down a wooden box labeled "Qi Gathering Grass." Opening the lid revealed several stalks of Qi Gathering Grass neatly arranged atop damp moss. He selected one and held it before Xiao Yan, speaking in an explanatory tone. "Take a look, young master. This Qi Gathering Grass was brought back from the edge of the Monster Beast Mountain Range less than three days ago. Its roots are still covered in wet soil. Smell it—it carries the moisture of the mountains. Its leaves are lush and green, without the faintest trace of yellowing, and the white bud at its tip has yet to bloom. That means its spiritual energy is at its richest and hasn't dissipated. Used to refine Qi Gathering Powder, it can guide Dou Qi into condensing to the greatest extent possible. It's the finest of the finest."

Xiao Yan leaned closer for a look. The Qi Gathering Grass was about half a foot tall. Its stem was slender yet erect, like a tiny green Jade Hairpin. Its leaves were covered in fine patterns like naturally formed veins. With a light sniff, he caught a faintly bitter fragrance, Mixed with the freshness of grass and wood. It truly was a rare, high-quality herb. He nodded, silently praising Uncle Wang's discerning eye and feeling even more fortunate that he had listened to Xun'er and come to Hundred Herbs Hall for medicinal herbs.

Next, Uncle Wang took down Green Leaf Grass, Dew Condensing Flower, and Clematis Vine from the nearby shelves. He first picked up a handful of Green Leaf Grass. Its leaves were blue-green with neat serrated edges, while their undersides were covered in a dense layer of fine white fuzz, as though dusted with a thin layer of snow. It felt soft and smooth to the touch, without the least bit of roughness. "For Green Leaf Grass, choose leaves without damage and with intact fuzz. Look at this fuzz—the denser it is, the stronger its medicinal properties. It's perfect for tempering the potent nature of Qi Gathering Grass."

Then came the Dew Condensing Flower. It resembled a small trumpet, its pale purple petals as soft as the finest silk. A crystal-clear dewdrop had condensed at its center, giving off a faint halo in the morning light. Up close, it carried a sweet, delicate scent, as though touched by flower nectar. "A Dew Condensing Flower must have the dewdrop at its center. That dew isn't ordinary water—it is condensed spiritual energy from within the flower, where its medicinal potency is most concentrated. Without that drop, its effectiveness is cut in half." Uncle Wang carefully pinched the flower stem, Afraid of knocking off the dewdrop at its center.

Finally came the Clematis Vine. Unlike the other two herbs, it was not tender and fresh, but formed of entwined vines. Its stems were dark brown like thin iron wires, its leaves small and heart-shaped, and its roots bore tiny tuberous rhizomes. They were hard in texture and felt satisfyingly heavy in the hand. "For Clematis Vine, you need to inspect the fullness of its rhizomes. Look at this one—it's round and plump, without any signs of insect damage, and its dark brown color shows that it has grown for long enough. It can stabilize the effects of Qi Gathering Powder, allowing Dou Qi to remain in the body longer."

Xiao Yan listened carefully, committing Uncle Wang's words to memory Word by word. He knew that the quality of the ingredients directly affected the efficacy of a pill. Especially now that he cultivated the Blazing Art, his requirements for the purity and spiritual energy of medicinal herbs were even higher. The slightest mistake would not only fail to aid his cultivation but might even damage his meridians. "I'll take the ones you picked, Uncle Wang. I trust your selection." Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze falling on the Qi Gathering Grass again. Then he added, "Uncle Wang, could you give me two more stalks of Qi Gathering Grass? I want to refine a few more batches of Qi Gathering Powder, properly stabilize my foundation, and strive for a Breakthrough as soon as possible."

Uncle Wang paused, then smiled. "You're quite thoughtful, young master. You know that cultivation requires steady, solid progress. But while Qi Gathering Grass is not especially rare, it should still be purchased according to need. Pill refining must proceed step by step. Though Qi Gathering Powder is mild, taking too much may cause Dou Qi to become chaotic within the body, doing more harm than good. How about this? I'll give you one more stalk. Two stalks of Qi Gathering Grass paired with three portions of supplementary herbs will be enough to refine two batches of Qi Gathering Powder. Once each batch is successfully refined, take one pill, then wait three days before taking the next. That will consolidate the medicine's effects without burdening your body. It will be enough for your needs without wasting anything."

Xiao Yan found Uncle Wang's reasoning sound and agreed. His admiration for the old man deepened—he not only knew medicinal herbs but also understood the ways of pill refining and cultivation. He truly was experienced. Uncle Wang wrapped the herbs one by one in kraft paper. The Qi Gathering Grass was placed separately in a small wooden box lined with damp moss to prevent its leaves from losing moisture. The Green Leaf Grass, Dew Condensing Flower, and Clematis Vine were each wrapped into neat little packets of kraft paper, with the names of the herbs written on them for easy identification.

After wrapping the herbs, Uncle Wang took out an abacus and placed it on the counter. His fingers rapidly flicked across the beads, and crisp clattering sounds echoed through the shop. "Qi Gathering Grass costs eight hundred copper coins per stalk, so two stalks come to one thousand six hundred. Green Leaf Grass is two hundred copper coins per portion, so three portions are six hundred. Dew Condensing Flower is three hundred per portion, so three portions are nine hundred. Clematis Vine is also three hundred per portion, so three portions are nine hundred. That makes one thousand six hundred plus six hundred plus nine hundred plus nine hundred, for a total of four thousand copper coins." Uncle Wang announced the figures as he calculated, then pushed the abacus toward him. "Take a look, young master. Is that correct?"

Xiao Yan leaned in and Glanced at it. The abacus beads were arranged neatly, and the total was indeed four thousand copper coins. Without hesitation, he took out the red Money Pouch Xun'er had given him, opened it, and the copper coins clattered within. He carefully counted out four thousand coins and handed them to Uncle Wang. The coins felt heavy, gleaming with a metallic sheen in his palm. Every one of them carried warmth. They were Xun'er's heartfelt gift, as well as his hope of becoming stronger. He had to treasure them well.

Uncle Wang accepted the copper coins, wet his fingertip with a little saliva, and counted them carefully. After confirming that the amount was correct, he placed the coins into the cash box beneath the counter. He then took out a small cloth bag from beneath the counter. It was sewn from coarse cloth, sturdy and durable, with a small embroidered character for "medicine" on it. He placed the wooden box containing the Qi Gathering Grass and the three small herb packets into the bag one by one, tied it closed, and handed it to Xiao Yan. "Everything is packed, young master. Take care on the road, and don't bump the buds of the Qi Gathering Grass. If you run into any trouble while refining—if you cannot control the heat properly, for instance, or if the ingredient proportions are wrong—you may come ask me anytime. I'm not skilled at pill refining, but I've watched it for decades and understand a thing or two."

Xiao Yan took the cloth bag. It felt satisfyingly heavy in his hand, and he could Clearly felt the shapes of the medicinal herbs inside. His heart was filled with joy and gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle Wang. I'm very satisfied with the herbs you picked, and I'm grateful that you explained so much. If I buy medicinal herbs in the future, I'll definitely come here again." He lowered his head to look at the bag, then suddenly remembered Elder Yao's instruction from the previous night—if he added a small amount of low-grade monster core powder to the Qi Gathering Powder, the energy within the core could strengthen the pill's guidance of Dou Qi and make cultivation yield Twice the result with half the effort.

He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Uncle Wang, do you have any low-grade monster cores here? A first-tier Wind Wolf Core, for example, or a wild rabbit monster core. I want to use one to assist with pill refining and enhance the medicinal effects." He knew monster cores were more expensive than medicinal herbs, and even first-tier cores were not available everywhere. He was uncertain, Afraid of that Uncle Wang might not have any.

At his words, a trace of approval flashed through Uncle Wang's eyes. He looked Xiao Yan up and down again, admiration in his voice. "I never expected that you not only understand cultivation, but also the art of pill refining. You even know to use monster cores to assist in refining pills. The young truly are formidable. I do have first-tier monster cores. They were delivered by hunting parties from outside the city and were extracted from monster beasts not long ago. Their energy is still abundant and hasn't dissipated, so their quality is fairly good." He turned and took several small cloth packets from a wooden box behind the counter. They were even smaller than the packets holding herbs, and each was marked with the type and tier of monster core.

He opened one of the cloth packets. Inside lay a monster core the size of a pigeon egg. It was pale blue throughout, its surface covered in fine patterns like the trails of wind. It faintly emitted weak wind-element Energy Fluctuations and felt slightly cool to the touch. "This is a first-tier Wind Wolf Core. Wind Wolves are common monster beasts around the edge of the Monster Beast Mountain Range. They are not highly aggressive, but they are swift. The wind-element energy inside their cores is gentle. Used to assist in refining Qi Gathering Powder, it can guide Dou Qi through the meridians more quickly, making it just right for your purpose. One costs one hundred copper coins. How many would you like?"

Xiao Yan considered it for a moment. Elder Yao had said that only a very small amount of monster core powder was needed. One first-tier monster core, ground into powder, was enough for two batches of Qi Gathering Powder. More than that would cause the core's energy to overwhelm the medicinal effects of the herbs, producing the opposite result. "Then I'll take one. Sorry to trouble you, Uncle Wang."

Uncle Wang wrapped the Wind Wolf Core in soft cloth and placed it in Xiao Yan's bag. Then he carefully reminded him, "Be mindful of how you use monster cores. You must slowly grind it into a fine powder with a Stone Mortar. Do not use iron tools, as iron will damage the energy inside the core. Once it is ground, add it shortly before the ingredients are refined into pills. Do not use too much—roughly one-tenth of the monster core powder is enough. Otherwise, it will disrupt the balance of the pill, causing it to fail or even produce side effects."

"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Wang. I'll remember it all. Don't worry." Xiao Yan thanked him again, gripping the cloth bag tightly in both hands as though it contained an invaluable treasure. He cupped his hands toward Uncle Wang, then turned and walked out of Hundred Herbs Hall.

By then, the morning mist had dispersed. Sunlight streamed through gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows over the ground. The streets had also grown lively. Vendors selling breakfast had set up their stalls, their cries rising one after another, while women carrying vegetable baskets bargained before the stands. The streets brimmed with the vitality of ordinary life. Xiao Yan lowered his head and looked at the cloth bag in his hand. It contained two stalks of top-grade Qi Gathering Grass, three portions of supplementary herbs, and one Wind Wolf Core. More importantly, it contained his hope of becoming stronger. His heart was filled with anticipation.

He quickened his pace toward the Xiao Clan, his steps firmer than when he had come. Every step felt as though he were Stepped on a stairway leading toward the summit. He could hardly wait to return to his room and, under Elder Yao's guidance, begin refining his first batch of Qi Gathering Powder—the first step on his path to rise again. He knew that from this moment onward, his path of cultivation had truly entered the right track. The label of "waste" that had once been placed upon him would one day be torn apart by his own hands!