Buying Medicine for Rejuvenation, Sister's Smiling Face

The first rays of morning light began to stir the Slum District of Jiangnan City West District to life.

Smoke curled from narrow alleyways, the cries of children, the scolding of adults, and the shouts of vendors weaving together into a familiar morning overture. Lin Fan pushed open his courtyard door, took a deep breath of the damp, musty air, but his eyes held a light that clashed with his surroundings.

He carried two things close to his chest: the Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass wrapped in oil paper, and the Rat King's Demonic Core along with eighteen ordinary Demonic Cores, all kept on his person.

These were the spoils he had earned with his life yesterday, and the hope for his sister's survival.

"First, go to 'Hundred Herbs Hall' to sell the grass, then head to the Martial Artist Chamber of Commerce to deal with the Demonic Cores," Lin Fan planned his route in his mind. "The Lung Cleansing Pill costs five pills a month, 500 points each. This month's medicine bill needs at least 2500 points."

He calculated quickly: the Rat King's Demonic Core was worth 150 points on the market, the eighteen ordinary cores 270 points, totaling 420 points. The military mission reward of 180 points had already been credited, making it 600 points in total.

Still 1900 points short.

"It all depends on how much this Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass can sell for." Lin Fan touched the oil paper bundle in his chest, a little anxious.

According to the panel's estimate, this mutated spirit grass was worth 800-1200 points. If he could sell it for over 1000 points, plus the money from the cores, it would be enough to buy the medicine.

"If it's not enough... I'll just have to take on a few more dangerous missions." Lin Fan's gaze was resolute.

For his sister, no matter how dangerous, he had to go.

Main Street, Jiangnan City, Hundred Herbs Hall.

This was one of the largest herb shops in Jiangnan City, a three-story wooden building with upturned eaves and soaring corners. The three gilded characters "Hundred Herbs Hall" on the plaque gleamed in the morning light. Two imposing stone lions stood guard at the entrance, and among the flow of people coming and going were richly dressed martial artists and anxious-looking commoners alike.

Lin Fan stood at the door for a moment, straightened his coarse cloth martial arts uniform, washed until it was pale, and stepped inside.

The hall was filled with the fragrance of herbs. Rows of medicine cabinets stretched from the floor to the ceiling, each drawer labeled. Clerks bustled about, some filling prescriptions, others attending to customers.

A young clerk glanced up and caught sight of Lin Fan, his brow furrowing slightly, but professionalism made him approach nonetheless. "What do you need, sir?"

"I want to sell a spirit grass." Lin Fan got straight to the point.

The clerk looked him over, his tone flat. "For ordinary herbs, go to the back door. There's a dedicated buyer. For spirit grass... what grade?"

"Mortal Tier Top Grade, a mutated variant."

The clerk's expression shifted. "Please follow me."

He led Lin Fan to an inner hall, much quieter than the outer one, with only a few customers. Behind the central counter sat an old man with graying hair, examining a red herb through a magnifying glass.

"Shopkeeper Chen, this guest wants to sell a mutated spirit grass," the clerk said respectfully.

The old man looked up, pushing his crystal glasses up his nose. His face was lined with wrinkles, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, scanning Lin Fan.

"Young man, what spirit grass?" Shopkeeper Chen's voice was gentle.

Lin Fan took out the oil paper bundle, carefully placed it on the counter, and opened it layer by layer.

When the Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass was fully revealed, the light in the inner hall seemed to dim for an instant—the silver patterns on its three blue leaves still emitted a soft glow under the natural indoor light, and a cool, refreshing aura spread through the air.

Shopkeeper Chen's eyes flew wide open.

He quickly put on white gloves, picked up a jade tweezers, and carefully lifted the spirit grass, bringing it close to his eyes for a detailed inspection. Behind his crystal lenses, his eyes grew brighter and brighter, and even his pupils seemed to tremble slightly.

"This... this is Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass? No, ordinary Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass is white; this one is blue..." Shopkeeper Chen muttered to himself. "The patterns are deeper, the aura purer... A mutation from Moonlight Grass? No, Moonlight Grass mutations at most reach High Grade; this one is Top Grade..."

He examined it for a full quarter of an hour, even taking out a thick Spirit Plant Atlas for comparison and using several tools for simple tests.

Lin Fan waited quietly, but his heartbeat involuntarily quickened.

Finally, Shopkeeper Chen put down the tweezers, took a deep breath, and looked at Lin Fan. "Young man, where did you get this grass?"

"The Wilderness, next to an abandoned nest." Lin Fan told the truth but omitted the specific location and the battle.

Shopkeeper Chen nodded, not pressing for details—it was industry etiquette not to ask about the source.

"This spirit grass is indeed a mutated variant of Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass, and an extremely rare one called 'Moonlight Blue Fluorescent Grass,'" Shopkeeper Chen said solemnly. "Ordinary Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass is Mortal Tier High Grade. Yours, because it absorbed special moonlight and earth vein energy, has mutated to Mortal Tier Top Grade. Taking it directly can enhance Mental Power, and refining it into a 'Spirit Awakening Pill' would yield even better results."

Lin Fan's heart leaped with joy. "Then... how much is it worth?"

Shopkeeper Chen pondered for a moment. "According to market price, a Mortal Tier Top Grade spirit grass has a base price of 800 to 1000 points. But yours is a rare mutated variant, with stronger medicinal properties, and it's well-preserved, the roots intact..."

He paused, then held up two fingers. "1200 points. I'll take it."

1200!

Lin Fan's heart pounded fiercely. This was even higher than the panel's maximum estimate!

But he didn't agree immediately. His experience in the mine half a month ago had taught him to be cautious in any transaction.

"Shopkeeper Chen, this price..." Lin Fan deliberately hesitated.

Shopkeeper Chen smiled. "Young man, I, Chen Baicao, have been in the herb business in Jiangnan City for forty years and never cheat my customers. This Moonlight Blue Fluorescent Grass might fetch 1300 or even 1400 at auction, but auctions take a cut and you have to wait. Here, it's a direct cash transaction. You take the money and leave immediately."

He paused, then added, "Besides, I can see you're in urgent need of money—there are bloodstains on your clothes. Though washed, the smell of blood lingers. You just came back from the Wilderness, right? In dire need of treatment or medicine?"

Lin Fan's heart tightened. This old shopkeeper had sharp eyes—not only did he know his goods, but he could read people too.

"Shopkeeper, you have keen insight." Lin Fan nodded. "I am indeed in urgent need of money."

"Then it's settled." Shopkeeper Chen put away the spirit grass and took a money pouch from under the counter. "1200 points. Count them."

Lin Fan took the pouch. Inside were twelve hundred-point Credit Vouchers—the common currency for large transactions, each issued by the Huaxia Alliance Bank, with complex anti-counterfeiting marks that were hard to forge.

He carefully checked each one, and after confirming they were genuine, he stowed them away securely.

"Thank you, Shopkeeper."

"Each takes what they need." Shopkeeper Chen waved his hand, then suddenly spoke again, "Young man, you look young, but your strength should be decent. If you find more spirit herbs of this quality in the future, come straight to me, and I'll give you a good price."

Lin Fan nodded. "I will."

Walking out of Hundred Herbs Hall, Lin Fan patted the bulging money pouch in his chest, a heavy weight lifting from his heart.

1200 points, plus 420 from the Demonic Cores, totaled 1620. The 180 from the military mission had already arrived, bringing the sum to exactly 1800.

Still 700 points short.

Lin Fan gritted his teeth and headed for his next destination—the Martial Artist Chamber of Commerce.

The Martial Artist Chamber of Commerce stood at the other end of the main street, covering a larger area. It was a five-story stone building with armed guards stationed at the entrance. This was the main venue for martial artists to trade Demonic Beast materials, weapons, armor, techniques, and combat skills. Almost everyone entering and leaving was a martial artist, the lowest being a 1st Grade Martial Trainee.

Just as Lin Fan reached the entrance, a guard stopped him.

"Show your martial artist proof." The guard's face was expressionless.

Lin Fan took out his Identity Card, which displayed his basic information and the newly updated "Military Temporary Mission Participant" tag from yesterday.

The guard checked it and let him pass.

Inside, the chamber was buzzing with noise, ten times livelier than Hundred Herbs Hall. The first-floor hall was divided into dozens of zones: the Demonic Beast Materials Zone, Weapon Zone, Armor Zone, Pill Zone, Technique Zone... Each zone had a large number of martial artists browsing or trading.

The air was thick with a mix of blood, metal, medicine, and the unique sweat and Origin Energy fluctuations of martial artists.

Lin Fan headed straight for the Demonic Beast Materials Zone.

Rows of counters lined the area, each with an acquisition clerk seated behind it. Price lists hung on the walls, detailing the purchase prices for various Demonic Beast materials.

Lin Fan found the counter marked "Demonic Core Acquisition" and joined the queue.

A few martial artists were trading ahead of him, most exchanging a dozen or twenty first-tier Demonic Cores for a few hundred Credit Points, leaving with smiles.

When it was Lin Fan's turn, he placed all nineteen Demonic Cores—including the Rat King's core—on the counter.

The acquisition clerk, a middle-aged fat man, was jotting down accounts and glanced over casually. "First-tier Demonic Cores, 15 points each, total... Huh?"

His gaze landed on the Rat King's Demonic Core, and his movements froze.

"Is this... a second-tier Demonic Core?" The fat man picked up the Rat King's core, holding it up to the light for a closer look. "Steel Fang Rat King? No, ordinary Steel Fang Rat King cores are dark gray, but this one has white streaks... A variant?"

Lin Fan nodded. "Probably."

The fat man's expression shifted, and his attitude became noticeably more respectful. "Please wait a moment, guest. I need to call an Appraiser."

He pressed a bell on the counter. Soon, an old man in a gray robe emerged from the back room.

"Old Man Li, take a look at this core." The fat man said deferentially.

Old Man Li took the core, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Without using any tools, he held the core in his palm, closed his eyes, and sensed it for a moment.

"A second-tier Steel Fang Rat King Demonic Core, but excellent quality, abundant in Origin Energy—definitely a variant." Old Man Li opened his eyes and looked at Lin Fan. "Young man, how much are you planning to sell this core for?"

"At market price." Lin Fan said calmly.

"Market price for an ordinary second-tier core is 150 points, plus 30% for a variant, that's 195. However..." Old Man Li paused, "This core's Origin Energy is perfectly preserved, almost undamaged. I'm willing to offer 220 points for it. As for these first-tier cores, 18 points each—3 points above market price—consider it a token of my sincerity."

Lin Fan quickly calculated: 220 points for the Rat King core, 324 points for the eighteen ordinary cores, totaling 544 points.

That was 124 points more than his estimated 420!

"Deal." Lin Fan nodded.

The transaction was completed swiftly. Lin Fan received five hundred-Credit Vouchers and forty-four points in change, totaling 544 points.

Combined with the 1200 from Hundred Herbs Hall and the 180 from the military mission, he now had 1924 Credit Points.

Enough!

Not only could he buy the Lung Cleansing Pills, but he'd also have some money left over to improve their lives.

Lin Fan's heart surged with emotion as he quickly walked toward the Pill Zone.

The Pill Zone was on the second floor of the chamber. There were fewer people here, but the atmosphere was more solemn. The air was filled with the fragrance of various pills, and a single breath left one feeling refreshed and invigorated.

"Lung Cleansing Pill" was a Mortal Tier Mid Grade pill, specifically for treating lung damage and congenital lung ailments. Due to its low refining difficulty and stable production, it was available at almost every pill shop.

Lin Fan compared several stores and finally stopped in front of one called "Spring Revival Pavilion."

Here, the Lung Cleansing Pill was priced at 480 points each, 20 points cheaper than other shops, but required a minimum purchase of five pills.

"Five Lung Cleansing Pills." Lin Fan said to the young girl behind the counter.

The girl, about fifteen or sixteen, wore a light green dress with her hair in double buns, her features delicate. She looked up at Lin Fan, a flicker of surprise in her eyes—most people buying Lung Cleansing Pills were middle-aged or elderly; such a young customer was rare.

"Five Lung Cleansing Pills, 480 points each, total 2400 points." The girl's voice was crisp.

Lin Fan took out the Credit Vouchers, counted twenty-four hundred-yuan notes, and handed them over.

The girl took them, carefully counted, then retrieved a small white jade bottle from under the counter. "Here are five Lung Cleansing Pills. Take one daily with warm water. Avoid spicy food and strenuous exercise during the course."

She handed the jade bottle to Lin Fan and added, "If there's no improvement after three consecutive months, I recommend going to a Medical Hall for a thorough check-up—you might need a higher-grade pill."

"Thank you." Lin Fan took the jade bottle, his fingers trembling slightly.

This was the thing that cost him 2500 points every month. Before, working himself to the bone, he could earn at most three or four hundred points a month—far from enough to afford it. His little sister could only rely on cheap herbs to barely get by, her condition fluctuating between good and bad.

But today, he could finally buy a full month's supply openly and legitimately.

"Wait." The girl suddenly called out to Lin Fan, who was about to leave.

Lin Fan turned back.

The girl reached under the counter and pulled out another small paper packet. "This is a 'Throat Lozenge,' made from licorice and mint. Give it to coughing patients to suck on—it eases discomfort. It's a gift for you, no charge."

Lin Fan paused, then took the packet. "Why?"

The girl smiled. "My little brother also has a lung condition. I know how hard it is to care for the sick. You look... like you've been through a lot."

Lin Fan looked into the girl's sincere eyes, and a warmth surged in his heart.

"Thank you." He thanked her solemnly and carefully tucked the packet away.

Leaving the Spring Revival Pavilion, Lin Fan had the Lung Cleansing Pills tucked in his chest and 424 Credit Points left in hand. After a moment's thought, he went to the living area on the first floor and bought some rice, meat, and vegetables, plus a new outfit for his little sister—the one she wore was already patched over patches.

Carrying several bags, he walked out of the Merchant Guild as noon arrived.

The sun blazed, and the streets were packed with people. Yet Lin Fan felt light on his feet, as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted.

He hurried home, with only one thought in his mind: get his sister to take the medicine as soon as possible.

In the small courtyard of the Slum District, Lin Xiaoyu sat on the doorstep mending clothes.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Lin Fan returning with bags full of goods. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Brother, you bought so much?"

"Yeah, I earned money today." Lin Fan set down the bags and pulled out the small white jade bottle from his chest. "Xiaoyu, guess what this is?"

Lin Xiaoyu took the jade bottle, uncorked it, and a cool medicinal fragrance wafted out. Seeing the five round, cyan pills at the bottom, her eyes instantly reddened.

"Lung... Cleansing Pills?" Her voice trembled.

"Right, this month's medicine." Lin Fan ruffled his sister's hair. "Go get some water. Take one now."

But Lin Xiaoyu didn't move. Tears began to fall, drop by drop.

"Brother, this medicine is so expensive... you..."

"Don't worry about the cost. Your brother can earn money." Lin Fan cut her off. "Be good, go take it."

Lin Xiaoyu wiped her tears and scurried to the kitchen to pour water. Her hands shook, spilling plenty, but she managed to fill a cup.

Back in the room, Lin Fan took out one Lung Cleansing Pill and placed it in his sister's palm.

The cyan pill gleamed with a warm luster in the sunlight, its fragrance filling the entire room.

Lin Xiaoyu looked at the pill, then at her brother, and tears welled up again.

"Take it now," Lin Fan said softly.

Lin Xiaoyu put the pill in her mouth and swallowed it with warm water. As it entered her stomach, it quickly transformed into a cool stream of energy, flowing along her meridians to her lungs.

She felt the constant tightness in her chest—the one that had plagued her for years—slowly dissipating. Her breathing grew smoother, and a faint blush appeared on her pale face.

"Brother, it feels so good..." Lin Xiaoyu said in surprise. "My chest isn't tight anymore, and my breathing is easy."

Seeing his sister's change, Lin Fan's eyes grew hot.

He opened his panel and saw new information in his sister's status bar:

[Lin Xiaoyu]
[Status: Lung Cleansing Pill active, lung condition alleviating]
[Drug effect duration: 30 days]
[Expected results: Condition stable, coughing reduced by 80%, stamina recovered by 30%]

It worked! It really worked!

The heavy stone in Lin Fan's heart finally settled. As long as he kept up with the medicine, his sister's condition would stabilize, and might even slowly improve.

"Brother, you eat too." Lin Xiaoyu suddenly remembered something and dug out the meat and vegetables from Lin Fan's purchases. "I'll cook. Today we're eating well!"

She bounced off toward the kitchen, her back full of energy—a sight Lin Fan hadn't seen in a long time.

Lin Fan sat at the table, watching his sister bustle about, and couldn't help the smile spreading across his face.

All this hardship—it was worth it.

Every injury, every danger—in the face of his sister's smile, none of it mattered.

Lunch was lavish: braised pork, stir-fried greens, egg drop soup, and white rice. For most people in the Slum District, this was a meal only seen at New Year's.

The siblings sat across from each other, eating with rare relish.

"Brother, when I get better, I want to learn martial arts too," Lin Xiaoyu suddenly said. "I'm going to get really strong, and then I'll protect you."

Lin Fan smiled. "Alright. When you're better, I'll teach you."

"Pinky swear!" Lin Xiaoyu extended her little finger.

Lin Fan extended his, hooking it with hers.

"Pinky swear, a hundred years, no take-backs."

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window lattice, spilling over them both, warm and bright.

After dinner, Lin Fan sent his sister to rest and began sorting through today's gains.

He had 424 points left, enough for the siblings to live on for a month. But martial arts training demanded more resources—herbal bath materials, weapon maintenance, technique advancement—everything cost money.

"Still need to keep earning," Lin Fan thought.

He took out the gray stone tablet and studied the fragment of the Moonlight Spirit Condensation Technique on it again.

Paired with the aura of the Star-Patterned Blue Fluorescent Grass, this technique might allow for rapid entry and boost Mental Power. And improving Mental Power would aid in cultivating any technique or martial skill.

More importantly, Lin Fan had a gut feeling—this incomplete technique might hide deeper secrets.

"Once the assessment is over, I have to study it thoroughly." He carefully put the tablet away.

Footsteps sounded outside the window, followed by a knock on the door.

Lin Fan opened it to find Auntie Wang from next door, holding a bowl of chicken soup.

"Xiao Fan, I heard you got into the Martial Arts Academy?" Auntie Wang said with a beaming smile. "This is some soup I stewed for you and Xiao Yu to build up your strength."

"Auntie, I couldn't possibly..."

"Take it, take it, don't be polite with me." Auntie Wang shoved the bowl into Lin Fan's hands. "Your parents left early, and you've had a hard time raising your sister alone. Now that you're making something of yourself, I'm happy for you."

Lin Fan accepted the soup, touched by her kindness.

The Slum District might be poor, but it was rich in human warmth. Over the years, the neighbors had helped them out more times than he could count.

After seeing Auntie Wang off, Lin Fan returned inside to find his sister already asleep.

She was pillowing her head on the new clothes, a smile on her lips, her breathing steady and even.

Lin Fan tucked her in, watched her quietly for a moment, then slipped out of the room.

He went to the yard and began his training for the day.

The assessment was imminent; he couldn't afford any slack.

[Basic Fist Technique: Minor Accomplishment (1292/5000)]

[Basic Footwork: Proficiency (791/1000)]

[Basic Breathing Technique: Proficiency (688/1000)]

His fist technique was still far from Major Accomplishment, while his footwork and breathing were close to breaking through to Minor Accomplishment.

"If I can break through footwork to Minor Accomplishment before the assessment, I'll have an edge in actual combat," Lin Fan thought.

He started practicing footwork, darting and weaving in the cramped yard, his form swift as the wind.

[Basic Footwork Proficiency +1]

[Basic Footwork Proficiency +1]

[Basic Footwork Proficiency +1]

The panel notifications refreshed constantly, his proficiency steadily climbing.

But Lin Fan soon realized that simple practice was too slow. If he could get into real combat, or train in a special environment, the proficiency would grow much faster.

"Too bad I don't have the conditions for that now." Lin Fan shook his head and kept training.

After two hours of cultivation, the sun began to slant westward.

Lin Fan stopped his practice and wiped the sweat from his forehead. His footwork proficiency had risen to 821 points, still 180 points short of Minor Accomplishment (1001 points).

"One more day of training tomorrow, and I should break through."

He went back inside to find his sister awake, folding the new clothes.

"Brother, these clothes are really pretty." Lin Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled.

"Glad you like them." Lin Fan smiled. "I'll buy you even more later."

"No need, this one is enough." Lin Xiaoyu said seriously. "Brother, you should keep your money for training. Once you get stronger, we'll have a good life."

Lin Fan's nose stung, and he ruffled his sister's hair. "Silly girl."

Night fell, and scattered lights flickered to life in the Slum District.

After dinner, Lin Fan and his sister sat in the yard, watching the stars.

"Brother, do you think Mom and Dad can see us from up there?" Lin Xiaoyu suddenly asked.

"They can." Lin Fan looked up at the starry sky. "They must be watching over us, blessing us."

"Then I need to get better soon, so they won't worry." Lin Xiaoyu clenched her little fists.

"Yeah, you will."

The siblings sat quietly, the stars in the night sky seeming to blink.

For a moment, all their hardships felt far away.

But Lin Fan knew this was only the calm before the storm.

The Martial Arts Academy assessment was the true beginning.

And someone like Wang Hao would never let things go so easily.

He had to become stronger—strong enough to protect his sister, strong enough to stand firm in this cruel world.

"Brother." Lin Xiaoyu suddenly spoke softly.

"Hm?"

"Thank you."

Lin Fan turned his head and saw the glimmer of tears in his sister's eyes.

He didn't speak, only gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

The night wind blew past, carrying the warmth of summer.

Tomorrow would be a new beginning.