Old Wounds and Hidden Ailments

The Huainanzi: Treatise on Astronomy said, "When the sun reaches Hengyang, it is called mid-forenoon."

Near noon the next day, Mister Mo came as usual to examine Meng Qingshan.

He had also specially brought several hundred taels' worth of silver notes, hoping to do his small part toward the escort agency's debts.

However, faced with Mister Mo's generous gesture, Li Qingzhu firmly refused.

After all, Meng Qingshan's consultation and medicine fees for these past days had yet to be paid. How could they have the nerve to accept Mister Mo's gift?

After the examination, Meng Qingshan decided to give it a try and asked Mister Mo, "Mister Mo, now that the escort agency has fallen on hard times, this kid has no trade to rely on. I beg you to remember our old ties and teach me the Art of keeping people alive!"

Mister Mo froze at his words. Not only him—even the young attendant and Li Qingzhu standing nearby were surprised.

Back then, after the original owner had practiced an Internal cultivation technique for half a year without developing any Qi Sensation, he had come to detest books altogether, let alone Medical Books and prescriptions.

Mister Mo recovered quickly, however. Smiling, he nodded. "Qingshan, you survived such a great calamity. It seems you've finally come to your senses! If you truly wish to learn, I would naturally be happy to teach you. But you were always averse to studying before, so I must set you a test. If you can pass it, I will teach you wholeheartedly. What do you say?"

Without waiting for Meng Qingshan's answer, Mister Mo turned to the young attendant beside him and instructed, "Chen'er, bring me the Wuwei Herbal I had you memorize."

At once, the young attendant took a thick Medical Book from his robes and respectfully handed it to Mister Mo.

Mister Mo accepted the Medical Book and held it out to Meng Qingshan, his expression kindly. "Qingshan's injuries have stabilized now, so I need not come so often. This Wuwei Herbal records in detail the characteristics and effects of all manner of medicinal herbs. If you truly wish to study medicine, simply commit this book to memory. You may come find me at Hui Chun Tang anytime."

Though he had expected Mister Mo to agree readily, it was not until Mister Mo personally gave his approval that the unease in Meng Qingshan's heart finally settled.

An irrepressible smile spread across his lips. "Thank you, Mister Mo. Qingshan will not disappoint you!" He solemnly accepted the Medical Book with both hands, his trembling fingertips revealing his inner excitement.

Meng Qingshan was ecstatic. Learning this trade so early in the game would make traveling the martial world much more convenient later on!

After the others left, Meng Qingshan looked at the ancient volume before him, its pages marked by the passage of time. At a thought, an information panel for the book appeared before his eyes.

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Item: Wuwei Herbal

Grade: Basic (White)

Restriction: None

Description: Rumor had it that this Medical Book was written by Ye Wuwei, the founding patriarch of Medicine King Valley. Gifted since childhood, he loved the study of changes and medicine. At the age of three, he formed ties with the Dao and received the true teachings of many renowned masters. He extensively absorbed the studies of changes, medicine, Daoism, mysticism, and more. After reaching adulthood, he traveled throughout the Divine Land, devoting himself to study along the way. Only after several years did he write this book.

Effect: Studying this book can activate the physician profession!

Note: "Read a book a hundred times, and its meaning will reveal itself." The same applies to studying medicine and identifying herbs. Reading Medical Books carefully can yield plenty of insights!

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Meng Qingshan gripped the Medical Book tightly, unable to conceal his delight, and carefully opened it.

[You have browsed the ancient medical text Wuwei Herbal. Would you like to study it?]

[Yes/No]

Yes!

[You have studied Wuwei Herbal and obtained the Herbalist Apprentice identity!]

[You have activated the physician profession. Enter the identity panel to view profession skills.]

From then on, aside from meditating to cultivate the Long Wind Heart Method, Meng Qingshan spent each day diligently studying the Wuwei Herbal.

Before long, seven days passed in a flash.

Inside the main room of the Changfeng Escort Agency's rear courtyard, Meng Qingshan closed the Wuwei Herbal in his hands. Translucent blue text appeared before his eyes.

[After carefully reading Wuwei Herbal, you have gained some insight and obtained 5 Insight points!]

[Through diligent research and hard study, you have successfully raised the 'Herb Identification' skill to Lv4!]

Closing his eyes, he focused his mind. The identity panel transformed into a pale blue screen and appeared in Meng Qingshan's mind.

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Profession: Apothecary

Identity: Herbalist Apprentice

Medical Book: Wuwei Herbal

Skill: [Herb Identification (Lv4)]—Familiar with the various characteristics of medicinal herbs and their unique medicinal effects.

Bonus: +4 Insight;

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Seeing that his Herb Identification skill had reached Level 4, Meng Qingshan nodded in satisfaction.

Now, as long as he closed his eyes and thought, images of those medicinal herbs and their effects would naturally appear in his mind. Such a marvelous phenomenon would have been unimaginable back when he attended school.

Meanwhile, during this period, Meng Qingshan meditated and practiced Internal Cultivation in his room five or six times a day. Although the effects of Internal Cultivation declined after three sessions each day, he had nothing better to do anyway, so he might as well seize the time to improve his strength.

Thus, after days of arduous cultivation, the Long Wind Heart Method Meng Qingshan practiced had successfully broken through to the third layer yesterday. The Qi Sensation within his body was noticeably stronger than before.

To Meng Qingshan's delight, before the Long Wind Heart Method had even reached its expected sixth layer, more than half of his injuries had already healed. He could now move freely, and even when practicing his Boxing Technique, his body was no longer seriously hindered.