Xiao Yan set the empty medicine box on the table and pulled over the Miscellaneous Notes on Mountains and Rivers lying before Xiao Yi Xian.
"Which route is easiest to these spots?"
Xiao Yi Xian studied it, resting her fingertip beside a thin line.
"Enter the mountains here and look for shaded stream valleys first. Dew-Congealing Grass likes damp places, and Greenleaf Root often grows nearby. With luck, we can find both together."
Standing beside them, Xiao Ding said, "While you head into the mountains, I'll keep pressing for the shipments from farther away. Searching on both fronts beats waiting on just one."
"Not everyone at home needs to come along."
Xiao Yan looked up with a smile.
"Eldest Brother, keep the trade routes steady. Second Brother can pick a few guards who know the mountain trails. Father and Elder Hai are both home, and someone's looking after the Medicine Hall. Nothing will be held up."
Xiao Yi Xian closed the book and went to prepare herb hoes and bamboo baskets.
Qing Lin remained where she was, clutching the Medicine Record. She glanced at Xiao Yi Xian, then at Xiao Yan.
"I want to go too."
This time, she did not immediately lower her head after speaking. Instead, she opened the record and pointed to several pages.
"I recognize all of these. If we encounter snakes, I can try sensing them first too."
For over a month, she had practiced the Azure Spirit Soul-Nourishing Manual every morning and evening. She could now distinguish the simple emotions of low-tier snake beasts fairly reliably. It was hardly an impressive ability yet, but she no longer had to stand on the sidelines and watch.
Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Yi Xian.
She nodded. "Stay with me, and don't leave the group."
Qing Lin's