25-36 I Can See Through Everything

Chapter 25

In the end, Old Zhao was carried away by his two sons amid the scolding of his wife.

Dr. Chen gave him an acupuncture treatment and prescribed some medicine. By the time Old Zhao returned home, his complexion had already improved significantly.

Once Old Zhao's family left, the villagers, having lost their source of excitement, were hesitant to disturb Dr. Chen further and began to disperse.

"Lu Qing, are you leaving?" Wang Da'an asked Lu Qing.

"Huh, Lu Qing, why are you here? Xiao Yan is here too?"

It was only then that the other villagers noticed Lu Qing and Xiao Yan standing in the corner.

"I've been here the whole time, but everyone was concerned about Uncle Zhao's condition and didn't see me," Lu Qing said with a smile. "Brother Da'an, you can head back first. I have some questions to ask Grandpa Chen."

"Questions?" Wang Da'an finally noticed the book in Lu Qing's hand and realized, "Are you learning from Dr. Chen?"

"Yes, I'm learning some herbal knowledge from Grandpa Chen," Lu Qing admitted without hesitation.

The villagers were astonished.

Lu Qing was actually valued by the elder doctor to this extent?

After their initial surprise, envy followed.

The elder doctor's medical skills were well-known; he could bring the dying back to life.

Many had seen how sick Lu Qing was before, but he was cured with just one prescription from the elder doctor.

Earlier, when Old Zhao fell into the water, they heard his face was ashen and he wasn't breathing.

Yet, the elder doctor revived him with a few manipulations.

This level of medical skill was practically miraculous.

Now that Lu Qing had the privilege of learning medicine from the elder doctor, how could they not be envious?

However, despite their envy, the villagers understood that such opportunities were not attainable through mere desire.

Learning medicine was clearly not easy. One had to be extremely smart to even get a foot in the door.

They saw that Lu Qing was holding a book, and they knew that among everyone in the village, their collective literacy wouldn't fill a basket.

Only Lu Qing, who had been taught by his grandfather from a young age, could recognize some characters.

Perhaps this was also why Dr. Chen valued Lu Qing.

Realizing this, many villagers felt their jealousy diminish somewhat.

They knew that even if such good fortune befell them, they wouldn't have the ability to seize it.

An elderly villager stepped forward and patted Lu Qing on the shoulder.

"Well done, Lu Qing. You must learn well from the elder doctor and strive to master all his skills!"

The sudden encouragement left Lu Qing somewhat bewildered.

He wanted to say that he was really just learning a bit of herbal knowledge from Dr. Chen for now.

But seeing the earnest look in the old man's eyes, he could only nod. "I'll do my best."

Even after the villagers had left, Lu Qing still felt a bit dazed.

He had thought that when people saw him learning medicine from the elder doctor, they would be envious and jealous.

But he had seen it just now.

There was envy and jealousy among the villagers, but not as much as he had imagined.

Instead, besides their envy and jealousy, they also seemed genuinely hopeful that he could truly learn the elder doctor's medical skills.

Lu Qing didn't like to think ill of others.

But he also knew that people's hearts were unpredictable, and jealousy could sometimes arise without any reason.

"Are you feeling confused?" Dr. Chen approached Lu Qing.

"What?" Lu Qing didn't understand.

"Wondering why the villagers are so eager for you to learn my medical skills?" Dr. Chen smiled.

Lu Qing nodded. He indeed didn't quite understand.

Could the elder doctor know the reason?

"Lu Qing, do you know how many doctors were in the nearby villages when I settled here?" Dr. Chen asked, instead of directly answering Lu Qing's question.

Lu Qing shook his head.

When the elder doctor came to the village, he was still very young and had little memory of such things.

"Not a single one," Dr. Chen said, giving an answer that surprised Lu Qing. "Before I came to the village, there wasn't a single doctor in the nearby villages."

"When villagers got sick, for minor illnesses, they would pick some herbs they recognized and brew them, or get some medicine from midwives or shamans. For the rest, they would just endure it. If they couldn't endure, they would go to the city for treatment."

"But many major illnesses develop from minor ones. By the time they couldn't endure and went to the city, it was often already a serious illness."

"Serious illnesses are hard to treat. Even city doctors can't guarantee a cure for every illness."

"Moreover, living in the city is not easy, let alone seeking medical treatment."

"Even if city doctors were confident in their treatments, the high medical fees were unaffordable for ordinary villagers."

"So for ordinary villagers, serious illnesses often meant the end of their lives."

"Before I came to the village, many people in the surrounding villages died from illnesses each year."

Lu Qing recalled and realized that before the elder doctor came, there indeed seemed to be funerals in the village every year.

"Back then, when I was traveling and came to this place, I saw many people in the surrounding villages suffering from illnesses with no access to medical treatment. Feeling compassion, I decided to stay and give these villagers a chance."

"Unexpectedly, I stayed for ten years."

"Over these ten years, I can't say I've saved countless lives, but at least I've given the villagers a place to seek medical help when they're sick, preventing minor illnesses from turning into major ones."

Lu Qing felt a deep shock in his heart.

According to Dr. Chen, over the past ten years, he had indeed brought peace to the area and was a living Buddha for the people here.

"So that's why everyone hopes I can learn your medical skills and treat people in the future?" Lu Qing asked.

"Yes, they probably fear returning to the days of having no access to medical care," Dr. Chen nodded.

"But isn't Grandpa Chen still here?"

"But I'm very old now," Dr. Chen said.

"Although I rarely go out in the village, I occasionally hear people whispering, wondering what they would do if I suddenly died. Where would they go for treatment?"

Lu Qing was speechless.

He thought of the elder doctor's identity as a cultivator.

Those villagers who gossiped certainly wouldn't have thought that an old man could have such keen hearing.

Now Lu Qing fully understood why, despite their envy and jealousy, the villagers still urged him to learn well from the elder doctor.

It turned out they were afraid of returning to the days without a doctor.

Afraid that if one day the elder doctor was no longer there, they would be back to how it was before.

"Grandpa Chen, are you angry about this?" Lu Qing asked.

"Why would I be angry?" Dr. Chen laughed. "This is just human nature, and besides, I am indeed very old, with one foot almost in the grave."

But you look perfectly healthy to me, Lu Qing thought.

He recalled seeing the red glow emanating from the elder doctor.

"Lu Qing, you are a bright child. Now you understand the villagers' thoughts, don't you?"

"I understand a little," Lu Qing nodded.

"Then, would you be willing to learn medicine from me?" Dr. Chen suddenly asked.

Chapter 26

"What?"

Lu Qing looked at the old doctor in surprise, doubting if he had heard correctly.

"Grandpa Chen, did you just say you want me to study medicine with you?"

"Why, are you unwilling?" the old doctor asked.

"It's not that, but Grandpa Chen, didn't you say you just wanted me to stay by your side and learn some herbal knowledge?"

"I've changed my mind. Old Wang's words reminded me that the village indeed needs a doctor in the future."

"You are the only literate person in the village, so perhaps I should give you this opportunity."

Old Wang, the elder who had patted Lu Qing on the shoulder earlier, had encouraged him to follow the old doctor and learn medicine.

Lu Qing was stunned.

He had thought it would be a long time before he could have the chance to learn medicine.

Unexpectedly, things had turned around so quickly.

His face lit up with joy, and he was about to express his gratitude.

The old doctor continued, "But don't get too happy too soon. Learning medicine requires aptitude. If you don't have it, even if I am willing to teach you, you may not be able to learn."

"Then what counts as aptitude?" Lu Qing asked.

"One month," the old doctor said. "If you can memorize all the herbs and their properties in the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' within a month, I will formally take you as my apprentice."

"If you can't, then you should honestly learn some herbal knowledge and become a herbalist to make a living."

"Grandpa Chen, I will definitely memorize the 'Compendium of Materia Medica'!" Lu Qing said excitedly.

Memorizing the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' was something he could do right now.

However, Lu Qing knew that if he recited the entire book in front of the old doctor right now, it might not be surprise but fear that he would receive.

So he couldn't rush this. He had to let the old doctor gradually accept it.

After all, he had previously told the old doctor that he only knew some words, not that he was well-read.

Lu Qing then took the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' and asked the old doctor about some of the questions he had.

Mainly about some rare characters and the pronunciation of herbal names.

Although his ability had helped him memorize the entire 'Compendium of Materia Medica,' he still wanted to understand the meaning of some characters more deeply.

It was also a way to verify if there was any difference from his understanding.

The old doctor, of course, explained everything patiently to Lu Qing.

In the process of explaining, the old doctor was surprised to find that Lu Qing had an excellent memory.

Many characters, after being explained once or twice, he could remember without needing further explanation.

"Lu Qing, you are indeed a very smart child," the old doctor said with great satisfaction.

Lu Qing's performance greatly exceeded his expectations.

At this rate, he might really be able to memorize the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' within a month.

"Grandpa Chen, it's all because of your good teaching," Lu Qing said modestly.

At the same time, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

This was the first time he felt that pretending to be ignorant was also tiring.

Even though he already understood many things, he still had to ask several times and not let the old doctor see through him.

This was a significant test of his acting skills.

"Alright, that's it for today. It's not good to recognize too many characters at once, or you might get them mixed up. Take the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' back, study it well tonight, and come back tomorrow for your exam," the old doctor said.

"Grandpa Chen, don't I need to wait until the next acupuncture session to come again?" Lu Qing asked in surprise.

"If you are going to study the 'Compendium of Materia Medica,' why wait so long? In three days, you might forget what you learned today!" the old doctor scolded with a smile.

"Then we'll come back tomorrow to greet you, Grandpa Chen," Lu Qing said happily.

"Grandpa Chen, does that mean Xiao Yan can come to play with you tomorrow?" Xiao Yan asked excitedly.

"Of course. Tomorrow, Grandpa will make you some new pastries to try," the old doctor said, picking up the little girl.

Xiao Yan's eyes lit up. "New pastries, will they be as delicious as yam cake?"

"They won't be worse than yam cake," the old doctor assured.

The little girl almost drooled at the thought.

After leaving the small courtyard halfway up the mountain with Xiao Yan, Lu Qing's heart was still joyful.

Today's harvest was immense.

The Red Moon Carp he had originally wanted to give to the old doctor turned out to be such a precious fish.

Once the old doctor sold the Red Moon Carp, after deducting the fee for the medicinal soup, there should still be some silver left.

Just in time, he was currently very poor, and with the silver, many urgent matters could be resolved.

More importantly, he learned that the Red Moon Carp liked to eat Blood Apricots.

Since there was one Red Moon Carp in the river outside the village, there must be others.

As long as he was patient, he might be able to catch more.

At that time, it would be another fortune.

Aside from the Red Moon Carp, the greatest gain was the opportunity given by the old doctor.

Next, as long as he studied the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' thoroughly and gained the old doctor's approval, he would truly have the opportunity to learn medicine.

Lu Qing believed that with his ability, as long as he studied diligently, he would surely master medical skills.

Moreover, the function he discovered today also made him realize that his ability was even stronger than he had imagined, with many functions waiting for him to discover.

With excitement, the siblings walked home.

Meanwhile, news of what had happened at the old doctor's house today was spreading throughout the village.

Especially the news that Lu Qing was learning medicine from the old doctor, which attracted almost everyone's attention.

Under the big tree in the center of the village, a group of villagers was discussing.

"Do you think Lu Qing is really learning medical skills from the old doctor?" a villager asked in surprise.

"Of course it's true. Everyone saw it with their own eyes. Lu Qing was holding a medical book and memorizing it there!" a villager replied.

"Yes, and when we asked Lu Qing, the old doctor didn't deny it, so it must be true," another villager added.

"So, does this mean our village will have a doctor in the future?" an old man asked excitedly.

"It's still early. Lu Qing is just learning from the old doctor. Who knows when he will be able to practice medicine," someone said.

"Anyway, it's a hope. If there's no doctor in the village, we'll have to go back to the old days," another person said.

Hearing this, the villagers fell silent.

Indeed, before the old doctor came, they had to endure their illnesses without any help.

Some minor ailments might get better with time, but some could develop into serious problems.

Many people in the village had died like this.

After the old doctor arrived, their lives became much better.

No matter what illness they had, the old doctor could treat it. Even if he couldn't cure it immediately, he could alleviate the pain and make the patient more comfortable.

The most crucial point was that the old doctor didn't charge much for his services.

Even if someone couldn't pay immediately, he would still treat them, allowing them to owe the fee temporarily.

Such a good doctor was hard to find.

Therefore, the villagers held deep respect for the old doctor.

But they also knew that the old doctor was very old.

Sometimes they couldn't help but think about what they would do if the old doctor was no longer there.

No one wanted to return to the days when they had no medical help.

Now, hearing that Lu Qing was learning medical skills from the old doctor, they were genuinely happy.

As the villagers were chatting under the tree, someone suddenly shouted.

"Lu Qing is back!"

Chapter 27

As Lu Qing led Xiao Yan back to the village, they saw villagers gathered under the big tree, chatting away.

They were greeted with smiles.

"Lu Qing and Xiao Yan are back?" a villager said with a laugh.

"Yeah, we just came back from Grandpa Chen's place." Lu Qing nodded, a bit puzzled. "Why is everyone gathered here? Did something happen?"

"No, no," the villagers shook their heads.

"Lu Qing, you must study diligently at Dr. Chen's place!" an elderly man advised.

"Right, if you encounter any difficulties, just let us know. We're all from the same village, no need to be so formal."

"It's rare for Dr. Chen to be willing to teach you medicine. You must seize this opportunity!"

Other villagers chimed in.

Seeing the concern on the villagers' faces, Lu Qing felt a bit dazed.

He remembered the words Dr. Chen had said to him before he left the mountain.

"Lu Qing, do you know why I chose to live in your village among all the nearby villages?"

"Lu Qing does not know."

"It's because I admire the simplicity of your village."

"I've traveled across the land for decades, visited and lived in countless villages."

"Among these villages, some are wealthy, some are poor, some are kind, and some are exclusive."

"But the simplicity of your village is rare."

"Unity, mutual help, and neighborly harmony."

"Although villagers sometimes quarrel, they don't hold grudges. When someone is in trouble, others help."

"Such harmonious villages are rare even in my extensive travels."

"When I first came to your village, I was attracted by this simplicity and decided to stay."

After hearing Dr. Chen's words, Lu Qing was thoughtful.

Indeed, even he could feel the simplicity of the villagers.

Otherwise, if it were another village with a less friendly atmosphere, he and Xiao Yan would have faced cold stares or even bullying long ago.

They wouldn't be living peacefully in their home as they were now.

"Grandpa Chen, you said that the villages outside are different from ours?" Lu Qing had asked.

"Very different. Even the harmonious ones are not as mutually supportive and righteous as your village."

"Why is our village different?"

"That, I'm not sure. Maybe you can ask the village elders someday."

Recalling his conversation with Dr. Chen and seeing the villagers' concerned faces, Lu Qing smiled and nodded seriously. "Don't worry, everyone. I will study medicine diligently under Grandpa Chen."

After saying goodbye to the villagers, Lu Qing took Xiao Yan's hand and walked home, feeling very happy.

He felt fortunate.

Fortunately, he was reborn in this village.

If he had been reborn in one of those less friendly villages Dr. Chen mentioned, he would have faced a lot of troubles.

Now, although life was tough, there were fewer worries.

Moreover, as he became more familiar with this world, he believed that life would get better.

Back home, Lu Qing let Xiao Yan play by herself while he took out the "Compendium of Materia Medica" and continued reading.

Knowing the value of the Red Moon Carp, he no longer felt an urgent need to find a way to make money.

Once Dr. Chen sold the Red Moon Carp, he would have enough money for him and Xiao Yan to live on for a while.

What he valued most now was Dr. Chen's test.

As long as he passed the test, he could formally learn medicine from Dr. Chen, an opportunity he must seize.

Therefore, even with the help of his abilities, having memorized the entire "Compendium of Materia Medica," Lu Qing did not relax and diligently studied its contents.

Time passed slowly as Lu Qing read.

Some villagers came by, wanting to ask him about fishing.

After all, the two big fish he caught yesterday were quite impressive.

Some wanted to learn from him.

But when they saw him reading in the yard, they didn't dare to disturb him and quietly left.

For dinner, Lu Qing still made fish, along with some wild vegetables he picked from the yard.

After dinner, as it got dark, Lu Qing read a bit more before the sky turned completely black.

They couldn't afford oil lamps, so once it was dark, he put the book away.

However, after an afternoon of review, he became even more familiar with the "Compendium of Materia Medica."

Except for a few words he didn't fully understand, he had no more doubts.

After all, the "Compendium of Materia Medica" was just a book introducing herbs, a popular science medical book, and didn't involve any medical theories, so it wasn't hard to understand.

Especially with his abilities.

He believed he could pass any test Dr. Chen might give him now.

After putting the book away, Lu Qing prepared to put Xiao Yan to bed.

This world was unlike his previous one, where nightlife began at midnight.

Here, going to bed at ten o'clock was considered late.

Usually, everyone slept by eight or nine o'clock after dark.

"Brother, Xiao Yan is not sleepy yet."

The little girl lay in bed, covered with a small blanket.

Moonlight shone through the window, illuminating her round eyes.

"Be good, Xiao Yan. Go to sleep early. We have to visit Grandpa Chen tomorrow." Lu Qing coaxed.

"But Xiao Yan can't sleep." The little girl pouted.

"What should we do then?" Lu Qing was at a loss.

"Brother, tell me a story. Xiao Yan wants to hear the monkey story again!" the little girl said her wish.

"Alright." Lu Qing sighed. "Where did we leave off last time?"

He regretted it a bit.

The past few nights, Xiao Yan woke up crying and wouldn't stop no matter how he coaxed her.

He had to tell her a story, and she got hooked.

"Last time, the monkey wanted to be the king!" Xiao Yan remembered clearly.

"Alright, so the monkeys were playing by the stream and discovered a Water Curtain Cave…"

Yes, Lu Qing was telling the story of the Monkey King.

But he hadn't read the original in his previous life and didn't remember the details clearly.

He could only use his imagination to piece together the story.

Fortunately, the Monkey King's story was captivating for children.

Even though he skipped many details, Xiao Yan listened intently.

But being a child, she soon became sleepy, aided by the calming effect of the Fish Stone.

Xiao Yan fell asleep before hearing how the monkey became king.

Lu Qing gently covered her with the blanket and was about to go to his own bed.

Suddenly, he heard a noise outside.

Chapter 28

The sudden noise startled Lu Qing, and he became wary.

What was that sound?

A person, an animal, or a rat?

He thought of the mysterious little beast that had stolen two large pieces of fish meat the previous night.

Could it be that the creature had returned?

But he had already brought all the fish meat inside. Would this creature be bold enough to break in?

Recalling the information from his morning's abilities, the mysterious little beast seemed to have sharp claws. Lu Qing tightly gripped the stick he kept by his bed.

At that moment, he missed the electricity from his previous life.

If this were his previous home, any small beast could be scared away just by turning on the light.

Unfortunately, he couldn't even afford an oil lamp now, let alone use light to frighten away wild animals.

The noise outside continued, sounding like something scratching at the door.

Even though Lu Qing was usually brave, he felt a bit scared at this moment.

He gripped the stick and quietly walked out of the room into the hall.

Suddenly, the stick struck the door with a loud bang.

The noise outside immediately stopped.

Lu Qing stood in the hall, gripping the stick and trying to stay calm.

After a long time, he didn't hear the noise again.

However, he didn't dare to open the door to check.

Only after ensuring that there was no more movement outside did he return to his room.

He had to admit, the calming effect of the Fish Stone was excellent.

Despite the loud noise, Xiao Yan was still sound asleep.

Otherwise, he would have had to comfort her for a long time.

That night, Lu Qing couldn't sleep well.

Fearing that the creature might return, he hardly slept at all, only dozing off briefly as dawn approached.

As a result, when he arrived at Doctor Chen's place the next day, he had two large dark circles under his eyes and looked exhausted.

Seeing his condition, Doctor Chen frowned.

"Lu Qing, I know you want to master the Compendium of Materia Medica as soon as possible, but you must balance work and rest. Sometimes, overstudying can be counterproductive."

"Moreover, if you wish to become a healer, you must take care of your own body. How can you treat others if you can't keep yourself well?"

He assumed Lu Qing had been up all night studying.

"Grandpa Chen, it's not what you think," Lu Qing said with a bitter smile. "I didn't sleep well last night for another reason."

He then recounted the events of the previous night.

"You mean to say, a wild animal tried to enter your house last night, causing you to stay up all night?" Doctor Chen was surprised.

"Yes, I was worried it might sneak in and harm Xiao Yan, so I stayed up," Lu Qing replied, rubbing his eyes.

"Brother, how come I didn't know?" Xiao Yan asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"You slept like a little pig, of course you didn't know," Lu Qing teased, tapping her nose.

"But you can't stay up every night like this," Doctor Chen said thoughtfully. He then went inside and soon returned with a packet of powder, handing it to Lu Qing.

"Take this powder."

"Grandpa Chen, what is this?" Lu Qing asked.

"It's a mixture I made myself, containing various herbs to repel insects and animals. I often use it for protection when I walk in the mountains," Doctor Chen explained. "From what you said, the animal isn't very big. Spread this powder around your house, and it should be deterred."

Lu Qing was overjoyed. "Thank you, Grandpa Chen!"

The powder came at just the right time. Otherwise, he might have considered setting traps to catch the mysterious little beast.

However, the information he had gathered made him hesitant.

After all, the footprints of the mysterious little beast alone were of a high level.

Who knew how powerful the beast itself was?

After putting away the powder, Lu Qing took out the Compendium of Materia Medica and continued to seek Doctor Chen's guidance.

This time, Doctor Chen was even more pleased.

He found that Lu Qing was learning the Compendium of Materia Medica very quickly.

Not only had he memorized what was taught the previous day, but he had also reviewed the remaining content and could infer other principles from it.

At this rate, it wouldn't take long for him to master the entire book.

"Excellent. It's clear you studied diligently yesterday," Doctor Chen said with satisfaction, stroking his beard.

"I wouldn't dare forget your teachings, Grandpa Chen," Lu Qing replied respectfully.

"Alright, that's enough for today. You're becoming familiar with the Compendium of Materia Medica, but mere familiarity with the book is not enough," Doctor Chen advised. "Whether you become a healer or a herbalist, you need to know how to identify and select real herbs."

"I remember there are some common herbs growing near the village. You can observe them and compare them with the descriptions in the Compendium of Materia Medica to see if they match," Doctor Chen instructed.

"Yes, I will remember that," Lu Qing replied.

"Oh, by the way, you and Xiao Yan don't need to come tomorrow. I need to go to town to sell the Red Moon Carp for you. You can study at home," Doctor Chen added.

"You're going to town, Grandpa Chen?" Lu Qing asked excitedly.

"Yes, the pharmacy in town ordered some herbs from me. I need to deliver them," Doctor Chen replied. "Do you need me to buy something for you? Selling the Red Moon Carp will bring you a good sum of money."

"Yes!" Lu Qing answered immediately. He did have something he wanted Doctor Chen to buy.

"Oh, what do you want to buy?"

"I want to buy an iron pot," Lu Qing said. "Grandpa Chen, you know our house went through some changes, and I sold many things, including our only iron pot. So, I want to get a new one."

"An iron pot... that's reasonable," Doctor Chen considered and agreed. "Anything else?"

"Also, some salt. We're almost out of salt at home," Lu Qing added.

"Anything else you need?"

"No, that's all for now," Lu Qing shook his head.

In fact, there were many things he wanted to buy: oil, grain, clothes, shoes, and more.

But he knew he had to be reasonable.

Doctor Chen was an elder and was already kind enough to help him buy things. If he asked for too much, it would be inconsiderate.

If not for the fact that iron pots and salt could only be bought in town, he wouldn't have troubled Doctor Chen even for these.

As for other items, he could buy them at the market later.

When he returned from Doctor Chen's, the first thing Lu Qing did was spread the powder around the house.

He thought he could finally get a good night's sleep.

However, after Xiao Yan fell asleep that night, he heard the noise again.

Chapter 29

When Lu Qing heard that familiar scratching at the door, he could hardly believe his ears.

Hadn't Old Doctor Chen said that his medicinal powder was incredibly effective, enough to deter even wolves?

Why was this creature still coming back?

Lu Qing felt a wave of frustration.

Would he be unable to sleep again tonight?

This couldn't go on. If he didn't solve this problem, he'd never get a good night's sleep again.

After two sleepless nights, Lu Qing was starting to get irritable.

He had to find out what kind of creature had the nerve to keep coming back.

Grabbing the stick by his bed, Lu Qing tiptoed to the main door. Suddenly, he yanked the latch and flung the door open.

The sudden action clearly startled whatever was outside.

He saw a dark shadow dart out of the courtyard in an instant.

Ever since he awakened his abilities, Lu Qing's eyes had undergone subtle changes.

Firstly, his vision had improved significantly; he could see things clearly from a great distance.

Secondly, his sensitivity to light sources had heightened.

Although he couldn't see in complete darkness, as long as there was a bit of light, he could make out seven to eight parts of his surroundings.

At this moment, under the bright moonlight, Lu Qing could see what had been disturbing him these past two nights.

It was a small black beast.

About two feet long, it looked like a cross between a cat and a leopard, with eyes that shone like light bulbs.

The black beast's fur was bristled, its tail erect, and its limbs crouched low, watching Lu Qing warily.

Seeing the black beast's appearance, Lu Qing sighed in relief.

Thankfully, it didn't look particularly large or ferocious.

After all, a creature that had been scared off by a slammed door the previous night couldn't be that bold.

For some reason, the black beast didn't flee this time. It just crouched and watched Lu Qing.

Lu Qing stood quietly, not making any sudden moves.

He wanted to use his abilities to gather information about the beast before deciding what to do.

Lu Qing tried to remain calm, his gaze fixed on the small beast.

Soon, his eyes widened.

A faint red light appeared on the mysterious beast.

[Black Night Spirit Lynx: Mountain spirit beast, juvenile, female.]

[Extremely fast, with sharp claws that can break stone and split metal.]

[Legend has it that the Black Night Spirit Lynx loves fish but hates water, forever yearning for fish in vain.]

A red light-level beast?!

Lu Qing almost jumped in surprise.

The mysterious beast's aura had reached the red light level.

That meant it was on the same level as Old Doctor Chen!

No wonder the medicinal powder had no effect.

Taking several deep breaths, Lu Qing calmed his emotions.

A sense of relief washed over him.

Thankfully, he hadn't acted rashly.

He hadn't expected the small creature to be a red light-level spirit beast.

And what did the description say?

Extremely fast! Claws that can break stone and split metal!

Such destructive power would surpass even tigers and leopards.

Fortunately, the small beast was timid. Otherwise, he might have been lying on the ground already.

Hiding the stick behind him, Lu Qing put on a harmless smile.

"Little one, did you come here for fish?"

The black beast continued to watch Lu Qing warily, not understanding his words.

Lu Qing didn't expect the beast to understand him.

He moved cautiously, trying not to startle the black beast, and quickly fetched two pieces of dried fish from the kitchen.

When Lu Qing returned to the doorway with the fish, he noticed the black beast's eyes seemed to light up.

So, it was here for the fish.

Lu Qing remembered the third line of the description.

He waved the fish in front of him.

"Sorry for scaring you earlier. These two pieces of fish are my apology."

The black beast's eyes, glowing in the dark like light bulbs, followed the fish as it moved.

Seeing this, Lu Qing felt more confident.

"Here you go."

He tossed the fish into the courtyard, deliberately throwing them far from the black beast to avoid startling it.

The fish landed on the ground, causing the beast to retreat a few steps, still eyeing Lu Qing warily.

Lu Qing stood still, quietly.

Sensing that Lu Qing had no intention of attacking, the black beast relaxed its bristled fur a bit.

It sniffed the air a few times, then suddenly darted forward.

Lu Qing saw a dark shadow flash, and the next moment, the fish were gone.

The beast's figure then leaped over the fence, quickly disappearing into the night fog.

After waiting for a while to ensure the beast was gone, Lu Qing closed the door and returned to his room.

Lying in bed, his heart pounded uncontrollably.

The situation had been quite tense.

The black beast, though timid, could still attack if provoked.

As the saying goes, even a cornered rabbit will bite.

And this wasn't just a rabbit but a powerful spirit beast!

Sharp claws that could break stone and split metal!

If it could tear through stone and metal, what about flesh and blood?

So Lu Qing dared not provoke it.

Fortunately, the black beast was not only timid but also lacked aggression.

Otherwise, Lu Qing might not have survived the encounter.

"Such a powerful beast, why haven't I heard the villagers talk about it?"

After calming down, Lu Qing pondered.

He recalled the description from his abilities.

The beast was still a juvenile. Could its parents be nearby?

Probably not. If its parents were around, they would have come together by now.

Lu Qing remembered the description also mentioned that the Black Night Spirit Lynx loved fish.

It must have migrated from elsewhere, either driven away by its parents or separated due to an accident.

Lu Qing made several guesses but couldn't be sure.

However, he had a feeling that the black beast might return after tonight.

There was no evidence, just a hunch.

"Looks like I can't stop fishing after all."

Lu Qing thought helplessly.

He had planned to take a break from fishing to focus entirely on learning medicine.

After all, once Old Doctor Chen sold the Red Moon Carp, Lu Qing would have a substantial amount of money, enough for him and Xiao Yan to live comfortably for a long time.

But now, with the black beast's visits, he had to adjust his plans.

That was a red light-level spirit beast, not something he could provoke. He had to prioritize keeping it calm.

"What a situation this is!"

Lu Qing sighed in despair.

Chapter 30

That night, Lu Qing finally had a good sleep.

Early the next morning, after breakfast, he took Xiao Yan to the river to fish.

This time, he saw fewer people at the riverside, unlike before when seven or eight people crowded a single fishing spot.

It made sense, as it was the busy farming season, and there was still much work to be done in the fields. Fishing was ultimately just a leisure activity, a way to occasionally improve their meals. The crops in the fields were far more important; they were the lifeblood of the farmers.

This time, Lu Qing did not go to the spot where he had previously caught the strange fish.

These peculiar fish were fine to catch occasionally, but if he caught a few every few days, even a fool would know something was off.

Besides, even if he caught one now, he had no place to sell it. He couldn't always rely on Dr. Chen to help him sell them.

As for eating them himself, he was reluctant. Ever since he learned the value of the strange fish, Lu Qing planned to make it an important source of income.

He decided to fish at another spot he had discovered on his first visit to the riverside.

After fixing up the fishing spot, Lu Qing began to fish.

Compared to the previous two times, this fishing trip was uneventful.

After an hour, he had caught nearly half a bucket of fish.

The fish varied in size, the largest being a two or three-pound grass carp, and the smallest being the same little white fish.

With nearly half a bucket of fish, Lu Qing began to pack up.

These fish should be enough to feed the nocturnal spirit fox for several nights.

Back home, after Xiao Yan fell asleep that night, Lu Qing once again heard the familiar scratching at the door.

This time, he did not panic. He calmly took the fish he had prepared from the kitchen and opened the front door.

As the door opened, he saw the little black beast standing in the middle of the courtyard.

However, its mood seemed much calmer this time.

Although it was still cautious, it didn't look as alarmed as the previous night, with its fur all standing on end.

"I've been waiting for you."

Lu Qing smiled, trying to appear as peaceful and friendly as possible.

He then took out a wooden basin filled with fish and slowly walked toward the courtyard.

The black beast retreated a few steps and made a warning sound.

Lu Qing immediately stopped, "Don't be nervous, I mean no harm."

He gently placed the basin on the ground and slowly backed away.

Once he was back inside, the black beast calmed down, sniffed the air, and in a flash, darted to the basin, grabbed the largest fish, and disappeared to eat it.

Lu Qing wasn't surprised. He waited quietly inside the door.

Sure enough, after a while, the beast reappeared in the courtyard, grabbed another fish, and disappeared again.

The little creature was quite cautious.

Lu Qing chuckled and lost interest in watching a wild animal eat.

There were plenty of small fish in the bucket. The little beast would be running back and forth for a while, and he didn't want to wait around.

He closed the door, went back to his room, and felt completely relaxed.

It seemed he had solved the problem perfectly.

Although he had to part with some fish, for someone who loved fishing, that amount of fish was nothing.

He always caught more fish than he could eat. Having the nocturnal spirit fox help consume them wasn't a bad thing.

It was like in the countryside, where leftover food and bones were fed to cats and dogs.

With a relaxed mind, Lu Qing had another good night's sleep.

The next morning, he found the basin empty.

Over two pounds of fish, all gone. The little creature had quite an appetite.

After cleaning up, Lu Qing prepared breakfast.

After eating with Xiao Yan, they prepared to visit Dr. Chen.

Carrying over a pound of freshly caught small fish, Lu Qing took Xiao Yan out.

Dr. Chen had mentioned he liked small fish, and since Lu Qing had caught plenty, he brought some along.

Walking up the mountain path, Lu Qing felt a hint of anticipation.

Dr. Chen had gone to town yesterday to sell the Red Moon Carp for him. He wondered how it went.

Although Dr. Chen said the Red Moon Carp was a rare and valuable fish that would easily sell, Lu Qing was still a bit anxious until he saw the silver in hand.

At the house, Lu Qing saw Dr. Chen just finishing his morning exercise.

"Grandpa Chen!" Xiao Yan ran up to him.

"Xiao Yan, did you miss Grandpa?" Dr. Chen picked up the little girl.

"I did~" Xiao Yan replied sweetly.

"Hahaha..."

"Good morning, Grandpa Chen," Lu Qing greeted as well.

"You're looking well today. Did the wild animal not bother you again?" Dr. Chen asked.

In Dr. Chen's view, his medicinal powder was always effective. No matter what wild animal it was, they would stay away after smelling it. He had given Lu Qing a large bag, enough to keep even tigers and leopards at bay. A mere unknown beast shouldn't be an exception.

However, Lu Qing looked a bit embarrassed.

"Grandpa Chen, it seems the powder wasn't very effective. The beast came to my house again these past two nights."

"Oh, really?" Dr. Chen was surprised.

"I don't know why, but it doesn't seem to fear the powder," Lu Qing answered truthfully.

"How did you get it to leave?"

Dr. Chen looked at Lu Qing's complexion, confirming he hadn't stayed up all night.

"I didn't do anything special. It seemed to be after the fish in my house, so I threw some fish to it. After eating, it left."

"It likes to eat fish?" Dr. Chen pondered. "What does this beast look like? Did you get a good look?"

"It's a small black beast, about two feet long, all black except for its paws and neck, which are white. Grandpa Chen, do you know what kind of beast it is?"

"A two-foot-long black beast?" Dr. Chen thought for a moment and shook his head. "I've traveled far and wide for many years and have never seen such a beast."

"Even you don't know?" Lu Qing was surprised.

"You must understand," Dr. Chen laughed, "this world is vast and boundless, full of countless creatures. Although I've traveled for decades, the places I've been to are just a small part of the world. It's normal to encounter creatures I don't recognize."

"You're right, Grandpa Chen." Lu Qing nodded.

He had hoped to learn more about the nocturnal spirit fox from Dr. Chen, but it seemed that wasn't going to happen.

"However, from your description, the little beast seems quite intelligent. Since it doesn't intend to harm people and only wants food, there's no need to drive it away for now."

Dr. Chen, with his vast experience, knew that some creatures in this world were very special.

From Lu Qing's description, the little black beast seemed to be one of them.

"I think so too. Anyway, I can't eat all the fish I catch. Sharing some with it is no big deal," Lu Qing smiled.

Even if he wanted to drive it away, he wouldn't dare.

That little creature was quite formidable!

Xiao Yan, who had been listening for a while, finally understood what they were talking about.

Her eyes lit up. "Brother, next time you feed the little beast, can Xiao Yan see it too?"

"That might be difficult," Lu Qing said. "It seems to only come when you're asleep."

"Why?" The little girl looked a bit disappointed. "Does it hate Xiao Yan?"

"I don't know," Lu Qing replied, "maybe it's just shy. When it gets more familiar with us, it might be willing to see you."

"Brother, you must make friends with it quickly. Xiao Yan wants to see what it looks like," she said eagerly.

"I'll try my best."

What else could Lu Qing say? He could only nod and agree.

"By the way, Grandpa Chen, this is for you. I caught some small fish yesterday. You mentioned you liked them last time. I hope these are enough."

Lu Qing handed over the fresh small fish he had prepared.

Dr. Chen looked at them, quite satisfied. "Put them inside. By the way, the items you asked me to buy are also back. They're in the house."

Chapter 31

As soon as Lu Qing entered the house, he saw a brand-new large iron pot placed there.

Dr. Chen returned to the inner room and took out a cloth bag.

"These silver taels are from selling the Red Moon Carp. Keep them well," he said, handing the bag to Lu Qing.

Lu Qing felt the heavy weight in his hands and was surprised.

"So much, Grandpa Chen? How much did the Red Moon Carp sell for?"

"Your luck is good," Dr. Chen replied. "The noble I delivered the herbs to this time, his wife has been weak recently and needed nourishment. When he heard I had a Red Moon Carp, he bought it immediately for one hundred taels of silver."

"One hundred taels?" Lu Qing's eyes widened. "Grandpa Chen, didn't you say the Red Moon Carp was too big and its value would be lower?"

He remembered Dr. Chen mentioning that even the best Red Moon Carp was worth at most one hundred taels.

"That's why I said your luck is good," Dr. Chen said, stroking his beard. "Usually, only the best Red Moon Carp fetches one hundred taels. But this nobleman dotes on his wife. Besides being delicious, the Red Moon Carp is highly nutritious, so he bought it at the highest price."

Such a coincidence.

Lu Qing couldn't help but agree with Dr. Chen. His luck was indeed good.

"I got you the full one hundred taels in silver. After deducting the ten taels for your past medical treatments, five taels for the iron pot and salt, you have eighty-five taels left."

Lu Qing opened the bag and saw the gleaming silver, which was somewhat dazzling.

There were various ingots, big ones worth ten taels each, small ones worth five taels, and some loose silver pieces.

It was clear Dr. Chen had exchanged part of it for small silver pieces for his daily use.

As for the fifteen taels spent, Lu Qing didn't mind.

Dr. Chen's fee of ten taels for treatment and medicine seemed high, but knowing Dr. Chen, he suspected it was undercharged.

As for the cost of the iron pot and salt, the iron pot being expensive was expected.

In his memory, the original owner of the body had sold an iron pot for quite a sum.

Even now, not many families in the village could afford an iron pot, showing its value.

But regardless of the cost, Lu Qing had to buy one.

After living in this world for so long, he was tired of eating boiled and stewed food all the time.

With an iron pot, he could make many more dishes.

While he could compromise on clothing, he couldn't skimp on food—a principle he always adhered to.

"I also seasoned the iron pot for you last night. You can use it right away without having to season it yourself," Dr. Chen added.

Lu Qing looked and saw the inside of the pot was already shiny, properly seasoned.

"Grandpa Chen, seasoning a pot takes a lot of oil. Let me pay you," Lu Qing said, opening the bag.

"No need," Dr. Chen waved it off. "It just took two pieces of pork fat, not worth much. I don't want to bother giving you change."

Seeing Dr. Chen insist, Lu Qing didn't push further.

He knew people in this world looked down on pork, especially the upper classes, who considered it lowly meat for the poor. Those with some wealth preferred beef or lamb.

So pork wasn't expensive compared to beef or lamb, though still not cheap for commoners who couldn't afford meat often.

Even pork was a rare treat, usually reserved for festivals or special occasions.

But Dr. Chen wasn't short on money, and two pieces of pork fat were nothing to him.

"Thank you, Grandpa Chen."

"Enough with the thanks. Lie down so I can give you acupuncture."

Lu Qing obediently took off his shirt and lay on the wooden bed.

Dr. Chen took out the silver needles.

"Today is the third and last time I'll give you acupuncture. After this, you won't need it anymore."

"Grandpa Chen, does that mean I'm fully recovered?" Lu Qing asked joyfully.

"Not completely, but your vital energy is stable. With good food and rest, you'll slowly recover. There's no need for more acupuncture."

"Thank you, Grandpa Chen."

"Relax and stay still."

Dr. Chen began inserting the needles, and soon Lu Qing fell asleep.

Dr. Chen looked at the sleeping Lu Qing with a slight frown.

Though Lu Qing had been recovering well under his care, he couldn't find the reason for Lu Qing's sudden improvement.

Despite detailed examinations during acupuncture, there was nothing abnormal in Lu Qing's body, no lingering issues, which puzzled him.

After some thought, unable to find an answer, Dr. Chen relaxed his brow.

Not finding the cause was fine as long as Lu Qing was getting better, making his efforts worthwhile.

"Grandpa Chen, is Brother asleep?" Xiao Yan asked softly.

Having seen several acupuncture sessions, the little girl was no longer as scared, though she still didn't dare watch closely.

"Yes, he's asleep. Let's not disturb him. Come outside. I bought some pastries from the city yesterday that are supposed to taste very good."

"Really? What kind of pastries?"

"Osmanthus cake..."

When Lu Qing woke up, he felt full of energy.

This time, it wasn't a mere illusion like after the first acupuncture. He was truly recovering.

All thanks to Dr. Chen.

As he thought this, he heard Xiao Yan's laughter outside.

He smiled, put on his shirt, and walked out.

Dr. Chen and Xiao Yan were sitting on stone stools, the girl holding a pastry, laughing with her feet swinging, her head thrown back in joy.

The scene was almost identical to when Lu Qing first woke up from acupuncture.

But now, he was healthier, with a hundred taels of silver, and a chance to learn medicine from Dr. Chen.

Everything had changed.

Chapter 32

Lu Family, in the kitchen.

Lu Qing was tending the fire, a brand-new iron pot placed on the stove.

Initially, he had planned to bring the pot home discreetly after dark. However, he realized that in such a close-knit village, keeping secrets was nearly impossible.

Even if he snuck the pot home, the aroma of stir-fried dishes would reveal the truth eventually. Unlike steamed or boiled dishes, stir-frying produces a distinctive fragrance. He couldn't seal off the kitchen to keep the scent contained.

So, he decided to openly carry the pot back, inevitably causing a small commotion in the village.

An iron pot was considered a luxury for the villagers. Many still couldn't afford one.

Seeing Lu Qing with such a large iron pot naturally drew everyone's attention.

Lu Qing claimed that Doctor Chen had given it to him, stirring envy and astonishment among the villagers. 

An iron pot was worth several taels of silver. Doctor Chen must really value Lu Qing to gift him something so precious. 

This confirmed to the villagers that Doctor Chen truly regarded Lu Qing as a disciple and held him in high esteem. 

Otherwise, why would he gift such an expensive item to a disciple? Normally, disciples were expected to honor their masters, not the other way around. 

Especially since the pot was already seasoned, it further solidified their belief.

Reflecting on the villagers' reactions, Lu Qing felt relieved. Fortunately, he had the foresight to leave most of his silver with Doctor Chen, only bringing back a few loose pieces. 

Otherwise, a large bag of silver would have surely drawn unwanted attention. 

If a nosy villager had opened the bag out of curiosity, it would have been troublesome.

The fire was now burning well, and soon the pot started to smoke.

Lu Qing took a ladle of lard and added it to the pot. Watching the lard melt, he felt a surge of satisfaction. 

Now that he had money, he no longer needed to be frugal with oil. 

Previously, he had always struggled to use the least amount of oil while still making decent-tasting food. 

In a joyful mood, Lu Qing quickly prepared two dishes and a soup: fried fish, fish soup, and stir-fried vegetables. 

Though simple due to limited seasonings, the moment Lu Qing took his first bite, he was nearly moved to tears. 

Finally, this was the taste he had long dreamed of.

"Brother, the food cooked in this big iron pot is so delicious!"

On the other side, Xiao Yan was eating happily. Even the usually disliked green vegetables tasted wonderful to her.

"Of course, this big iron pot is a great tool for cooking. That's why I've always wanted one."

"The big iron pot is amazing!"

The siblings enjoyed their meal immensely, leaving nothing behind, not even the soup.

After eating, Xiao Yan patted her slightly full stomach, looking satisfied.

"Brother, let's always use the big iron pot for cooking from now on."

"Okay."

Lu Qing nodded without hesitation. That was the very reason he insisted on buying the iron pot. 

However, they wouldn't have stir-fried dishes every meal. Even the best food can become tiresome if eaten too often. 

Trying different dishes occasionally was a good idea too.

After dinner, Lu Qing read for a while. As the sky darkened, he put away his book.

He moved the old reclining chair to the yard, lay down on it, and watched the sunset in the distance. 

Although he appeared to be daydreaming, he was actually thinking.

He pondered over what Wang Da'an had said about the upcoming market.

The oil at home was nearly depleted after tonight's indulgence and needed replenishing. 

There were also items he couldn't ask Doctor Chen to buy. 

Plus, it was time to return the borrowed items to the villagers.

Therefore, attending the market was a must for him.

"I'll go tomorrow. Da'an said there are rules to follow at the market. I can ask him about them."

Lu Qing quickly made up his mind.

"Brother, will the little beast come to our house tonight?"

Xiao Yan suddenly asked.

"It should," Lu Qing replied uncertainly.

"Then I'll wait for it tonight."

The little girl was very curious about the small beast her brother mentioned and wanted to see it for herself.

"Alright, but if it gets too late and it hasn't come, you must go to sleep."

"Okay~"

Xiao Yan decided to stay up and wait for the little beast.

But children's willpower isn't strong. 

Used to sleeping early, Xiao Yan's eyelids grew heavy as the night progressed. 

In the end, despite her efforts, she soon fell asleep.

Not long after she dozed off, Lu Qing heard the familiar scratching at the door.

He was surprised.

Could it be that the little creature was waiting for Xiao Yan to fall asleep before showing up?

Holding a plate of prepared fish, Lu Qing opened the door.

Sure enough, the little black beast was there.

This time, it stayed in the middle of the yard, looking more relaxed and less wary.

Lu Qing even thought he saw a hint of anticipation in its eyes when it saw him.

Could it have become sentient?

Lu Qing wondered, placing the fish on the ground and stepping back.

As soon as he retreated to the doorway, the black beast approached, grabbed a fish, and ran off.

Alright, though its vigilance had lessened, it was still cautious.

Watching the black beast run back and forth, taking a fish each time, Lu Qing chuckled.

He closed the door, yawned, and went to bed.

He had many tasks to handle the next day and no time to play with the little creature.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, Lu Qing saw the empty wooden basin.

How did the little creature digest so much food? It was small, yet its appetite was astonishing.

Two or three pounds of fish were gone in no time, more than an adult could eat.

"Brother, did the little beast come last night?"

Xiao Yan was up, asking as soon as she ran out of the room.

"It did. Look, it ate all the fish."

Lu Qing pointed to the empty basin.

"Ah! Why didn't you wake me up!"

Xiao Yan was frustrated.

"I told you, if you fall asleep, I won't wake you."

"Brother, I've decided. I won't sleep tonight. I'll wait for the little beast!"

"Alright, good luck."

Lu Qing didn't mind.

He was now certain that the Fish Stone was indeed magical.

With it, Xiao Yan couldn't stay up late even if she tried. 

At bedtime, she would surely feel sleepy and go to bed, making things much easier for him.

"Xiao Yan, go play at Grandpa Zhang's house today. I have to go out."

"Where are you going, brother?"

"You'll know when I come back."

After asking Grandpa Zhang next door to watch over Xiao Yan, Lu Qing took a piece of silver and headed to Wang Da'an's house.

Chapter 33

"Amin, are you home?"

In front of a mud house, Lu Qing called out.

"Who's that? Who's calling me?" A tall figure ran out of the house, and upon seeing Lu Qing, he was pleasantly surprised. "It's you, Lu Qing. What brings you here?"

"Amin, who is it?"

Before Lu Qing could answer, an elderly voice came from inside, and an old man with a bamboo pipe also stepped out of the house.

"Grandpa, it's Lu Qing!" Wang Da'an called out directly.

"Grandpa Wang." Lu Qing greeted the old man.

"Oh, it's Lu Qing. Come in, come in, have a seat inside."

Seeing Lu Qing, the old man was also delighted and tried to pull him inside for a drink.

"No need, Grandpa Wang. I have something to discuss with Amin, so I won't disturb you inside." Lu Qing quickly declined.

"By the way, what brings you here?" Wang Da'an asked.

"I want to go to the big market. Last time you said if I wanted to go, I should come to you first because there are some rules I need to know."

"You want to go to the big market?" Wang Da'an was taken aback, then he reacted, "Oh, today is market day."

The big market is held once every five days, and today is exactly the fifth day since the last market.

"Lu Qing, what do you want to do at the big market, sell fish?" Wang Da'an asked.

"I'm not in a hurry to sell fish. I want to check out the market first, understand the situation, and maybe buy some things."

"I see, I don't have a problem with that. It's just that Grandpa was just asking me to go collect pigweed." Wang Da'an scratched his head.

Grandpa Wang took two puffs of his pipe and said, "In that case, Da'an, you take Lu Qing along. He is now the head of his household and should know the rules for going out."

"Alright, Grandpa, don't worry. I'll make sure to teach Lu Qing!" Wang Da'an said happily.

He was quite pleased not to have to collect pigweed, which was a boring task.

"Let's go, Lu Qing, we can talk on the way."

Wang Da'an pulled Lu Qing and started walking out.

At the village entrance, Wang Da'an pointed to a big tree.

"Lu Qing, the first rule for going out is right here."

"Here?" Lu Qing looked at the tree, a bit puzzled.

He knew this tree well. It wasn't very tall, but it was thick, with lush branches and leaves. The trunk was so wide that it took several people to encircle it.

It looked somewhat like a banyan tree from his previous life.

And this tree seemed to be quite important.

Not only did people often burn incense at its base, but the village children were also warned from a young age to stay away from it and not to climb it.

If anyone violated this rule and was caught, they would get a severe beating at the least and could end up kneeling in the ancestral hall without food.

So the village children always kept their distance from this tree, preferring to play in other places.

However, he couldn't find any real use for this tree in his memories and thought it was just for praying for peace.

Now hearing Wang Da'an, it seemed to have another purpose.

"That's right, this tree is our village's sacred tree and signal tree. Anyone going out, whether to the big market or the city, must leave a mark here to indicate their destination."

"In this way, if someone doesn't return in time, the village can trace their whereabouts based on the mark."

"This tree has such a use?" Lu Qing was surprised.

He never thought the tree he feared in his memories had such a history.

"How do you leave a mark on it?" Lu Qing asked.

"Here."

Wang Da'an walked forward and lifted a stone slab at the base of the tree.

When he came back, he had two red strings in his hand.

Wang Da'an handed one red string to Lu Qing and pointed at the tree:

"Do you see those old branches on the tree? The left side represents the big market, the middle represents the city, and the right side represents other distant places."

"In the future, when you go out, tie a red string on the corresponding branch, so the village will know someone has gone out."

"When you come back, just take the red string off."

"Is that all?" Lu Qing was stunned.

He thought it would be more complicated, but it turned out to be so simple.

"That's all. What else would you expect?" Wang Da'an was puzzled.

"Don't we need to hang a tag or some other sign? Otherwise, how would people know who went out?" Lu Qing asked.

"A tag for what?" Wang Da'an was even more confused.

"We could write names on the tags..."

As Lu Qing said this, he suddenly realized.

He forgot that most people in the village were illiterate.

Sure enough, Wang Da'an grinned at his words.

"You think we're all like you, Lu Qing, knowing so many characters. Who would write their name?"

"Besides, it's unnecessary. The village is small. If a red string is left, just asking around will reveal who hasn't returned."

Lu Qing thought about it and agreed.

His mind was stuck in the past, thinking this place was like his previous life where people could easily travel.

In reality, in such an ancient world, villagers were very cautious about going out.

They wouldn't leave the village unless necessary.

Some villagers might never go far in their entire life.

Children were strictly forbidden to run outside.

In such a situation, there weren't many people leaving the village, so it wasn't too troublesome.

This also made Lu Qing understand why people often burned incense under this tree.

Besides worshipping gods, villagers were mostly praying for the safety of those who went out.

"Here, let me tie it for you."

Wang Da'an tied two red strings on the left branch.

"Another rule in the village is that the big market is close. If you want to go, you can go alone, just tie the red string here."

"But if you go to the city or farther, at least two people must go together to look out for each other."

"If no one in our village wants to go to the city, you can ask in the neighboring village. See if anyone wants to go together. Our villages have similar rules for going out."

"Going to the city is different from going to the market. More people can take care of each other."

"Amin, is the road to the city very dangerous?" Lu Qing asked upon hearing these rules.

Wang Da'an paused and then said, "Not really dangerous. It's been peaceful these years, but my grandpa said that bandits used to appear on the road. Someone from the neighboring village was captured and only escaped after several years."

"We all thought he had died outside. When he escaped back, we found out he had been captured by bandits."

"But later, the county lord sent people to exterminate those bandits, so the road became peaceful again."

"Since then, our villages established these rules for going out."

Bandits!

Lu Qing was shocked.

Indeed, this world was not as peaceful as he thought.

The term "county lord" also caught his attention.

But Lu Qing didn't ask more. There would be time to learn later.

After explaining the village rules and tying the red strings, Wang Da'an finally led Lu Qing towards the direction of the big market.

Chapter 34

"Is this the Grand Bazaar?" Lu Qing was surprised as he looked at the bustling scene in front of him.

The Grand Bazaar was even livelier than he had imagined. The stalls on both sides were orderly, reminiscent of the markets he had seen in small towns in his previous life.

"Yes, this is the Grand Bazaar," Wang Da'an nodded and pointed ahead. "Do you see those stalls over there? Those are rented long-term, only for those who run regular businesses."

Lu Qing observed that the stalls Wang Da'an pointed out mainly sold meat, cloth, or grain.

Wang Da'an continued, "Further back is an open space where you don't need to rent a stall. However, if you want to sell something there, you have to pay a fee of one coin."

"If you want to sell fish, A-Qing, you can just go to the open space."

"Who do I pay the fee to?" Lu Qing asked.

"Master Ma," Wang Da'an pointed to a place. "See that man in the blue cloth? He's Master Ma, the one who collects the temporary stall fees here."

Lu Qing looked over and saw a middle-aged man in blue clothes, somewhat thin, walking around the bazaar with a smile.

He also noticed several other men in similar cloth patrolling to maintain order.

As if sensing Lu Qing and Wang Da'an's gaze, Master Ma suddenly turned his head, his eyes sharp. Seeing two young farmers in shabby clothes, his expression softened, and he moved his gaze away, continuing his stroll.

Lu Qing's heart tightened. To sense their gaze from such a distance, this Master Ma was not an ordinary person. He no longer dared to stare directly, only watching from the corner of his eye.

Soon, he saw a dense white light appear around Master Ma.

[Ma Gu: Deep-thinking, fair in actions, sharp-eyed, greatly respected at the bazaar.]

[Cultivation: Strong and muscular, initial stage of the Postnatal Bone and Muscle Realm.]

Receiving this information from his ability, Lu Qing's face remained unchanged, but his heart was turbulent. A practitioner, this Master Ma was a practitioner! No wonder his senses were so keen; he was an extraordinary practitioner.

This was the second practitioner Lu Qing had encountered since coming to this world. The first was naturally Old Doctor Chen. However, despite both being practitioners, Lu Qing noticed differences. For one, the light around Master Ma was white, while Old Doctor Chen's was red. Clearly, in the path of cultivation, Old Doctor Chen was more advanced than Master Ma.

Was the difference in their realms? Lu Qing noted that Master Ma's cultivation was at the initial stage of the Postnatal Bone and Muscle Realm, while Old Doctor Chen was at the Postnatal Internal Organ Realm. Did this mean the Internal Organ Realm was stronger than the Bone and Muscle Realm? Were there other realms between these two?

Lu Qing's thoughts churned as he pondered.

"A-Qing, you've seen the Grand Bazaar now. Didn't you say you wanted to buy something? What do you need?" Wang Da'an interrupted Lu Qing's thoughts.

Lu Qing put his thoughts away and smiled, "I have quite a few things to buy. I'll need your help, Da'an."

"You're buying a lot? Did you strike it rich, A-Qing?" Wang Da'an's eyes widened.

Lu Qing smiled without answering. Wang Da'an realized it wasn't appropriate to discuss this here and didn't ask further. He patted his chest, "Don't worry, no matter how much you buy, I'll help you carry it home!"

"Thanks, Da'an."

Lu Qing walked towards the stalls. His first stop was the meat stall. The pork on display didn't look as good as the meticulously fed pork from his previous life, but to Lu Qing, it was still enticing. He hadn't had a good piece of meat in a long time!

He picked two large pieces of fatty meat and some half-fat, half-lean pieces and prepared to pay. However, the stall owner looked troubled when he saw the silver Lu Qing took out.

"Young sir, you're joking with me. I can't make change for this silver," he said.

"Can't make change?" Lu Qing was puzzled.

"No, I just opened my stall today and haven't had much business. Your silver is almost half a tael; I don't have that many copper coins to give you," the stall owner explained honestly.

Wang Da'an was also startled by the silver Lu Qing took out. He quickly covered Lu Qing's hand and pulled him aside.

"A-Qing, where did you get the silver?"

"Grandpa Chen gave it to me."

Lu Qing used Old Doctor Chen as a shield. After all, when they descended the mountain, Old Doctor Chen had said if anyone asked about the silver, he should say it was given by him.

"Old Doctor Chen treats you well."

Wang Da'an looked envious. Why couldn't he become Old Doctor Chen's apprentice? But then he realized, "Even if the silver is from Old Doctor Chen, you shouldn't take it out directly. No one uses silver at the bazaar!"

"But I don't have any copper coins, only this silver."

Lu Qing knew silver was precious, but his family was running out of food, and he needed to buy many things. They didn't have copper coins, and even if they did, carrying them would be inconvenient.

"That makes sense."

Knowing Lu Qing's family situation, Wang Da'an scratched his head, unsure of what to say.

"Young sir, do you still want the meat?" the stall owner called.

"I want it, but you said you can't make change for the silver," Lu Qing said helplessly.

The stall owner was at a loss.

"What happened here?"

A gentle voice sounded. Lu Qing turned to see the middle-aged man Wang Da'an called Master Ma standing behind them.

"Master Ma!"

The stall owner and Wang Da'an quickly bowed.

"I heard some commotion here. What happened?" Master Ma asked.

"Master Ma, this young man brought silver to buy meat, but I can't make change for it," the stall owner explained.

"Oh?"

Master Ma looked at Lu Qing. Even he rarely saw someone using silver at the bazaar. Seeing Lu Qing's attire, he was even more surprised.

"Young man, where did you get the silver?" Master Ma asked.

"Why, do you need to explain where your money comes from to buy things at the bazaar?" Lu Qing asked calmly.

"No, that's not necessary. My apologies," Master Ma bowed slightly, apologizing. He smiled, "I'm just curious. You don't look like someone who would have silver."

Although Master Ma was smiling, the stall owner and Wang Da'an felt a pressure and began to sweat.

Lu Qing seemed affected by the pressure, showing a nervous expression. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "The silver is from my master."

"Oh? Who is your master?" Master Ma's smile remained.

"I don't know my master's name, but everyone calls him Old Doctor Chen."

"What, that old doctor?"

Master Ma's expression changed immediately.

Chapter 35

"Young master, did you say your master is that old doctor Chen?"

Master Ma's face lost its previous smile and became somewhat serious.

"It seems the villagers do refer to him as such."

The tension on Lu Qing's face eased a bit as he responded.

"Yes, Master Ma, this little brother of mine goes to study with Doctor Chen every day."

At this moment, Wang Da'an seized the opportunity to chime in.

Master Ma scrutinized Lu Qing and Wang Da'an, then suddenly smiled.

"So, you're a distinguished student of Doctor Chen. My apologies."

Master Ma solemnly bowed to Lu Qing, which seemed to startle him, causing him to step back two paces.

He hurriedly waved his hands, "I can't bear such a title. I only know a little about herbs from my master; I can't even diagnose illnesses yet."

Seeing Lu Qing's honesty, Master Ma couldn't help but smile.

"Regardless, I did offend you earlier. How about this: I'll pay for the meat you bought at this stall."

"That won't do," Lu Qing shook his head repeatedly. "One shouldn't accept unearned rewards; my master taught me not to take things from others casually."

"But I did offend you. Think of this meat as my apology."

No matter how Master Ma insisted, Lu Qing steadfastly refused to let him pay.

Wang Da'an, watching from the side, was wide-eyed.

This was the first time he had seen Master Ma being so courteous to someone.

And that someone was his little brother, Lu Qing.

Seeing Lu Qing continuously refuse Master Ma's offer, Wang Da'an was anxious.

That was several catties of meat, after all. How could anyone refuse such a gift? What was Lu Qing thinking?

Though anxious, Wang Da'an didn't intervene. He knew Lu Qing could read and had the old doctor's guidance, so he must have his reasons.

Master Ma, seeing Lu Qing's refusal, had a sudden idea and smiled again.

"You truly are kind-hearted, befitting of Doctor Chen's student. How about this, I noticed you seem to need change for that silver. Shall I help you with that?"

The butcher immediately chimed in, "Indeed, young master, Master Ma is the only one here who can change your silver."

Lu Qing hesitated briefly, then nodded, "Then I'll trouble you, Master Ma."

He took out the silver, and Master Ma, seeing it was a fine piece of snowflake-patterned silver, believed Lu Qing's words even more.

A typical village boy wouldn't have access to such fine silver.

Weighing it, Master Ma smiled, "This silver is about six taels, which equals roughly six hundred copper coins."

Master Ma took a cloth bag from his body, pulled out two small strings of copper coins, and handed the bag to Lu Qing.

"These copper coins should be worth your silver. Count them."

Lu Qing took the bag and began counting without hesitation.

Wang Da'an wanted to help but knew he wasn't good at counting. He'd only cause confusion, so he watched anxiously from the side.

Lu Qing quickly counted the coins.

Master Ma watched Lu Qing's counting with narrowed eyes.

It's rare for villagers to be literate, and those who can count beyond a hundred are even rarer.

Watching Lu Qing count, it was clear he had no difficulty with numbers.

Master Ma became increasingly convinced that Lu Qing was indeed Doctor Chen's disciple.

Soon, Lu Qing finished counting.

"It seems there's extra."

There were six hundred and fifty copper coins in the bag, fifty more than the exchange rate of one tael to a thousand copper coins.

"It's not extra. Your silver is of excellent quality; the extra fifty coins are justified." Master Ma smiled.

Lu Qing thought for a moment and didn't refuse.

He understood that Master Ma was showing goodwill. 

But after refusing several times, he couldn't continue to be ungracious.

Besides, this could be an opportunity to learn more about the outside world.

"Now that the money is exchanged, you can shop with ease. By the way, young master, may I know your name?" Master Ma inquired.

"I am Lu Qing," he said, pointing to Wang Da'an beside him, "and this is my fellow villager, Brother Da'an."

"Master Ma, I am Wang Da'an," Wang Da'an said obsequiously.

"Wang Da'an, not bad."

Master Ma could see that Wang Da'an was just an ordinary village youth.

Nevertheless, he nodded graciously.

This simple gesture was enough to make Wang Da'an excited, his face flushed.

"Brother Lu Qing, I wish you a pleasant time here. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

Master Ma was perceptive enough not to linger but kept a respectful distance.

Lu Qing was glad to see him go.

Though he intended to befriend Master Ma, now was not the time.

Currently, their strengths were not equal.

For now, he was only held in regard because of his identity as "Doctor Chen's disciple."

After Master Ma left, Lu Qing returned to the butcher's stall.

"Boss, can I buy the meat now?"

"Of course." The butcher beamed, "Young master, I didn't know you were Doctor Chen's student. No wonder you're so dignified!"

Lu Qing glanced at his patched clothes, feeling a bit speechless.

"Is this what you call dignified?"

"Boss, you know Doctor Chen too?" Wang Da'an asked curiously.

"Young man, who around here doesn't know Doctor Chen? My wife got a postpartum infection last year, nearly lost her life. It was Doctor Chen who cured her. He's a renowned healer in these parts!"

"In that case, shouldn't you give us a discount on the meat?" Wang Da'an suggested.

"Of course, a discount!"

In the end, the butcher shaved off a few coins from the price, saving Lu Qing three wen.

After buying the meat, Lu Qing and Wang Da'an continued shopping at the market.

Soon, they had bought a large pile of goods.

Mainly food and daily necessities.

Grain was the biggest purchase.

Besides that, Lu Qing also bought some vegetable seeds and needles.

He wanted to grow more vegetables in the courtyard, not just forage for wild ones.

As for the needles, the fishhook made from an old iron needle at home was no longer reliable.

He needed to make more fishhooks as spares.

Lu Qing also saw fish for sale at the market. Upon inquiring, he found it was cheaper than pork.

But that's understandable. For the poor, fat is crucial, so even pork's fat is more expensive than lean meat.

Fish, lacking fat, didn't stave off hunger.

Only wealthy nobles would pay dearly for a taste of fish.

For commoners, if given a choice, they would prefer pork over fish.

After buying these items, more than half of Lu Qing's six hundred fifty copper coins were spent.

He bought two large bamboo baskets, and he and Wang Da'an carried and lifted their purchases.

Finally, they left the market with heavy steps, heading back to the village.

Chapter 36

Lu Qing and Wang Da'an's grand shopping spree at the Grand Bazaar naturally attracted quite a bit of attention.

So, when they left, a few people gathered outside the Grand Bazaar, whispering among themselves.

"Boss, those two kids bought a lot of stuff. They look like fat sheep. Should we go and get some money from them?" suggested a young man with shifty eyes.

However, his suggestion was met with immediate disdain from the others.

Especially the man called "Boss," who looked at him as if he were an idiot.

"Are you out of your mind? Didn't you see even Mr. Ma was polite to that kid? And you want me to rob them?"

Feeling unjustly scolded, the shifty-eyed youth felt a bit aggrieved.

"I just thought they looked like easy targets. Look at all the stuff they're carrying. It must have cost hundreds of wen. Even taking a little would make us happy for days."

(Translator Note: The word "Wen" (文) refers to a unit of currency used in ancient China. It was a form of cash coin and was widely used for transactions.)

Hearing this, the Boss fell silent.

How could he not be tempted? Just the meat those two kids were carrying made his mouth water.

Lately, they had been down on their luck and hadn't tasted meat in days.

But thinking of Mr. Ma in the Grand Bazaar made him a bit scared.

That guy wasn't someone to mess with. Offending him would spell trouble for them all.

Still, the thought of the goods Lu Qing and Wang Da'an were carrying was hard to resist.

As they hesitated, inside the Grand Bazaar, Mr. Ma was summoning one of his subordinates.

"Xiao Tian, I remember Old Doctor Chen lives in Jiuli Village, right?"

"Yes, that old doctor lives halfway up a small hill next to Jiuli Village. Everyone in the nearby villages knows him."

Xiao Tian replied respectfully.

"Find some time to visit Jiuli Village and see if that old doctor has recently taken on an apprentice named Lu Qing."

"Yes," Xiao Tian replied, understanding that Mr. Ma wanted to check on the young man who had bought items with silver just now.

Suddenly recalling something, Xiao Tian quickly reported, "Mr. Ma, I saw Chen San and his gang acting suspiciously outside. It seemed like they had some ideas about that boy named Lu Qing."

"Chen San? What are those little punks doing on my turf?" Mr. Ma squinted his eyes.

"I heard they stole some things from Damu village recently and were banned from going near it by the village elders. So, they've been hanging around here."

"Those little punks never do anything good, just thinking about stealing and robbing. Go warn them. If they dare touch our customers, I'll break their legs!"

"Yes, Mr. Ma!"

Xiao Tian went out excitedly.

He had long been annoyed by Chen San and his gang. They never did anything good, only stealing and causing trouble in the villages.

His cousin, who was married in Damu village, had complained to him about their house being robbed of several chickens by Chen San's gang.

Now, with Mr. Ma's backing, he finally had a chance to deal with them properly.

After Xiao Tian went out, there was soon a commotion outside, accompanied by cries for mercy.

Mr. Ma ignored these minor issues and sat in his chair, deep in thought.

Lu Qing's appearance today had been a pleasant surprise.

If this young man was indeed Old Doctor Chen's apprentice, it would be great news for him.

The common folks only knew that the old doctor had amazing medical skills and a kind heart, a godly doctor.

But they didn't know that in the city, this old doctor was also highly influential.

Many noble and wealthy people treated him as an honored guest.

Because not only did the old doctor have remarkable medical skills, but he was also a martial arts master.

Even the county magistrate had praised him for his profound skills, nearly reaching the peak of the Postnatal stage.

Such a person was someone Mr. Ma had always wanted to befriend, but he had never found the right opportunity.

Now, with Lu Qing's appearance, he saw a glimmer of hope.

If he could win over Lu Qing and connect with Old Doctor Chen, he might even have a chance to return to the city.

He had had enough of this godforsaken place.

If not for the trouble he caused earlier, leading his father to order him to stay here for five years, he would have left long ago!

Mr. Ma silently plotted his next steps.

Meanwhile, Lu Qing and Wang Da'an were unaware of the happenings at the Grand Bazaar after they left.

However, Lu Qing remained vigilant, knowing that their purchases at the bazaar were quite eye-catching.

But there was no choice. He had a lot to do in the coming days and couldn't afford to make frequent trips to the Grand Bazaar, so he had to take the risk.

Fortunately, they encountered no unexpected incidents on their way back to the village.

They took down the red ribbon from the big tree, placed it back under the stone slab, and continued carrying their goods to Lu Qing's house.

It was almost noon, and most villagers were resting at home, with few people walking around the village.

So, when Lu Qing returned home, they didn't run into anyone.

"Phew, finally back," Wang Da'an said, panting as he put down the stuff.

"Thank you, Da'an. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to bring all these things back," Lu Qing said gratefully.

The heavier items like grains and meat were carried by Wang Da'an, while Lu Qing carried lighter daily necessities.

"Don't mention it. It's what I should do. Besides, I should thank you. Today was my first time talking so closely with Mr. Ma, and he even remembered my name!"

Wang Da'an said excitedly.

"Is Mr. Ma very powerful?" Lu Qing asked curiously.

"Of course! You should know, the entire Grand Bazaar is managed by him, and he has a group of subordinates. In this area, he's the most influential person!"

This made Lu Qing even more puzzled.

To him, the Grand Bazaar's prosperity was a bit unexpected.

But after all, it was just a small market, not a big deal.

The items sold there were mostly agricultural products, not luxury goods.

The money earned from such a market wouldn't be much.

But looking at Mr. Ma's manner, he didn't seem like someone who cared about such small money.

Why would he stay in the Grand Bazaar?

Could there be some hidden reason?

Lu Qing couldn't figure it out.

"Da'an, has Mr. Ma always managed the Grand Bazaar?"

"No, it used to be managed by an old man called Uncle Li. About two years ago, Mr. Ma took over."

"I see…" Lu Qing thought deeply.

"Alright, I need to go now. Lu Qing, you should rest. Carrying so many things back must have tired you out."

Seeing Wang Da'an about to leave, Lu Qing quickly called out, "Wait a moment, Da'an!"

Then he took out a piece of pork from the basket, half fat and half lean.

"Take this meat home and cook something good tonight. Let Grandpa Wang have a taste too."

"Oh, I can't take this! This meat isn't cheap. You should keep it for yourself and Xiao Yan."

"I have plenty more. You saw it yourself. Besides, you led the way and helped me carry so many things. Consider this a token of my gratitude."

"But it's too much. Such a big piece of meat is worth more than ten wen."

"Just take it!" Lu Qing insisted, pushing the meat into Wang Da'an's hands. "If you don't take it, I won't feel comfortable asking for your help in the future."

"Well, alright then."

Seeing Lu Qing so insistent, Wang Da'an had no choice but to accept the meat.

"Alright, don't feel bad. Hurry back. We've been out for a while. Grandpa Wang might be worried. Go home and let him know you're safe."

Seeing Wang Da'an still feeling a bit embarrassed after accepting the meat, Lu Qing urged him to leave.

After Wang Da'an left, Lu Qing cut a small piece of meat.

Then he took the meat and went next door to Grandpa Zhang's house to pick up Xiao Yan.