Chapter 2: Seeking heaven and earth is not as effective as seeking oneself
The images of the women are vividly lifelike, reaching the pinnacle of beauty. Gu Tian Nan would gaze at them for an entire day, yet each time he finished, he would erupt in fury, resorting to violence and insults. This is one of the reasons for his irritable temperament
Before Fang Ning could finish speaking, the plump shopkeeper Mu, who was sitting behind the counter, interrupted him and said
The diagnosis of "demonic fire attacking the heart," the prescription for "Qingxin Dan," and the note stating "one month later, death." Fang Ning looked at this prescription, feeling both astonished and delighted; delighted that her mother had hope for recovery, but astonished that there was only one month left. If she did not save her mother soon, death was inevitable.
Fang Ning, upon hearing this, hurriedly asked
This afternoon, your uncle received the news and took me along with Sister Fang. Xiaoxue Xian has already completed the diagnosis for Sister Fang and prescribed a medication. However, upon returning, your mother tore up the prescription and forbade us from telling you
Perhaps it is a matter of life and death, but I still want to give it a try. Everything depends on myself. As long as I can save my mother, even if it means death, I am willing.
Upon hearing this, Fang Ning's eyes immediately lit up. His mother had been ill for nearly two years, and during this time, her condition had worsened significantly, spending almost every day in a state of coma. Fang Ning sold everything in the house, even the ancestral home, and consulted countless doctors, yet none could diagnose the cause of her illness. They could only rely on snow swallow's nest to sustain her life.
I never expected that the divine doctor would come here for free consultations today; this is truly wonderful news. Fang Ning was overjoyed, but he still said:
Fang Ning was unclear about how he left Fangyuan Pharmacy. He sat silently on a bench in the street, lost in thought. Suddenly, he stood up and walked towards the center of Kezhou City, where the Kezhou Auction House was located
Snow bird's nest is a high-grade tonic that can provide various nutrients for patients with physical weakness. Fang Ning's mother has been able to endure until today thanks to the nourishment from snow bird's nest
Uncle Mu replied
The small courtyard is not large, but it is kept very clean. Pushing open the door and entering the room, Fang Ning glanced at her mother on the bed and could not help but feel a warmth in her eyes, almost bringing her to tears. Her mother's condition has been worsening, spending nearly the entire day in a state of unconsciousness.
Unbeknownst to him, Fang Ning arrived in front of a massive building. Upon seeing this structure, Fang Ning suddenly ceased to be lost in thought; his gaze gradually became resolute. He had found a way.
The Tranquil Heart Pill, when taken during cultivation, can dispel inner demons; it is a secret concocted elixir, which I do not possess here
This is Fang Ning's character; even in urgent and chaotic situations, he can remain calm and composed, unaffected by external matters. This self-composed nature of Fang Ning was shaped during his two years at the military veterans' home, where he interacted with those elderly individuals who had endured countless bloody battles.
Uncle Mu, may I ask if you know where it is
Thank you, Uncle Mu, I understand. Please give me a silver dollar's worth of snow bird's nest first, otherwise my mother will have nothing to eat tonight
Xiao Ningzi, why are you still buying snow bird's nest? Today, the imperial divine doctor, Xiao Xuexian, is passing through Kezhou City and will be providing free medical consultations for critically ill patients at Tongrentang. Hurry home to prepare and take your mother to line up early. She will be leaving tomorrow afternoon, and this opportunity is rare
Mu Ying nodded slightly in the shadows, what a young man, unperturbed even when the sky falls!
Upon entering the pharmacy, Fang Ning was still the same as before. He walked up to the counter, nodded in greeting to the shopkeeper Mu inside, and said: "Uncle Mu, please give me a silver dollar's worth of snow swallow's nest..."
Xiao Ning, your mother does not allow us to tell you! But I have to say it!
What should I do? What should I do? Three hundred gold pieces, and my mother only has one month left. Where can I find these three hundred gold pieces?
He hurriedly picked up the completed prescription and began to examine it in detail. There was a line of gentle and elegant small characters, beautifully written, flowing like clouds and water, with strokes as light as smoke.
Seeing Fang Ning running back once again, Uncle Mu was taken aback and said, "Xiao Ningzi, is there something wrong?"
Treatment method: Take one Qingxin Pill each day at sunrise for a continuous period of ten days to dispel the demonic fire and cure the illness.
Fang Ning exclaimed with great excitement and anticipation, "Uncle Mu, do you have the Clear Heart Pill here?"
In the empire, one hundred copper coins are worth one silver dollar, one hundred silver dollars are worth one gold ingot, one clear heart pill is equivalent to thirty gold ingots, and ten pills amount to three hundred gold ingots. This constitutes a substantial sum, and in an instant, Fang Ning was left dumbfounded.
Fang Ning left the military old age home, and until the very last moment, he still did not know what Gu Tiannan intended to give him. After Gu Tiannan finished that sentence, he never mentioned the matter again
All the pharmacies in Kezhou City are out of stock, but there should be Qingxin Dan available at the Kezhou Auction House. However, Xiaoningzi, you must hold on, as one Qingxin Dan is worth thirty gold coins.
Fang Ning said: "Thank you, Aunt Zhang. I also need to trouble you to help me organize things. Boss Mu from Fangyuan Pharmacy mentioned that the divine doctor, Little Xuexian, has arrived in our Kezhou City. I would like to go early tonight to queue up for her free consultation"
Aunt Zhang continued, "Your mother asked us not to tell you, but I believe it is necessary to inform you. Here, this is the prescription your mother tore up. She asked me to burn it, but I kept it. I cannot read, so you can take a look for yourself."
Upon hearing these words, Fang Ning felt a chill in his heart. The gold currency circulating in the Tianluo Empire, known as the Golden Big Head, weighs approximately one tael. Due to the prominent and lifelike image of the sage on it, it is referred to by the common people as the Golden Big Head.
Upon seeing the martial arts arena, Fang Ning's feelings of confusion, sorrow, and anger vanished. Gradually, he began to gather his thoughts and resolve, a clarity emerging in his eyes. Slowly, a certain momentum began to rise within him.
What should I do? Oh heavens, please show me a clear path. As long as it can save my mother, I would be willing to die.
The patient suffers from a condition known as "demonic fire attacking the heart," which arises from deep-seated discontent and extreme feelings of anger and sadness. This internal turmoil has been exacerbated by external demonic influences, resulting in the current ailment
This is the rule of the pharmacy. With his loud shout, the assistant inside wrapped up the snow bird's nest and handed it over.
The hired caregiver, Aunt Zhang, who was taking care of my mother, said: "Xiao Ning is back. Today, Sister Fang from the Fang family was awake for an hour, her complexion is better than yesterday, and she ate a small bowl of bird's nest porridge"
Fang Ning hurriedly rushed towards the Fangyuan Pharmacy, seeking the Qingxin Pill. He was uncertain whether the pharmacy had it in stock, but if they did, he was determined to purchase it regardless of the price.
The most crucial point is that this is the only place where Fang Ning can defer payment for medicine. Sometimes, when Fang Ning finds himself in a difficult situation, this is the only place where he can obtain snow swallow's nest.
After speaking, Aunt Zhang took out a pile of torn waste paper, which had already been assembled. Fang Ning bowed to Aunt Zhang and said, "Thank you, Aunt Zhang"
Fang Ning took the snow bird's nest, exchanged a few polite words with Uncle Mu, and then quickly walked home. It seems that she must queue up early tonight in order to have a chance to receive a free consultation from the divine doctor, Little Snow Fairy, tomorrow morning
Fang Ning turned around and resolutely walked towards the martial arts arena
It turns out that heaven has left me a way out; my father's sword is still at home. Seeking help from heaven and earth is not as effective as relying on oneself. With a sword in hand, I am determined to fight. I have been the top student at the official martial arts academy every year, absorbing countless experiences from the old warriors. I may not necessarily lose.
This building is the arena in Kezhou City. To maintain the bloodlust and fighting spirit of the empire's citizens, every city within the empire features both an arena and a library. Countless warriors, slaves, criminals, prisoners of war, ferocious beasts, and demons engage in bloody battles here, showcasing various gruesome gladiatorial contests
This is also the last resort for the common people of the empire who find themselves in dire straits. For instance, those burdened with usury, or individuals like Fang Ning who require a substantial sum, can come here to sign up for gladiatorial combat, fighting amidst blood and sand, facing life-and-death situations, and battling their enemies.
Aunt Zhang immediately said: "Hurry, hurry, the Bodhisattva has eyes, and I hope that Sister Fang recovers soon"
Hearing Fang Ning's words, Aunt Zhang's expression became somewhat strange. She glanced at Fang Ning's unconscious mother and, gritting her teeth, said
It is unfair. Father saved six hundred thousand common people, yet he was exiled to the borders. Mother has always been kind to others, helping countless people in the past, but why must she face such a fate? Heaven, it is too unfair
Soon, Fang Ning returned to a dilapidated alley, where the scene was one of decay and disrepair. Everywhere was in a state of ruin. Fang Ning entered a modest bungalow in the alley; the house was not large, but it had its own entrance and courtyard. The iron gate was sturdy, providing a sense of security, and the rent was quite reasonable. This was the residence he had leased.
Please note that this patient has entered the advanced stage. It is advisable to take Qingxin Dan within one month; otherwise, after one month, the condition will deteriorate to a severe state, leaving no treatment options. The patient will fall into a complete coma and will not awaken, leading to death within six months.
He carefully folded the prescription and said to Aunt Zhang, "Aunt Zhang, I am going out for a while to look for medicinal herbs that can treat my mother’s illness. I will trouble you to watch over her a little longer."
With questions in mind, Fang Ning received today's payment for the caregiver, a silver dollar, and left the military old age home. He headed straight to the market in Kezhou City and arrived in front of a pharmacy.
Fang Ning speculated that this woman was likely his beloved, and it was possibly because of her that Gu Tian Nan remained unmarried for life, ultimately spending his final years in a military retirement home
Those professional caregivers are all motivated by money and merely go through the motions. These elderly individuals have endured countless trials and tribulations, and can easily discern their true feelings. Therefore, Fang Ning's sincerity is rendered exceptionally precious
Victory brings substantial rewards, while failure also comes with compensation
Is it that water mirror image? Fang Ning knows that Gu Tian Nan has a water mirror that can evoke water mirror illusions, creating an image of a beautiful woman about five inches tall above the water mirror
After a long time, Fang Ning walked out of the auction house in Kezhou in a daze. Inside, there was the Qingxin Pill, which was indeed valued at 30 gold. Ten pieces amounted to 300 gold, a figure that weighed down on him like a mountain.
The elderly in the military nursing home do not lack food or clothing, and they enjoy all the benefits. Each person has dedicated caregivers; however, they lack one thing, which is familial affection and genuine care
Fangyuan Pharmacy, although not one of the largest pharmacies in Kezhou City, is a place where Fang Ning enjoys purchasing medicine. This is because the owner, Mu Ying, is very fair, offering reasonable prices and never overcharging customers. Moreover, their family's ancestral Qingfeng Pure Medicine technique allows the medicinal properties of the herbs to be maximized, making their products three times more effective than those from other pharmacies
He shouted loudly to the back: "Snow Bird's Nest, one silver dollar, take the premium."
In the Tianluo Empire, prices are stable: a bun costs ten wen, a hundred catties of rice is worth twenty silver dollars, and a beautiful sixteen-year-old female slave is merely worth ten gold. The ancestral home of the Fang family sold for only one thousand gold. Fang Ning would need to work in the military old age home for thirty thousand days, which amounts to eighty-two years, to save enough.
I am unwilling to accept this, it is so hard to accept. If only my father had not encountered misfortune, in the past, what was three hundred gold worth? But, but where can I find three hundred gold now? I have borrowed from everyone I could.
Upon hearing the words "Qingxin Dan," Uncle Mu's expression changed, and he shook his head, saying
Fang Ning was momentarily taken aback, feeling a chill in his heart as an ominous sensation began to rise within him