A bamboo grove in the Su Jun Hall

I halted abruptly, nearly colliding with the building in front of me

He roared in the wind: "Little pig, who have you gotten into trouble with?"

The young man was astonished and held the cauldron tightly in his arms

The Medicine King's Cauldron? I have previously heard the gossiping individuals from the Qingcheng Garden mention that it is the precious cauldron used by the renowned pharmacist Du Wei for concocting medicines

Ignoring the disdainful gazes along the way, I set foot on Nanping Mountain. In winter, the heavy mountains and vegetation wither, yet the rare purple-backed wildflower remains indifferent to the changing seasons, quietly hiding in the secluded depths of the mountains where few tread.

The wind chases the water, and the water flows with blood. Su Tangzhu holds my waist, abandoning the horse to leap to the opposite shore

I thought to myself that I could not afford to offend him for the time being. Squinting at the young man who was bowing his head to observe the fire, he looked nothing more than the apprentice of the Medicine King. At an age not yet reaching his twenties, his temperament was quite irritable. My mind wandered aimlessly, which somewhat alleviated the pain of the poison. As I drifted into endless thoughts, I decided that once I was poisoned, I would force him to prepare two pills of highly toxic poison without any antidote for me: one pill for my enemy and one for Xi Ri Chang.

Although the horse is thin, it runs very fast. It gallops with the wind, leaving more than half of the pursuing horses behind.

I stopped my horse halfway, noticing that there were people ahead, and not just a few.

After five or six people fell, the opposing side realized that it would be difficult for the assassin to leave me unharmed. The three individuals from the Qingyuan period drove away the onlookers, surrounding me in a triangular formation. I discarded the pipa and, for the first time, formed seals with both hands. The sound of the wind changed again, and the air seemed to solidify between my hands. "Swift!" I shouted in anger. With one hand striking forward and the other hand following up, three consecutive sounds of impact echoed. The person in front fell to the ground after being struck, while those behind retreated. However, the person on my left pierced through my side with a sword.

I sat cross-legged on the bed, watching him prepare the medicine. With only three tools that could not be more rudimentary, along with a pair of hands, Su Tangzhu proceeded methodically and confidently, executing each step in order. This made me feel fortunate to have saved him; had it been another pharmacist, I could not be sure if they would have been able to concoct it.

That ... ... that ... ...

Then go find your senior brother

After passing by for several dozen zhang, a swift arrow suddenly struck the ground before my feet. I halted my steps, and a person ahead respectfully said: "I kindly request you to return to the palace, my lord"

Passing through Linchuan, we took the land route since we had horses. However, our journey to Linchuan lasted only a day before we encountered an ambush. The opposing force numbered around one hundred or so, and naturally, we urged our horses to gallop faster.

Two days have passed, and the "Purple-backed Mallow" has been processed into a powder. Without the use of a knife, I completely relied on my energy to cut and grind it, while the Medicine King's Cauldron was heated to the appropriate temperature by the furnace.

"You go south!" He let me go and said resolutely.

My body trembled violently. I had run so far for so many days, yet I was still in the palm of Xi Ri Chang. He feared that I would die and called his junior disciple to prepare medicine for me. He was not afraid of my escape; he was lying in wait at the border of Xi Qin.

He turned his face away, not daring to meet my gaze, "Senior brother is waiting for you at the western border of Xiqin"

I can hardly stand his hesitance, and I scolded him, saying: "Speak your mind!"

Ah... Su Tangzhu exclaimed, running over. One hand felt my pulse while the other hand sealed several of my acupoints. After all, he came from the lineage of the Medicine King, and upon seeing my condition, he was able to decisively determine the appropriate response to the poisoning.

I carefully dug it out by the roots with both hands and wrapped it in the prepared rag. Tomorrow, I will be able to brew a potion, and a single purple-backed ghost flower will suffice for my needs for half a year

I have no time, start refining right now!

After the innkeeper delivered the late-night meal, a dull pain rose from my lower abdomen. I set down my bowl and chopsticks, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to circulate my energy to counteract the poison. Su Tangzhu immediately put down the few bites of food he had taken and sat beside the medicinal cauldron. He glanced at me sideways, shaking his head repeatedly, seemingly filled with pity

Why

The rough pipa, do not give rise to a surge of emotions, resounding atop Nanping Mountain, distinct in highs and lows, clear and turbid. The reason for bringing this pipa is none other than to repay kindness with kindness and to settle grievances with grievances

Su Tangzhu said softly: "If you happen to encounter your senior brother again, you should yield! He will not take your life! Why don't you become his favored concubine? I know he treats you differently."

Must I really go to Nanyue as Su Tangzhu said? Can I not return to Xiqin? I am unwilling.

The sound of hooves echoed as we entered Quanzhou before nightfall. We found a clean restaurant, and at the dining table, I asked him: "What are the three flavors of medicine?"

With a muffled bang, half of the people around me fell, and several more wounds appeared on my body. Had it not been for my energy striking them first, these wounds could have resulted in severed limbs. However, this secret technique of mass killing had exhausted my energy. I glared with bloodshot eyes at the more than ten people still standing, thinking to myself that it was over; was I really going to be incapacitated here?

Su Tangzhu observed my expression and explained: "There are three types of medicinal materials that need to be processed before they can be refined, among which the stem and root of 'Purple-backed Dark Kua' require a full two days. Fortunately, you dug it up along with the roots; otherwise, this 'Purple-backed Dark Kua' would have been wasted!"

The poison struck too early, the pain of being torn apart and having my soul extracted was excruciating, and soon I was drenched in sweat. The words of Xiri Chang from that day still linger in my ears, "What is the setting sun's glow? The afterglow fills the sky, red as blood; when the pain reaches its peak, it feels as if being cut a thousand times, blood flowing like an ocean, trapped in a sea of blood and sunset." Unlike that day, this time the pain did not last just a moment.

I seem to be submerged in a sea of blood, struggling desperately yet finding no reliable shore. In this sea of blood, I am filled with both rage and sorrow; so much thick, foul blood—my blood, my family's blood—yet why is it not the blood of my enemies? I want my enemies to also taste the flavor of this blood-soaked sea; I want to see the terror on their faces, I want to witness their despair and death. A figure suddenly appears before me, and as I widen my eyes, I see a handsome yet cruel face. I want my enemies to also taste the flavor of this blood-soaked sea; I want to see the terror on their faces, I want to witness their despair and death. A figure suddenly appears before me, and as I widen my eyes, I see a handsome yet cruel face. Xirichang's eyes gleam with a burning desire as he steps through the blood. How can he walk on this blood? Must one stain their hands with the blood of countless people to stand in this sea of blood? I want to escape, but as I turn, I see the ghostly figure of Xirichang crouching down, pulling me up from the sea of blood. He grips my chin and forcefully pries my mouth open. That gentle smile fills me with dread; what is he going to do?

I have gone, take care! I leaped forward. He sighed, "Indeed, it is better to be a beggar!"

Why did you run back

I charge forward, and ahead there are only more than 20 people, clearly indicating that it is easier to break through than with the rear troops

You scared me to death, without any explanation

Our current attire is somewhat inappropriate

The one who disrupts my cultivation comes stumbling in, and though I wish to avoid trouble, it finds its way to me. I coldly watch as the bloodied young man falls to the ground, followed closely by four knife-wielding thugs.

It is not poison! By the time the few people behind us discerned that it was merely dust, we had already broken through the encirclement

Xi Ri Chang is indeed under Du Wei, no wonder he possesses the Falling Sunset Pill, and it is also no surprise that Su Tang Zhu said the last three medicinal ingredients are in his hands

Good skills, benefactor

The sounds of fighting gradually faded away with the wind, as I strolled under the desolate night sky. I had traversed a rugged stretch of mountain path, and ahead lay an open field, where the faint sound of flowing water could be heard. I arrived at the water's edge, scooped up a handful of cold stream to drink, ate a piece of the dry food I carried, and after a brief rest, practiced my skills on a stream stone.

I gritted my teeth, thinking, "I won't die." Since I had already waded into this murky water, I decided to go all out. After being wounded, my agility became difficult to maintain, and seeing my attack power diminish, the man laughed triumphantly.

What is not suitable cannot find peace, and what is expensive does not bring honor

He emitted a hissing sound of inhalation, clearly struggling to endure the pain from the wound.

"You little brat! Why don't you run away!" a man shouted fiercely, "Hand over the Medicine King Cauldron, and I'll give you a quick end!"

Su Tang's delicate face was tinged with bitterness, "You should go! Keep heading south without stopping! Still pretending to be a beggar."

I bandaged my leg injury and asked indifferently, "Can't you do it?"

I silently accepted it and walked forward alone, carrying a body full of wounds

"Even in death, I will not allow it to fall into your hands." The young man took out a small black cauldron from within his robe, gripping it tightly in his hand, "Master, I have failed your great trust..."

What is the name of the heroine, if I may ask? After leaving the town, he asked me while on horseback

Because you inherited the Medicine King's Cauldron, but he did not

Su Tangzhu's small face was flushed, and he quickly ran out of the inn. I slowly followed behind him, and at the entrance of the inn, he spat and said, "As one gets older, one's thoughts become sordid!"

We checked into an inn and requested a stove and a water bucket. The innkeeper cast a suggestive glance at the two of us, accepted the silver coins, and did not ask further questions

"Let's go, let's find a place to stay!" I gathered two bundles of changed clothes in one hand and grabbed his collar with the other, leaving the house. In mid-air, he finally came to his senses and unexpectedly said, "You might as well be a beggar"

I grabbed him by the back of his collar and said, "Let's go!"

I coughed up a mouthful of blood and spat, "He wants me to live under his belt!"

Seeing the faint traces of blood seeping through his clothing after I pushed him, I was left speechless. After all, this man had been working hard for me for three days despite his injuries

I pondered that it turned out I was acting as his bodyguard. This is better, as it saves me from having to tear off the facade and force him.

The sound of hooves echoed from behind, and Su Tangzhu recklessly charged into the battlefield, turning sideways to draw me.

To wear a set of carefree clothes and to live a life that does not rely on the breath of others, this is what I desire

I stared at him for a long while, "Aren't you going to take me down? At this moment, I am already at the end of my strength, no match for you... cough cough... You really hide the hidden energy of the Luo Xuan Sect well!"

Su Tangzhu stared at me and said, "How do you know?"

"With ambush troops in front and pursuing soldiers behind, riding a horse only means sacrificing two more horse lives." I lightly patted the horse's hindquarters, and the horse, understanding the situation, went off to the side to rest.

female hero

I turned around and said coldly: "There is no need to thank me; I saved you, also for the sake of the Medicine King Cauldron..."

If you happen to see him, you would probably avoid him just like I do! Indeed, who in this world is more terrifying than Xirichang?

What kind of medicine is Sanwei? I muttered through my teeth

Hmph! After scoffing, I formed a hand seal with one hand. I could sense the change in the hand seal after achieving a certain level of speed; it no longer possessed the astonishing momentum it once had, but instead transformed into the sound of a long, unending wind. The wind brushed over the hills, swept across the fields, and lingered between my fingers

Ignoring the injury to my left rib, I turned my hands over, and the heavy air exuded a chilling atmosphere. I shouted loudly, "Go!"

When we checked out, the innkeeper muttered, "The youth of today..."

He kissed me, and what came through his lips was a fragrant medicinal scent. I widened my eyes and saw Su Tangzhu kissing me with his eyes closed. I swallowed hard in my throat, instantly waking up, and pushed him away, "What are you doing?"

Du Wei examined the twelve medicinal herbs I handed him, his previously relaxed brows furrowing tightly, "You have been poisoned with a rare toxin!"

I extend my hand and spread my fingers, "What if not?"

"Many pharmacies near Nanping have been robbed, and the least of them are the prescriptions for Luoxia Pills," he sighed, "It was I who led you to Linchuan Road; had you taken the water route, you would not have encountered them."

"Little Pig?" Su Tangzhu laughed heartily. I shot him a glare, and he immediately corrected himself, "I was wrong, I was wrong, it is Heroine Zhu!"

He cautiously asked, "This is a chronic intermittent poison; how many days until the poison takes effect on you?"

The person replied: "Our only command is to capture you alive; breaking an arm or losing a leg is of no consequence."

As soon as the words were spoken, I took three steps, and in an instant, I was like an arrow released from its bow, arriving beside the young man. A few men were startled, and I extended a hand, which, after being washed in the stream, appeared crystal clear and fair.

The beggar over there, this is none of your business, if you want to seek death, come over here!

I calmly await the onset of the poison, waiting for the medicine to take effect. On that day in the Changhua courtyard, Xi Ri Chang had once asked me to experience the effects of the poison, a pain akin to a thousand ants gnawing at my body, severing my intestines and cutting my heart. Su Tang Zhu also knows that time is pressing; since the second night, he has focused solely on the medicinal cauldron, not uttering a single word.

Three days I gritted my teeth and said

I was taken aback. The remedy made by Xi Ri Ming, following the formula of Xi Ri Chang, can only serve as a temporary solution, whereas the Medicine King’s disciple is capable of producing a genuine antidote

He waved his hand and said, "No! No! The person I fear the most in this world is him!"

Su Tangzhu said solemnly: "It is possible, but it will take three days to refine it using the Medicine King's Cauldron."

Go

Su Tangzhu shook his head in silence

I was taken aback; the toxicity of the Falling Sunset Pill manifests every half month, leaving me with only two and a half days.

The sword drew forth a stream of blood, I covered the wound with my left hand and once again struck with my right. The two, startled, called for their companions, "Let’s go together, and fight until they are incapacitated!"

Su Tangzhu sighed and said in despair, "If you were to see him, you would probably avoid him just like I do!"

Does the King of Medicine also use vulgar language?

The daylight dimmed as I embarked on the road back to the Western Qin. After walking about twenty miles out of the South Screen Heavy Mountains, I heard the sounds of a fight in the mountains and fields ahead, so I took a detour. Although I am no longer the frail young girl of my past, sparring with Chen Feng has made me realize that my martial prowess is sufficient to navigate the martial world. After all, there are not many strong individuals like Xi Richang, but the experiences of those years have long hardened my heart. When I was in distress, alone and helpless, who ever showed pity for me, a mere weakling? Only those who coveted the secret skills I possessed, yet none had true feelings for me. This world has no heroes, only the strong oppressing the weak.

You should first get through this hurdle before talking!" Su Tangzhu said with a pout.

Carrying a pipa wrapped in tattered cloth, dressed in rags, with bare toes exposed in straw sandals, my skin, like all the exposed flesh of a wanderer, was covered in dirt. I found myself once again in the identity of a beggar from six years ago, similarly evading the traps of the world. Back then, I had fallen from a life of luxury to that of a small beggar, enduring the hardships of sleeping outdoors and eating meager meals. Now, shedding the splendid crown and colorful garments of a national concubine to don these dirty, tattered clothes felt entirely unremarkable.

After staying in Quanzhou for one night, we continued our westward journey. Leaving Dagao was of utmost urgency, while the antidote could be postponed for the time being

Su Tangzhu laughed and said, "The words may be rough, but the reasoning is sound!" He hurried a few steps and asked, "Where is the heroine headed?"

I spent an entire day meticulously searching in Nanping Mountain. As the evening glow painted the mountains, I finally discovered a patch of withered grass with a hint of purple beside a cliff. The basal leaves were heart-shaped and ovate, with coarse hairs on both sides, the underside being purple. It was a small herbaceous plant, perfectly matching the description in the Compendium of Materia Medica.

"How did you know I was going to Nanping?" I paused with a smile and asked coldly

Su Tangzhu and I simultaneously exclaimed, "Chase me!" and then exchanged a knowing smile.

I held the Su Tang bamboo, which was significantly taller than me, almost floating as I flew into the mountains and fields

I rise and walk away; they kill their own, what concern is it of mine

We bought two thin horses in town, and I felt quite uneasy not resembling a beggar, as the scrutinizing gazes of passersby always made me feel on edge. It was only after I pulled up my veil that I finally felt at ease

I shot him a glare while running

I turned around and saw the young man rise unsteadily, his delicate features displaying a resolute expression

I pondered for a moment and said: "Just call me Xiao Zhu." The edicts pursuing me are widespread across the land, accusing me of being a spy for the Western Qin, yet not a single word mentions that this spy once held the esteemed position of the Empress of Chang and served as the Sword Master for Prince Chang.

Su Tang Zhu remains silent

I exerted myself to climb onto the horse's back and sat behind him. Su Tangzhu raised his hand and scattered a handful of dust.

Thank you, benefactor! The boy, who has found hope in a desperate situation, is filled with joy.

The poison of the setting sun circulates endlessly within me, and ultimately I cannot withstand it. Gradually, the pain causes me to lose consciousness, and I collapse onto the bed.

Is he very frightening

Falling Sunset, what a name that is, both beautiful and deadly. Before my eyes, a crimson light gradually emerges, the metallic taste of blood begins to flow between my lips and teeth, and it feels as if countless small snakes are writhing chaotically within my body, each with venomous fangs.

I paused for a moment and said, "Xi Qin, will you come with me?" If he answered "no," I would knock him unconscious after leaving the town. However, Su Tangzhu said, "That's fine. Those people lost track of me in Nanping and must think I went south to Yue. They would never suspect that I am going to Xi Qin!"

I carefully tucked away the "Purple-Backed Mallow". I patted the dirt off my hands, sat cross-legged on the ground, and embraced the pipa to play a tune amidst heaven and earth. The sky sent down rosy clouds, marking the seasonal beauty; life and death are determined by fate, as I strum my fingers to the tune of the wandering dogs.

You! Su Tangzhu seems to be quite moved. However, he does not realize that, for me, he is no different from Erma.

Su Tangzhu was taken aback for a moment, then clapped his hands and said: "Not bad, not bad, what does it have to do with me!"

Traveling south from Shengjing, one can reach the Nanyue Kingdom by continuing directly south. Many medicinal herbs originate from the south; even the cold-resistant herbs often grow in the high mountains of the south. In total, there are twelve types of herbs, most of which can be found in pharmacies, and a few rare ones are easily accessible to me. However, there is one herb that is difficult to find in pharmacies—the purple-backed ghost flower, which grows in the sunless areas near the tops of high mountains.

What are you doing? Su Tangzhu had to stop following me

I responded with a hum. It is not merely inappropriate; it is utterly unbearable. I am a beggar in rags, while he is clad in blood-stained garments.

He murmured, "No matter how much I pry, I cannot open your mouth!"

I charged into the crowd, and the bloody battle began. Most of these individuals were at the Solid Qi stage, yet three of them were at the Clear Yuan stage. Aware of the peril, I knew I had to fight swiftly and decisively. With one hand, I had already formed a seal, as the wind gently flowed through the river channel, passing through me, drifting lightly, stirring up the splattered blood, making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe

Su Tangzhu hesitated and said: "There are many inconveniences in the mountains and fields, and moreover, the furnace fire and the preparation of the medicine also require a suitable place"

I am both amused and exasperated; he is clearly a few years older than me, yet behaves like a child. However, he is not wrong; being able to mobilize over a hundred people is not something an ordinary bandit group can achieve

He and I share a similar sentiment from years past, where a common man is innocent, yet possessing a precious gem is a crime. A stir arose within my heart, and I slowly walked towards them

I gritted my teeth and shouted, "Looking for death!"

I suddenly realized the lightness of his movements just now, and staring at his silent face, I burst into laughter, to the point that tears streamed down my face

I have protected your heart's pulse; within twelve hours, the poison cannot attack your heart. You must not resist strongly; forcing it will only cause the toxin to spread through your blood vessels. Let it circulate through your entire body; I guarantee with my life that it will only cycle back and forth, without lingering. Once the antidote is refined, taking it will cause the poison to return to its original place. Alas... although the 'Purple-backed Mysterious Flower' is rare, I believe we still need three more herbs to completely resolve the poison in your body.

"I beg your pardon, my lord!" As he spoke, a flurry of arrows came flying towards me. I removed the pipa from my back and simultaneously elevated my lightness skill to its utmost limit. The sound of continuous impacts filled the air; the wood chosen by Xi Ri Chang was of good quality, and under my swift hands, the pipa managed to deflect countless arrows.

He awkwardly said: "Even if I tell you, you won't be able to find it. Those peculiar medicines can only be obtained by my senior apprentice!"

In the night, I took him to infiltrate a prominent household in the town. After changing our clothes, I washed my face with the tea on the table. He stared blankly, captivated.

With a sudden shout, I lightly called out and pushed forward with my fingers. My palm struck the man's blade, shattering the large knife, and my hand continued forward, hitting his astonished face. As I withdrew my hand, the man's features twisted in agony, and after a muffled groan of despair, he died with his head exploded. The remaining two, in a state of panic, fled and fell one by one under my hand.

I am still smiling, "Indeed, I kill without blinking, and I remain indifferent even when I see you being chased right in front of me."

The senior brother said that you are ruthless and heartless, turning a blind eye to those in need.

Why did you tell me? You could continue to deceive me until you lead me into the hands of Xi Richang

I no longer wish to waste words with him and turned to leave. He caught up with me and handed me a package of medicine, saying, "There is one thing I did not lie to you about; I am indeed a disciple of Du Wei.

"Go to hell!" The leader cursed and charged forward. I swiftly climbed up, weaving between the four of them, using hand strikes and foot kicks, engaging in a fierce battle. These four had some real skills, capable of pursuing Du Wei's disciples. Especially the leading bandit, whose cultivation had reached the early stage of Qingyuan, was on par with my strength. After I killed one of them, I received a knife wound on my left leg from him. The severely injured youth behind me, unable to fight any longer, exclaimed, "Brother, be careful!" Especially the leading bandit, whose cultivation had reached the early stage of Qingyuan, was on par with my strength. After I killed one of them, I received a knife wound on my left leg from him. The severely injured youth behind me, unable to fight any longer, exclaimed, "Brother, be careful!"

I walked past him and coldly said: "He thinks of his own matters, what concern is it of yours?"

Guessing

"Drive away the poison for me"

Su Tangzhu was left speechless. I looked up at him and said: "I am not chasing you; you were hiding by the roadside, and I went past!"

Su Tangzhu shook his head and said, "No, I believe you are not like that; you are being forced by your senior brother."