Chapter 010: Elixirs
At that time, the Pang family could be described as a colossal entity, possessing two Foundation Establishment cultivators, thirty to forty Qi Refinement cultivators, over a hundred martial artists above the Tiger-Breaking realm, and nearly a thousand ordinary warriors. Moreover, their family head, Pang Tianshou, had already reached the threshold of the Half-Step Golden Core realm, poised to advance to the Golden Core realm at any moment. In this conflict within Tianji County, everyone believed that the outcome was already determined.
Liu Suiyun did not expect that Gu Yinghua had seen through her background: "Miss Gu, how did you know?"
The losses among the Qi Refinement practitioners exceeded one-third, and most of those who fell were the most promising Qi Refinement practitioners of the Pang family. Those recognized as having the opportunity to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage were either exterminated by the Gu family or severely injured. As for the losses among the martial artists, they were even more astonishing, totaling nearly a thousand.
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What does it matter if the labor cost is not three or five thousand coins? Liu Suiyun's face was filled with smiles, for he clearly understood that this fragrant pill could not be measured by worldly silver and gold, nor even by those legendary spirit stones; it should be regarded as a divine medicine that can only be quantified by the merits of the Daoist sect.
He could see that Gu Yinghua was genuinely moved by this man they had just met, and he also recognized that Liu Suiyun was indeed in a precarious situation, almost on the brink of death, with little hope of survival unless a miracle occurred: "Miss, I have some medicine for wounds on me; I will give it to him, but there is really not much hope..."
She did not become angry out of shame; she was well aware of what kind of man he was. A few flowery words meant nothing to her. However, she felt a twinge of regret after saying, "I already have someone I am in love with." Nevertheless, she quickly steered the conversation back to the main topic: "Moreover, do not change the subject in front of me. You are from the Tianji Valley family, aren't you?"
Once again, there is both pain and comfort. Liu Suiyun is at a loss for words to describe his feelings, yet he is acutely aware that the fragrant pill presented by Gu Yinghua is likely worth a fortune, perhaps even approaching the value of nearly half a legendary Foundation Establishment Pill. Now, he has made a surprising discovery: the continuous flow of heat surging through his meridians not only causes the old injuries that have tormented him for years to vanish without a trace, but it also allows him to directly reach the realm he has long yearned for.
He and Gu Yinghua only met yesterday, and he still cannot believe that for someone as insignificant as himself, this young lady Gu Yinghua would actually take out such a miraculous spiritual object to save his life. In his heart, he felt nothing but endless gratitude; in this world, he had only encountered one such wonderful woman.
Liu Suiyun awoke amidst a surge of pain, and in his mind flashed the initial scene of the fierce battle: "I was too impulsive, too impulsive. But if it weren't for this, how could I claim to be the most infatuated in my life? Am I dead, or am I still alive?"
It smells so good
Even the foundation-building cultivator of the Pang family was unexpectedly killed by the joint efforts of the junior cultivators and martial artists from the Gu family. This cultivator, named Pang Tianshou, happened to be the head of the Pang family, who was at the threshold of the Golden Core stage. Just this incident alone can be said to have set back at least thirty years of effort for the Pang family to its original state
"Rogue!" Gu Yinghua spat, a hint of flush appearing on her jade-like face. "That is not how one flirts with a young lady. Besides, this young lady has long had someone she loves!"
A single tear has already escaped for the man in her arms. Regardless of how significant or challenging the tasks assigned by Liu Suiyun may be, even if it requires traversing thousands of mountains and rivers, or enduring countless hardships and dangers, as long as she Gu Yinghua can survive, she will certainly ensure that Liu Suiyun's matters are taken care of. Even if she cannot accomplish it herself, she will request her master and several fellow disciples to see to it.
Gu Yinghua gently placed Liu Suiyun on the ground, removed the large cloak draped over her shoulders, and wrapped Liu Suiyun in it. Only then did she stand up, wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye, her face resolute. In a firm tone, she declared, "I will not treat him unfairly! Find a dry, wind-sheltered cave; if not, setting up a tent will do!"
Liu Ge, do not worry. Aunt Zhang has made more than seventy-seven wen from you on a regular basis. No need to say more, I will take responsibility for this account.
At this point, his voice became slightly more spirited, but Gu Yinghua felt even more anxious. This was likely the last flicker of light from Liu Suiyun. She bit her crimson lips and said, "Go ahead, no matter how big the matter is, I will definitely help you accomplish it"
He was completely immersed in a faint fragrance, not only could his sense of smell detect this subtle scent, but his sense of taste and even touch could also perceive it. He could confirm that he was still alive, not dead—because he was still wearing the same drenched clothes, and had an additional cloak of Gu Yinghua wrapped around him.
Gu Yinghua recalled that when they left Linjiazhuang, Liu Suiyun indeed had that person named Liu Xing run up a considerable tab of various small items at Aunt Zhang's shop. The oil bowl beans that Liu Suiyun often mentioned eating were bought at that time. She said softly, "Why are you worried about such a small amount of money?"
Gu Yinghua glanced at the setting sun, the slanting rays of the evening sun casting a beautiful glow, with red clouds reflecting the sun, a scene of utmost beauty, just like Liu Suiyun at this moment: "I have a solution"
"Are you awake?" This was Gu Yinghua's spirited voice: "That's good, then I won't have to pay off your debt of seventy-seven wen."
Everyone was talking at once: "Liu Ge, I promise you, I will take responsibility for this account!" and "He - Tu - Shu"
You might as well consider it as an offering to the Buddha; not only do you not earn any money, but you also owe me three to five thousand wen. When the time comes, I will deduct it from your wages
"Suiyun, I know that you are most concerned about Aunt Zhang and Granny Wang, these elderly individuals who are without support. Usually, you would rather pay a little more to take care of Aunt Zhang's business. Rest assured, I will take care of the elderly in the village."
He is a person who has seen the world, and even the Xuan Yun Jade Ding Dan worth five hundred thousand wen could not have such an effect. No, even consuming ten Xuan Yun Jade Ding Dans would not yield such an effect. He can feel that his body is undergoing earth-shattering changes, with streams of heat continuously flowing through his meridians, bringing him immense comfort: "What kind of divine medicine is this?"
The outcome was completely unexpected for everyone; the Gu family, a newly wealthy clan, surprisingly endured the thunderous onslaught from the Pang family for one year and three months. After a grueling struggle lasting fifteen months, the remnants of the Gu family finally withdrew from Tianji County. Just from the fifteen months of fierce conflict, one can ascertain the extent of the losses suffered by the Pang family.
He is more important! However, Gu Yinghua clapped her hands and said: "I never mistreat loyal servants. Moreover, Master entrusted me with this precious incense to save lives, so let's proceed."
Are you saying? "Huo Qianshu quickly stood up and said: 'That won't do, those are what you use to save your own life, you won't find many even if you search the entire Shenyao Sect.'"
The Pang family paid such a heavy price, yet in the end, they gained nothing, merely allowing the four loyal dogs of the Gu family to gain notoriety.
As the most powerful family in the entire Tianji County, the Pang family had long coveted the several mineral veins owned by the Gu family. When the head of the Gu family suddenly passed away due to illness, leaving only a widow from the Yan family to hold the fort, the Pang family immediately recognized this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity bestowed by heaven. They launched an attack on the Gu family, intending to swallow up all of their assets completely.
The young people of Linjia initially became furious at Huo Qianshu, but upon hearing what followed, they were left dumbfounded. Although they did not understand the miraculous medicine mentioned by Huo Qianshu, they knew it was the divine medicine that Miss Gu Yinghua used to save her own life. Not to mention the phrase "searching throughout the Shenyao Sect"; they were well aware that the Shenyao Sect was the national sect of the Great Han Kingdom. There is even a saying: "First came the Shenyao Sect, then came the Great Han Kingdom." Countless ascended immortals have emerged from it, and even the Shenyao Sect can hardly produce a few of such precious spiritual medicines. How extraordinarily valuable such a spiritual medicine is.
The Gu family is a nouveau riche in Tianji County, initially rising to wealth through illicit silver mining, and later experiencing a stroke of luck by seizing a gold mine vein. However, their family is quite small, with the number of capable martial artists and cultivators being countable on one hand, most of whom are hired rather than nurtured by the family. In fact, there are numerous examples of inhumane practices employed. It is widely recognized in Tianji County that such nouveau riche families cannot sustain their wealth beyond three generations.
However, the matter entrusted by Liu Suiyun is trivial to the extreme: "This time, I borrowed seventy-seven wen from Aunt Zhang in the east of the village. If I fail, I ask all of you brothers to help me acknowledge this debt..."
Under the faint red light, Gu Yinghua's jade-like demeanor exuded a subtle fragrance. Liu Qingyun felt not only as if her entire body was as light as a swallow, but also immensely comfortable, and her mood became cheerful. Meanwhile, Gu Yinghua had already begun to express concern for Liu Suiyun: "However, I have never been stingy with the cats and dogs at home. You have done your best today, and I appreciate your effort. Perhaps I will even give you an additional three to five hundred wen."
Seeing how desperately you are trying to find the Pang family, it is clear that apart from the Gu family, who else could harbor such deep animosity towards the Pang family?" Gu Yinghua said with a half-smile, "I have lost count of how many times I have heard about the four loyal dogs of the Gu family over the years.
She now holds only one belief: "Liu Suiyun must not die"
Liu Suiyun let out a long sigh, not knowing where he was. However, when he looked up, apart from the faint red glow of the incense lamp, only the subtle sheen of Gu Yinghua's jade pendant was dimly visible, suggesting that he was in the same room as Miss Gu. Yes, it must be within the tent.
He never owes debts, whether they are emotional debts, social debts, or financial and life debts. Therefore, he still wants to inquire clearly: "Miss Gu, what exactly is this divine incense?"
"I am willing to." Gu Yinghua had already taken out a fragrant pill, about the size of a sparrow's egg and as dark as mulberries: "I will also cherish myself more. This young lady has never been stingy with the pets raised at home, as long as they are obedient..."
Gu Yinghua said calmly: "Don't ask anymore, just focus on recovering from your injuries."
Owing a debt of three to five thousand wen as soon as one opens their mouth, yet the reward offered is merely three to five hundred wen. Liu Suiyun, however, believes there is no better patron in this world. He gazes with a smile at the pitch-black top of the tent, his mind intoxicated: "For the sake of my woman, I can give everything, sacrifice everything..."
A faint fragrance permeated the entire tent, and what surprised him even more was that, despite the pain coursing through his body, even to the point of feeling as if his bones were being torn apart, he had never felt this good before
She has already realized that Liu Suiyun is mostly out of danger, and her pill of Jingxiang has achieved remarkable results: "Moreover, you proposed to increase the wages by three to five thousand; I, Miss, do not agree."
Brother Liu, you must stay alive at all costs
I have never been in debt in my life, whether it be emotional or financial! Liu Suiyun's complexion was slightly flushed as she said: "I, Liu Suiyun, have always been the most infatuated in love, and second in farming..."
Huo Qianshu immediately looked up in surprise and said, "Miss, how can this be saved?"
Miss! Huo Qianshu was so anxious that she stamped her feet; this was ten times more precious than the Xuan Yun Jade Cauldron Pill that Gu Yinghua had initially promised in private: "If you are willing to part with it, you must also take care of your own health"