Chapter Sixty-Nine: An Invitation from the Su Residence

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At the hour of Wu, as the city lamps began to glow, the boy saw off the last wounded customer and poked his small head out, peering through the crack in the door. After confirming that no one else was coming, he shut the main door with a resounding bang.

The medicine hall was brightly lit. Chen Jiu sat by a square table, perusing the day’s accounts with an interested expression.

“It seems quite a few people bought ‘snake gall blossom’ today,” he remarked casually.

The boy nodded in agreement. “Yes, every year when winter comes, ‘snake gall blossom’ always sells well.”

“And why is that?” Chen Jiu asked without much thought.

The boy massaged his aching shoulders as he replied, “Because once winter sets in, more people catch cold. And when you catch cold, you need to get medicine… You know how it is, good medicine is always bitter. But if you add ‘snake gall blossom,’ it balances out the bitterness, making the decoction taste sweet and fragrant. People love it!”

“And it’s not expensive, either. So a lot of people buy some to keep at home for the winter. Even if they don’t add it to their medicine, it makes a fine herbal tea to drink every day.”

Chen Jiu nodded thoughtfully. As a child, he too had disliked drinking herbal medicines—the bitterness, the sharp astringency, and that pungent odor. Yet each time, he would sneak a spoonful of sugar into his bowl when the adults weren’t looking. That always made it taste better…

“You’ve had a long day. Go and get some rest,” Chen Jiu said softly, noticing the exhaustion on the boy’s face, though he was clearly trying to keep his spirits up.

The boy felt a little embarrassed. In truth, the busiest person all day had been Doctor Chen. Yet no trace of weariness could be seen on Chen Jiu’s calm features.

What a remarkable man… the boy thought, filled with admiration.

“Very well, I’ll go rest then. You should get some sleep soon too!” He yawned and went off to the side room.

Chen Jiu put down the ledger, his heart stirring.

It wasn’t that he didn’t wish to lose himself in cultivation—having just broken through, now was the time to consolidate his foundation. But the circumstances tonight were unusual; he couldn’t afford to let his guard down.

If he wanted his “Evergreen Elixir” to become renowned in the county, he would inevitably offend the Hand of Miracles Hall. There was no avoiding it.

Though Chen Jiu was a cultivator and, in theory, could crush any mortal power at will, he couldn’t believe that the Hand of Miracles Hall had grown so dominant in Qingcheng County without the backing of the Office of Public Order.

What he truly needed to watch for were other cultivators.

But now that he had reached the First Pavilion of Immortals and had the sword pouch in hand, he no longer feared those at his level.

Let them come—he’d strike them down, one by one!

Chen Jiu was no fiend, lusting for slaughter, but he had his own way of doing things. If anyone truly threatened his life, or dared challenge his dignity and limits, he would not hesitate to become a killer…

He closed his eyes, preparing to consolidate his power.

But in the next instant, his eyes snapped open.

Someone was approaching…

His spiritual sense was ever-vigilant, covering the entire Su Yi Hall. At this moment, he sensed two figures standing at the entrance to the medicine hall.

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Both of them were cloaked from head to toe in voluminous black robes, their features and physiques hidden from view.

“Come in,” Chen Jiu said calmly, his eyes narrowed.

After a moment, a hoarse, elderly voice came from outside: “Indeed, you are a cultivator, Daoist.”

Chen Jiu frowned slightly. Though there was no murderous intent, the visitors’ purposes were unclear. At the very least, they hadn’t come seeking treatment.

A sweep of his sleeve, and the tightly closed door creaked open.

The two black-robed figures lingered at the threshold for a few breaths, then stepped inside, the cold wind swirling around them. They seemed utterly unafraid of whatever this cultivator might do.

“Ah—” Suddenly, the one in front uttered a surprised sound, staring at Chen Jiu as though startled.

“What is it? Do you recognize this Daoist, young master?” The second figure drew back his robe, revealing an aged, kindly face with snowy white hair, smiling eyes almost hidden in their folds, and lips curled in a gentle smile.

Despite the old man’s kindly appearance, a chill gripped Chen Jiu’s heart.

A Jade Core cultivator! There was no doubt—this was a Jade Core master!

His proud concealment techniques were as nothing before those piercing eyes.

As Chen Jiu pondered how best to respond, the leading robed figure suddenly laughed. “Daoist, it’s been a while. I trust you have been well?”

The voice was familiar, but for a moment Chen Jiu couldn’t place it.

He frowned, staring intently at the robed figure.

Su Jiu smiled to himself, then slid off the robe with a pair of fair, almost feminine hands, revealing a handsome face.

“It’s you!” Chen Jiu was startled. Wasn’t this that young noble of mysterious origin?

Su Jiu gave him a long, searching look, then sighed. “The other day, I thought you had met with misfortune. I was saddened for quite some time.”

Chen Jiu’s heart skipped; he forced a laugh and summoned a few stools with a gesture. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Daoist Su?”

To visit at such an hour, they clearly didn’t wish to be seen—there must be some secret matter.

Su Jiu seated himself gracefully, his manner composed and his aura restrained. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Your ‘Evergreen Elixir’ has made quite a name for itself in the county. In half a day, it has outshone even the Hand of Miracles Hall. Quite impressive.”

Chen Jiu’s gaze flickered. Was Su Jiu here for the elixir?

He clasped his hands in reply. “It is nothing, compared to the health of the people.”

“Indeed, Daoist, your virtue and compassion are admirable,” Su Jiu praised.

Chen Jiu shook his head. “Not at all. Lady Bai is the true paragon you speak of. I can hardly claim such virtue.”

He meant it.

Chen Jiu was not some noble sage.

All he wished was to cultivate the Way, to pursue his own path.

Su Jiu simply smiled, but his expression soon turned solemn.

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“In truth, I have come to invite you to my residence as a guest,” Su Jiu said.

Upon hearing this, the old man behind him showed the faintest hint of unease.

“Ninth Young Master, Qin the Miracle-Hand already visited this evening. Perhaps—” The old man bowed, trying to dissuade him.

But Su Jiu waved it off. “No matter. One more divine physician can only be to our benefit.”

The old man lowered his head even further, not daring to protest again.

Witnessing this, Chen Jiu was shaken to his core.

That was a cultivator of the Second Pavilion of Immortals! Such people normally soared through the skies, living free and unrestrained. Yet here, such a figure bowed and scraped before Su Jiu, not daring even to meet his gaze.

Just what sort of background did this young master possess?

Su Jiu rose, giving a slight bow. “Tomorrow morning, my steward will send a carriage for you. I shall await you at the residence.”

With that, he strode out of Su Yi Hall without another word.

At the door, he paused for a moment.

“Oh, and when you come, be sure to bring the jade token I gave you. I keep my promises.”

The old man behind him shot Chen Jiu a deep, warning look before following.

They had given Chen Jiu no room to refuse.

Though dissatisfied, Chen Jiu dared not defy them.

If even a Jade Core cultivator bowed before Su Jiu, what could he, a mere Nascent Pill cultivator, hope to do?

“Perhaps they want me to treat someone at the Su residence?” Chen Jiu mused.

His reputation for selfless detoxification was well established in the county. Now, the Su family’s summons was likely related to treating some poison…

He sighed softly, reflecting that fame brings its own troubles.

Extinguishing the candles, he ascended to the second-floor loft to spend the night cultivating.

Sitting cross-legged on a soft couch, Chen Jiu closed his eyes, the faint azure glow around him pulsing gently with each breath.

As the spiritual energy within him completed a single cycle, his brows suddenly knit together, and his eyes opened, cold and sharp.

There was killing intent outside the medicine hall.

A thought, and he instantly knew how many had come, and how strong they were.

A sneer curled his lips. “So, you couldn’t help but make your move after all…”