Chapter 93: Reciting Brings Me Joy

Yan Shu recited earnestly, as if she had returned to those days before the college entrance exam. The Medicine King randomly tested her on a few passages; seeing she could answer them all, he stopped questioning and asked her to recite the entire text from the beginning.

When Yan Shu had recited about one-third, a sudden flash of light appeared outside the courtyard. Both the Medicine King and Yan Shu looked over to see Xiao Jihan standing in the sunlight, clad in pale purple robes, the morning rays bathing him in a gentle golden glow. With his handsome features, he seemed almost like a deity descending to earth.

Yan Shu was momentarily dazzled by his beauty, forgetting to greet him in her daze.

Xiao Jihan, upon seeing her, paused briefly, then his handsome face darkened.

Favorability: 15 (First Meeting)
Favorability: 14 (First Meeting)
Favorability: 13 (First Meeting)

Watching his favorability drop three points in a row, Yan Shu suddenly realized—could he think she was being two-faced, trying to steal his opportunity? And when had his favorability risen to 16? Wasn’t it only 12 before entering the teleportation array?

None of that mattered now. Yan Shu quickly put on a smile and waved to Xiao Jihan, “Why are you just standing there? Hurry in and greet Grandpa Medicine King!”

The Medicine King turned to her, “Is this the successor you mentioned to me?”

Yan Shu nodded, “Yes! He’s already passed the trial!”

The Medicine King didn’t comment further, but glanced at Xiao Jihan and remarked lightly, “Pleasant to look at.”

Yan Shu’s mind sparked, “Grandpa Medicine King, you brought me here directly—is it because I’m the best looking?”

“Hmph!” The Medicine King snorted coldly, “Go look in a mirror, then look at Xiao Jihan. Don’t you have any sense?”

Yan Shu: …

As they spoke, Xiao Jihan walked over and gave the Medicine King a deep bow. “Junior Xiao Jihan, greetings, Medicine King.”

The Medicine King appraised him from head to toe, then suddenly asked, “After passing the trial, why did it take you so long to arrive? Was the ‘Original Intention’ trial difficult?”

After the questioning trial, there was another called ‘Original Intention.’

As its name implied, one had to confess their true purpose for pursuing cultivation.

For most, this trial wasn’t difficult, but for Xiao Jihan, it was.

Because his original intention was revenge.

And revenge, for cultivators, was considered base, even forbidden, as it carried the taint of killing.

It was obvious that the Medicine King, whose life was dedicated to saving others, would never accept a successor driven by a desire for slaughter.

Still, Xiao Jihan hesitated for a long time before telling the truth.

He thought he would fail, but unexpectedly, he arrived at Medicine King Valley successfully.

Xiao Jihan lowered his gaze and replied honestly, “It was difficult for me.”

The Medicine King waved his hand dismissively, “You young people overthink everything. Medicine can save lives, but it can also kill. The pursuit of revenge is also a pursuit of strength, a quest for the Dao. Everything has two sides; the decision lies with you.”

The ‘Beast Lure Powder,’ labeled a forbidden drug, was a required item for passing the trial. Xiao Jihan wasn’t surprised at the Medicine King’s attitude; otherwise, he wouldn’t have chosen to tell the truth.

“Enough,” the Medicine King said, rising to his feet and waving his hand. Two books appeared before Xiao Jihan and Yan Shu.

He addressed them, “As usual, tomorrow I will test you.”

With that, the Medicine King strolled back into the house.

Yan Shu took her book, barely glancing at the cover before hurriedly explaining to Xiao Jihan, “When I entered the teleportation array, I was sent straight to Medicine King Valley. I’ve explained to Grandpa Medicine King many times—I have no talent for alchemy. You are the true successor.”

Xiao Jihan accepted his book quietly, not indicating whether he believed Yan Shu’s words.

Noticing his silence, Yan Shu glanced at the book cover: “Introduction to Alchemy.”

She quickly looked at her own book: “How to Cultivate Suitable Soil.”

Yan Shu: …

A sense of foreboding intensified.

Xiao Jihan noticed her strange expression and followed her gaze to her book.

He hesitated, then said, “I’ve heard that the Medicine King possesses a piece of ‘Breathing Earth,’ which can change its environment according to its master’s wishes and cultivate medicinal herbs of exceptional potency. This is one reason why he is called the Medicine King.”

The original novel never mentioned Breathing Earth; Yan Shu only learned of it through the original host’s memories after transmigrating.

The issue wasn’t the Breathing Earth, but—

This was supposed to be a cultivation novel, so why had it suddenly turned into a farming story?

How did the Medicine King determine she was suited for farming? Did she emit some rural aura?

Xiao Jihan saw her conflicted expression and leaned close, whispering in her ear, “There’s no spiritual plant in this world the Breathing Earth can’t produce. The Medicine King has countless seeds; a single Seven-Colored Lotus can sell for at least fifty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.”

Yan Shu’s eyes instantly brightened. She looked up at Xiao Jihan with solemn seriousness, “Spirit stones and such—how vulgar! Do you think I recite texts for mere spirit stones? I recite for the thirst for knowledge! I love reciting; it brings me joy!”

Xiao Jihan: …

Favorability: 14 (First Meeting)
Favorability: 15 (First Meeting)

Yan Shu felt delighted; the misunderstanding seemed resolved. Still, she decided to defend herself. “I really was sent straight here by the teleportation array. I never intended to steal your opportunity.”

Xiao Jihan gave a soft “Mm,” then changed the subject, “Master, aren’t you going to read? The Breathing Earth…”

“Yes, yes, I’ll start now!”

Yan Shu hurried inside, handed Xiao Jihan a meditation cushion, then sat in her usual spot and began reciting earnestly.

Xiao Jihan sat beside her, glanced at her, and withdrew his gaze.

He knew Yan Shu had noticed his earlier irritation.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have explained repeatedly that she hadn’t stolen his chance.

Xiao Jihan didn’t deny it; he had indeed suspected her of entering Medicine King Valley through some other means.

But what truly unsettled him wasn’t that fleeting suspicion, but the way she bantered and laughed with the Medicine King.

The Medicine King, though just a fragment of soul from ten thousand years ago, was still a man.

She had clearly promised to covet only him…

While Xiao Jihan and Yan Shu were busy reading and reciting, chaos erupted outside the secret realm.

Because Pang Feiyan had been injured, Meng Yu brought her back to the inn immediately after leaving the secret realm. To his surprise, Sun Changfeng and Qiu Shuoran, whom he expected to remain in the secret realm for much longer, returned after only half a day.

Moreover, upon their return, they caused a huge commotion in the inn, accusing Xiao Jihan of concocting and using the forbidden Beast Lure Powder in front of Liu Zhiqing, demanding that Xiao Jihan be expelled from the sect!