Chapter Fifteen: Spiritual Herbs and Threats

Wu You sat in the courtyard, carefully sorting through his thoughts. It had only been two or three days since he obtained the Biological Alchemy System, yet in these few days, more had happened than in the previous twenty years combined, leaving his spirit in a constant state of exhilaration.

Now, safety was no longer an issue, and he had money. The next step was to find a way to treat Wu Jianguo’s injuries.

Wu You did not doubt the medical skills of the Qiantang City Central Hospital, but he also didn’t want Wu Jianguo to suffer unnecessarily. Once again, the omnipotent “Du Niang” became Wu You’s treasure trove of knowledge. This time, he intended to refine suitable medicinal herbs—not out of reluctance to create a disease-curing animal, but for other reasons.

Firstly, using animals for healing was too conspicuous and hard to conceal. Secondly, for a case as severe as Wu Jianguo’s, a healing animal would have to be at the Transcendent level. Not to mention the high-grade materials required for such a creature; risking his life in the Mountain of Beasts for his father was worthwhile, but where would he find the necessary Transcendent energy materials?

Even Garuru, in its current state, was only approaching the Transcendent threshold.

Therefore, Wu You placed his hopes in traditional Chinese medicine. There were countless formulas and ointments in Chinese medicine for awakening the mind, treating internal injuries, mending bones, and stopping bleeding—though their effects were not powerful enough.

What if Wu You could enhance the efficacy of these herbs to a certain degree? He could easily concoct something akin to the legendary Black Jade Bone Renewal Ointment, based on formulas for Reviving Pills or Bone Mending Paste.

Medicine is a meticulous craft, and even with Chinese medicine, one cannot mix formulas at will. Potent drugs can't be used recklessly—Wu You understood this well, so he needed the help of a reliable master physician.

Coincidentally, Wu You did know such a person: Bai Yanxi, a native of Huiji City, who had treated his grandfather’s bone injuries and removed bone spurs when Wu You was little. Bai was renowned as a folk healer in the region.

However, Wu You’s grandfather passed away nearly eight years ago, and Bai Yanxi was already an old man at the time. Wu You wasn’t sure if he was still alive.

He’d make a trip to Huiji City soon to find out.

He glanced at the remaining alchemy energy—nine points left. If each herb required cultivation, it was best to limit the number of refined substances to four.

Having decided, Wu You immediately began researching online, searching for herbs suitable for alchemy.

He was surprised to discover that many traditional Chinese medicines were not purely plant-based; some, like musk, were secretions from the scent glands of male musk deer.

After extensive browsing and comparison of potent formulas, he tentatively listed angelica, myrrh, notoginseng, safflower, musk, and ground beetle as primary ingredients, supplemented by a refined ginseng product to restore vital energy and blood.

That meant he needed to refine four times. If any failed, he could use reserve cultivation energy to make up for it.

Of all these, only musk was troublesome, requiring a live male musk deer.

Wild musk deer were first-degree protected animals, so the only option was the Mountain of Beasts. Farmed musk deer might be available, but finding one could take time.

Wu You placed an online order for the live herbs and insects, paying extra for expedited delivery.

...

While Wu You was planning to manufacture a medicine to heal his father, Liu Weiliang, General Manager of Shengtian Group’s Qiantang branch, was receiving a call from the Shengtian president.

Seeing the caller ID, Liu Weiliang felt a twinge of anxiety.

“President Fan, it’s me, Liu Weiliang. No, you’re not interrupting. About the Natural Club project? Yes, it’s progressing. Right, some trouble? There’s been a small issue, but please rest assured, I’ll resolve it quickly.”

In a skyscraper in the capital, Fan Shuxing replied with a smile, “Good, that’s what I like to hear. I trust your ability. By the way, I’ll be visiting Qiantang in a week.”

“You’re coming to Qiantang? For what purpose? Oh, I mean, I’ll make sure to welcome you properly.” Cold sweat broke out on Liu Weiliang’s forehead. Was Fan coming to audit his accounts?

“No need to guess. I’m coming for a special auction hosted by Wanli. The legendary Night Pearl will be featured. If you’re interested, check the news online,” Fan Shuxing said, not giving Liu Weiliang a chance to speculate further. “That’s all for now. I’ll hang up.”

“Yes, yes, you’re busy.”

After the call ended, Liu Weiliang wiped the sweat from his brow.

Don’t be fooled by Fan Shuxing’s amicable manner. As an old boss, even after all these years, Fan’s ruthless tactics could still unsettle Liu Weiliang.

He opened a browser and searched for the Night Pearl. The top results were all news about the exotic treasure found in Qiantang, complete with pictures, videos, and a fixed auction date—next Saturday, July 8.

Though curious about the Night Pearl, Liu Weiliang knew such treasures were out of his league; only someone like Fan Shuxing had a real chance.

Still, even if Fan wasn’t coming for him, his presence posed a threat. Unless Liu Weiliang resolved his affairs, he wouldn’t have a moment’s peace.

Moreover, Fan Tiantian would surely accompany Fan Shuxing, and she was likely to investigate Liu Weiliang as well.

He needed to act quickly; it was time to pay up if necessary.

...

Wu You had just ordered live ground beetles when his phone rang with an unfamiliar number ending in several eights.

He answered, and a strange male voice came through.

Liu Weiliang, seeing the call go through, set aside his teacup.

“You must be Wu Jianguo’s son. No, we don’t know each other. Let me introduce myself: I’m Liu Weiliang, General Manager of Shengtian Group’s Qiantang branch.”

Wu You, previously nonchalant, instantly turned cold upon hearing the introduction.

“So you’re the local head of Shengtian. My respects, Manager Liu.”

Liu Weiliang continued, “About the compensation for your family’s land, there was some misunderstanding before. I know Wu Jianguo was recently in an accident, and you must need money. Let’s compromise: I’ll raise your compensation to three million. Come sign the contract tomorrow.”

Wu You smiled, “Sorry, Manager Liu. I don’t need money right now, and we have no intention of selling the land. Perhaps you should seek another lucky site for your development.”

Liu Weiliang’s expression darkened.

Wu You pressed on, “By the way, Manager Liu, may I ask you something?”

“What is it?” Liu Weiliang sounded impatient.

“Nothing major. I just wanted to know how much you paid to have Wu Jianguo hit by a car?” Wu You’s tone was calm.

“The cost…” Liu Weiliang started, then stopped abruptly. “Listen, kid, I regret your father’s accident. Life is unpredictable. Don’t be paranoid. I advise you to sign and take the money to save your father. Don’t let pride get in the way. Three million is a lot.”

“And remember, unpredictable events can happen to anyone. Who knows when misfortune might strike you, little Wu? Haha, anyway, I’ll give you two days to think it over.”

He hung up.

Wu You’s eyes were filled with a chilling light.

I haven’t even sought you out, yet you jump out on your own. Since your methods are so vicious, I have no reason to hold to moral standards with the likes of you.