Chapter 85: Shadows of Monsters in the City of Medicine

“Hey, isn’t that Senior Lin Feng? Wasn’t it said that he met with misfortune?”

“It’s the Immortal Sword! I’m so envious… Wow, the way he rides his sword is simply captivating…” On Heaven’s Gate Peak, a group of young female disciples watched from a distance, whispering among themselves. But every word drifted clearly into Lin Feng’s ears.

“It’s true what they say—fame brings trouble. Now I’ve become a ‘senior’ myself…” He chuckled softly and strode down the mountain.

“Pinecone!” From afar, he spotted Du Songsong mixing a basin of feed, with a Red Gale Horse snorting beside him.

Clang! The iron shovel slipped from Du Songsong’s hand into the bronze basin. He turned around with difficulty, his face a portrait of disbelief. His eyes widened and he rubbed them vigorously.

“It’s me, you fool!”

“Boss, you’re alive!” Du Songsong shouted.

“What do you mean, look at me, I’m perfectly fine!” Lin Feng replied, throwing a playful punch.

Bang! Their fists met in a solid bump. Du Songsong flopped down onto the basin, shaking his wrist with a wince. “Ouch! That really hurt, you didn’t have to hit so hard!”

“Haha, I forgot my own strength. So, how have you been lately?” Lin Feng walked over, helped him up, and patted the Red Gale Horse, which neighed excitedly, bared its teeth, and flicked its tail.

“They all said you’d been killed by a demon beast, but I didn’t believe it…” As Du Songsong spoke, his eyes reddened slightly. “The enhancement pill you gave me last time—I used it, and just a few days ago, I finally reached the late stage of Qi Refining.”

“That’s wonderful! Keep at it, you’ll make it for sure. For the next sect competition, you’ll definitely qualify. When that time comes, I’ll put in a good word with Master to take you in as my junior disciple, haha!” Lin Feng laughed heartily.

“Let’s hope so. Hey, this sword of yours is amazing—where did you get it?”

“Hehe, I can’t tell you. That’s a sect secret. Want to take a spin in the sky?” Lin Feng feigned mystery, gesturing upward with a mischievous smile.

“Oh! Yes! Lin, you’ve been hiding your skills!” Du Songsong exclaimed in delight. Lin Feng laughed, summoned his sword, and pulled him up onto Mo Yan. With a whistle, the treasured sword soared into the sky, and soon Du Songsong’s wild, incoherent shouts echoed from the clouds…

The city of Bozhou, famed for its medicine, is a land of talent and spiritual energy, nestled at the foot of Great Bo Mountain in the Yan Kingdom, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Legend has it this was the home of the ancient “Immortal Healer” Wen Jing. Across the four kingdoms of Shenzhou, over seventy percent of all medicinal herbs are produced here. Every household cultivates and gathers herbs, and every family is engaged in commerce, driving the economic growth of the entire Yan Kingdom.

Walking through the city, one sees merchants everywhere and pharmacies lining the streets, the pungent aroma of herbs assaulting the senses, though the locals seem wholly unaware. Bozhou is, in itself, a giant cauldron of medicine.

“Junior brother, this must be your first time in Bozhou—you probably don’t know about our Hundred Flowers Sect’s business, do you?” Lian Huanzhong smiled, glancing at the crowds.

“Business? We do business too?” Lin Feng was startled. Along their journey, they’d passed at least a hundred different shops—could some of them actually belong to the Hundred Flowers Sect?

“Of course. Just think about it—each year, our sect produces tens of thousands of pounds of medicinal herbs, many of which are low-grade and can’t all be used. If we hoard them, they lose potency; why not benefit the people instead? In fact, the largest firm in Bozhou belongs to our sect. You’ll see for yourself soon.” Lian Huanzhong smiled faintly, pointing ahead, and took the lead.

Bozhou’s streets were broad, horse-drawn carts laden with herbs coming and going. In the western corner of the city stood a nine-story Buddhist pagoda, solemn and impressive. At the city’s heart, they reached a spacious, square building spanning dozens of yards, with a golden plaque over the entrance reading “Premier Medicine Hall.” Crowds bustled at its doors, with a dozen or more clerks working in perfect order—a scene of busy prosperity.

The two of them entered Premier Medicine Hall. Lian Huanzhong smiled, stepped up to the seven-yard-long counter, and called out, “Manager Fu, business seems to be thriving.”

A stout, short elder in a blue robe, buried in his accounts, started in surprise, then broke into a warm smile, unlatched the counter, and hurried out. “Ah, Daoist Lian, forgive me for not coming to greet you sooner! Please, to the inner hall.”

“This way, junior brother.” Lian Huanzhong smiled over his shoulder, then followed the old man inside.

Lin Feng marveled at the grandeur of Premier Medicine Hall—it rivaled a duke’s manor. Nearly a hundred clerks bustled about, while physicians diagnosed and treated patients on the spot, handling prescriptions and payments. Over a thousand kinds of herbs and elixirs were clearly priced and neatly arranged—a scene of perfect order.

They followed Manager Fu into the inner hall and took their seats. Only after the maid served hot tea and closed the door did Manager Fu bow respectfully. “Fu Sheng greets you both. May I ask what important business brings you here today?”

Lian Huanzhong replied with a smile, “No need for such formality, Manager Fu. I am here on Master’s orders to verify the accounts and to deliver some herbs. With the winter solstice approaching, these are scarce and highly effective against cold injuries.”

“I see. Please wait a moment, I’ll have the records brought at once.” Fu Sheng saluted them both and hurried out, closing the door gently behind him.

“Junior brother Lin, don’t underestimate this Premier Medicine Hall. Without it, half our sect’s income would vanish. We must be meticulous with these accounts,” Lian Huanzhong said, sipping his tea with care.

“Oh, so this place only sells herbs?” Lin Feng asked, raising his own cup and blowing on it.

“Not entirely. We also buy herbs from Great Bo Mountain, and engage in buying low and selling high—like any merchant. Premier Medicine Hall must be profitable; otherwise, how could we support such a large sect?” Lian Huanzhong smiled.

“You’re absolutely right,” Lin Feng nodded repeatedly.

They chatted a while longer, but Manager Fu did not return. As they grew anxious, Fu Sheng finally hurried in, sweating and nearly bumping his head on the doorframe, his face full of panic.

Both Lin Feng and Lian Huanzhong were taken aback. Lian Huanzhong quickly asked, “Manager Fu, what has you so flustered?”

Fu Sheng entered, composing himself with effort, and finally spoke in a low voice, “Do you both know of the Pure Benevolence Pagoda here in Bozhou? A few days ago, Master Mingwu from the pagoda came to see me. He said that recently, some demon has been causing trouble in the tower. Though he is its guardian monk, he lacks the means to subdue evil, so he sought my help. Sadly, I long ago abandoned my cultivation. That day, when I entered the pagoda, I saw no sign of the demon, but yesterday—it appeared again. Master Mingwu came again today, and I became so flustered… I was hoping you two might lend your strength…”

“Oh? Do you know what kind of demon it is?” Lian Huanzhong asked calmly, motioning for Fu Sheng to sit.

“I don’t. Master Mingwu said the demon appears at midnight, disturbing the monks’ rest, but it hasn’t harmed anyone,” said Manager Fu.

“Very well, we’ll handle this matter,” Lian Huanzhong replied, pausing as if recalling something, then smiling slightly. “Junior brother Lin, before we left, Uncle Master instructed me to let you gain experience. So, you shall handle this matter at Pure Benevolence Pagoda.”

“Of course, no problem.” Lin Feng turned to Fu Sheng and declared, “Tonight, I’ll go and catch the demon. Rest assured, Manager Fu.”

“Thank you both! Oh, the account books! How could I have forgotten?” Fu Sheng slapped his forehead and hurried out again.

That night, accompanied by Fu Sheng, Master Mingwu, and others, Lin Feng ascended the Pure Benevolence Pagoda. Concealed in the tower’s uppermost pavilion, he lay in wait for the demon to appear.

The winter night was cool. He held the Mo Yan sword in his arms, still as a serpent hidden in the shadows. The north wind swept across the tower’s peak, setting the bells jingling softly.

Within the pagoda was enshrined the golden image of a great monk, along with precious sutras and secret scriptures.

At midnight, the city’s bells and watchman’s clappers echoed faintly—it was the dead of night.

A clear, tinkling bell sounded from outside the tower, accompanied by a sudden whirlwind. At last, the demon had arrived.

“Demon, prepare to meet your end!” Trusting his sharp instincts, Lin Feng and Mo Yan sword leapt forth as one, striking at the white shadow.

With a series of sharp cries, Lin Feng looked closely and saw—it was a silver fox.

Swish! Mo Yan shifted a foot to the side, its blade slashing into the tower itself, sending splinters flying.

“Little White!” he exclaimed in delight.