My Taoist buddy has practiced surrogacy

Chapter 1475 The Grand Finale (The End)
The imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy scoffed at this woman with the air of the grasslands. They could never have imagined that this female physician, casually placed in a side hall, would astound everyone at the Autumn Hunting Ceremony—when the emperor's beloved hunting dog was struck by a poisoned arrow, it was she who decisively used golden needles to seal the acupoints and save its life. The realgar wine in the glass cup gleamed faintly, and her composed manner of preparing the antidote made her seem more like a true healer than the panicked, running physicians.

On the day Zhou Xing was promoted to general for his meritorious service in protecting the emperor, he specially obtained the key to the imperial medicine storehouse and handed it to her. Rare medicinal herbs filled the table, but she was particularly fond of the snow lotus brought from the frontier. One late night, after reviewing memorials, he passed by the duty room and saw a figure intently grinding pills by candlelight. He inexplicably spoke, "The Empress Dowager's headache will flare up tomorrow..." He was interrupted before he could finish, "I've already prepared the Wind-Dispelling and Pain-Relieving Powder." On the table lay health-preserving formulas tailored to the different constitutions of the noble ladies of the palace.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, a sudden food poisoning incident occurred. When the imperial physicians were at a loss, she stepped forward again. As the silver needles passed through her veins, the blood the Consort vomited tasted sweet and foul. Zhou Xing, sitting nearby, noticed that the Emperor's approving gaze lingered on her longer than usual. On the way back to the palace, the horse's hooves clattered, and he suddenly said, "From now on, wear less plain-colored clothing when entering the palace." She looked down at her faded ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and smiled.

News of Ling Xue's free clinic in the capital spread quickly. Every day before dawn, people lined up to see her. Her unique "four-step method of observation, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation" alleviated many chronic illnesses. An elderly woman brought her dying grandson for treatment. She spent the night researching ancient texts and improving the prescription. Three days later, the child was able to walk. When the family knelt in worship, she quickly helped them up: "Taking the child to the soup kitchen in the west of the city for a bowl of hot soup is the proper thing to do."

Zhou Xing often came to check on the clinic's operations. One day, she happened to be teaching her apprentices to identify herbs. She picked up a dandelion and explained, "Although this thing is as cheap as grass, it can clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and dissipate nodules..." Sunlight streamed through the window and fell on her, as if she were edged with gold. The line of people waiting for consultations outside the door quietly changed—originally, they were all dressed in rags, but gradually some people in fine clothes also joined them.

A sudden epidemic shattered the peace. Ling Xue took the lead in closing the clinic to prevent the spread of infection, while she herself went deep into the slums to conduct door-to-door investigations. When Zhou Xing applied to have the army dispatched to assist in the prevention and control efforts, he discovered that she had already drawn a detailed map of the epidemic distribution, marking the locations of water sources and the activity trajectories of patients. As they checked the data under the moonlight, their fingers touched, and they both quickly withdrew their hands, but their ears turned red without prior agreement.

On the day of rewarding meritorious service after the epidemic was quelled, Ling Xue politely declined all honors, saying, "If I can rebuild the public pharmacies in various places, that will be enough." When the emperor granted her request, he glanced at the silent Zhou Xing and approved a huge sum of money with a stroke of his vermilion pen. As she and her disciples traveled to various places, no one noticed that the general had secretly slipped several packets of top-quality ginseng into her luggage.

Three years later, they met again in a flood-stricken area of ​​Jiangnan. The floodwaters had destroyed bridges, but they couldn't destroy the makeshift medical tent she had set up. When Zhou Xing was ordered to provide disaster relief, he witnessed a breathtaking scene: thousands of disaster victims were orderly receiving medicine and steamed buns, and children were chasing after the doctor in her apricot-yellow shirt. The setting sun cast her long, long shadow, as if it were about to cover the entire riverbank.

As dusk deepened, the two stood side by side on the embankment, gazing at the surging river. Zhou Xing suddenly said, "I remember when we first met, you said, 'A doctor has no distinction of rank...'" She replied, "I still hold that belief." The river breeze lifted her sleeves, revealing the silver hairpin hanging at her waist, gleaming warmly in the moonlight. In the distance, the sound of a clapper from a newly built pharmacy echoed, startling egrets from the reeds into the blue sky.

Years later, historians recorded that during the Yongning era, there was a remarkable woman named Ling who established the Huimin Pharmacy, which spread throughout the land, and authored the book "New Interpretation of Herbs," which has been passed down through generations. In folk legends, the goddess physician, who always wore an apricot-yellow dress, was always accompanied by a general with a sword as her bodyguard. Wherever they went, the air was filled with the fragrance of herbs, and all diseases were cured.

On the day Zhou Xing retired, he received a special gift—a complete set of bronze acupuncture mannequin models. The base was engraved with a line of small characters: "May there be no more suffering in the world." He smiled and stroked the uneven meridian lines. Outside the window, he heard a child's clear voice reciting: "When a great physician treats illness... he must first have a heart of great compassion and empathy..." The voice faded into the distance, becoming an eternal echo under the starry sky.

At the most bustling street corner in the capital, there always stands a stone tablet, its inscription not of high-ranking officials or nobles, but of ordinary doctors. People often come to offer flowers as a token of their respect, among which are always a few wild chrysanthemums, their earthy fragrance lingering—a variety transplanted from the frontier grasslands.

Zhou Xing and Ling Xue cultivated the Substitute Technique together, and together they went through the tribulations of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine small worlds, finally ushering in the crucial moment of their final ascension.

At the summit of Zixiao Peak, a fierce wind howled, and thick, inky clouds piled up in layers, as if countless demons lurked within. The clouds churned and surged, occasionally flashing with blinding lightning, like the wrathful eyes of heaven. Ling Xue, in her flowing white dress, stood tall and straight, like a proud pine tree standing firm in the snow, her hand tightly gripping her natal magic weapon, the "Frosty Jade Hairpin." This hairpin, crystal clear and radiating a faint blue light, was now resonating with the icy spiritual energy flowing around her, forming a sturdy shield.

Not far from her, Zhou Xing's black robes billowed like a raven spreading its wings. His expression was cold and stern, his gaze fixed firmly on the increasingly dense lightning tribulations in the sky. The Crimson Sky Sword hanging at his waist trembled slightly, emitting a low hum, as if it too was sensing the impending final catastrophe. The two stood side by side, the ground beneath their feet cracked by the powerful aura.

The first thick bolt of lightning crashed down, like a ferocious dragon lunging forward. Ling Xue lightly touched the air with her toes, her figure leaping up as gracefully as a swallow. Her jade hairpin flashed in her hand, instantly setting up a nine-palace array. The array shone brightly, guiding most of the lightning power aside. However, some residual lightning still broke through the defenses, striking her shoulder hard. She groaned, blood staining her clothes, but she gritted her teeth, enduring the excruciating pain to maintain the array's operation.

At the same time, Zhou Xing strode forward, deliberately facing another powerful bolt of lightning. He formed hand seals and chanted an incantation, causing the Crimson Sky Sword to erupt with a dazzling red light. Ancient runes appeared on the sword's surface, flickering and drawing upon the fire-attribute spiritual energy of the surrounding world. He roared and swung the sword, unleashing a blazing arc of light that forcefully cleaved through the thick wall of lightning before him. However, the violent aftershocks of the lightning still swept across his back, leaving a burnt smell.

As time passed, the tribulation lightning grew increasingly fierce. One bolt of lightning after another crashed down, enveloping the entire Purple Cloud Peak in a terrifying light. When the seven hundredth lightning bolt struck, a hurricane suddenly swept across the heavens and earth, carrying with it large raindrops and sharp hailstones that blanketed the sky. Vision blurred, and only a deafening roar could be heard.

Amidst the chaos, Ling Xue keenly sensed the approaching danger. Without a second thought, she leaped towards Zhou Xing, who was staggering and falling due to exhaustion of his true energy. The two embraced tightly, supporting each other. At that moment, their auras intertwined, and for the first time, Yin and Yang energies merged into a Tai Chi vortex. This strange phenomenon caused subtle changes in the heavens above; the previously chaotic energy seemed to acquire a semblance of order.

When the 9,999th bolt of purple-gold divine lightning descended, the entire continent trembled. Mountains and rivers lost their color, and the sun and moon lost their light. All low-level cultivators prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to look up at this world-destroying power. The incomparably thick bolt of purple lightning pierced through the heavens and earth, crashing down upon the two where they stood with an aura of annihilation.

At this critical moment, the Xuanbing Mirror, a legacy from their ancestor, automatically activated in Ling Xue's arms. An extremely cold light shone from the mirror, reflecting fragments of their memories as star officials guarding the Heavenly Gate in their past lives. Those scenes flashed by like a revolving lantern: they patrolled the vast starry sky, guarding the gateway to the Immortal Realm; they fought side by side, resisting the invasion of foreign enemies... These memories stirred a strange power within them.

In that instant, Zhou Xing's Crimson Sky Sword transformed into a dragon-phoenix. The dragon and phoenix intertwined their necks and sang a clear, melodious song, their wings breaking through the heart of the thunderstorm. Behind the shattered light barrier, the Jade Palace faintly appeared. It was the place they had always longed for—the Immortal Realm.

The moment her physical body began to become transparent, Ling Xue felt her consciousness gradually dissipate. But she forcibly concentrated, compressing all her life's learning into ice crystal talismans and casting them into Zhou Xing's dantian. Each talisman contained her profound cultivation and deep affection. Zhou Xing, with a flick of his wrist, used his blood essence to draw a protective rune between her brows; the crimson light merged into her skin, forming an invisible protective shield.

Hand in hand, they stepped into the spatial rift, only to find it was not the smooth path they had imagined. Sharp spatial blades filled the surroundings, flying erratically and threatening to cut them at the slightest misstep. Worse still, they faced a test of their inner demons manifesting. Seeing her master being besieged by extraterrestrial demons, Ling Xue was filled with anxiety and wanted to rush to his aid. Just as she took her step, Zhou Xing pulled her back in time.

"This is an illusion!" Zhou Xing shouted a warning. His gaze was firm and calm, helping Ling Xue see reality. They continued on their journey, encountering many similar traps and temptations, but overcoming them all through mutual trust and understanding. As they traversed the star mist, a wrecked spirit ship suddenly appeared. The ship was filled with mummified, failed tribulation cultivators, their expressions twisted and terrifying, emanating a nauseating stench. Among them, a female cultivator's corpse wore a disciple token identical to Ling Xue's. Seeing this, Ling Xue felt a pang of sorrow, but at the same time, her resolve to pursue the Dao strengthened even further.

Zhou Xing cautiously surveyed their surroundings, carefully leading Ling Xue around the dangerous area. Afterwards, they found half a tortoise shell inscribed with "Ascension to Immortality" in the ancient battlefield ruins. Although the writing was somewhat blurred, it was still legible. The two exchanged a glance, sensing a mysterious power and revelation emanating from it.

As they approached the Heavenly Gate, the guide demanded they part ways. The reason given was that twin souls could easily disrupt the order of the Three Realms. Ling Xue unhesitatingly drew her Ice Soul Needle and pressed it against her throat: "Either we go together, or you build us a cenotaph now." Her eyes flashed with unwavering resolve; she would not compromise.

Seeing this, Zhou Xing silently summoned his natal sword spirit to stand behind her. The sword spirit exuded a powerful aura, demonstrating his determination and support. The guide sighed helplessly and finally agreed to their request.

On the Ascension Ladder, each step transforms into a scene from the past. The 300th step depicts Ling Xue's initial punishment upon entering the sect, kneeling in the snow. Large, fluffy snowflakes fall in a swirling, biting wind. The young Ling Xue huddles in a corner, shivering. Just then, the young Zhou Xing secretly brings her a silk handkerchief wrapped with spiritual fruit, which lands on the steps. That moment of warmth remains unforgettable.

Level 600 recreates the stone cave where Zhou Xing was punished by the elders for protecting her, forced to reflect on his actions. The small moon he carved with his sword energy on the cave wall still glows faintly. Although those days were difficult, they were filled with sincere emotions. Ling Xue looked at these familiar scenes, and her heart was filled with ripples.

At level 800, they were simultaneously trapped in the Eternal Night Secret Realm. In the darkness, eerie sounds echoed, sending chills down their spines. Ling Xue remained calm; she cast ice and snow magic to create light, while Zhou Xing wielded the Crimson Sky Sword to dispel the surrounding evil aura. Fighting back-to-back, they cooperated seamlessly and finally found a way out.

When they reached the 999th step, they discovered that they had entered the Hall of Inquiry. A voice echoed from within the hall: "If only one person can live, what would you choose?" This question struck their hearts like a heavy hammer.

Ling Xue walked towards the Heart-Refining Fire Cauldron almost without hesitation: "I am not alone." Her steps were firm and powerful, and her eyes revealed fearless courage. Seeing this, Zhou Xing immediately summoned his primordial spirit and plunged it into the cold abyss in the opposite direction: "Fearless in the face of adversity." They demonstrated their beliefs and determination through their actions.

The twin array eyes activated with a roar; the so-called test was actually the activation of an ancient dual cultivation array. The instant their palms met, intertwined sun and moon marks appeared on their foreheads. A powerful force surged into their bodies, further enhancing their strength.

Dark clouds suddenly gathered on the Ascension Platform, followed by a shower of auspicious, seven-colored rain. The immortals were astonished to find that the two rainbows were three times brighter than usual—for they had brought with them the harmonious balance of strength and gentleness that had been missing from the mortal realm for millennia. This unique aura attracted the attention of many immortals and earned them their respect.

Upon entering the Jade Pool Gathering, Ling Xue sensed something amiss. The fairies, while chatting and laughing, would frequently glance at the ends of her hair, their gazes filled with strange expressions. She later learned that it was because she had retained the black hair of a mortal, rather than dyeing it a fairy-like color. Some conservative celestial officials expressed their displeasure, believing she violated the rules of the celestial realm.

At the Peach Banquet, Zhou Xing bluntly stated, "If one must sever all worldly ties to become an immortal, then such longevity is not worth having." His words caused a great uproar, and many celestial officials cast disapproving glances at him. But he remained fearless and persisted in his opinion.

Soon after, they received a mission to patrol the lower realms. Above a certain kingdom, they discovered a Blood Soul Array, set up by evil cultivators, devouring the nation's destiny. The people were living in misery, their cries of despair echoing across the land. Ling Xue acted decisively, freezing a thousand miles of land to stop the spread of the evil energy; Zhou Xing, meanwhile, used his sword to sever the array's core and rescue the trapped prince. Their actions saved countless lives, but also angered certain forces.

Upon returning to the Celestial Realm, they faced numerous accusations and pressures. Some criticized them for acting without authorization and violating the rules of the Celestial Realm; others were jealous of their achievements and attempted to suppress them. But they did not regret their choice and always upheld justice and conscience.

The most severe test came from the choice before the Heavenly Rules Stele: investigating the truth behind their master's fall could trigger turmoil in the Immortal Realm. Ling Xue stroked the newly added cracks on the cold jade hairpin and chuckled, "If this is the reason why Heaven forbids investigation..." Zhou Xing gripped his sword hilt and walked towards the execution platform, "Perfect opportunity to test my newly mastered Po Jun Sword Technique." They decided to bravely face the difficulties and uncover the truth.

To collect the Clarity Crystal needed to repair the Heavenly Pillar, the two ventured deep into the Forbidden Land of the Void. Here, danger lurked everywhere, and star beasts roamed freely. Ling Xue used her Ice Soul to create a mirrored maze to trap the swarm of Soul-Devouring Jellyfish; Zhou Xing piloted his natal sword, which had transformed into a dragon boat, cleaving through a stellar storm. They persevered through the harsh environment, each challenge making them stronger.

Inside a dead ancient star, they found the astronomical calculations left by the first sect leader: the 9,999 lightning tribulations were actually the key to opening the extraterrestrial passage. The causal lines formed by their unintentional alteration of their trajectories during their tribulations were now outlining a guardian totem in a distant star system. This discovery made them realize the immense mission they bore.

On their return journey, they encountered a spatial turbulence, and Zhou Xing, protecting Ling Xue, was swept to the edge of a black hole. In the nick of time, she exhausted her cultivation to activate her Absolute Zero Domain, freezing the spatial rift. Her white hair, falling like snowflakes, touched the true essence of the laws of heaven and earth. She felt an unprecedented power and understood what she had to do next.

The two severely wounded men stumbled back to the old site of their sect, where the once magnificent palace was now nothing but ruins. Among the ruins, they discovered a prophetic inscription on a coffin containing their names. Touching the ancient characters, they were filled with mixed emotions. Their past glory was gone, but they did not succumb to despair.

At this moment, the earth's veins suddenly boiled, spewing forth chaotic energy. This was a signal of the world's imbalance; if not stopped in time, it would trigger an even greater disaster. Ling Xue sat on the ice lotus platform, connecting spiritual energy to form a net above; Zhou Xing activated the earth's fiery furnace to reforge the core of the mountain-protecting array. They each performed their duties, working together to stabilize the situation.

As the last array stone returned to its place, the heavens and earth resonated. They smiled at each other and leaped into the Rebirth Spring to wash away the dust of the mortal and immortal realms. When they emerged again, they had reached the Great Perfection realm of returning to simplicity. A soft light emanated from their bodies, and every gesture they made carried the essence of the Great Dao.

A century later, the story of the two saints is still told: on every full moon night, two rainbow lights can be seen traversing the four seas and eight wastelands. Sometimes they transform into schoolteacher to teach children to read and write; sometimes they become itinerant doctors to heal villages plagued by plague; and more often they rest on the seaside rocks to watch the tides rise and fall. They protected this land and its people in their own way, becoming legends in people's hearts. And in a corner of the deep starry sky, the Gemini constellation shines forever, witnessing this spiritual lineage that transcends life and death. Their story will live on forever, inspiring future generations to pursue truth and justice.