Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Reunion with Xue Fuling

Soon,

An Yi followed Su Qingxing into a grand hall.

When they entered, the seven elders of Medicine King Valley were already waiting inside.

Upon seeing Su Qing enter, the elders all stood up and bowed.

"Valley Master!" "Valley Master!"

Su Qingxing returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "Elders, An Yi has returned with four Bright Moon Pearls. Let's discuss how to arrange the Heavenly Medicine and Poison Scripture inside."

The elders remained silent.

Then, everyone looked at Elder Mu Fenghua, who was sitting at the head of the table below Su Qingxing.

Mu Fenghua is the current Grand Elder of Medicine King Valley. He is over eighty years old, with a full head of white hair, and is a grandmaster of Medicine King Valley. He is also the most senior in Medicine King Valley. Even Valley Master Su Qingxing has to call him Senior Uncle. His status in the valley is second only to Su Qingxing.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Mu Fenghua chuckled and said, "So you all make me, this old codger, do all the breaking of ancestral rules? I broke the rule that outsiders weren't allowed into the Four Symbols Cave, and now you want me to break the rule that the Heavenly Medicine and Poison Scripture isn't allowed to be seen?"

Su Qingxing and the elders kept their eyes down and remained silent.

Mu Fenghua looked at An Yi and said, "An Yi, tell me, since you didn't destroy the Bright Moon Pearl immediately, you must have had your reasons. Tell me, what were you thinking?"

An Yi hesitated for a moment before saying, "Elder Qi, I didn't think that much about it. I just felt that the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual was very suitable for Junior Sister. The poison in her body and the Heavenly Poison True Qi of the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual could form a balance of using poison to fight poison."

The Heavenly Physician True Qi of the Heavenly Physician Divine Scripture plays a harmonizing role, mutually promoting and complementing each other. If she could cultivate both the Heavenly Physician Divine Scripture and the Heavenly Physician Poison Scripture simultaneously, she could not only cure her poisonous body but also achieve rapid progress, reaching the Grandmaster level in a short time. For her junior sister, this would mean regaining her freedom, and for Medicine King Valley, it would mean gaining the protection of another powerful Grandmaster!

Mu Fenghua said, "That's certainly the logic, but many things can't be allowed to go unchecked. Once one does, it's easy for another, a third, and many more people to cultivate it. It's not something that can be stopped simply by prohibiting it. And you all know the dangers of the Heavenly Medicine Poison Scripture—its karmic consequences are endless!"

Su Qingxing said, "There's no need to exaggerate the Heavenly Medicine Poison Scripture too much. I think that after more than a hundred years of evolution, many poison formulas that were incurable back then may not be incurable now. The problem of controlling true qi that Master Wucheng couldn't solve back then may not be insurmountable now."

"The Valley Master is right," an elder echoed. "Times are changing and constantly moving forward. I dare not say that people today are necessarily stronger than people in the past, but in general, the era we live in is created by standing on the shoulders of our predecessors. In general terms, this era is definitely stronger, whether it is medicine, poison, or martial arts!"

A century ago, destroying the Heavenly Medicine Poison Scripture was a last resort. But now, perhaps by combining it with the medical practices of this era, we can find a way to overcome the scripture's shortcomings. For our Medicine King Valley, that would be equivalent to possessing two of our most treasured martial arts techniques, and we might even witness Medicine King Valley reach even greater heights!

"I second that!"

"I second that!"

"..."

In an instant, all the elders agreed to keep the Heavenly Medicine Poison Scripture.

Mu Fenghua rolled her eyes and said, "So, you were all waiting for me to play the role of the stubborn old man who insists the ancestral laws are immutable, while you guys played the reformers?"

Su Qingxing chuckled, "Senior Uncle, we have to go through the formalities. This is also a way out. If something serious happens to the Heavenly Medicine Poison Scripture in the future, you can step forward and say that you were strongly opposed to it before. Then I can step down as Valley Master, and you can take over Medicine King Valley on behalf of the conservatives. That way, the matter will be over. You have to leave yourself a way out when you do things!"

Mu Fenghua pursed her lips and said, "What if it works out?"

Su Qingxing smiled but remained silent.

Mu Fenghua pouted and said, "Fine, if that's the case, then I'm just an inflexible old stubborn. Oh well, I'm over eighty years old anyway, so being an old stubborn is perfectly reasonable!"

Su Qingxing covered his mouth and chuckled, then looked at An Yi and said, "An Yi, open the Moon Pearl and take a look."

"Yes, Master."

An Yi immediately took the four Moon Pearls out of the box and placed them on the table. The four pearls were pure white and had a warm luster.

Immediately, An Yi raised her hands, palms down, and two powerful streams of true energy surged from her palms, enveloping the four Moon Pearls.

True energy slowly seeped into the beads, and the four Moon Beads lit up at the same time.

At first, there was a faint glow, then it grew brighter and brighter, like four tiny moons rising in the palace. Within the light, strings of characters as thin as mosquitoes emerged from the bead, slowly flowing in the void.

The text was densely packed, some clear, some blurry, appearing and disappearing in the candlelight.

Everyone in the hall held their breath, their eyes fixed on the words.

Mu Fenghua examined it carefully for a moment, then slowly said, "It is indeed the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual. When I was young, my master mentioned it briefly, but whether it was incomplete is uncertain!"

Su Qingxing said, "Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any omissions. However, it doesn't matter. We're not asking people to cultivate it right away. We'll copy it down first and then study it slowly."

Mu Fenghua nodded and said, "There are three main aspects: First, confirm whether it is truly the Heavenly Physician's Poison Scripture. Second, see if we can resolve the drawbacks of the Heavenly Physician's Poison Scripture. Third, we need to confirm that Fuling's cultivation will not go wrong before allowing her to cultivate it."

Su Qingxing nodded and said, "Elder, you've considered everything carefully. We'll do as you say."

Mu Fenghua withdrew his true energy, and the light of the four bright moon pearls gradually dimmed, and the words that appeared in the void also disappeared.

Su Qingxing said, "Let's put this Moon Pearl in the Elder Hall!"

Mu Fenghua nodded slightly.

Su Qingxing then said, "There's one more thing I need to tell you elders. Gu Guanqi does indeed want to go to the Four Symbols Cave to see Fuling first. Elders, do you agree?"

The group then looked at Mu Fenghua.

Mu Fenghua's lips twitched, and he said, "I said that ancestral precepts cannot be disregarded."

Su Qingxing chuckled, "Elder, rules are rules, but people are flexible. Gu Guanqi has done a great favor for Medicine King Valley, and he and Fuling are destined to be together. Let's not be the villains who break up this loving couple!"

"I second that." "I second that!" "..."

Mu Fenghua: "..."

Subsequently,

Su Qingxing chatted briefly with the elders before leaving with An Yi.

After leaving the Elder Hall, An Yi asked, "Master, there is something I don't understand. Please enlighten me."

Su Qingxing chuckled and said, "You're wondering why, even though I and the Elders have reached a consensus, the Grand Elder still has to pretend to obstruct us, right?"

"Mm." An Yi nodded.

Su Qingxing said, "Actually, it's just a formality. Generally speaking, it's not necessary, but we have to be prepared just in case. After all, Medicine King Valley is not a small family. Our own inner disciples are going forward, and there are seven or eight thousand outer disciples under our name. The number of people in the many affiliated forces is even more uncountable."

There are some things we can know in our hearts, but we must do them outwardly as a precaution. For example, the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual. If your junior sister cultivates it and something goes wrong and she loses control, she might become a scourge to the region.

Medicine King Valley not only needs to give an explanation to its own disciples, but also to its fellow martial artists. However, in such a situation, one person needs to play the good cop and the other the bad cop. If all the higher-ups agree, it means everyone will be held accountable. Who will step forward to save face? Who will take charge? Should we let outsiders judge us?

Therefore, the Grand Elder's opposition is necessary. If it really comes to that, the Grand Elder can step forward to judge us, instead of letting other respected outsiders uphold justice.

Therefore, the Grand Elder's opposition was a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that no one on his side would be left out in the trial when facing repercussions. It was also a way of giving advance notice, so that if problems arose, everyone could cooperate more smoothly and clearly understand who would play the good cop and who would play the bad cop.

An Yi nodded slightly and said, "I see, I understand now."

Su Qingxing said, "An Yi, you are the young valley master. You can't look at things the same way as ordinary disciples. To put it bluntly, what seems like a trivial matter to most people must be seen through to the deeper meaning. This kind of thing is especially common in government offices."

An Yi cupped her hands and said, "This disciple has learned a great deal!"

Su Qingxing smiled and said, "You'll be fine. You're my most outstanding disciple. You did a great job this time. When you found out where the Heavenly Medicine Poison Manual was, your first thought was to give it to your junior sister, instead of worrying that her becoming a Grandmaster would threaten your position."

An Yi said, "I didn't think that much. When I heard about the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual, I was very happy. All I wanted was for my junior sister to be free. I really didn't want to see her waste her youth in the Four Symbols Cave, or even be trapped there forever."

Su Qingxing nodded and said, "That's fine." She patted An Yi's shoulder and said, "Oh, right, go wash up and eat, then you can take Gu Guanqi to see Fuling!"

"Me...me?" An Yi's heart tightened.

Su Qingxing said, "Is there anyone more suitable than you?"

"it is good."

……

After finishing his meal, Gu Guanqi went to visit Yan Wangchuan.

Yan Wangchuan looked much better than he did on the way here.

We had only been chatting for a short while when someone came to announce that An Yi had arrived.

Gu Guanqi quickly went into the courtyard and called out, "Senior Sister An."

An Yi stepped forward and said, "Junior Brother Gu, the elders have agreed to your request. When would you like to see Junior Sister?"

"Can we do it now?" Gu Guanqi asked.

"certainly."

Gu Guanqi quickly cupped his hands and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Senior Sister An."

"You're welcome," An Yi smiled slightly and said, "Then come with me now!"

An Yi turned around and led the way. The two walked one after the other along the blue stone path deeper into Medicine King Valley.

The further you go, the denser the trees on both sides become, with ancient trees reaching for the sky and blocking out the sun.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground.

They passed through several checkpoints along the way, each guarded by disciples of Medicine King Valley. Upon seeing An Yi, the disciples bowed respectfully. An Yi presented the Elder Hall's warrant, which the guards carefully verified before allowing her passage.

After passing through three checkpoints in succession, the road ahead gradually narrowed, and the mountain walls on both sides became steeper and steeper. The bluestone path meandered up the mountainside, ending at a narrow cave entrance.

The cave entrance was small, only wide enough for two people to enter side by side. On either side of the entrance stood a stone-carved medicine furnace, with sandalwood burning inside, wisps of smoke rising from it.

An Yi stopped at the cave entrance and turned around.

"Junior Brother Gu, the Four Symbols Cave is just inside this place." She paused, her gaze falling into the dark depths of the cave entrance. "Fuling is inside; you'll see her when you go in."

Gu Guanqi asked, "Senior sister, aren't you coming along?"

An Yi smiled slightly and said, "It's been a long time since you two have seen each other, so I won't disturb you."

Gu Guanqi said, "As far as I know, the Four Symbols Cave is a forbidden area of ​​Medicine King Valley because it is planted with rare and precious herbs that are priceless. Is it appropriate for me to go in alone?"

An Yi said, "If Medicine King Valley didn't trust Junior Brother Gu's character, they wouldn't have agreed to let you enter the Four Symbols Cave."

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands in greeting and went inside.

After passing through a short passageway, the view suddenly opened up before us.

This is a vast and deep space inside the mountain, surrounded by steep stone walls. Above, there is a natural crack through which sunlight pours down, forming a bright pillar of light that illuminates the entire space.

Entering the Four Symbols Cave,

Gu Guanqi immediately sensed that the air here was different from the outside world, giving him a feeling of returning to the Forget-Worry Cave in Forget-Worry Valley. Similarly, the air was filled with a unique atmosphere.

However, the effects are different.

The Forget-Worries Cave is a place to promote spiritual cultivation and bring clarity to one's mind.

The air here is so refreshing, it feels like being immersed in flowers and plants.

At a glance,

Gu Guanqi saw many rare and exotic plants, all of which were priceless treasures.

Sunlight streamed down through the cracks overhead, falling on the flowers and grasses, turning the entire valley into a kaleidoscope of colors, like a fairyland.

In the center of the flat land, a small wooden house stood quietly. The house was small, with blue tiles and wooden walls, simple yet elegant. In front of the house was a small herb garden, where a woman was watering it.

She wore a light blue dress and had her long hair loose. Her movements were very light and gentle. She poured each ladle of water slowly and deliberately, as if she were not watering the herbs but caressing their leaves.

Sunlight streamed down from above, falling on her and casting a gentle, bright glow on her figure.

Gu Guanqi looked at it for a while, then softly called out, "Poria cocos."

The figure froze abruptly.

She slowly straightened up and turned around.

The sunlight shone directly from behind her, illuminating her face clearly. It was a delicate and gentle face, with slender eyebrows and eyes, a straight nose, and slightly pursed lips. Her skin was very white, though somewhat pale.

It was Xue Fuling, whom we hadn't seen in a long time.

Her gaze fell on Gu Guanqi, and in his calm, watery eyes, there was first bewilderment, then confusion, and finally an unbelievable, cautious surprise, as if she couldn't believe her eyes.

She stood there, motionless, staring straight at Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and called out again, "Fuling."

Xue Fuling dropped the water ladle in her hand, took a step, and ran towards Gu Guanqi.

Her skirt billowed in the wind, her black hair flew behind her, and she ran very fast, rushing to Gu Guanqi in two strides.

Then, she reached out and hugged Gu Guanqi tightly.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressed herself against his chest, and her face was pressed against his chest, her body trembling slightly.

Gu Guanqi was somewhat surprised.

Because in his memory, Xue Fuling was always very calm. Even when they parted, although she was clearly reluctant to leave, they only hugged for a while and never had such a passionate embrace.

"Am I dreaming?" she said.

Gu Guanqi slowly reached out and gently put his arm around Xue Fuling's shoulder.

Xue Fuling was curled up in Gu Guanqi's arms, pressed tightly against his chest.

Gu Guanqi said softly, "Fuling, it's been a long time."

Xue Fuling didn't speak. She raised her head slightly, her eyes a little red, and stared intently at Gu Guanqi, carefully examining his face, from his eyebrows to his nose, and from his nose to his lips, as if she wanted to engrave every detail of him into her heart.

"I know I must be dreaming." Her voice was soft and gentle, as if she were talking to herself, "But... I want to dream a little longer, to hold you a little longer, I miss you so much!"

As she spoke, she buried her face in Gu Guanqi's chest again.

Gu Guanqi chuckled softly and said in a low voice, "You really think so?"

"Mm," Xue Fuling replied.

"Then give me more hugs."

Gu Guanqi also hugged Xue Fuling tightly and stopped talking.

The two embraced each other.

For a very long time,

Xue Fuling slowly raised her head again, a hint of doubt in her eyes, and asked, "Wasn't this a dream?"

Gu Guanqi lowered his head, smiled slightly, and said, "I don't think so."

Xue Fuling pinched her arm, then suddenly shoved Gu Guanqi away, took two steps back, and said incredulously, "It's not a dream, Guanqi, you...you really came to see me!"

After saying that, she turned around abruptly, lifted her skirt, and ran hurriedly towards the cabin.

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback and exclaimed, "Poria cocos?"

Xue Fuling ran even faster, rushing to the door of the wooden house in two strides, pushing it open, slipping inside, and then slamming the door shut.

Gu Guanqi stood beside the herb garden, looking at the tightly closed wooden door with a puzzled expression, and asked, "Fuling, what are you doing?"

Xue Fuling's voice came from inside the room, tinged with a mix of panic, shyness, and urgency:

"Guanqi, wait for me, let me freshen up!"

Gu Guanqi was taken aback and said, "Isn't that unnecessary?"

"Yes, I'm so disheveled right now," Xue Fuling's voice came from behind the door, tinged with shyness. "My hair isn't combed, and my clothes are a mess. Wait for me, I'll be right there. I don't want you to see me like this!"

Gu Guanqi said slowly, "Okay, but you don't need to rush, I'm not in a hurry."

"it is good."

A flurry of sounds came from inside the house—the sound of a copper basin hitting a wooden stand, a comb falling to the ground, and Xue Fuling's hurried footsteps as she moved back and forth in the small wooden house.

Gu Guanqi stood at the door, listening to the chaotic sounds, and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

He didn't say anything more, just stood there quietly, waiting.

Sunlight streamed down through the cracks overhead, falling on Gu Guanqi, on the exotic flowers and herbs in the herb garden, and on the tightly closed door of the small wooden house.

Everything was quiet and peaceful, as if time itself had slowed down at that moment.

Inside the room, Xue Fuling stood in front of the bronze mirror, frantically taking her hair down and then quickly putting it back up.

She let her hair down and then put it back up, then let it down again, never satisfied with how she looked at it, but she was also worried that Gu Guanqi would be leaving soon.

at last,

In a flurry of activity, she finally changed her clothes, combed her hair, and washed her face.

She took a deep breath and walked to the door.

But when she placed her hand on the latch, she stopped.

"Do I look unwell? Will he think I'm not pretty?"

"It's been so long since I've seen him, could he have gotten married already?"

Does he still like me?

"..."

Xue Fuling's mind was in complete turmoil. After a while, she bit her lip to suppress her chaotic thoughts and gently opened the door.

Sunlight streamed in from outside the door and fell on her.

Gu Guanqi stood at the door, his clothes fluttering gently in the wind. Sunlight shone from behind him, making him appear gentle and bright.

Eyes facing each other.

Xue Fuling stood inside the threshold, looking at Gu Guanqi.

Her eyes were slightly red, and her cheeks had a faint blush.

"Watching the game," her voice was very soft, "it's been so long, I...I..."

"I miss you so much," Gu Guanqi said.

Xue Fuling's body trembled slightly.

this moment,

She completely lost control of her emotions and threw herself into Gu Guanqi's arms once again.

"Poria cocos..."

Xue Fuling raised her head and hugged Gu Guanqi's neck.

this moment,

She no longer cared whether Gu Guanqi was already married or whether he still liked her.

She stood on tiptoe and kissed Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi put his arm around Xue Fuling's waist in response.

Xue Fuling's body went limp, she closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, and the two kissed, their kiss deepening and becoming more intimate.