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

Chapter 72 The Divine Medicine King's Manual and the Lingbo Steps

Qingfeng Tea Garden is located in a relatively secluded place in the east of Qingzhou City. The tea garden is not large, but it is decorated very elegantly.

The courtyard is surrounded by blue brick walls and black-tiled eaves. Several clumps of green bamboo grow in the courtyard, rustling in the wind. A plaque hangs at the entrance of the courtyard, which reads "Qingfeng Tea Garden".

Qingfeng Tea House is closed to guests today, so it is unusually quiet.

At this moment, in a delicate two-story building in the middle, a woman is brewing tea. She is none other than Lin Yourong, the eldest daughter of Jinxiu Manor.

"Miss, the person hasn't arrived yet!" Plum Blossom ran in from outside.

Lin Yourong raised her head slightly and chuckled, "I'm not in a hurry, why are you?"

"Oh dear, how can I not be anxious?" Meihua squatted down beside Lin Yourong and said, "Miss, I went to inquire about it yesterday. It is said that Gu Guanqi is ten feet tall, broad-shouldered and burly, with a blue face and fangs. He can eat a hundred steamed buns in one meal and can smash a person's head with one punch."

The woman chuckled and gently tapped Mei Hua's forehead. "You actually believe that kind of thing? Who looks like that? That would scare people to death!"

Meihua pouted, somewhat unconvinced: "But I've heard for sure, and many people say the same thing—"

Lin Yourong smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, have you forgotten what Uncle Hu said a few days ago? He said this person is very handsome and has an otherworldly temperament."

Mei Hua rested her chin on her hands, leaning against the table, and asked, "That Gu Guanqi is Master Hu's junior. Who knows if he'll boast? Even if he's quite handsome, there are rumors that Gu Guanqi is a ruthless killer. It's said that at least eighty or a hundred people have died at his hands. Is that true?"

"Who in the martial world doesn't kill?" Lin Yourong said. "Who hasn't made a name for themselves in the martial world by fighting their way up? Gu Guanqi is so young, yet he's become the number one young talent in Qingzhou's martial arts world. How could he not have killed anyone? How many enemies have died by my hand?"

Meihua pouted and said, "I'm just afraid he's too fierce and might bully you, Miss."

Lin Yourong shook her head slightly and said, "What are you thinking? It's not even close to happening yet!"

Meihua chuckled and asked, "But, Miss, before you came back this time you said you weren't in a hurry to think about marriage, why are you suddenly thinking about getting married?"

Lin Yourong sighed, her tone tinged with helplessness: "I visited the old lady a couple of days ago. Her condition is getting worse and worse. She's nearing her end, and the doctor said she might not live for more than two months."

She raised me from a young age, and she's always wanted me to get married. If I don't give her an explanation soon, she won't be able to leave this world in peace. Otherwise, I wouldn't be bothered with this!

Meihua asked in surprise, "Has the old lady's condition become that serious?"

Lin Yourong nodded slightly, her gaze falling on the window, and said, "As you know, the Lin family may seem prosperous now, but in reality, it's facing a generational gap, with each generation being worse than the last."

At this point, Lin Yourong sighed and said, "Our family's Great Calamity Finger technique was only mastered to the eighth level by Uncle Changqing in the previous generation. In our generation, only I have reached the sixth level. Apart from me, there isn't even a single person at the fifth level!"

Mei Hua suddenly realized, "So, that's why you invited Gu Guanqi on a blind date?"

Lin Yourong nodded and said, "Gu Guanqi is the most suitable candidate after careful consideration. He is highly skilled in martial arts, has a clean background, and has no ambition in his personality."

The other young talents are either after the Lin family's wealth or the reputation of the Great Calamity Finger. If I marry one of them, not only will I not be able to help the Lin family, but I might even be inviting trouble into their home.

Meihua blinked and asked, "Then—Miss, why don't you just have Gu Guanqi marry into your family?"

Lin Yourong chuckled, picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and said, "You're daydreaming. Gu Guanqi is a man of great stature. Not to mention that he is now the number one young man in Qingzhou, even before, when he was known as the second best expert in Qingyang County, there was absolutely no possibility of him marrying into the family."

Such prodigies are all proud and arrogant. Although our Lin family is rich, how could someone like Gu Guanqi care about money? If he were to announce that he is short of money, there would be plenty of people lining up to give him money. Who wouldn't want to ask for a favor from a future grandmaster?

If I were to suggest to him that I marry into his family, it would be tantamount to humiliating him. How could I possibly have such a face? Remember, you must never say such a thing again. I invited him to meet because I wanted to form a powerful alliance, not to offend anyone.

"I understand, Miss," Meihua quickly patted her mouth lightly and said, "I promise I won't say anything carelessly in the future. But, Miss, just like you said, the Lin family has no one to lead it now. If you get married, what will happen to the Lin family?"

Lin Yourong said, "Even after I get married, I will still live in the Lin family, mainly at Jinxiu Manor."

Mei Hua said, "What if he can't accept it and wants to go back to Qingyang County?"

Lin Yourong said, "It's just a try. If it works out, great; if not, we'll try to make the connection. If we can gain a favor from a future grandmaster, that would be a huge win, wouldn't it?"

The maid nodded, remained silent for a moment, then hesitated before asking, "Miss, are you really not planning to look for the doctor who treated your injuries in Xiushan County that day? Didn't you say you were somewhat attracted to him?"

Lin Yourong pondered for a moment, then sighed softly and said, "He was right that day. We were just strangers meeting by chance, strangers in a foreign land. Even if we found out, what could we do? Marriage requires compatibility, not just a vague feeling of attraction. A momentary infatuation is not enough to sustain a marriage!"

"Is that so?" Plum Blossom seemed to understand but not quite.

Lin Yourong looked out the window, sighed softly, and said nothing more.

She wasn't sure if she was speaking to the plum blossoms or to herself when she said those words.

The room fell silent.

After a while, a maid entered from outside, bowed, and said, "Miss, the guest has arrived."

Lin Yourong quickly stood up, straightened her clothes, and called out, "Plum Blossom, come on, let me show you the number one young talent in Qingzhou!"

Plum Blossom quickly followed.

Soon, the master and servant walked along a path and arrived at a building. However, apart from the tea garden's servants, there were no other guests along the way, as the entire tea garden was closed to guests today.

The two went upstairs to a private room. As soon as they entered, they saw Gu Guanqi sitting inside drinking tea. Sunlight shone in from behind him, outlining his slender silhouette.

He turned his head slightly when he heard footsteps.

In that instant, Mei Hua covered her mouth, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief. She tugged at Lin You Rong's sleeve, lowered her voice, and said with delight, "Miss, Miss, it's him, it's him!"

Lin Yourong was in a daze at that moment.

She stood quietly at the door. She heard Mei Hua's voice, but had no idea what Mei Hua was saying.

At that moment, her mind seemed to have lost consciousness.

She didn't know how to describe her emotions at that moment—was it surprise, astonishment, secret joy, or a mix of elation and anxiety?

She just stared at Gu Guanqi, and at that moment, the sunlight outside the window seemed to overlap with the sunlight in Xiushan County that day.

Lin Yourong took a deep breath to calm her indescribable emotions, a smile appearing on her face. She slowly walked into the room, bowed slightly, and said, "Young Master Gu, I never imagined that we would have such a connection!"

Gu Guanqi was also somewhat surprised at this moment, not expecting that the woman he had met by chance in Xiushan County was actually Lin Yourong.

Gu Guanqi immediately stood up, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and smiled slightly, "Miss Lin, what a coincidence!"

"It's truly a coincidence. That day, Young Master Gu left in such a hurry, and he wouldn't leave his name. I thought I'd never have a chance to repay your kindness in this lifetime." With that, Lin Yourong raised her hand in a "please" gesture, saying, "Young Master Gu, please have a seat!"

Gu Guanqi sat down.

Lin Yourong sat down next to Gu Guanqi and poured him tea.

"Thanks."

Gu Guanqi thanked him and accepted the teacup.

Lin Yourong said, "I have long admired Young Master Gu's name and have been hoping to meet you. A few days ago, I learned by chance that you were in Qingzhou City. I was overjoyed and took the liberty of inviting you. I apologize for any inconvenience caused."

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "It is my honor to be invited by Miss Lin."

Lin Yourong's gaze fell on Gu Guanqi's face, her eyes burning with undisguised intensity, making Gu Guanqi feel somewhat embarrassed. He pretended to drink tea and avoided eye contact.

Lin Yourong asked softly, "I wonder, how much does Young Master Gu know about me?"

Just then, a familiar electronic mechanical voice rang in Gu Guanqi's mind—

[Player has started the matchmaking event]

[Blind date potential partner detected – Lin Yourong]

Rating - Three Stars

[Blind Date Reward: Max Level "Medicine King's Divine Manual"]

The matchmaking event has begun. Players are encouraged to complete it. Rewards will be distributed after the event concludes.

Gu Guanqi was overjoyed.

He finally obtained a secret manual that suited his identity as a doctor. The Medicine King's Divine Manual, originally named Wu Chen's Medical Record, comes from The Flying Fox. It was written by the Poisonous Medicine King Master Wu Chen with his life's blood. The whole book is based on the medical way of saving the world, and it includes wonderful methods of healing injuries, strengthening the body, and bringing the dead back to life. It also records the world's strange poisons and antidotes. The medical skills are heaven-reaching and the toxicology is unfathomable.

This is a masterpiece of medical science.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure, his face remaining impassive, and sat down at the tea table with Lin Yourong, saying, "I don't know much about Miss Lin, only some rumors from the martial arts world."

Lin Yourong asked curiously, "Then what rumors has Young Master Gu heard?"

Gu Guanqi chuckled, "Everyone says that Miss Lin is not only beautiful but also possesses extraordinary talent, making her a remarkable woman!"

Lin Yourong quickly replied, "Then I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Young Master Gu."

Gu Guanqi shook his head and said, "Where did this disappointment come from? As for whether Miss Lin has extraordinary talent, we don't know yet, but in terms of beauty, Miss Lin is indeed naturally beautiful!"

Lin Yourong covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, "Young Master Gu is not only handsome and dashing, but he also knows how to compliment people so well!"

Gu Guanqi looked up and met Lin Yourong's burning gaze again. He quickly looked away and said, "Miss Lin, why don't we get straight to the point?"

"it is good."

Lin Yourong said, "I'm four years older than you, and I'm already twenty-five this year. To be honest, the reason I'm still not married at this age is because there are some issues. I've been busy with the family business and haven't had time to think about my personal marriage."

Gu Guanqi asked, "So, are you able to free up your time now?"

"No," Lin Yourong said, "it's because my grandmother is getting old and doesn't have much time left. She's very worried about me and hopes to see us get married, so I've started thinking about marriage."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "I understand. However, I have a question: why did Miss Lin think of contacting me?"

Lin Yourong pondered for a moment and then said, "Young Master Gu, I'm speaking frankly. Please forgive me if I've been too forward."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

Lin Yourong said, "I hope to find someone who can help the Lin family's foundation, but I don't want to bring a wolf into the house. Therefore, in the entire Qingzhou, there is no one more suitable than Young Master Gu."

You have no powerful family or sect behind you, and you yourself aren't the type to be ambitious, yet your martial arts skills are exceptionally high, and your potential is limitless. If I were to marry you, I wouldn't have to worry about you swallowing up the Lin family, and I could ensure the Lin family's peace for decades to come.

Gu Guanqi pondered for a moment, then smiled slightly and said, "Is this how people from all these large families consider things—by starting from practical considerations?"

Lin Yourong said frankly, "Young Master Gu, there's no need to be so subtle. In reality, people from prominent families like us tend to act primarily from a perspective of self-interest, with emotions taking a backseat."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly, unsure of what to say.

Lin Yourong poured Gu Guanqi a cup of tea and asked, "Young Master Gu, would you be willing to reside permanently in Tianping County after marriage?"

Gu Guanqi said, "Where I live doesn't matter. Although I was born in Qingyang County, my parents have passed away, so I have no ties. It's the same wherever I am."

Lin Yourong was delighted and asked again, "Then, what does Young Master Gu usually like?"

Gu Guanqi said, "I don't think I have anything I particularly like. If I had to say what I'm interested in, it would probably be practicing medicine. After all, I'm a doctor, but I don't really like being disturbed."

Lin Yourong quickly said, "Young Master Gu, if we get married, how about I open a clinic for you? I will hire other doctors to practice medicine. You can visit the clinic whenever you want to practice medicine to pass the time. You don't need to worry about the revenue. No one will bother you. You can go if you want to practice medicine, or you don't have to. It's just a place to pass the time."

You definitely don't want to live in the Lin family's house, so I'll buy another house in your name, and you can have all my personal income at my disposal. Well, the main thing is that I'll be quite busy most of the time, so I might not have much time to spend with you, but I will definitely have children for you.

After saying that, Lin Yourong stared at Gu Guanqi and asked, "What does Young Master Gu think?"

"this----"

Gu Guanqi thought to himself that this seemed a bit like someone living off a woman.

Lin Yourong quickly added, "Young Master Gu, I can accept taking a concubine. I am indeed quite busy and don't have much time to spend with you, so I can't fulfill my responsibilities as a wife. If you don't like to worry about these things, I can find a concubine for you."

As for the expenses of taking concubines and raising children, you don't need to worry. I manage the Lin family business, and the profits are distributed according to regulations, so the income is quite substantial. Furthermore, I will fulfill my duties as a wife and will never have any entanglements with other men.

I know that with Young Master Gu's cultivation and abilities, the conditions I can offer are insignificant, but I still hope that Young Master Gu will seriously consider me. I am capable of being a good wife, and if we have disagreements in our lives, I will always put you first!

Gu Guanqi looked bewildered. Did this mean not only that he wanted to be a kept man, but that he wanted to force himself on her?

He was silent for a moment, then asked, "Miss Lin, you only stated your conditions, but not your requirements. What do you need me to do?"

Lin Yourong was slightly taken aback and said, "Your marriage to me is a requirement. All you need to do is go to the government office to sign a formal marriage certificate with me, so that I can be your rightful wife in the eyes of the court and in the martial arts world. That's all."

"It's that simple?" Gu Guanqi asked in surprise.

Lin Yourong chuckled and said, "This is no simple matter. You are a future grandmaster and will surely become a giant in the martial arts world, or even a leading figure in the martial arts community. Just the fact that I am your wife is enough to ensure the prosperity of the Lin family for decades. This is a win for me."

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "I really didn't know I was worth so much now."

Lin Yourong said, "I understand. After all, Young Master Gu is not a businessman, but a chivalrous person who values ​​relationships over profit. He may not be able to accept my way of thinking. But it doesn't matter. Young Master Gu can take his time to consider it. He can give me an answer whenever he has thought it through. I just hope that Young Master Gu will not refuse me directly. I am very sincere."

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind—

[Blind date event concluded]

[Reward: Max level "Medicine King's Divine Manual" has been issued]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi silently recited "Receive" in his mind.

In an instant, a profound and mysterious medical philosophy surged into his mind like a tidal wave. Countless prescriptions, acupuncture techniques, toxicology, and the ultimate principles of medicine unfolded in his mind like an inverted galaxy. Those subtle and profound medical principles were deeply engraved into the depths of his soul like a brand.

In the blink of an eye, he had perfected the Medicine King's Divine Manual. In his eyes, all kinds of diseases in the world had a solution; herbs, plants, metals, and stones could all be medicines; acupuncture, moxibustion, and decoctions could all be prescriptions.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure, looked at Lin Yourong who was full of anticipation, and said, "I will definitely think about it carefully when I get back."

Lin Yourong quickly asked, "Young Master Gu, are you not in a hurry to leave Tianping City?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "At least for the next two weeks, I probably won't be leaving."

"That would be wonderful," Lin Yourong said. "Young Master Gu, you are a highly skilled doctor, and I recently opened a clinic in the southern part of the city. I'm currently worried about who can help me oversee the business. Since you are a doctor, could you take a look at my clinic and offer some advice?"

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback and asked, "What a coincidence?"

"Yes," Lin Yourong said, "Because our Lin family has a lot of businesses, and many of our martial arts practitioners are constantly on the move, and there are always people recovering from injuries. So, I thought I might as well open my own clinic, specifically for my own family. This way, it will save money and be more convenient, just like the internal clinics within the Six Doors."

At that moment, the system's voice rang in Gu Guanqi's mind: [A blind date invitation has been detected. Advanced blind date activity can be activated.]

[Enable?]

Gu Guanqi quickly muttered "Activate".

[Blind date—Lin Yourong]

Rating – Three Stars

[Advanced Dating Reward: Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique)]

The Advanced Dating Event has begun. Players are encouraged to complete it diligently. Rewards will be distributed after the event concludes.

The content that appeared on the system page in his mind made Gu Guanqi feel very emotional. Today's blind date with Lin Yourong was really fruitful. It was already rare to get a Medicine King Divine Scripture, and now he also got a Lingbo Weibu (a martial arts technique).

The Lingbo Weibu (Light Steps on Waves) is the supreme lightness and acuity secret technique of the Xiaoyao Sect, which evolved from the sixty-four hexagrams of the Book of Changes.

The footwork is light and ethereal, the movements are like smoke and mist, and the turns and leaps are without any fixed pattern. It can walk on water and ride the waves, and borrow strength in the air. It is good at dodging and deflecting force, and it also contains the wonders of mysterious dynamic power. After each round of the hexagram footwork, the internal energy will circulate on its own. The slow steps can also nourish the internal strength and stabilize the foundation.

This movement technique is ethereal and unpredictable, making up for Gu Guanqi's current weakness in lightness skills.

Immediately, Gu Guanqi stopped pondering whether Lin Yourong's clinic was a coincidence or inevitable, and nodded in agreement, "Of course, I'd be happy to help."

"Then it's settled." Lin Yourong smiled, her eyes crinkling.

Gu Guanqi asked, "The Lin family's clinic must have a large and comprehensive selection of medicinal herbs?"

"Of course," Lin Yourong said. "Does Young Master Gu need anything?"

Gu Guanqi said, "I happen to have recently developed some prescriptions and would like to prepare some medicine."

Gu Guanqi needs to prepare some healing and curative pills from the Medicine King's Divine Manual, as well as poisons needed for traveling the martial arts world.

"No problem," Lin Yourong readily agreed, saying, "Whatever medicinal herbs Young Master Gu needs, as long as they aren't particularly rare and exotic treasures, we should have them."

"Thank you very much."

Lin Yourong said, "Young Master Gu, you don't need to be so polite. If we are destined to get married in the future, the clinic will be yours. What are mere medicinal herbs? Even if they are rare and precious herbs, I will try my best to find them for you."

Gu Guanqi:

'

After chatting for a while, the two went out for a stroll in the tea garden, and then went to have dinner together.

Lin Yourong is a very perceptive person.

After spending half a day together, Gu Guanqi felt no discomfort at all; on the contrary, they became familiar with each other without even realizing it.

It was already afternoon when we finished eating.

Gu Guanqi took his leave, and Lin Yourong offered to arrange for someone to take him home.

Gu Guanqi refused.

Lin Yourong then personally saw Gu Guanqi off at the door.

The two walked out of the tea garden one after the other, crossed the bluestone path, and arrived at the entrance.

Gu Guanqi bowed and took his leave, then turned and departed.

Lin Yourong stood at the door, her hands clasped in front of her, her gaze fixed on the departing figure, lingering there for a long time.

The evening breeze lifted the hem of her skirt and the stray hairs at her temples, making her appear gentle and serene.

"Miss, Miss————"

Meihua walked to her side, tugged at her sleeve, and asked with a hint of resentment and confusion in her voice, "Where in the south of the city does our family own a clinic? Our Lin family clinic has been open for many years, and we don't seem to have any plans to renovate it. What suggestions do you have?"

Lin Yourong pointed her finger at Mei Hua's forehead and said, "How can you be so stupid? There are no clinics now, but can't we just buy one? Go back and tell Manager Zhao right now that I'm only giving him one night. Make sure he gets me a clinic by dawn tomorrow."

"Huh?" Meihua asked in surprise, "A clinic like this?"

Lin Yourong rolled her eyes and said, "What else can I do? I need to go back and thoroughly investigate Young Master Gu's preferences. Then I'll cater to them and make sure I win him over!"

"Miss, isn't it a bit much to be so—proactive?"

"You don't understand," Lin Yourong said, "This is a blessed marriage bestowed upon me by God. If it weren't for destiny, how could it be such a coincidence that it's him?"

Lin Yourong put a hand on Mei Hua's shoulder and said, "He's four years younger than me. If we can win him over, we can achieve the best possible marriage alliance and I'll be able to eat well too. This is such a rare opportunity! Let's see how your young lady cleverly devises her plan to win over Gu Lang!"