Gou Zai Wudao Shi Lian Shen

Chixia Mountain gets its name from the red glow that perpetually shrouds the deep mountains.

On a clear day, the distant mountains appear as if they have been burned, with crimson clouds and lingering sunset glow. At dusk, the red glow intensifies, as if a giant furnace is hidden deep within the mountains, turning the horizon blood-red.

Some say that the sacred mountain is imbued with spirit, and that the mountain contains spiritual veins, which is why the vegetation is lush and medicinal herbs grow easily.

Some say that the crimson glow is not an auspicious sign, but rather the work of demons, with evil energy emanating from it, which is why it lingers all year round.

After leaving the city with the escort team in the early morning, Lu Chen headed north and arrived at the Chixia Mountain Medicinal Herb Garden near dusk.

There are two simple watchtowers at the entrance, each guarded by a bow-wielding soldier.

Lu Chen followed the group inside and discovered that the herb garden was larger than he had imagined.

The area is divided into plots of medicinal herbs, some with bamboo frames and crimson vines entwined around them; others are covered with black cloth, seemingly unable to withstand too much sunlight; and several medicinal herb plots have specially dug ditches to draw mountain spring water slowly through them.

Some herb farmers were bending over to sort the herbs when they saw the escort team arrive, so they all put down their work and came to greet them.

Lu Chen helped unload the supplies from the vehicle.

Bags of salt, bolts of coarse cloth, and grain were all moved into the medicine garden's warehouse.

Wang Zhong stood at the entrance of the herb garden. He was not tall, and was even thinner than Zhao Yiting. He wore a gray-brown short coat, animal skin leggings, a short knife at his waist, and a mountain bow on his back.

He had dark skin, a blank expression on his face, but bright eyes.

Like an old hunter in the mountains, very vigilant.

"Good job, brothers, this trip was tough!"

Wang Zhong spoke, his voice loud and clear.

The old guard Zhou Li in the group smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Chief Wang, the journey has been peaceful today, without any trouble."

They trekked until evening, their clothes covered in mud and their shoes filled with damp soil, but thankfully the journey had been smooth and they hadn't encountered any danger. Now, entering the herb garden and smelling the rich aroma of herbs in the valley, everyone's tense minds relaxed somewhat.

Wang Zhong's gaze swept across the group, finally landing on Lu Chen.

"New here?"

Lu Chen stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Greetings, Chief Wang. I am Lu Chen, the newly arrived guard, and a disciple of the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts Academy."

Wang Zhong looked him up and down, then greeted him warmly, "Once you're at Wang's, you're one of our brothers. You must be tired from your journey!"

At this moment, Liu Heng squeezed out of the ranks and shouted, "Chief Wang, we've brought you food and supplies. The brothers have been exhausted from the journey; surely it's not too much for you to reward them with a bottle of medicinal wine?"

"Great! We have plenty of medicinal wine, one bottle for everyone, let's drink until we drop tonight!" Wang Zhonghao said to everyone with great enthusiasm.

The guards were overjoyed and thanked them in unison, saying, "Thank you, Chief Wang."

Night was falling.

Several bonfires were lit in the center of the medicinal herb garden.

The night on Chixia Mountain was damp and cold, with a mountain wind blowing from the depths, carrying the pungent smells of grass and trees and the scent of wild animals. Once the fire was lit, everyone sat around the campfire, and the chill on their bodies dissipated somewhat.

Wang Zhong didn't keep everyone waiting long.

Bottles of medicinal wine from the herb garden were quickly brought out. The wine was slightly yellow in color and had a faint medicinal aroma. It was spicy on the palate, but after swallowing, a warming sensation spread through the chest and abdomen, making it more comforting than ordinary strong liquor.

In addition, there was a large pot of meat soup.

The pot was stewing wild game meat, along with Solomon's seal, yam, and several herbs. The soup was thick and white, and had a wonderful aroma.

The guards, who had traveled all day through the mountains, were starving. After a bowl of wild game meat and a sip of medicinal wine, a look of satisfaction appeared on their faces.

"It's so much more comfortable here at the herb garden!"

Zhou Li, holding a wine bowl, laughed loudly: "When I was on duty in the city, I didn't even dare to drink too much, for fear that Chief Zhao would deduct my monthly salary. But here with Chief Wang, I can finally drink and eat meat to my heart's content."

Everyone laughed.

Wang Zhong also picked up his wine bowl and said, "Come, let's toast everyone!"

"I hope everyone thrives at Wang's Restaurant and that your kung fu skills become stronger with each practice!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses in unison.

"Dry!"

Lu Chen also picked up his wine bowl and took a big gulp.

The medicinal wine, when swallowed, has a spicy flavor with a faint medicinal aroma.

It is brewed with mountain spring water and medicinal herbs. After the wine enters the stomach, it quickly turns into a warm feeling that spreads along the chest and abdomen.

Lu Chen's eyes flickered slightly.

"It's a good product."

Although this medicinal wine is not as effective as the Blood and Qi Powder, it still has the effects of promoting blood circulation, invigorating qi, dispelling cold, and relieving fatigue. Drinking a small cup after martial arts practice can also benefit the circulation of qi and blood.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Zhou Li suddenly slapped his thigh and said, "What's the point of just drinking? It's rare for all the brothers to be here, so how about we do a couple of boxing matches to liven things up!"

Someone immediately cheered.

"OK!"

"Who's going to show off their skills and liven things up?"

At this moment, Liu Heng put down his wine bowl and stepped forward.

His face was flushed with alcohol, but his eyes were clear as he stared at Lu Chen, illuminated by the firelight, and shouted:

"Lu Chen, you little brat, do you dare to fight me?!"

Everyone turned to look, and someone couldn't help but say, "Liu Heng, are you trying to make fun of the newcomers again?"

"Looks like you didn't get the better end of the deal last time!"

"Screw you! I was just letting him win!" Liu Heng retorted defiantly, then fixed his gaze on Lu Chen and said, "Lu Chen, be quick about it, do you dare to fight me?"

Lu Chen did not answer immediately.

Seeing that Lu Chen didn't speak, Liu Heng took out a bag of money from his pocket and threw it by the campfire.

The silver fell to the ground with a crisp sound.

Five taels of silver.

He looked at Lu Chen and sneered, "Lu Chen, let's have a fight. Win or lose, these five taels of silver are yours."

Five taels of silver.

For an ordinary nurse, nearly two months' salary is not a small amount of money.

But it was obvious to everyone that Liu Heng was holding a grudge and wanted to spend money to beat up Lu Chen.

To avenge his brother Liu Xiaolou.

Also, in order to regain face from last time.

Lu Chen looked at Liu Heng, then glanced at the money bag on the ground.

He wasn't afraid of the latter, but he always adhered to the principle of "it's better to avoid trouble" and tried his best not to cause any problems.

But now that the other party has brought the money to his door, he would feel really embarrassed not to take it.

With so many people watching and the other party having said all that, as a young and vigorous martial artist, he couldn't possibly back down.

He stood up and said, "Since you're so eager to spar with me, I'll grant your wish!"

A look of delight appeared on Liu Heng's face, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. He laughed loudly, "Good, you've got guts!"

Wang Zhong sat by the campfire, his gaze sweeping between the two men.

Although he didn't know the specifics of their conflict, he could tell from Liu Heng's eyes and Lu Chen's reaction that they didn't get along.

Wang Zhong's voice deepened, and he reminded the two with a hint of seriousness, "Sparring is fine."

"But let me make this clear from the start: this is just a friendly sparring match, nothing more, so don't hurt your own brothers."

He looked at Liu Heng, his eyes filled with warning: "Anyone who dares to kill in public, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Liu Heng's expression stiffened slightly.

Wang Zhong was the leader of the herb garden and a minor martial artist who could move blood. Even if he were to get angry, he wouldn't dare to confront him directly.

He quickly forced a smile, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Don't worry, Chief Wang, I know what I'm doing."

He spoke respectfully, but a glint of malice flashed in his eyes.

They say it's just a friendly spar, but when it really starts, fists and feet have no eyes.

As long as he "makes a mistake" and cripples Lu Chen's arm, Wang Zhong won't be able to find fault with it.

Five taels of silver for Lu Chen's arm is a good deal.

Liu Heng's lips twitched slightly as he looked at Lu Chen, his fingers slowly bending, his knuckles making a soft cracking sound.

"Lu Chen, you asked for this!"