Peerless Medicine God

Chapter 15: Discerning Medicine

Chapter 15: Discerning Medicine . . .

The young man went by the name Tang Yu and shared the same academic institution, the Dan Wu Academy, with Ye Yuan. However, a notable distinction existed between them – while Ye Yuan secured admission through connections, Tang Yu relied solely on his own abilities to earn a place at the prestigious academy.

In reality, the majority of the geniuses at the Dan Wu Academy hailed from noble families. Only a scant few emerged from ordinary backgrounds, where the inherent disparity in resources bestowed upon the nobility an advantage unattainable through hard work alone. The privileged class possessed superior techniques, medicinal pills, and financial means, advantages that eluded the commoners. This discrepancy, deeply ingrained over generations, inherently disadvantaged geniuses of humble origin.

Tang Yu's entry into the Dan Wu Academy as a commoner spoke volumes about his abilities. Although being at the Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm at his age might not be considered outstanding, it certainly marked him as anything but mediocre. Crossing the threshold from the Third to the Fourth Level presented a significant challenge, and achieving this without relying on copious resources showcased Tang Yu's martial talent.

Undoubtedly, Tang Yu's personal efforts played a pivotal role in his current strength and his enrollment in the Dan Wu Academy. However, the support from his father, Tang Zonghuai, must not be overlooked. Tang Zonghuai, an experienced demonic beast hunter, devoted the past few years to braving perilous encounters in the Endless Forest. His motivations were clear – to secure a better future for his son.

Yet, as the saying goes, frequent nighttime strolls increase the likelihood of encountering ghosts. During one such venture into the Endless Forest, Tang Zonghuai confronted a formidable demonic beast. Although narrowly escaping death, he suffered severe injuries. Tang Yu, witnessing his father's countless injuries over the years, became a sensible child. As he pursued the Martial Dao, he also aspired to become an alchemist, envisioning a way to treat his father's injuries. The time spent on the Alchemy Path, however, potentially detracted from Tang Yu's martial achievements.

Being an alchemist required substantial financial investment, a burden Tang Yu struggled to bear. Before entering the Dan Wu Academy, he spent considerable time acquiring theoretical knowledge, yet practical experience remained nearly nonexistent. It was only upon entering the academy that he had the opportunity to practice refining pills, though the learning was relatively shallow.

Tang Yu's dedication to martial arts over the past few years depleted the family's savings. Consequently, he could no longer afford a fully crafted Tier 1 medicinal pill. Despite this financial constraint, Tang Yu could not stand idly by while his father's life hung in the balance. Therefore, he resolved to undertake the daunting task of refining a Great Returning Pill.

Tang Yu had kept his family matters private from outsiders until now. However, before Ye Yuan, a youth of similar age but with significantly advanced accomplishments in the Alchemy Path, Tang Yu poured out his heart. If this person were willing to assist in refining the Great Returning Pill...

Ye Yuan, recognizing the impact of his words, smiled and waved away any need for apologies. "Since it's a matter of saving a life, there's no need for formalities, Brother."

In a sincere tone, Tang Yu addressed Ye Yuan, "This Brother, I was overly cautious earlier. If my words offended you, I apologize."

Acknowledging the change in Tang Yu's demeanor, Ye Yuan responded graciously, "No need to apologize, Brother. If it's for saving a life, courtesy is unnecessary."

Inquisitive, Tang Yu asked, "Based on your earlier words, do you also have an interest in this Six Leaf Grass?"

Ye Yuan, choosing transparency, replied, "Indeed, I have a significant need for these three stalks of Six Leaf Grass. However, I understand that you, Brother, require them to save a life. If you trust me enough to bring me to see the patient, I might be of some assistance?"

Had Ye Yuan presented this offer upon their initial meeting, Tang Yu might have dismissed it with disdain. However, Ye Yuan's insightful words had left a lasting impression, prompting Tang Yu to reconsider.

In reality, Tang Yu harbored doubts about Tang Zonghuai's injuries and lacked confidence in successfully refining the Great Returning Pill. Consequently, he had purchased all three stalks of Six Leaf Grass in anticipation of potential failures.

Unable to delay any longer, Tang Yu, after a moment's hesitation, made a firm decision. Cupping his hands toward Ye Yuan, he expressed his gratitude, "Then I will trouble you. How should I address you, Brother?"

Ye Yuan responded with transparency, "My surname is Ye, and my given name is Yuan."

As Tang Yu ruminated on the name Ye Yuan, it sparked a sense of familiarity, prompting him to wonder where he had heard it before.

Observing the interaction between Ye Yuan and Tang Yu, the shopkeeper standing nearby couldn't help but develop a more favorable impression of Ye Yuan. However, when Ye Yuan revealed his name, the shopkeeper's internal exclamation of 'Not good!' echoed in his mind.

The name Ye Yuan held considerable weight within the capital, and its thunderous reputation instantly struck a chord with Tang Yu. A realization dawned upon him, linking the name to the Fragrant Medicine Pavilion.

"You... You were the one at the bottom of the rankings at the Dan Wu Academy, the super silkpants Ye Yuan?" Tang Yu exclaimed, his surprise evident.

Ye Yuan inwardly sighed, unsure whether his predecessor led a successful or failed life but left an indelible mark on the capital.

"That's correct. I'm that Ye Yuan. But don't reject me too hastily. If my guess is right, you lack confidence in refining the Great Returning Pill, correct?"

Tang Yu's composure wavered at Ye Yuan's words, a chill running down his spine.

"How about this? Take me to see the patient first. If I can't resolve the issue, I'll have my father personally intervene and help you refine a Great Returning Pill. How does that sound?" Ye Yuan proposed, seizing the opportunity.

At the mention of Ye Yuan's father, Tang Yu's eyes lit up. The prospect of Ye Hang taking personal action instilled hope that his father's injuries could be effectively addressed.

"Is this true?"

"Absolutely true. If you don't believe me, we can draft a contract."

Tang Yu, grappling with trust issues, felt conflicted but, with his father's life hanging in the balance, decided not to risk it. With Ye Yuan's distinguished reputation, he didn't dare take chances. If Ye Yuan could save his father, he would apologize later.

Having made his decision, Tang Yu respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Then I will have to trouble Young Master Ye."

Waving it off casually, Ye Yuan responded, "You're welcome. Shopkeeper, help me draft a contract."

The shopkeeper, not daring to delay, swiftly prepared a contract. Only after Ye Yuan signed it did Tang Yu finally relax.

Watching the two figures vanish in the distance, the shopkeeper found the situation somewhat surreal. He, better than anyone, understood that, in the past, Ye Yuan wouldn't have been this easy to negotiate with—unless he had truly matured after surviving a calamity.

...

Every inch of land in the capital was a precious commodity. Despite higher incomes for demonic beast hunters, Tang Zonghuai couldn't afford a large house to support his son's martial arts practice.

Their dwelling, a modest abode typical of commoners, looked gloomy inside. As Ye Yuan stepped in, a medicinal aroma greeted him. Tranquil Heart Lotus, Red Pine Nuts, Golden Flower Fruit—Ye Yuan identified the entry-level medicinal herbs placed within the house.

Not mincing his words, Ye Yuan remarked, "These medicinal herbs are meant for entry-level medicinal pills. It seems Brother Tang is still practicing refining Tier 1 pills. However, the Great Returning Pill is a high-grade Tier 1. With your current standards, even if you used all three stalks of Six Leaf Grass, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to refine it, right?" Ye Yuan, unsparing with his critique, unveiled Tang Yu's limitations.

Tang Yu couldn't fathom the extent of Ye Yuan's skills. With a single sniff, Ye Yuan accurately identified the medicinal herbs, even those deep within the house, a feat that Tang Yu believed surpassed the capabilities of most academy instructors. In Ye Yuan's presence, Tang Yu, despite their similar ages, felt like a child learning to walk.

Ye Yuan deliberately showcased some abilities to dispel any notion of underestimation. Faced with the reality of his predecessor's legacy, Ye Yuan had no choice but to exhibit a bit of flair.

Rather than inciting anger, Ye Yuan's words startled Tang Yu. They had only just entered, yet Ye Yuan, unable to visually discern the herbs, accurately identified them solely through scent. What level of Alchemy Dao comprehension did such a feat require? Most likely, even academy instructors lacked such abilities.