Chapter 194: Fragmented Herbal Classic
Chapter 194: Fragmented Herbal Classic
Wang Zhichuan just watched Lin Mu with a smile, without saying a word.
“Could it be that Master Wong knows a way to merge different medicinal properties?!”
Lin Mu asked with pleasant surprise.
“I do indeed know a little. There is a family heirloom, Shennong’s Compendium of Herbs, which is only a fragmented copy with many lost sections. However, the fragment in my possession happens to contain a chapter on how to merge different medicinal properties to achieve a balanced and moderate effect.”
Wang Zhichuan nodded and spoke frankly.
If it were anyone else, he would never have easily revealed that he possessed such a monumental work as Shennong’s Compendium of Herbs. But since Lin Mu was introduced by Yang Guangqing, his background was naturally beyond doubt. Moreover, his exceptional cultivation and profound understanding of medicinal principles at such a young age greatly impressed Wang Zhichuan.
“Is that really true?”
Lin Mu was overjoyed. He had never expected such a text to exist. He had heard of the great reputation of Shennong’s Compendium of Herbs but had never seen it himself, assuming it only recorded information about various herbs. He never imagined it would contain such advanced content on merging medicinal properties.
After all, in the Cultivation World, the challenge of merging medicinal properties had yet to be properly resolved. The potency of those spiritual herbs was immense, and a single misstep could lead not only to elixir failure but potentially to life-threatening consequences.
For this reason, few dared to experiment recklessly in the art of elixir-making, with most adhering to ancient methods.
“Of course. In his time, Shennong traveled extensively, identifying countless exotic flowers and herbs, meticulously recording their medicinal properties in a volume that became a monumental work. Unfortunately, this book was later divided into many parts, and through widespread circulation, its whereabouts have long been unknown.”
Wang Zhichuan nodded with certainty. “Given your Comprehension Aptitude, it is not impossible for you to grasp the method of merging medicinal properties from this fragmented chapter.”
“To be honest with you, Master Wong, I am very eager to study this fragmented chapter. I wonder what I must do to earn the opportunity to learn from it?”
Lin Mu looked at Wang Zhichuan with great seriousness.
“Oh, there is no need for such formality. Since you were introduced by Old Yang, we are naturally on the same side. All I ask is that you help me with a small favor. As for whether you can accomplish it, I hold no strong expectations—it matters little to me.”
Wang Zhichuan gave a slight smile, his eyes narrowing into slits.
“Please tell me, Master Wong.”
Lin Mu nodded. Wang Zhichuan’s demeanor was very much to his liking; he seemed like an easygoing person with an excellent attitude.
“Have you ever heard of Malachite?”
Wang Zhichuan asked.
“Malachite… I have indeed heard of it. It is a very unique ore that can be used in medicine and greatly enhance the properties of other herbs. However, it is extremely rare, and nowadays, no one has seen Malachite anymore.”
Lin Mu thought for a moment before replying.
“Exactly, that Malachite. I hope that if you ever have the chance in the future, you will help me look for it. You strike me as someone of extraordinary presence, no ordinary individual. Perhaps one day, you might truly come across such a divine object.”
Wang Zhichuan nodded with satisfaction. The legend of Malachite lay in its extreme rarity. Today, most people did not even know what it was, but Lin Mu accurately described its uses, indicating his extensive knowledge and profound learning.
Lin Mu had researched extensively online during the time he was preparing to refine elixirs, and among the materials he found were detailed descriptions of Malachite, some even with pictures, though few had ever seen it in person.
“Well, I cannot guarantee I will find it, but if the opportunity arises, I will certainly help Master Wong search for this Malachite.”
Nodding slightly, Lin Mu spoke with a serious expression.
“Good, as long as you keep it in mind. Whether you find it or not, let fate decide.”
Wang Zhichuan laughed heartily. “Isn’t there a saying? What is meant to be will come, and what isn’t should not be forced.”
“Master Wong’s serene attitude, free from attachment to gain or loss, deeply impresses me.”
Lin Mu smiled, genuinely admiring Wang Zhichuan’s carefree spirit.
Standing up and brushing off his clothes, Wang Zhichuan walked to an inconspicuous corner of the kitchen. He carefully counted the segments of a bamboo stalk by the wall, then made a vertical cut at the fifth segment. With a slight twist of the blade, he extracted something wrapped in a white film.
“I hid this inside a small bamboo stalk seven years ago. Not long after sealing it, the bamboo’s wound healed naturally. I have long since memorized the contents thoroughly, so I will give you this fragmented chapter.”
Handing the film to Lin Mu, Wang Zhichuan laughed with a touch of sentimentality.
Lin Mu took it and peeled away the layers of the outer film, revealing tightly rolled pages, about ten or so, bundled like a stick inside the film.
Unfolding the pages and scanning them, he found that the front mostly recorded the properties of various medicinal herbs, while the last page mentioned the method of refining medicinal properties—though only about half of it remained, as the subsequent pages were missing.
“By the way, Xianxian, didn’t you want to learn how to make Ten Complete Great Tonifying Soup? Why not ask Master Wong for guidance?”
After handing the pages to Yao Xianxian and instructing her to carefully place them in her bag, he teased her lightly.
“You’re so annoying!”
Yao Xianxian shyly patted Lin Mu. This guy, wanting to drink soup, had the nerve to openly tell her to learn how to make it—how embarrassing!
“Haha, so my sister-in-law wants to learn how to make soup! That’s simple. Let Brother Wang teach you. There’s really nothing difficult about it; just master a few key tricks, and the soup you make will be both nutritious and delicious.”
Wang Zhichuan laughed heartily and motioned for Yao Xianxian to join him at the counter, where he began to teach her step by step.
Watching Yao Xianxian study earnestly, Lin Mu smiled slightly, shook his head, and slowly walked out of the kitchen. Gazing at the tranquil scenery outside, he lost himself in thought.
It was almost five o’clock when the resting chefs returned to start their shifts, preparing for the evening’s customers. Only then did Lin Mu return to the kitchen.
“So, how did your afternoon lesson with Brother Wang go?”
Lin Mu asked with a smile.
“A-Mu, come quickly and try this! It’s the ginseng chicken soup I made!”
Yao Xianxian, now wearing an apron, beamed as she ladled a bowl of soup from the pot and brought it over to him.
“Mmm! The flavor is excellent! And you learned such impressive soup-making skills in just one afternoon?”
Lin Mu finished the bowl in one go and gave a thumbs-up.
“Not at all. A skilled teacher produces outstanding students!”
Yao Xianxian blushed and whispered.
“Hahaha, my sister-inward’s Comprehension Aptitude is remarkable! In one afternoon, she managed to extract quite a few tips from me. Plus, she’s adept at inferring other things from one example. It seems only a matter of time before she surpasses me.”
Wang Zhichuan laughed uproariously, his cheeks shaking. With his praise, Yao Xianxian’s face turned even redder.
“Alright, it’s getting late, and Brother Wang must be busy. We should go now. We’ll have more opportunities to learn from Brother Wang in the future.”
Lin Mu picked up the bag he had set aside, took Yao Xianxian’s hand, and they left Yilin Mansion.
The two took a taxi to the city center. Since it was still early in the evening, they decided to stroll around. Whenever they spotted something tasty, they would sit down for a snack, or sometimes just eat while walking, fully enjoying their leisurely time together.
As they neared a large shopping plaza, a huge electronic screen outside was broadcasting a news segment. It reported that Haoyu Financial Group had recently confirmed its investment plans for the coastal regions, with the first batch of funds already prepared.
The segment also mentioned that a key representative of the Luo Family had arrived in Guangzhou that day to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local investment environment for final preparations. However, the news did not specify who from the Luo Family had come.
“Haoyu Financial Group is moving to Huaxia. The return of such a wealthy family is certainly welcomed by the state, but for domestic families, it’s definitely not good news. Who knows how many opportunities the Luo Family will snatch away.”
Noticing Lin Mu pause to watch the news, Yao Xianxian also stopped. Munching on a skewer of meatballs, she commented as she watched.
“The market is vast. Success depends on each family’s methods. Even without the Luo Family, competition among those families would still be fierce.”
Lin Mu shook his head with a smile.
“But the domestic environment had already reached a state of equilibrium. The arrival of the Luo Family is like releasing a shark into a calm pond—it’s bound to cause upheaval.”
Yao Xianxian mumbled through a mouthful of meatball.
“There’s no helping it. The arrival of a new force will inevitably reshuffle the old powers. This is an unchangeable rule. Peaceful coexistence is simply impossible.”
Lin Mu shrugged, his brow lifting slightly.
“True. The Luo Family never had much presence in Huaxia before. Although they are moving back now and receiving considerable support from the government, those deeply entrenched families are not to be underestimated. Their influence in official circles is also significant.”
Yao Xianxian nodded. “If those families unite to resist the Luo Family, the Luo Family could face considerable trouble!”
“That depends on the Luo Family’s strength. They have dominated Europe and America for over a hundred years. Perhaps we’re worrying too much.”
Lin Mu smiled. Just as he was about to continue, Yao Xianxian suddenly cried out, fanning her mouth with her hand.
“Wow! It’s so hot! So hot!”
The meatball, freshly scooped from the soup, burned her tongue, making her squirm. Lin Mu shook his head with a helpless smile, gently blowing on Yao Xianxian’s parted lips to cool the meatball, then softly kissed those enticing red lips.
“Little greedy cat, eat slower! No one is competing with you!”
He lightly tapped Yao Xianxian’s nose, pretending to be upset.
“Stop it! Don’t tap my nose—it won’t be perky anymore!”
Yao Xianxian stomped her feet, her mouth puffing out adorably around the meatball.