From the family treasure tree to build an eternal family

Chapter 93 Pharmacist
"Get lost!"

"boom!"

The wooden door in front of Xu Xiaogou slammed shut, almost hitting him in the face.

Several boxes of valuable gifts were scattered all over the floor.

He could vaguely hear curses mixed with profanity coming from inside: "What are you pretending to be so great about? Just because his brother is a county lieutenant doesn't mean he's any better. Even the county magistrate can't do anything about it..."

Reluctantly, he picked up the gifts from the ground.

"It seems like there's only one left."

He could understand this situation. After all, his demands were excessive; it would be strange if people treated him kindly.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next day.

Xu Xiaogou prepared generous gifts and led Xu Zhongche to a residence.

The main gate of the mansion was wide open, and a wooden sign standing next to it was inscribed with: "[Detoxification Pills, Fifty Taels]".

A carriage was parked outside the gate, and two young men were carrying medicinal herbs from the carriage into the courtyard.

Xu Xiaogou found out that the pharmacist was very old and had moved here more than ten years ago, specializing in "antidote pills".

His given name is unclear; all that is known is that his surname is Tao, and he is referred to as "Old Tao" or "Pharmacist Tao."

The antidote pills he sells can counteract common sleeping pills, poisons, aphrodisiacs, etc., as long as they don't reach the level of "spiritual poison".

Ordinary poisons are only effective against ordinary people below the Innate Realm and those who are not Qi Refining cultivators.

Because innate martial artists possess internal strength and have extremely strong control over their bodies, they can expel toxins.

The spiritual energy of a Qi Refining cultivator can even neutralize mortal poisons.

This "antidote pill" is for ordinary poisons that would affect ordinary people, so each pill costs only fifty taels. Acquired martial artists are also considered ordinary people, so those who roam the martial world as acquired martial artists often carry an antidote pill with them.

Xu Xiaogou learned another, more important piece of information: Pharmacist Tao lived alone, without a wife or children.

He felt this was the place with the best chance of inheriting the pharmacist's legacy, so he brought his son, Zhongche, to see if he could impress the other party with his son's talent.

"Ah Che, let's go inside."

He carried the gift box in both hands and led Chungcheol into the courtyard.

A strong medicinal aroma, a mixture of various herbs, wafted towards us.

A tall, thin old man was directing the movers: "Put the honeysuckle in this room, the blue vine over there, the sarsaparilla... Be careful, if you mix them up, they'll smell bad!"

Tao Shiyuan's family started as a medical clinic, and the eight characters "妙手回春悬壶济世" (meaning "miraculous hands bring back spring and hang a gourd to save the world") are used as the generational name.

Unfortunately, the tradition was about to end with his generation.

His face was full of wrinkles, but his skin was very taut. He had a full head of jet-black, shiny hair and eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

"Want to buy antidote pills? Fifty taels per pill, no credit."

Tao Shiyuan glanced at the newcomer casually and said.

"Master Tao, I am not here to buy medicine, but to ask you for a favor. I have prepared a small gift, which is of little importance."

As Xu Xiaogou spoke, he placed the gift box on the windowsill.

He sensed a surge of powerful energy emanating from Tao Shiyuan, indicating he was a pre-natal martial artist. However, Tao Shiyuan's energy was weak and unstable, and his hands had no calluses; instead, his fingers were delicate and smooth.

Clearly, this congenital condition was caused by consuming large amounts of nourishing and blood-tonifying medications.

"You've got the wrong person. I only sell antidote pills, nothing else."

Tao Shiyuan's face was cold. What did he have that would make someone come to deliver gifts to him?

"My name is Xu Xiaogou. My elder brother is Xu Xiaoniu, the county magistrate, and my father-in-law is the leader of the Vajra Sect. My son is Zhongche..."

Xu Xiaogou bowed and explained his purpose.

He introduced his family background to prove his family's strength; otherwise, why would anyone pass on the pharmacist's skill to an ordinary person? Only with equal status can one gain the other's respect.

"Oh ho ho, so you're that idiot who's been going around seeking out a pharmacist's inheritance? I've heard of you, hahaha."

Tao Shiyuan burst into laughter. He had heard that someone had been going around to different pharmacies these past two days seeking the inheritance of a pharmacist's skills. This behavior was truly foolish.

"..."

Xu Xiaogou, mocked, could only endure it. Suddenly, Tao Shiyuan stopped laughing, his expression serious as he scrutinized Xu Xiaogou: "What's your strength?"

"Innate duality".

"Where is your brother, the county magistrate?"

"He has just reached the second level of Qi Refining, but he also possesses innate internal strength."

"..."

Tao Shiyuan was silent for a moment, then made a "please" gesture: "I can pass on all my skills to your son, but there are conditions. Come with me and let's discuss it in detail."

Xu Xiaogou's eyes lit up. After searching for many days, he finally had good news.

The two entered the house.

Tao Shiyuan closed the door and whispered a few words.

"Master Xu, this is a matter of great importance. Please consider it carefully."

With that, Tao Shiyuan opened the door and continued with his own business.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Xu Xiaogou stood there stunned for a few moments, then came to his senses and walked out of the house with a worried expression, preparing to leave with Zhongche.

"No, no!"

He made a decision and stopped in his tracks.

Given his personality, how could his father possibly agree to this condition if he was so hesitant?

Tao Shiyuan was hiding in Tonggu County to escape his enemies. He had a son who was killed by others fighting over a secret medicine formula. He managed to escape.

The reason he inquired about Xu Xiaogou and Xu Xiaoniu's strength was to see if they were qualified to help him take revenge.

He would teach all his skills to anyone who helped him avenge his family.

Xu Xiaogou was initially tempted by such a deal. But upon further reflection, he realized that it was highly inappropriate.

What do other people's grudges have to do with the Xu family?
If his family gets involved in this feud and vendetta, they'll be embroiled in a very difficult situation.

When will this cycle of revenge end? Even if his family has the ability to take revenge, who can guarantee that the other side won't leave anyone out? If the other side comes to take revenge in the future, there will inevitably be casualties in the Xu family.

Xu Xiaogou cannot afford such a price.

He turned and walked back, politely declining, "Master Tao, my son truly has no master-disciple relationship with you. Just pretend I was never here."

"and many more."

Tao Shiyuan suddenly spoke up.

"Ok?"

Xu Xiaogou wondered, could there be a turning point?
“The conditions I proposed were indeed excessive, but that matter has nothing to do with your family. You just said your son has talent? I'll test him. If he's really as you say, I'll take him on as an apprentice for a while.”

If I like him, I won't need to take all my skills to the grave.

Tao Shiyuan became interested in Xu Zhongche. He had just heard Xu Xiaogou say that he could taste the medicinal herbs in the medicinal soup.
Could it be an exaggeration?

"A test? Thank you, Elder Tao, for giving me this opportunity."

Xu Xiaogou thanked him repeatedly, while pushing Xu Zhongche forward for Tao Shiyuan to test him: "Ache, do your best."

Xu Zhongche looked bewildered, his voice still carrying the naivety of a young boy: "Thank you, sir."

"Don't thank me yet. I want to see what kind of talent you have. A pharmacist's talent is not something to be taken lightly."

Tao Shiyuan was curious because the inheritance of medicine master families generally does not look at talent, but only at "bloodline".

This profession is all about practice makes perfect; even someone without talent can master it by practicing thousands or tens of thousands of times.

"Wait while I brew you a pot of medicinal soup."

He worked quickly, and a small pot of medicinal soup was ready in just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Once the medicine had cooled down a bit, he poured it into a cup and handed it to Xu Zhongche.

Seeing the doubtful look on Xu Xiaogou's face, he explained, "Don't worry, this is a nourishing tonic soup that can clear your mind and eyes, and it's harmless to the body."

(End of this chapter)