Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

Princess Chu immediately got up and took "Zuo Gege" to check on Xiao Fengnan's injuries. Chu Mingkong was not good at medicine, but he could roughly judge how serious the injuries were and what kind of medicine was needed. This was all based on his experience accumulated from acting alone in his early years.

Upon arriving at Xiao Fengnan's courtyard, he lay on the bed with his eyes closed, resting. He was conscious and could sense someone entering the room, but he needed to recuperate to prevent his condition from worsening.

The effects of the corruption of the martial tendons are like a malignant tumor growing on an ordinary person's body. It would be much better to cut it off than to leave it like this, but Xiao Fengnan just won't cut it off, probably because he still has some hope of reversing the injury.

A severed arm has a limited impact on a cultivator; he's just asking for trouble.

Seeing his situation, Chu Mingkong was troubled. After leaving Xiao Fengnan's room, he said dejectedly:

"Two dragon bone flowers are not enough. I have to get an extra medicinal herb to replenish my vital energy. What a loss."

Princess Chu quickly said:

"Please be generous, Your Excellency. I will prepare a full reward for you, and you will be greatly grateful!"

Chu Ming sighed inwardly. "So be it if I lose a little. I've already decided to help him get better. It would be pointless if I didn't get him to his best condition in one go. It would make it seem like I'm bullying him."

Xiao Fengnan, I haven't even surpassed you yet, but I've already treated you like my own son. Try your best and get better soon.

He nodded: "Okay."

--------

P.S.: This is the fifth update yesterday. Five updates a day is really difficult; towards the end, my forearms felt tight and sore. How do those people who write over 10,000 words a day manage to do that???

Chapter 200 The Enthusiasm of the Xiao Family

Hearing that someone was selling rare medicinal herbs, many people from the Xiao family came. Xiao Yunhan's courtyard was inevitably disturbed by the noise and commotion, and Zuo Qiuchi couldn't even sleep or catch a fish in peace.

The Xiao family did only two things: they chopped off Xiao Fengnan's rotten left arm with minimal damage, and they continued to try to persuade "Zuo Gege" to sell them his best medicine.

In the pharmacy, the stunningly beautiful Princess Chu handed the dragon bone flower she had obtained from the armored men to the physician employed by the Xiao family, and inquired:

"What kind of medicinal herb is this? I smell a strong fragrance, which is incomparable to that of a hundred-year-old herb. I only know that it is precious, but I don't know what kind of medicinal plant it is. The herb seller, Zuo Gege, said that it is a dragon bone flower and can help the broken arm of the maple tree regenerate?"

The old man, reeking of medicinal herbs, took the dragon bone flower. His eyes were so close they were almost crossed. He exclaimed in surprise:

"It is indeed dragon bone flower, but it has been discontinued for a long time. This medicinal material still exists now, but its medicinal power is very weak. It can only be used to make some poisons such as pain relief powder. However, according to the medicine manual left by my ancestor, dragon bone flower was a very powerful bone-building and blood-activating medicine many years ago, but the side effect was pain during recovery."

Later, the energy of heaven and earth changed, and the dragon bone flower could not adapt. Now, only side effects remain. Moreover, judging from this medicinal plant, it doesn't seem to have been preserved by a secret method; it looks more like it was freshly picked..."

"Such a thing is true?!" Princess Chu was moved. "You said that the Dragon Bone Flower is no longer suitable for the current changes in the world, so how come this person can still produce two plants?"

"Then I do not know. Perhaps... he has a secret realm that retains the aura of antiquity, which he uses as a medicinal field. The world is vast and full of wonders. I have learned something new today. I never believed that the Dragon Bone Flower could have such a glorious past."

"So that means the dragon bone flower can indeed cure Feng Nan?" Princess Chu was more concerned about this point.

The elderly doctor asserted:

"Yes! This is the medicinal power of a thousand-year-old medicinal plant, but we still need about two more. And there are two things to mention: this flower has strong side effects. There will be no aftereffects, but the recovery process will be extremely painful! Then there is the issue of vital energy. Dragon Bone Flower promotes the recovery of severed limbs, but it does not replenish vital energy. We will need to prepare other medicinal herbs and pills to nourish it."

Otherwise, if you encounter a formidable opponent in a martial arts competition, excessive exertion and depletion will directly damage your very essence!

Princess Chu made a judgment in her mind: this armored man was indeed sincerely selling medicine, and although the medicine he gave could only barely cure Xiao Fengnan, the origin of the medicine was very important, indicating that this man had an extraordinary background.

The eccentricity of ordinary people is called a strange personality, but the eccentricity of extraordinary people is called being unconventional and having a unique character.

This man named Zuo Gege has gained prominence in the heart of Princess Chu. She is considering whether there is a way to win him over. Putting aside his own abilities, his secret method of cultivating medicinal herbs alone is worthy of the Xiao family's attention, and even immortal sects would find it difficult to underestimate his existence.

Would it be feasible to ask Pavilion Master Shen to say a few kind words to me?

Chu Mingkong did not openly leave Qingxin Mansion. Instead, he strolled around the courtyard, waiting. The reason was simple: he wanted to hear Xiao Fengnan's screams. Even if he couldn't hear them, he wanted to see the pain on Xiao Fengnan's face.

The evil of seizing someone's martial arts tendons will be repaid later; what Xiao Fengnan needs to bear now is a small amount of interest.

The Xiao family is already spending money on Xiao Fengnan, but Chu Mingkong isn't worried about missing out on something good, because he still has a Dragon Bone Flower in his possession, and the Xiao family will definitely come looking for him.

[System Treasure has arrived, 500 points of Filial Piety (unspoiled), sender: Xiao Zhi]

"This shows filial piety? Amazing! Did Mother Consort just have someone test the medicine? Once she confirmed that the dragon bone flower was safe, she approved of me and then showed filial piety?"

Xiao Zhi is the Princess Consort of Chu. Chu Mingkong never expected to have the chance to get filial piety from her. His feelings were complicated, but there was not much of it.

As if summoned, Princess Chu arrived accompanied by her maids, a polite smile on her face. Although it was a business smile for a guest, it had to be admitted that Princess Chu was a very beautiful woman. Even a simple smile was captivating. She was in her prime, with stunning looks and a charming figure. Compared to her sister, Consort Wan, Princess Chu was more voluptuous. The two of them made up a perfect pair of beauties, each with their own unique charm.

"Why is Your Excellency wandering around here alone? Is it because my clan has failed to provide adequate hospitality?"

"No, I just wanted to take a quiet walk. This Qingxin Spring is quite nice; I'm afraid Qingxin Mansion is the only one of its kind in the entire Tianya City." Chu Mingkong flattered her, then asked, "Princess Chu, did you come here suddenly because your son needs medicine?"

"Yes, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to wait patiently. Regardless of how well Feng Nan recovers, the Chu royal family and the Xiao family will sincerely thank you for your generosity."

You only say things like that because you know the medicine is effective. If Xiao Fengnan's illness isn't cured, you might come after me.

I wonder if there are any people in the Xiao family who would like to kidnap him and steal his medicine. If so, that would be great.

The thought of not being able to teach Xiao Fengnan a lesson immediately brought back memories of the Lu family's misery and cries, making Chu Mingkong feel irritated. He wished the Xiao family would send a few fools to vent their frustrations on him.

Then I can take her to Princess Chu and embarrass her. Just thinking about it makes me feel good.

"Your Excellency?" Princess Chu called out to him. She was now somewhat used to his sudden lapses in concentration.

"Oh, I've been daydreaming again. I'm used to spacing out when I'm alone. Please bear with me, Princess Consort. If you can't bear it, just bear with it."

Princess Consort of Chu: "......"

Chu Mingkong took out another dragon bone flower and handed it to the fair and slender hand of Princess Chu, saying:

"If you want to treat this, take me to see it. I want to see for myself how effective the medicine is."

Want to see the medicine's effects? Then it seems you truly possess unparalleled skills in cultivating medicinal herbs. Feng Nan's encounter with such a person at this crucial moment is truly a blessing from his ancestors... Princess Chu nodded and said:

"Then please come with me, Mr. Zuo. If there is anything I need your help with, please take good care of my son."

Chu Mingkong gave a thumbs up and said cheerfully:

"With me here, everything will be fine. I'm the one who's worried something might happen to my son!"

Princess Chu's eyebrows twitched. The maid beside her looked at her strangely, thinking, "Is this strange person really from some remote mountain forest? Doesn't he understand any worldly etiquette? 'My son' is a humble way for the princess to refer to her son. For an outsider like you, it's an insult. Does he even want to acknowledge Young Master Xiao as his father?"

Princess Chu had planned to ignore the remark and let it go, but Chu Mingkong, ever the one to bring it up, asked with a bewildered and innocent expression:

"Huh? Why do you all look so strange? Did I say something wrong? Is it wrong to call him 'my son'? But didn't the Princess just call Young Master Xiao 'my son'? Is it that outsiders can't call him by his nickname?"

The maid remained silent, not daring to speak.

Princess Chu didn't want to dwell on the matter; she maintained a forced smile and didn't want to investigate further.

"It's alright. It's normal that His Excellency Zuo's customs are not quite suited to the Tianji Empire. There's no need to take it to heart."

Chu Mingkong followed behind Princess Chu. As Princess Chu's legs moved back and forth under her skirt, her peach-shaped buttocks seemed to sway, alluring and seductive. Even her skirt could not hide her plumpness and fullness.

He soon arrived at Xiao Fengnan's courtyard. There were many members of the Xiao family in the courtyard, making the spacious courtyard feel crowded. Standing closest to the house was Xiao Chengren, whom he had just met in Consort Wan's palace, as well as some elders.

They all looked anxiously into the inner room, wanting to go in, but afraid of disturbing the doctor's treatment of the severed arm.

When Chu Mingkong arrived, his heart was the same as everyone else's; they all hoped that Xiao Fengnan would recover safely. He immediately handed over the Dragon Bone Flower. Several members of the Xiao family immediately came over to greet "Zuo Gege," their attitude polite and friendly, their words full of attempts to win him over, inquiring about his master, background, and subtly asking about his preferences.

This is an attempt to cater to his preferences and lure him in with material benefits.

Unfortunately, Chu Mingkong was clumsy with words and didn't know how to express his simple emotional need of "I like beautiful women" in a tactful way. He could only say perfunctorily, "Oh, I like to daydream, arrange flowers, and admire peaches."

Xiao Chengren cupped his hands and flattered him:

"Your Excellency Zuo is truly a recluse of refined taste, with elegant interests and a love for nature. I only learned of your name today; it's a pity we haven't met sooner!"

Chu Mingkong politely cupped his hands in greeting:

"You flatter me. I've been traveling around and have heard about the reputation of the Xiao family head. People say he's like a dragon or a phoenix, and that he has two daughters, both of whom are stunningly beautiful. It makes me want to see them for myself."

Xiao Chengren was overjoyed to be praised by a reclusive master. He pulled over the Princess of Chu and introduced her as one of his daughters. Unfortunately, another one had entered the palace and was now a concubine of the current emperor.

Chu Mingkong exclaimed in exaggerated amazement, "So the Princess Consort of Chu is actually the daughter of the Xiao family head!"

Their boasting was finally interrupted by the sounds of gritted teeth and pain coming from the inner room. A moment later, Xiao Fengnan came out with the help of a servant, his face pale, his lips bloodless, and his jaw muscles trembling uncontrollably.

All eyes were focused on his left arm, where a child's forearm had grown out of the "cross-section," a rather bizarre sight.

The little hand grew at a speed visible to the naked eye. Xiao Fengnan was sweating profusely, trying his best to keep quiet, his face contorted in pain.

Regenerating a severed arm requires the depletion of vital energy. Several strands of Xiao Fengnan's hair turned gray and dry on the spot, and some of his hair was even turning white. The elders of the Xiao family were extremely anxious.

An elder said, "It's too late to break this arm with its rotten tendons. It's been delayed for several days. If it had been treated earlier, we wouldn't have lost so much vital energy!"

Beside Chu Mingkong, the Princess Consort of Chu asked:

"Your Excellency Zuo, do you have any medicinal herbs that can replenish vital energy? We will not treat you unfairly."

Chu Mingkong was prepared. While wandering around alone earlier, he had already been looking for cost-effective medicinal herbs. He immediately took out a Rejuvenating Grass. The fact that it had no side effects was a pity for Chu Mingkong, but it was cheap.

He took the Chu princess's soft hand and placed the rejuvenating herb in her palm:

"A doctor's heart is like a parent's. At this moment, I am Xiao Fengnan's father. Don't worry about his injuries!"

Chapter 201 Liking Animals and Plants

After several rounds of strong medicine and almost everything that could be done, Xiao Fengnan's condition improved. His black hair and forearm grew back together, looking like he had dyed his white hair back to black. This also showed that his lost vital energy had been restored.

However, the cost-effectiveness of the medicinal herbs also applies to the speed of recovery. Xiao Fengnan's current condition is that he has improved, but not completely recovered.

The baldness was so severe that he must have been an elderly physician from a later era, who examined Xiao Fengnan's aura and said:

"He is out of danger, but he needs about a month to rest and recuperate."

The Xiao family elder's heart tightened, and he sighed, "One month..."

A month of recuperation is very short for cultivators, especially for those who have achieved success in their cultivation. It is not impossible for them to have decades or even hundreds of years to recover from injuries. However, the martial arts competition in Tianya City is imminent.

Xiao Fengnan needs to be in top form for this competition. If he waits a month, the new city lord of Tianya City will have been selected, and there won't be much time left for him!

Chu Mingkong was probably the only relaxed and cheerful person in the courtyard. He walked around Xiao Fengnan twice, tapped his left arm, and nodded in satisfaction, saying that it had completely healed.

"Not bad, not bad, you've recovered very well, but your left hand still needs rest. If you have a habit of using your left hand to release physiological stress, try to switch to using your right hand. Also, your left hand will be in pain for the next two days due to the residual effects of the dragon bone flower. But a man can be tough, what can't be solved by crying?"

"If you can't hold it in, just cry it out. It's nothing compared to the wounds of the Abyss!"

Xiao Fengnan: "......."

Xiao Chengren: "..."

Princess Consort of Chu: "......."