He changed Tiwat

His consultation fees were quite low compared to his medical skills, and he offered even greater discounts to ordinary people from humble backgrounds.

When encountering certain unheard-of diseases, Atractylodes macrocephala often uses the excuse that "this disease is rare and difficult to value" to charge only a symbolic fee for the prescription, and sometimes even pays out of her own pocket for the cost of the herbs.

Over time, many patients from as far away as Liyue would seek medical treatment at Bubu's Cottage. Bai Shu, with his compassionate heart, welcomed all who came, readily treating all sorts of rare and unusual ailments. People said that Mr. Bai was a benevolent and virtuous doctor; even if Bubu's Cottage sold some extremely expensive items—such as the "Eternal Incense" which cost 2.99 million Mora even after discounts—it was presumably for the sake of continuing his charitable work for a longer period.

A doctor like Bai Zhu would never joke about a patient's condition.

But Han Fulai still couldn't understand what ability he had to treat Lao Meng.

Knowing his doubts, Bai Shu added a few more words: "There's an old saying in Liyue: 'Medicine can't cure all diseases, and immortals can only help those with a predestined fate.' Old Meng's illness doesn't require medicine, but rather someone to help him through this journey. And indeed, only you can do that."

“Mr. Han, you once told me: ‘It’s not difficult for a person to do a few good deeds, but it’s difficult to do good deeds all one’s life.’”

"I also want to say something to you today: it's not difficult for a doctor to save one person, but it's difficult to save all the people in the world. Only you can do this. Old Meng... I'm entrusting him to you."

After saying this, Bai Shu cupped his hands in farewell to Han Fulai and left.

Han Fulai watched Bai Shu leave, his face expressionless, but his heart was in turmoil.

Outside the Hall of Rebirth, Changsheng wrapped his arms around Baishu's neck again, his tone somewhat resentful: "What's wrong with you today? Pushing patients to others is not like you. Old Meng's hysteria is not difficult to treat. If word gets out that you are doing this, it will tarnish the reputation of our Bubu Cottage."

There is a reason why Changsheng said this. For Atractylodes macrocephala, treating all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases is not just about the benevolent heart of a doctor who saves lives.

Take, for example, Lao Meng's mental illness, which is what Chang Sheng calls "hysteria." Ancient medical books actually contain remedies from our predecessors.

The treatment is not complicated. To put it simply, it's about getting him to sleep more, just like treating insomnia. Old Meng doesn't have any physical problems; the main issue is mental stress. Prescribing some calming and soothing remedies will help him get more sleep each day.

Placebos don't work, but sleeping pills always do.

Curing Old Meng was another free publicity stunt. As Bu Bu Lu's reputation for treating hysteria spreads, it will become another source of income.

Bai Shu knew perfectly well that Bu Bu Lu never did business at a loss.

Bubu Clinic is not the only clinic in Liyue, but it is the largest. In the more than ten years that Baishu has been practicing medicine, Bubu Clinic's reputation has far surpassed that of its peers. This is not only due to Baishu's superb medical skills, but also to his shrewd business acumen.

Most of the goods in Bubulu are reasonably priced, such as "windproof essential oil," which emphasizes small profits and quick turnover. However, some items are priced extremely high—those are "skincare products" and "health products" made by Baizhu using rare materials.

For example, the "anti-aging cream" that Yun Jin loves to use is made by grinding coral pearls, a specialty of Inazuma, into powder and adding herbs. It is quite expensive, and only a popular star like Mr. Yun can afford such skin care products.

One crucial skill in Liyue Opera is "face painting." When Yun Jin performs in Liyue Opera, her face is always covered with a lot of oil paint, which naturally damages her skin. Therefore, after removing her makeup, Yun Jin uses Bu Bu Lu's specially made "anti-aging cream" to care for her skin—it's expensive, but the effect is definitely worth the price.

And that Lady Ningguang of Tianquan even orders "Herbal Dew of a Hundred Flowers" from Bubulu every month. This "Herbal Dew of a Hundred Flowers" is made by taking the essence of a hundred kinds of flowers and adding dew from the flowers. The finished product has a pleasant fragrance and not only has the effect of beautifying the skin, but also soothing the mind. It is most suitable for someone of high status and power like Ningguang.

The brewing process for "Nourishing White Flower Dew" is complex, and the ingredients are extremely expensive. Just a small teapot's worth requires the essence of dozens of kilograms of flower petals, while the dew itself must be collected over several days, requiring tireless work from dawn till dusk. Even wealthy families who can afford the materials cannot afford such labor. —How else could the wealthiest family in Liyue distinguish themselves?

Bai Zhu's business strategy, in essence, is "to profit from whoever has money."

Generally speaking, customers who need these kinds of goods are not price-sensitive and value quality and efficiency more. Instead of picking and choosing at the market, it's better to get everything you need at Bubulu in one go.

For these clients, with Mr. Bai's reputation as a guarantee, it's worth spending more Mora.

Of course, Bai Shu, who was well-versed in business, also understood that he couldn't keep all the benefits to himself.

Many of Bu Bu Lu's patients were merchants who later became his "partners," bringing rare medicinal materials from all over the mainland to Bai Zhu and then selling his newly developed prescriptions far and wide.

As the "partners" amassed their wealth, Bubulu's profits also became increasingly substantial.

But Bai Zhu's purpose in making such a plan was not Mora himself.

Some goals... are simply impossible to achieve without substantial financial resources and the support of local produce.

His previous collaboration with that "rich man" from the Winter Kingdom was largely motivated by the Northland Bank's substantial funding.

In his spare time, Bai Zhu's hobby is collecting all kinds of books. Besides medical books, he reads various ancient texts that record methods for seeking immortality and enlightenment. Some of these rare ancient books are priceless; without financial support, they simply cannot be collected.

Moreover, Bu Bu Lu's medicine box also contains a variety of rare medicinal herbs, clearly not suitable for prescriptions for common ailments, yet they are steadily consumed and replenished, in a continuous cycle. Ordinary people are unaware of the secrets behind this, but those from families of alchemists can immediately tell that these herbs are mostly used to refine various legendary "elixirs of immortality."

The investment in the "elixir of immortality" is a bottomless pit. If Bai Shu had saved those research funds, he would have been incredibly wealthy long ago.

Even the wealthiest person cannot achieve anything without that "opportunity".

—The study of esoteric arts and various strange diseases is an "opportunity" that no amount of Mora could buy.

What he wanted to cure was the most incurable disease in the world—death.

Is it true that mortals cannot escape birth, aging, sickness, and death in this life?

People say that life and death have their own way, and the way of heaven is constant, but Bai Shu says that if we don't try, who can know where the boundaries of the way of heaven are?

He treats patients from all over the world with difficult and complicated diseases, and his fees are so low, it's not like he's trying to lose money.

If the scholars of the Life Theory School of the Sumeru Cult knew this, they would probably envy him for not only being able to recruit so many "volunteers" to help with drug trials and collect so much experimental data for free, but also for having such a good reputation.

Of course, Atractylodes macrocephala will not be used for dangerous experiments on patients.

He was genuinely trying his best to treat those patients, and he would test any dangerous drugs on himself first.

Bai Shu raised his hand and patted Changsheng's head soothingly: "Changsheng, what I just said is the truth. The method of calming the mind does not address the root cause and cannot cure hysteria. It only covers it up. A mental illness requires a mental cure. I cannot make this 'mental cure'... but that Mr. Han is already doing it."

“Sigh…you, a patient is a patient, and you are you. You know, no one can cure all the world's intractable diseases, not even that ‘Medicine Master,’ so why are you doing this…”

Changsheng shook its head, seemingly helpless against Baizhu. Having spent many years with Baizhu, it understood his temperament best.

Bai Shu smiled gently and said, "Don't worry, although you've forgotten, I still remember our contract. I said I would be the last contractor. Changsheng, I swore an oath... I will save you."

"Who said I forgot! I... I just don't want to think about it." Changsheng hissed and complained, her tone surprisingly carrying a hint of spoiled girlishness—a thousand years ago, she was indeed a beautiful woman. But now, she had lost her delicate fingers and had completely forgotten her past.

The only thing I remember is the contract called the "Er Snake Dragging Dragon Method".

Bai Shu tightened his collar and said, "The night breeze is getting a bit chilly... We should go back early, otherwise it will delay tomorrow's consultations."

Changsheng glared at him irritably. "Yeah, otherwise tomorrow Agui will have to explain to people, 'Dr. Bai has caught a cold and is not fit to see patients today. It's kind of you all to come all this way, please go home'—when will you learn to worry about yourself?"

A man and a snake stared at each other, one with the snake's eyes and the other with the man's eyes; it was quite a strange sight.

In this staring contest, Changsheng ultimately won—snakes don't have eyelids and don't need to blink.

In fact, these two pairs of eyes are the greatest secret between Bai Shu and Chang Sheng. They made a pact with their pupils as proof, and the result of the pact is that Bai Shu is now practicing medicine to help people and relieve their worries and diseases, but at the same time, he himself is terminally ill and unable to find relief.

As a doctor, Bai Zhu was naturally skilled in health preservation, and the health-preserving medicines he made were all remarkably effective. He also paid special attention to dietary conditioning in his daily life, and had taught many patients how to make medicinal cuisine. Even Xiang Ling came to him specifically to learn from him.

But this doctor, who was so knowledgeable about health preservation, was himself a real "sickly person" and a "medicine addict".

It is commonly said that "a doctor cannot heal himself," but the physical condition of Atractylodes macrocephala cannot be explained by this saying alone.

If any other doctor were to treat him, they would probably be so frightened that they would faint on the spot—there are already dozens of viruses in his body that are called "incurable diseases," and he only relies on Changsheng to share his life force and suppress them with secret methods.

The name "Ear Serpent Riding Dragon Technique" originates from the "Seven Mountains Classic," which describes the ancient deities of Liyue as "wearing serpents and riding dragons, ascending to heaven," hence the name. In reality, the ancients did not distinguish between dragons and snakes, considering them as one. In the eyes of mortals, deities were all powerful beings capable of controlling dragons and snakes—as for whether those deities were immortals transformed from snakes, the ancients obviously did not bother to verify.

In plain language, the "Ershe Tuolong Method" can be explained in four words: "Invite the gods to possess you."

The "Medicine Lord" lineage, including Bai Shu, has passed down this method through generations: making a pact with the White Snake Changsheng, sharing life with her in exchange for her guidance. Changsheng possesses immortal power and spirituality; with her care, the pactee can live to be a hundred years old and be immune to all diseases.

However... although Changsheng is named "Changsheng" (meaning "long life"), her contractors have all died young.

The reason is also this secret method.

This secret technique can transfer the life force of a contractor to other patients, or transfer the virus from other patients to the contractor.

Bai Shu's chronic illnesses all stemmed from this.

According to Bai Zhu, testing poison on oneself is convenient for studying pathology and testing medicinal properties. As for whether the body can withstand it—there's the benefit of longevity.

Although Changsheng repeatedly instructed Baizhu to use this secret method to treat patients as little as possible, after more than ten years of medical practice, Baizhu no longer knows how much longer he has to live.

When confronted with questions about longevity, Bai Shu simply replied with his usual statement: "This is a contract between me and my master."

Upon hearing this, Changsheng lost his temper and instead stared at the signboard of the Hall of Rebirth.

Few people know that Bai Shu's master, the previous contractor of the Yaojun Mountain lineage in Shenyu Valley, was surnamed Hu. He was the younger brother of the 75th generation hall master of the Rebirth Hall and Hu Tao's great-uncle. Hu Tao repeatedly went to Bubulu to "kidnap" Qi Qi, but Bai Shu never got angry with her because of his master's connection.

Bai Shu slowly left the Hall of Rebirth, softly reciting the contract her master had made with her when he accepted her as his disciple—

"If someone comes seeking help due to illness or distress, do not inquire about their social status, wealth, age, appearance, whether they are enemies or friends. Treat them all equally, as if they were your closest relatives."

They must not hesitate, worry about good or bad fortune, or cherish their lives.

When you see others suffering, feel as if you yourself are experiencing it. Be deeply saddened and do not avoid danger or hardship. Day and night, in cold or heat, in hunger or thirst or exhaustion, go forth to help them with all your heart, without any thought of seeking personal gain or recognition.

Such a person could be a great healer for the common people.

Chapter 330 The Unpredictable Hermitage Can't Save the People of Liyue [4k]

Xin Yan's concert was a great success. The young nuns of the Rebirth Hall were all in their prime, and were somewhat constrained by the strict rules of the hall. This concert gave them a chance to let loose.

After taking the stage, Xin Yan did not start by singing her previous songs—after all, the audience at Wangshengtang were not her previous listeners, but rather newcomers to rock music. Therefore, Xin Yan wanted to make a strong first impression and convey the charm of rock music to these new "rock enthusiasts" from the very beginning.

Xin Yan always sings and plays the piano at her concerts, but her singing skills are really not top-notch. After all, compared to professionals like Yun Jin who have practiced opera since childhood, Xin Yan is a latecomer to the field, and her singing alone is not enough to win over every audience member.

Especially considering that there are several teachers from the Hall of Rebirth present today, all of whom are accustomed to Liyue opera. If Xin Yan wants to move them, his previous songs, in terms of singing skills and lyric writing, are probably still lacking.

Therefore, her choice was—"Please enjoy my 'opening impromptu'."

She's going to give a performance of an impromptu arrangement!

This is Xin Yan's biggest advantage in becoming a rock musician, and also her unique true talent—she is a genius at playing the piano and composing music.

Yun Jin once said that if Xin Yan wanted to work at "Yunhan Society", the position of chief musician of "Yunhan Society" would definitely be vacant.

The most important aspect of this "opening improvisation" lies in the word "improvisation".

Unlike ordinary composers, Xin Yan is practically divinely inspired in this area. Whenever she's in high spirits, melodies flow from her mind like divine inspiration, and these new pieces are often refreshing and memorable. She was able to create a rock 'n' roll whirlwind in Liyue, a place without rock music, allowing the people of Liyue who had never heard rock music before to experience the shock it brought, all thanks to her improvisational performances.

Xin Yan's fingers danced across the guitar strings, faster and faster, causing the strings to vibrate incessantly. Eventually, sparks flew out, forming a ring of sparks that danced around Xin Yan. Of course, Xin Yan insisted that these sparks were a result of his playing technique reaching its peak, a physical phenomenon, and had nothing to do with the Eye of God.

Xin Yan called her finger-rolling technique, which allowed her to flick flames, "Deadly Acceleration".

But an elderly gentleman in the stands had already begun to marvel.

As the saying goes, "The layman sees the spectacle, the expert sees the details," and this old gentleman is an expert among experts—he is a teacher who teaches musical instruments in the Rebirth Hall.

Funerals are of course inseparable from music. This old gentleman was also a Peking Opera performer in the past. He was proficient in playing various instruments and singing, and had been immersed in the art of music for decades. His specialty was the pipa. The fingering technique that Xin Yan just demonstrated is called "zhifen" in pipa jargon.

The technique of using the thumb to pluck the string and the index finger to pluck the string, producing a sound on two strings simultaneously, is called "zhi"; the technique of using the thumb to pick the string and the index finger to pluck the string, producing a sound on two strings simultaneously, is called "fen".

The rapid alternation of the two finger techniques, "Zhi" and "Fen," is called "Zhi Fen."

The simple "zhifen" technique is a basic skill for stringed instruments and is not too difficult; most people can master it with diligent practice. However, playing such a rich melody with such a fast tempo using only two fingers in the "zhifen" technique is difficult even for experts.

To use Fontainebleau's symphony as an analogy, this is equivalent to Xin Yan playing a fast-paced piece like "Flight of the Bumblebee" with just two fingers.

Not only that, she even composed the music on the spot!

The mind must compose the music, the fingers must play the instrument, and the body must simultaneously dance—there are very few musicians in the entire Liyue Pear Garden who can do all of these things at the same time.

After the piece was finished, Xin Yan's forehead was covered in sweat, and after a moment of silence, a burst of applause suddenly erupted from the stands.

Led by the old gentleman from the Peking Opera troupe, the guests of Wangsheng Hall all stood up and applauded. Xin Yan's performance had left a deep impression on these old gentlemen. At this moment, they all had the same thought in their minds—Master Hu was indeed farsighted and had a discerning eye.

In their view, the reason why Hu Tao invited Xin Yan to Wang Sheng Tang must be because of her excellent piano skills, and they wanted to poach her to be a musician.

The young ceremonial attendants were even more excited—they had never seen a performance where flames could be produced by playing the piano before, how could they not be amazed?

Seeing that the atmosphere had heated up, Xin Yan's confidence soared. She ran her fingers across the strings and immediately began playing the next song.

As she sang, pillars of fire blazed up on the stage. These pillars of fire were like a swarm of snakes directed by the snake charmer's flute, twisting and changing in response to her steps and rhythm, forming all sorts of shapes, as if the flames themselves had a consciousness and were dancing joyfully.

Many young people were infected by her unrestrained and wild performance atmosphere, and sang and cheered along enthusiastically.

After one song after another, almost no one in the audience could sit still. Apart from the scholars who were barely able to maintain their composure, the young ceremonial attendants spontaneously surrounded the stage and began swaying and clapping along with Xin Yan.

For Xin Yan, this is the "contagion of rhythm," and that's the atmosphere that's needed for a concert.

Miss "Ferryman" was clearly not used to this atmosphere, but since Xin Yan's concert was, after all, a team-building project planned by Hu Tao, the usually conservative Miss "Ferryman" barely suppressed her urge to push the young ceremonial attendants back into their chairs.

In fact, she herself had unknowingly joined the crowd and stood in the audience. Although she still had no expression on her face, her hands were already tucked into her sleeves and she was clapping along to the beat.

The highlight of the concert was undoubtedly the new song performed by Xin Yan and Han Fulai.

After Xin Yan finished singing a round of her previous songs, she invited a special guest, Han, the chief secretary of Yuehaiting and the great hero who solved the anomaly of the Layered Rock Abyss, to join her on stage.

For the residents of Liyue Harbor, the name Han Fulai has recently become a household name, and they are naturally filled with anticipation—and Han Fulai has not disappointed them.

Xin Yan played the piano, and Han Fulai played the drums. Although the two had not rehearsed repeatedly, their coordination was surprisingly tacit. This may be the magic of rock and roll. Even people who do not understand music theory can play beautiful notes as long as they play the instrument according to the rhythm in their hearts.

"The enchanting and dazzling future always beckons to me."

Even if only pain accompanies us, we must forge ahead.

I want to set sail on the bluest sea there.

Regardless of whether they can repay it or not.

……

Rather than prolonging one's life,

Why not burn brightly?