Xiao Man stood on the bustling streets of Lingyao City, flanked by shops selling spiritual herbs. Vendors hawked their wares from behind their counters. Xiao Man strolled along, her gaze sweeping over the various stalls, finally settling on an old man seated in a corner.
The old man's small stall was remarkably simple, just a patched cloth spread on the ground, upon which a chaotic assortment of herbs lay. Yet, no one stopped at his stall.
Xiao Man halted before the old man and squatted down. She picked out a stone-like object from a pile of herbs, a glint of interest flashing in her eyes. "Old sir, how much for this?"
The old man lifted his eyelids to glance at Xiao Man. "Not for sale. Only for trade."
"What's the trade?" Xiao Man asked curiously.
"One Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit."
Xiao Man mused, she had indeed obtained a Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit. However, the fruit was suited for fire-element cultivators, and the old man before her did not appear to be one. Was he planning to use it for alchemy?
"Senior, may I presume to ask why you need the Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit?"
"If you have it, trade. If not, leave quickly and don't disturb my business," the old man said lazily.
"The Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit is suitable for fire-element cultivators, but you are not a fire-element cultivator. Is it for a family member?"
The old man scoffed. "Little one, the Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit isn't just for cultivation; it has other uses."
"The Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit is a supreme yang item. Besides cultivation, it can also counteract Yin toxins," Xiao Man stated unhurriedly. "However, the premise is that it cannot be used on non-fire-element cultivators, otherwise, it will lead to fire poison accumulating within the body, and Yin toxins will linger internally. Over time, it could be life-threatening."
Hearing this, the old man finally looked at Xiao Man properly. "Alchemist?"
"Just a little," she replied.
"Do you have a solution?" the old man continued to ask.
"Without seeing the patient, I dare not speak rashly," Xiao Man said cautiously. "Old sir, I have a Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit. I wish to trade it for this."
"Little one, come with me to see my patient. If you can cure him, all the herbs on my stall are yours. How about it?" the old man enticed.
"Old sir, my experience is shallow, I fear I cannot cure him," Xiao Man calmly said. "I would still prefer to trade with you."
The old man, hearing this, grew anxious. He grabbed Xiao Man's wrist. "Little one, just come with me. Regardless of whether you can cure him or not, the herb you fancy, I will give to you. If you can cure him, I will also give you a Suo Hun Jiu Ye Lan. How about it?"
Xiao Man's heart rejoiced. The Suo Hun Jiu Ye Lan was a rare and valuable item. "This… I'm afraid I cannot cure him."
"If that's the case, even if you can't cure him, but can suppress the poison in his body, I will give you the Suo Hun Jiu Ye Lan. If you can cure him completely, I… I will give you the treasure that protects our household!"
"No, no. Although I also cherish spiritual herbs, I am not one to take what others love. I still wish to trade with you!"
"Child, what exactly do you want to make me take you on this trip?"
Xiao Man appeared hesitant. "Old sir, it's not that I'm being difficult, but I don't know you well, and you are offering such great treasures. I fear you might silence me…"
"You scoundrel!" The old man struck Xiao Man on the head. "Haven't you heard of me? Am I, Old Tan, such a shameless person?"
Xiao Man rubbed her head. "It was my fault for being impolite. Please forgive me, Senior."
"You are so suspicious, child. How about this: I'll give you all the herbs on my stall first. After you've seen the patient, if you can cure him, I'll give you the promised spiritual herbs. If you cannot, you can still have the Yao Jin Yu Sui you fancied. What do you say?"
"Senior, since you've put it this way, if I refuse again, I'd be ungrateful. I shall accompany you. If I can cure him, I will accept your spiritual herbs. If I cannot, I will not be greedy and consider it my thanks for your appreciation."
The old man looked deeply at Xiao Man. He had initially thought she was driven solely by profit, but now it seemed this child was not so materialistic.
"My word is my bond. Since I've said it, as long as you make this trip, whether you can cure him or not, I will give you what I promised." The old man led Xiao Man towards the outskirts of the city.
Xiao Man followed behind, maintaining a distance of three steps, neither too close nor too far, a position that allowed for both attack and defense. The old man glanced at Xiao Man from the corner of his eye and couldn't help but smile. Such a cunning little fox, not old yet, but sharper than any fox.
The old man led Xiao Man for about ten li, entering a farmstead. As they reached the entrance, Xiao Man stopped. The farmstead was surrounded by a circle of inconspicuous plants. They appeared ordinary, but in reality, they were highly toxic. If one were not invited by the owner, it would be difficult to even enter.
Seeing Xiao Man stop, the old man flicked a pill to her. "Take this, and you won't be affected."
Xiao Man looked at the pill in her hand, then sniffed its aroma. She then returned it to the old man and walked forward. "Di Yuan Du Cao is a rare and highly toxic plant, and it's very difficult to cultivate. For you to have so many planted around your home, Senior, shows you have considerable skill in cultivating herbs."
"Not many people can recognize this Di Yuan Du Cao. It seems you are quite familiar with herbs as well, child."
"I am not talented, I have been immersed in this field since childhood, hence I know a little," Xiao Man said humbly. "I wouldn't say I'm very familiar."
The old man snorted. Indeed, a cunning child. However, if she could overcome the poison of the Di Yuan Du Cao without his antidote, it showed her skill. Perhaps she could truly cure Yu'er's poison.
"Master, you're back." A young lad rushed to greet them, but his steps faltered when he saw Xiao Man behind the old man. "Master, who is this…"
"A guest," the old man said unhurriedly. "Xin Chou, what is Young Master doing?"
"Young Master is reading. He had an episode earlier. Master, please go and see him quickly."
The old man sighed. "He had an episode again? This is the third time this month. If this continues…"
Xin Chou also sighed. "Master, did you find the Xuan Yang Lie Yan Fruit?"
The old man looked at Xiao Man. "My friend, I intended to host you properly, but my son is gravely ill. Why don't we see him first?"
"Alright, I came for the patient, so it is natural to see him first," Xiao Man said with a gentle tone and a smile.
"Please, then."
Xiao Man nodded and followed the old man inside. Xin Chou, however, was bewildered. Why was his master treating this person with such courtesy? This was not like his master's usual demeanor!
Filled with curiosity, Xin Chou followed behind, wanting to see just who this person was, daring to show off in front of his master.