Rebirth of Jinxuan

The crowd had mostly dispersed, leaving only a few children still being tested. A boy named Qian Feng nervously placed his hand on the spirit-testing stone, but it showed no reaction, remaining a dull gray color. He withdrew his hand in confusion and tried again, but to no avail.

"What's going on?" Qian Feng scratched his head, carefully examining the spirit-testing stone, even patting it with his hand, but the stone still didn't react. "Senior brother, is this stone broken?" he asked the Jingtang disciple in charge of recording the results, pointing to the spirit-testing stone.

The disciple glanced at him impatiently: "What's wrong with you? It must be because your aptitude is too poor and your spiritual power is insufficient that the spirit stone didn't react."

Qian Feng's face flushed red, and he was about to argue when the square-faced elder from before walked over. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Elder, it seems there's something wrong with the spirit-testing stone. The child has tried it twice without any reaction," the Jingtang disciple quickly explained.

The elder personally examined the spirit-testing stone and had Qian Feng test it again, but the result was still the same. He frowned, pondered for a moment, and said to the disciple, "Go and invite the hall master to come and take a look."

The disciple obeyed and left. A short while later, the old man in the green robe arrived with several elders. They surrounded the spirit-testing stone, taking turns examining it. Some touched it with their hands, some tested it with their spiritual power, and some even took out various tools to tap and knock on the spirit-testing stone, but the stone did not react at all.

Standing outside the crowd, Lu Yuhang tugged at Lu Jinxuan's sleeve and whispered, "Mother, look, that stone really seems to be broken."

Lu Jinxuan nodded; she also found it strange. The Spirit Testing Stone was the Martial Hall's most precious treasure, so how could it break for no reason? Qian Feng, standing beside her, chimed in, "Yes, I clearly felt a fluctuation of spiritual energy just now, but the stone just wouldn't light up."

Just then, a disciple of the Jingtang Hall rushed out from the back hall and whispered a few words to the old man in the green robe. The old man's expression changed, and he immediately ordered, "Everyone, stop the test and leave the Martial Hall immediately!"

Although the crowd was confused, they dared not disobey the hall master's orders, so they packed their things and left the martial arts hall. Lu Jinxuan, holding Lu Yuhang's hand, followed the crowd out, her unease growing stronger.

Back at the pharmacy, Lu Yuhang exclaimed excitedly, pointing to an elderly man inside, "Mom, look!" "It's that old man!"

Following Lu Yuhang's gaze, Lu Jinxuan saw an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face sitting behind the counter, smiling at them. It was none other than Old Qian, whom they had met in the mountains.

"Mr. Qian, what are you doing here?" Lu Jinxuan asked in surprise.

Old Qian stroked his beard and smiled, "Young Master Mo invited this old man to sit in the hall. I wonder what Madam Lu thinks?"

Before Lu Jinxuan could answer, Mo Chenfan came out from the backyard, carrying a medicine hoe. "Jinxuan, you're back." He put the hoe aside, walked up to Lu Jinxuan, and said softly, "I asked Old Qian to come and help, so we can better serve the villagers in the future."

Lu Jinxuan looked at Mo Chenfan, then at Old Qian, her heart filled with emotion.

Outside the pharmacy, a group of children were basking in the afternoon sun, playing and laughing. Lu Yuhang was surrounded by several children, who were chattering away, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

"Yuhang, your mother is amazing! She knows so many herbs!" a little girl with pigtails said admiringly.

"Of course!" Lu Yuhang puffed out his chest and said proudly, "My mother is the most skilled alchemist!"

"Yuhang, are you going to become an alchemist in the future?" another boy asked curiously.

Lu Yuhang thought for a moment and replied earnestly, "I want to become as powerful as my mother and protect everyone!"

The children cheered excitedly, all expressing their desire to study with Lu Yuhang and protect everyone. However, outside the crowd, two richly dressed boys watched Lu Yuhang, who was surrounded by the crowd, with grim expressions. They were Wang Han, the young master of the Wang family, and Luo Wenxu, the young master of the Luo family. Both had participated in today's martial arts academy entrance test but failed due to the Spirit Testing Stone. They blamed Lu Yuhang for this, believing that his presence caused the problem with the Spirit Testing Stone.

Wang Han whispered to Luo Wenxu, "Hmph, so what if he knows a few herbs? What's so great about that!"

Luo Wenxu also said indignantly, "That's right, I'll definitely teach him a lesson in the next test!"

Their eyes were filled with resentment, as if Lu Yuhang were their greatest enemy. In the sunlight, their figures appeared exceptionally dark, completely out of place with the cheerful atmosphere around them.

Lu Yuhang was having a great time playing with the children when he suddenly felt a chill. He looked up and met the hostile gazes of Wang Han and Luo Wenxu. A slight tremor ran through him, and a strange sense of unease welled up inside him.

Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks broke the tranquility of the pharmacy...

Mo Chenfan stepped forward and opened the door. Standing outside was a Jingtang disciple, panting heavily. He looked flustered and, upon seeing Mo Chenfan, hurriedly asked, "Is Madam Lu here?"

Mo Chenfan stepped aside to let his disciple in, and Lu Jinxuan came out from the back hall upon hearing the voice. "I am Lu Jinxuan, may I ask what brings you here?"

Upon seeing Lu Jinxuan, the disciple immediately bowed and said, "Madam Lu, the Hall Master requests your presence at the Martial Hall."

Lu Jinxuan's heart sank. Could something have gone wrong with the Spirit Testing Stone? She called Lu Yuhang over and said to Mo Chenfan, "Chenfan, keep an eye on the pharmacy. I'll go check on it now."

Mo Chenfan nodded: "Go ahead and don't worry, I'll take good care of you."

Lu Jinxuan and Lu Yuhang hurriedly left the pharmacy with the disciples of Jingtang.

A disciple of the Jingtang strode out of the martial arts hall. He walked straight to the children, clapped his hands, and drew everyone's attention. "Everyone," his voice was loud and clear, with a hint of authority, "Due to some special reasons, today's martial arts hall entrance test is suspended. It will be retested tomorrow at the training ground on the south side of Dark Night Forest. Please inform each other and be on time tomorrow!"

His words had barely left his lips when a murmur of discussion erupted from the crowd. The children eagerly inquired about the reason for the suspension of the tests, but the disciples of Jingtang offered no explanation, simply reiterating the time and location of tomorrow's tests. Watching the departing figures of the Jingtang disciples, Lu Yuhang's unease grew even stronger. He had a feeling that something was about to happen…

"What happened? Why did it suddenly stop?" a little girl with pigtails asked, puzzled.

"Is there something wrong with the Spirit Testing Stone again?" a slightly older boy guessed, a hint of worry in his eyes.

"No way? Then we've made a wasted trip?" another child said dejectedly.

Standing in the crowd, Lu Yuhang's face was tense, and the unease in his heart grew stronger. He clenched his small fists tightly, his eyes fixed on the door of the martial arts hall, as if trying to see through the secrets behind it.

At this moment, a square-faced old man, dressed in a blue robe and sporting a goatee, slowly emerged from the back hall of the martial arts academy. His expression was solemn as he scanned the crowd and announced in a clear voice, "Gentlemen, I am an elder of the martial arts academy. Today's entrance examination has been suspended due to some special circumstances. It will be rescheduled tomorrow at the training grounds on the south side of the Dark Night Forest. Please inform each other and attend on time tomorrow!"

The elder's voice was loud and authoritative, carrying an unquestionable tone. His words resounded like thunder through the crowd, causing an even greater commotion.

"Dark Forest? That's a very dangerous place!" a child exclaimed.

"Yes, I heard there are many monsters roaming there!" another child chimed in, a look of fear on his face.

"Why are we testing it in such a dangerous place?" a parent asked worriedly.

The elder frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "This matter was decided by the hall master, and I do not know the reasons behind it. However, please rest assured that the Martial Hall will send disciples to escort you there and ensure your safety."

Although the elder's words had some calming effect, an atmosphere of unease and anxiety still permeated the crowd. The Dark Night Forest had a notorious reputation, and even with martial arts disciples escorting them, fear was inevitable.

Many parents who had originally planned to stay at the martial arts hall to watch the test changed their minds upon hearing the news. They hurriedly left the hall with their children, fearing that they might encounter danger if they lingered.

Wang Han and Luo Wenxu mingled in the crowd, preparing to leave. Before leaving, Wang Han glared fiercely at Lu Yuhang and muttered, "Consider yourself lucky! Tomorrow, I'll make you pay!"

Lu Yuhang ignored Wang Han's provocation, his gaze remaining fixed on the entrance to the martial arts hall, his heart filled with doubt and unease. He had a feeling that the suspension of this test might be related to him.

"Yuhang, let's go." A gentle voice rang in Lu Yuhang's ear.

Lu Yuhang turned his head and saw Zhang Yuxi. He had a gentle smile on his face, reached out and gently ruffled Lu Yuhang's hair.

"Where is Mother?" Lu Yuhang asked.

“Your mother is still in the martial arts hall. Let’s go back and wait for her,” Zhang Yuxi said.

Lu Yuhang nodded and followed Zhang Yuxi out of the martial arts hall. As the sun set, it cast long shadows of the two of them, which gradually disappeared at the end of the street.

The area outside the Martial Arts Hall gradually returned to calm. Only a few disciples from the Quiet Hall were still busy tidying up the items on the testing grounds.

Meanwhile, in the back hall of the martial arts hall, Lu Jinxuan was sitting opposite the hall master... "Hall Master, is what you said true?"

Lu Jinxuan stepped out of the back hall of the martial arts hall, took a deep breath, and suppressed the surging emotions in her heart. The hall master's words still echoed in her ears, shaking her mind like thunder. She walked quickly towards the pharmacy, her mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

The setting sun cast its golden rays across the streets. Lu Yuhang and Zhang Yuxi walked side by side, the atmosphere between them somewhat somber. Lu Yuhang occasionally glanced back towards the martial arts hall, a hint of worry in his eyes. Noticing his unease, Zhang Yuxi gently patted his shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry, it's alright."

As they reached the entrance of the pharmacy, Lu Yuhang suddenly stopped, his eyes widening as he pointed at the newly hung plaque above the pharmacy's door and exclaimed in surprise, "Father, look!"

The once simple pharmacy's entrance has been completely renovated, with a beautifully carved plaque hanging above it, bearing three large characters written in a vigorous and elegant style: Renhe Medical Hall. Below the plaque, a smaller sign hangs, which reads: Pills for Sale.

Lu Jinxuan, who arrived later, was also stunned. She hadn't expected Mo Chenfan to renovate the pharmacy in such a short time. Looking at the brand-new clinic, a warm feeling welled up inside her. Mo Chenfan walked to her side, smiling gently, and said, "How is it? Do you like it?"

Lu Jinxuan nodded, her eyes slightly moist. She knew that everything Mo Chenfan had done was for her and Yu Hang. Pushing open the clinic door, a faint aroma of herbs wafted out. The once cramped shop was now spacious and bright, with neatly arranged medicine cabinets and tables and chairs. Wang Xiaoer was busy placing some medicinal herbs on the cabinets. Seeing Lu Jinxuan enter, he quickly and respectfully bowed, "Madam Lu, you're back."

Lu Jinxuan looked around and noticed that the clinic's layout and decorations were meticulously designed, both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She walked to the counter, picked up a bottle of pills, and examined it closely, finding that the pills were of higher quality than before, and their effects were more pronounced. She secretly admired him; it seemed that Mo Chenfan had indeed put a lot of thought into the reopening of the clinic.

"Brother Mo, thank you for your trouble," Lu Jinxuan said softly, her voice full of gratitude.

Mo Chenfan smiled and said, "It's only right."

Old Qian couldn't help but exclaim, "It's really good. This pharmacy is arranged in an orderly manner, and the aroma of medicine is everywhere. It's clear that it's run with care." He turned his gaze to Mo Chenfan.

Mo Chenfan stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Mr. Qian, you flatter me." He glanced at Lu Jinxuan with a hint of pride and continued, "These were all arranged by this junior according to Madam Lu's preferences. I would appreciate your guidance, Mr. Qian."

He deliberately emphasized "Miss Lu's preferences," as if seeking praise and hoping to gain Lu Jinxuan's approval. He even went on to describe it in detail: "Look at this medicine cabinet, it's made of the finest nanmu wood, moisture-proof and insect-proof, perfect for storing precious medicinal herbs. And this medicine grinder was specially made from the best blacksmith in the city, grinding the medicine powder quickly and finely. Even the plaque of this clinic was inscribed by the most famous calligrapher in the city..."

He spoke at length about his efforts for the pharmacy, his eyes filled with anticipation, as if waiting for Lu Jinxuan's praise. However, Lu Jinxuan merely glanced at him indifferently and said nothing.

Grandpa Qian saw all this and a faint smile appeared on his lips. He said to Yu Hang, "Little Yu Hang, go play for a while. Grandpa Qian and your mother have something to talk about."

Lu Yuhang nodded obediently and ran off to play.

Old Qian then turned to Lu Jinxuan, his gaze turning serious. "Miss Lu, besides practicing medicine, I have another matter to discuss with you." He paused, his eyes deep. "Would you be willing to speak with me alone?"

Seeing that Elder Qian seemed to have something important to discuss with Lu Jinxuan, Mo Chenfan tactfully stepped aside, not wanting to disturb them further. Lu Jinxuan, noticing Elder Qian's serious expression, felt a slight unease. She nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Old Qian lowered his voice and said, "To be honest, the reason I came here today is to..." He suddenly stopped. "Miss Lu," Old Qian raised his head, his gaze deep, "about that matter..." He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, "I have already made some progress."

Lu Jinxuan's heart tightened. "Has Mr. Qian discovered something?"

Old Qian stroked his beard. "Miss Lu's pulse is peculiar, unlike that of ordinary people. In all my years of medical practice, I have never seen such a pulse. But I have seen a similar record in an ancient book..."

Mo Chenfan, who was listening nearby, couldn't help but interject, "What ancient book? Tell me about it."

Old Qian glanced at him and continued speaking to Lu Jinxuan: "This ancient book is called the 'Mysterious Spirit Medical Scripture,' which records a secret technique called 'Nirvana Rebirth.' It is said that those who cultivate this secret technique can be reborn from the ashes and gain a new life."

Lu Jinxuan's heart skipped a beat. Rebirth from the ashes? Could this be the answer to the mystery of her rebirth?

Mo Chenfan was completely confused. "Rebirth from the ashes? What's that? Does it mean a person can be burned to ashes and then come back to life like a phoenix?"

Lu Jinxuan rolled her eyes at him. "Brother Mo, can you be quiet for a moment?"

Mo Chenfan shut his mouth, feeling wronged.

Old Qian smiled. "What Young Master Mo said is not entirely wrong. Nirvana rebirth does indeed refer to being reborn after experiencing a life-or-death experience. However, it involves some mysterious techniques and opportunities that ordinary people cannot understand." He looked at Lu Jinxuan. "Miss Lu, I suspect that you have experienced Nirvana rebirth."

Lu Jinxuan took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Mr. Qian, is there any way to find out the truth?"

Mr. Qian nodded, “There are certainly ways, but it will take some time and opportunity.”

A glimmer of hope ignited in Lu Jinxuan's heart. If she could unravel the mystery of her rebirth, perhaps she could find a way back to her original world.

At this moment, Lu Yuhang ran over, tugged at Lu Jinxuan's sleeve, and said in a spoiled tone, "Mom, I'm hungry."

Lu Jinxuan then remembered that they had been traveling all day and hadn't had a chance to eat. She rubbed Yu Hang's little head and turned to Mo Chenfan, saying, "Brother Mo, this pharmacy is very... very nicely decorated. But shouldn't we fill our stomachs first?" She mimicked Mo Chenfan's tone, but felt awkward after speaking, rubbing her temples and thinking that talking to this person was exhausting.

Upon hearing this, Mo Chenfan immediately perked up. "Yes, yes, let's eat first! I've already had the kitchen prepare everything; it's all your favorite dishes." He eagerly led Lu Jinxuan and Lu Yuhang toward the backyard, completely forgetting what Old Qian had just said.

As he watched their retreating figures, a meaningful smile appeared on Old Qian's lips. He slowly rose, walked to the medicine cabinet, picked up a precious medicinal herb, and examined it carefully.

At the dining table in the backyard, Lu Jinxuan and Lu Yuhang ate with great relish, while Mo Chenfan kept serving them food, being extremely attentive.

Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks broke the silence. Mo Chenfan opened the door, and a waiter rushed in, looking flustered.

"Young master, something terrible has happened!"