A master of metaphysics is farming.

Having a rare moment of leisure, Xiang He agreed to make a wooden sword for Xiang Yang, and could only put the umbrella matter aside for the time being.

He Suian came today, wanting to make a trip to the back mountain again. Xiang He happened to be looking for some materials to make umbrellas, so the three of them set off for the back mountain.

This time, Xiang He was fully prepared, with ropes and hooks, all for hiking.

Xiang He walked in front, asking, "What herbs do you want to pick this time?"

"Young lady seems to know about my maternal grandfather's illness. Perhaps you could prescribe a medicine for him?"

Xing Ji followed at the back, watching his young master's figure, a hint of sorrow creeping onto his calm expression.

Xiang He focused on moving forward, and the three of them had already penetrated deep into the territory. The few with sharp ears could hear faint sounds.

As the faint sounds grew closer, Xing Ji immediately became alert, looking at the towering haystacks in the distance, and shielded his young master behind him.

Xiang He waved in that direction, "Come out, don't scare people. I'm going to find some medicine, you lead the way."

As soon as he finished speaking, a yellow figure emerged from the tall weeds. It was a little fox with erect ears, round eyes staring at the two men, its front body on the ground baring its teeth.

"Don't worry, they won't hurt you."

The little fox bared its teeth, twitched its ears a few times, and leaped towards Xiang He.

Helpless, Xiang He could only open her arms and catch it, stroking its soft fur. "Where are your parents?"

The little fox looked around the mountains, then nuzzled against He's chest.

Seeing this, Xiang He pinched its cheek, "You're just being playful and running away..."

Seeing her talking to a silent fox, He Sui'an was unsurprised, and Xing Ji also lowered his guard and couldn't help but take a few steps closer.

"Young lady, is this little fox intelligent?"

“Hmm,” Xiang He said, carrying the fox forward. “It’s not easy for spirits in the mountains to cultivate, so they are naturally wary of unfamiliar faces.”

The little fox in his arms bared its teeth at Xing Ji again, but Xiang He slapped its forehead and it instantly became obedient.

"Sir, I would like to ask about your grandfather's specific symptoms so I can think of any medicine that can be used in these mountains."

He Sui'an stood beside her, looking at the obedient fox in her arms, his gentle eyes concealing a hidden worry.

"I have difficulty bending and straightening my legs and feet, they often feel stiff, my muscles and bones are in unbearable pain, and I often feel a burning sensation in my joints, which is aggravated by cold."

Xiang He stroked the fox's head, deep in thought. The little fox rested its head on Xiang He's shoulder, thoroughly enjoying the touch.

"It seems to be a common type of paralysis..."

Xiang He pondered for a moment, then nodded the fox's head. "Ali, find a medicinal herb called Qinjiu. It's a plant that grows in clusters, with roots forming knots. Most of its flowers have no stalks and it mostly grows in the crevices of damp stone walls."

Ali's ears twitched a few more times, it stuck out its tongue and licked Xiang He's cheek, then slithered away from her and disappeared into the grass.

Seeing that the little fox had disappeared, He Sui'an felt strange, but he didn't show it on his face. "Young lady, your cultivation is profound. You can even command the spirits in the mountains."

“It wasn’t out of manipulation; they all received rewards from me.”

Upon hearing this, He Sui'an looked at him with suspicion, "Reward?"

At the summit of Xianghe Yaoshou Mountain, it was said, "Reciting scriptures at night helps with spiritual practice; it's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"That's it."

He Sui'an followed her slowly, "There is something I have been wondering about. I wonder if you can answer it?"

"You ask."

"Since you are a Taoist priest, why don't you abstain from meat?"

Xiang He paused, realizing that this was the first time someone had asked about this matter.

"I am a Taoist priest living in a fire dwelling, and I may drink alcohol and eat meat."

What is a Taoist priest living in a fire dwelling?

The question made Xing Ji listen attentively.

Xiang He used his hook knife to cut down some weeds and said calmly, "The Fire Dwelling Taoist can start a family."

Unexpectedly, such a thing happened. He Suian reached out and pushed aside the weeds. "I am too ignorant, please don't be offended, young lady."

"What's the big deal..." Xiang He suddenly spotted something and ran a few steps. "Quick, keep up!"

It was rare to see her so excited, so He Suian quickly followed.

This was their first time visiting this place, and they hadn't expected there to be so many ravines and valleys in the mountains.

What excited Xiang He so much was something growing in the mountain ravines—a vine with triangular leaves that were very distinct and had clearly visible veins.

Xiang He carefully walked over, stepping on the large stone. She pulled out a vine and examined it closely. He Suian stepped forward and put his hand behind her waist to prevent her from slipping and falling.

"What kind of medicinal herb is this? What are its uses?"

Xiang He had already cut down several vines and stuffed them into the bamboo basket behind him. "Flat vines are very useful! They can clear heat and detoxify, and they have miraculous effects when used both internally and externally. In short, they are a good thing."

Hearing her praise, He Sui'an reached out and helped her pluck another one. "Such a good thing, should we pick more?"

"One basket is enough. There are countless good things in the mountains, and you'll want to pick some whenever you see them."

Just as He Sui'an was about to turn around after she finished picking the fruit, Xiang He slipped and he quickly steadied her.

They were standing in a mountain stream. If they had fallen and hit a stone, it would have hurt for quite a while. Fortunately, He Sui'an was quick-witted and agile.

Xiang He grasped his hand. "Thank you."

He Sui'an glanced down at her, then put his arm around her waist and led her to the side. After a moment, he withdrew his hand and asked, "Where are we going now?"

Xiang He looked up and pointed to the distance. Ah Li's figure had appeared, its fluffy tail wagging vigorously. It seemed that it had been found.

"Let's go."

The two walked in front, with Xing Ji at the back. He had seen what the two had done earlier, and it seemed like they were just helping out.

But his young master's behavior is really strange...

-

-

The three wandered around the back mountain for a long time before finally returning home before sunset.

The Su family prepared the meal, and the whole family happily ate dinner. Xiang He also prepared paper and pen to write down a prescription for He Suian.

"Remember, never use too much, as it can easily cause side effects...unpleasant results."

He Suian handed the paper to Xing Ji, saying, "Go back and deliver it to your maternal grandfather's house as soon as possible. Grind the medicine into powder according to the prescription on the paper, and be careful with the dosage."

"Yes."

Having received the prescription, Xing Ji carefully kept it close to his body.

Xiangyang, who had just finished washing the dishes, ran out and squatted down next to Xianghe, watching her fiddle with the wood.

Seeing the expectation in his eyes, Xiang He handed him the small knife. "Want to do it yourself?"

"Won't……"

Xiang He pointed the knife at a spot and made a cut. "First, draw the overall shape, and then you can refine it. Try it first."

Xiangyang, who was eager to obtain the longsword, naturally accepted it with delight.

Moonlight streamed into the small open space in front of the vegetable garden, and everyone chatted leisurely.

Xiang He glanced back at the mountaintop, where a faint white light shone. Several mischievous figures darted about, openly spying on the area.

Feeling rather helpless, Xiang He withdrew her gaze and began to teach him carefully.

As He Sui'an watched the harmonious scene between the two siblings, her eyes shifted slightly. Leaning back, she turned her gaze to the deep night sky, her mind filled with a jumble of thoughts.

He was deep in thought. Xiang He noticed him and glanced up at him, but quickly looked away and continued to focus on teaching Xiang Yang how to manipulate the wood in his hands.

What should have been a quiet and heartwarming scene was interrupted by a gasp—

"Yun girl!"