My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

As night gradually faded, a faint frost began to appear on the horizon.

Unlike the bright and lively summer, autumn and winter bring a unique chill and solemnity.

In this desolate landscape, a carriage slowly moved forward and finally stopped in front of the Xuanzhen Temple.

The carriage was spacious and luxurious, with thick velvet carpets inside. A person stepped out of it, the hood of a fox fur cloak covering most of his face, revealing only a small section of his pale chin.

He is Lin Li.

The wealthy merchant from Jiangnan that Uncle Lin mentioned.

Chu Lengyu glanced at it from afar. She knew that tuberculosis was almost an incurable disease in ancient times. Medical books described the disease as "gradually stagnation over the years, eventually leading to death," and "those who suffer from this disease experience various transmissions and changes, and over the years, the disease can even wipe out an entire family."

Ji Lingchuan brought the person in. As soon as Lin Jiuxiao saw him, he sighed, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, and said, "Patriarch Lin, how have you been?"

Lin Li lowered his hood, his pale face expressionless, and nodded slightly, replying, "Yes, don't worry, he's not dead yet."

Long time no see, this kid's still so sarcastic. Lin Jiuxiao glared at him, annoyed, not wanting to exchange any more pleasantries to avoid getting upset.

The group entered the guest room.

A heater and hot tea were already prepared in the room, and a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, bringing a sense of tranquility.

Lin Li sat down on the edge of the couch, took a sip of hot tea, and said, "Uncle Jiu, I know you mean well, but my illness is almost incurable. So, if the medicine you find is useless, don't feel pressured."

"...Well, thank you so much for comforting me in advance, old Taoist."

"Sigh, you're welcome. Everyone dies eventually, I'm just dying a little earlier than expected," Lin Li said in a self-deprecating tone.

"Your mouth is really... I'm starting to regret saving you." Lin Jiuxiao muttered, but still brought him a bowl of medicinal soup.

This was made by boiling a portion of Shennong Baicao Wan (a traditional Chinese medicine), and its medicinal effects were excellent. However, even with a terminal illness like tuberculosis, Lin Jiuxiao was not entirely confident.

But for Lin Li, no matter how confident he was, he would try anything, even if it seemed hopeless.

He placed the medicine bowl on the table and said, "Give it a try."

Lin Li's attendant immediately advised, "Master, the origin of this medicine is unknown. Let me try it first."

"Sigh, no need," Lin Li said. "I'm already like this, why would I need someone to poison me?"

Besides, he also trusted Lin Jiuxiao.

After saying that, he picked up the medicine bowl and drank it all in one gulp.

Lin Li was slightly surprised that this herbal soup was not as bitter as other prescriptions, but had a faint sweet taste, and it did not contain licorice or similar ingredients.

Immediately afterwards, the gentle medicinal power dissolved in his body, and the speed at which it took effect surprised him once again.

The medicine's effects spread into his lungs and heart, like a gentle breeze blowing away all the dust and filth, making his heart and lungs feel light, as if... as if he had already recovered!

Lin Li tried coughing a few times, and the pain that had been radiating through his chest was gone. Even the fatigue and dullness accumulated from his long-term illness had mostly disappeared.

He said uncertainly, "This medicine is so strange. How come after drinking just one bowl, it seems like my chronic illness has completely disappeared?"

"Master, could it be some kind of hallucinogenic drug like Shi San?" the attendant asked nervously.

"No, those hallucinogenic drugs make people drowsy and confused about pain, but I am very clear-headed right now." Lin Li carefully assessed her condition again, then turned to look at Lin Jiuxiao, who was smiling silently.

His attitude became more composed, no longer as dejected as before, and he asked, "This medicine is truly miraculous. I wonder where Uncle Jiu obtained it from, and how much it cost?"

"This medicine was a gift from a friend. If it weren't for its remarkable effects, I wouldn't have rushed you here." Lin Jiuxiao smiled, genuinely proud of Chu Lengyu.

Upon hearing this, Lin Li couldn't immediately recall who possessed such superb medical skills.

The fact that his tuberculosis could be cured with just one bowl of medicinal soup shows that this person must be no ordinary nobody.

However, looking around the world, there are very few masters who are proficient in medicine.

Lin Li has visited more than a dozen famous people along his journey from Jiangnan to the north, and has met almost everyone in the capital, including Master Guan Yang of Miaoguan Dao and Master Lu, who is worshipped by the royal family.

They accepted the invitations and received the benefits, but as soon as they heard he had tuberculosis, they all wanted to leave immediately, fearing that he would infect them.

Over the years, he has frequently encountered this situation while seeking medical treatment, and he has become accustomed to it. On the contrary, he finds it quite amusing to see others startled by his behavior.

Lin Li had already accepted his fate of having a terminal illness and not having long to live, but he never expected that a bowl of medicinal soup would save him today, making him feel incredibly relaxed both physically and mentally.

Lin Li couldn't help but ask, "Please tell me, Uncle Jiu, what is this doctor's name and where does he live? I should thank him in person for saving my life."

"No need. She is indifferent to fame and fortune and prefers peace and quiet." Lin Jiuxiao refused his request and then instructed, "This matter is best kept between you and me. If it gets out, who knows how much trouble it will cause for her and Xuanzhen Temple."

Lin Li nodded after hearing his words.

If a terminal illness like tuberculosis can be cured, then other diseases are no problem either. Such medical skills are certainly sought after, but they also bring many troubles.

Ordinary people naturally want to seek medical treatment, while the powerful and wealthy want to use them for their own purposes. In this way, they are trapped in a cage and lose their freedom.

He thought for a moment and said, "Uncle Jiu is right. I was inconsiderate. Don't worry, Uncle Jiu, everyone here is my trusted confidant and will not reveal any secrets."

However, this reward is still indispensable. Such a person probably wouldn't be interested in ordinary gold and silver; I will carefully select a batch of rare and precious materials to send over later. If he refuses to accept them, then please accept them, Uncle Nine, as a token of my appreciation.”

"We'll talk about this later. Go back and rest some more. If there are any relapses or other issues, come back here," Lin Jiuxiao said finally.

After the Lin family left.

Chu Lengyu then brought Lüyun out.

Lin Jiuxiao stood up and bowed respectfully to her.

Seeing his reaction, Chu Lengyu quickly stepped aside, saying, "Uncle-Master, why do you have to do this?"

Lin Jiuxiao said somewhat apologetically, "That kid is right. How can we not repay a life-saving grace properly! I know you don't want to reveal your identity for the time being, so this bow is on his behalf to thank you. Besides, Ling Chuan and I have received such a great benefit and such a great favor from you for nothing, so we can't just leave without giving anything in return."

"Uncle-Master..." Chu Lengyu hesitated, somewhat helplessly, "I understand your intentions, but I really don't value these things. Giving you Shennong Herbal Pills is not to do you a favor and to receive a reward."

This amount of money was really nothing to Chu Lengyu.

Moreover, these people were the only ties the original owner had. Now that she had taken over her body, it wouldn't be difficult for her to help them out where she could.

She will gradually drift away from the mundane world in the future, and she probably won't be able to care about them anymore.

“Yes, Daoist Master, you’re too kind.” Lü Yun quickly helped him up. “If the wealthy merchant wants to express his gratitude, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to do so in the future.”

Chu Lengyu recalled what Lin Li had said earlier and said, "He said he would send some rare and precious herbs, and I am quite interested."

This world does have some spiritual energy, though it's rather shallow, but who knows what treasures it might nurture?

Lin Jiuxiao stroked his chin and agreed, "Alright, I'll have that kid collect and prepare properly."

the other side.

Princess Jin'an had already inspected the layout of Yingxue Tower. On her way back to the palace, she changed direction and went to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion first.

Chu Wenchen and his family of four were all ready and waiting for her at the door.