I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

Silent all night.

In the secluded courtyard arranged by Elder Chen, Lu Zhao circulated the [Dragon's Hibernation Technique] to regulate his internal energy and nourish his meridians. The calming incense from Baicaotang seemed to have a special effect, making his mind exceptionally peaceful, and his injuries healed faster than expected. As dawn broke and the first light of day appeared in the east, he awoke from his meditation, feeling much better. The dull pain in his internal organs had also lessened considerably, and his life force had recovered to about 60%. However, he was still in a [Severely Injured] state, and the hidden injuries to his meridians would require more time to heal.

"Knock knock knock".

A soft knock sounded at the door, and a servant's respectful voice came from outside: "Young Master Lu, are you awake? Master invites you to the front hall for breakfast, and also to have a follow-up examination of the young lady, and to take your pulse as well."

"I understand, I'm coming right now." Lu Zhao replied, got up and straightened his clothes. He changed into the clean blue robe prepared by Elder Chen, washed his face, and carefully put away his important items such as short knife, crossbow, talismans, loose cultivator token, and herbal token before pushing open the door and going out.

Led by a young servant, they passed through the corridor and arrived at the front hall. Inside, a round table was set with congee, side dishes, and several delicate pastries. Old Master Chen sat upright, slowly sipping his congee. Li Gang was also beside him, his complexion somewhat better, but a worry still lingered in his eyes. Seeing Lu Zhao enter, both of them rose to greet him.

"Young Master Lu, did you rest well?" Old Chen put down his chopsticks and gestured for Lu Zhao to sit down.

"Thank you for your concern, Elder Chen. I'm much better now." Lu Zhao thanked him and sat down next to Li Gang. The porridge was a medicinal porridge, with the aroma of rice carrying a faint bitterness from the herbs. The snacks were also quite exquisite, clearly prepared on special occasion.

"That's good. Have some breakfast first, and I'll examine Miss Su again and take your pulse later. Miss Su's condition has stabilized, and she woke up last night, but she still needs to rest." Old Master Chen said, gesturing for Lu Zhao to eat, a hint of relief in his eyes.

Lu Zhao didn't stand on ceremony and slowly ate his breakfast, but he was making plans in his mind. Su Qingqian's awakening was good news. But this place was by no means a safe haven. Li Gang finished his breakfast and hurriedly took his leave. He needed to return to Changfeng Escort Agency to handle the aftermath of the dead and wounded escorts and report the situation to the chief escort, agreeing to come back later. Lu Zhao, on the other hand, went with Elder Chen to the "Quiet Mind Pavilion" where Su Qingqian was recuperating.

Tranquil Pavilion is a secluded two-story building located deep in the backyard. The environment is serene, surrounded by lush bamboo and medicinal herbs, with a faint medicinal fragrance permeating the air. After being announced by a maid, the two entered the second floor.

The room was elegantly furnished. Su Qingqian leaned against the bed, her face still pale, but her eyes had regained some of their sparkle. Upon seeing Elder Chen and Lu Zhao enter, she gave a slight bow: "Uncle Chen, Young Master Lu."

"Qingqian, your injuries haven't healed yet, don't move." Old Chen stepped forward, sat by the bed, and took Su Qingqian's pulse again. After a while, he nodded and released his hand: "Your pulse is much calmer. Most of the Yin energy has been forced out by the golden needles, but your heart meridian is damaged, and your Qi and blood are deficient. You still need careful recuperation for a month to fully recover. Take one pill of this 'Jade Marrow Returning to Origin Pill' daily with warm water. It can strengthen your foundation, nourish your heart meridian, and replenish your vital energy." As he spoke, he took out a jade bottle and handed it to the maid beside him.

"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle." Su Qingqian said softly, turning her gaze to Lu Zhao with gratitude in her eyes, "Young Master Lu, I am deeply grateful for your selfless rescue yesterday. I will never forget this kindness."

"Miss Su, you flatter me. It's just my duty." Lu Zhao cupped his hands in greeting.

"Qingqian, you should rest well and not overwork yourself. I still have some things to discuss with Young Master Lu." Old Master Chen gave a few words of advice, and then instructed the maid to take good care of her before leaving with Lu Zhao.

The two returned to the study in the front hall. Old Chen dismissed the servants and personally brewed a pot of ginseng tea for Lu Zhao, gesturing for him to sit down: "Young Master Lu, let me take your pulse."

Lu Zhao extended his right hand, and Elder Chen placed three fingers on his pulse point, slowly guiding a gentle and mellow stream of true energy into it. As the true energy circulated within Lu Zhao's body, Elder Chen's brows sometimes relaxed and sometimes furrowed.

"Hmm... the martial arts you practice, young hero, are quite peculiar. They are balanced and peaceful, yet also carry a hint of introspection and profundity. They seem to be the orthodox Taoist method of cultivating qi, and also resemble Buddhist Zen techniques, yet they are somewhat different. Your foundation is quite solid, but..." Old Chen pondered, "You have several hidden injuries in your meridians, especially between your lungs and internal organs, where there is residual cold and malevolent energy. This should be due to a battle with evil spirits, where your body was invaded by their yin energy. In addition, your qi and blood are somewhat deficient, as if you have lost too much blood, but your recovery speed is extremely fast, far exceeding that of ordinary people. It seems that your constitution is different from ordinary people, or perhaps you have had a fortuitous encounter."

Lu Zhao felt a chill run down his spine. This old man Chen was indeed a master of medicine. He had gleaned a fairly complete understanding of Lu Zhao's condition simply by examining his pulse with his true qi. Lu Zhao frankly replied, "Old sir, you have a discerning eye. I did indeed fight with a heretical sorcerer and was ambushed by his evil magic. After several more battles, my injuries had not yet healed and I have suffered new wounds."

"No wonder." Old Chen nodded, withdrew his hand, picked up his pen and wrote on the paper, "Most of the evil energy in your body has been neutralized by your own cultivation, but it is deeply rooted and needs to be slowly removed with the power of Yang. I will prescribe a dose of 'Heart-Clearing and Evil-Dispelling Soup,' and supplement it with the Golden Needle Acupuncture Technique to stimulate your own Qi and blood. Within three days, the evil energy should be cleared. As for the hidden injuries to your meridians, they need to be slowly treated and you should not rush things. In addition, I have a bottle of 'Jade Dew Rejuvenating Pill' here. It is different from the one you took before. This pill is made by me with an improved formula, and its effect of strengthening the body and nourishing the vital energy is better. Take one pill a day for seven consecutive days. Also, there are three 'Blood Ginseng Pills' to replenish Qi and nourish blood. Take them in case of emergency. Remember, during this period, you must not recklessly use your true Qi or fight with others, otherwise the hidden injuries will erupt and cause endless troubles." As he spoke, he handed the written prescription and two jade bottles to Lu Zhao.

"Thank you very much, Elder Chen!" Lu Zhao accepted the gift solemnly. This Elder Chen was not only highly skilled in medicine, but also sincere in his dealings with people; he was truly a rare doctor with a benevolent heart.

"No need to be so polite. You saved Qingqian, and it is only right that I do my part to help you." Old Chen waved his hand and said seriously, "In addition, I have a few words to say to you, young hero. Perhaps it is a bit too much to say when we are not acquainted, but it is a matter of great importance. I hope you will listen to me."

"Please speak, sir. I am all ears." Lu Zhao sat up straight.

Old Chen stroked his beard and pondered, "Young Master Lu, are you aware that Luoxia County is now rife with undercurrents and fraught with danger?"

"I would like to hear the details."

"Alas," Old Chen sighed, "The power dynamics within the county are deeply entrenched. On the surface, it's a three-way power struggle between Prefect Zhao, Commandant Wang Hu, and Assistant Prefect Liu. Behind the scenes, there are countless powerful families, gangs, cultivators, and rogue cultivators from elsewhere. The Black Fiend Sect is a malignant tumor that has risen in recent years, operating in secrecy, using ruthless methods, and spreading its influence extremely rapidly. Its leader, Black Fiend Master, is said to have unfathomable cultivation and is elusive. His four protectors—Blood Fiend, Poison Fiend, Corpse Fiend, and Soul Fiend—are all infamous. The Blood-Clad Arhat, Ku Wu, was one of Blood Fiend's deacons yesterday, holding a high position within the sect. By killing him, you've incurred the Black Fiend Sect's mortal enmity. Given their vengeful nature, they will surely seek you out."

"Prefect Wang Hu is a greedy and tyrannical man who disagrees with Prefect Zhao on political matters. He secretly cultivates a private army, colludes with martial arts forces, and has even been flirting with the Black Fiend Sect for some time. Brother Su's feud with him stems from a batch of extremely precious century-old Blood Jade Ginseng, which can be used to refine 'Nourishing Essence Pills.' Wang Hu tried to forcibly buy it, but Brother Su refused, thus incurring his wrath. The attack on the Su family is most likely due to his instigation, and his collusion with the Black Fiend Sect is probably not just for that batch of Blood Jade Ginseng, but also for several treasures passed down through generations of the Su family, including the 'Azure Sea Tide Flute'! This flute can suppress evil spirits and has a natural suppression effect on the Black Fiend Sect's techniques; they have coveted it for a long time!"

Old Chen lowered his voice, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes: "Although my Baicaotang has some reputation in the county town and a slight connection with Prefect Zhao, it is ultimately just a small medical clinic with limited power. That Wang Hu holds military power and acts recklessly. If he really wants to cause trouble, I can't guarantee your and Qingqian's safety. Moreover, it seems that Wang Hu has even deeper forces supporting him, and even Prefect Zhao is quite wary of him."

Lu Zhao frowned deeply; as expected. Commandant Wang Hu was one of the biggest threats. He held official status, commanded troops, and colluded with the Black Fiend Sect—he was practically a local tyrant.

"Is Prefect Zhao just going to sit idly by and do nothing?" Lu Zhao asked.

"Lord Zhao... is an upright man, and he is willing to govern the prefecture, but unfortunately, he is weak and lacks a strong foundation. Wang Hu is a local powerful figure who has been entrenched for many years, with deep-rooted influence and old troops in the army. Lord Zhao cannot touch him. Moreover, it is said that Prefectural Assistant Liu is also secretly colluding with Wang Hu. All Lord Zhao can do is try his best to maintain a superficial balance and investigate in secret." Old Chen shook his head, "I have already sent someone to secretly inform Lord Zhao about this superficial matter, but... without real evidence, Lord Zhao cannot do anything to Wang Hu, and it will only alert him."

"Then... in Elder Chen's opinion, what should this junior do?" Lu Zhao asked.

"Staying at Baicaotang is safe for now, but it's not a long-term solution. Wang Hu has many spies, and the news of Qingqian's presence won't be kept secret for long. If he sends troops to besiege her, or forcibly breaks in under the pretext of searching for rebels, I will be powerless to stop him." Old Chen's expression was grave. "The only way now is to leave the county seat as soon as possible. I have an old friend in the neighboring county of Yunzhou, a retired imperial physician of considerable renown, who is a close friend of the Yunzhou garrison commander. If we can send Qingqian to Yunzhou and entrust her to him, she might be safe. However, the journey from Luoxia County to Yunzhou is long and arduous, and it will pass through Wang Hu's territory, making the journey extremely dangerous."

Lu Zhao remained silent. Leaving the county town would temporarily avoid Wang Hu, but the journey was long, Su Qingqian was still seriously injured, and they would be too conspicuous, making them easy targets for interception. Moreover, he himself needed to acquire resources in the county town to improve his strength and uncover the secrets of the Black Fiend Sect. Leaving was not the best option.

"Sir, have you ever heard of 'Tiangongfang'?" Lu Zhao asked.

"Tiangongfang?" Old Chen was taken aback, then suddenly realized, "You mean that market of independent cultivators in the west of the city? Of course I know it. It's a melting pot of all sorts of people, and the information network there is the best. What, you want to go there?"

"Indeed." Lu Zhao nodded. "I am new here and know nothing about the city. Since Tiangongfang is a gathering place for independent cultivators, it must be well-informed and perhaps able to find out about the movements of the Black Fiend Sect or even Wang Hu. Moreover, I also need to purchase some items for my cultivation. As for safety, I have some ability to protect myself and will act cautiously."

Old Chen pondered for a moment and said, "Tiangong Workshop is indeed a good place. It is jointly managed by several respected senior figures among the independent cultivators. The rules are strict, and private fights are prohibited, so it is relatively safe. The workshop is a mixed bag, but if you keep a low profile, don't flaunt your wealth, and don't cause trouble, it is safe. However, it is also a place where the eyes and ears of various forces are mixed together. You need to be careful not to expose anything related to the Su family or Monk Kuwu. Otherwise, there will be endless troubles."

"I understand," Lu Zhao said.

"In that case, I will not stop you. However, your injuries have not yet healed, and you have also provoked the Black Fiend Sect and Wang Hu, so you must be careful on your journey. These next few days, you should stay here with me to recuperate. Once your injuries have stabilized, we can make further plans. This is a token of Baicaotang. Keep it safe. If needed, you can go to 'Huichuntang' in the East Market or 'Jishetang' in the West Market and show this token. The managers there are my disciples and can provide you with some assistance." Old Chen then took out a wooden plaque. Unlike the previous "Baicaotang Token," this plaque was engraved with the character "Chen," clearly indicating that it was his personal token.

"Thank you, Elder Chen!" Lu Zhao thanked him again. This wooden plaque was much more useful than the "Hundred Herbs Token," serving as an extra layer of protection.

"Furthermore, I have some information about the Black Fiend Sect and Wang Hu. You can write it down; it might be useful." Old Chen lowered his voice and said, "The Black Fiend Sect has several outposts in the city: the 'Blackwater Gambling House' in the south, the 'Wanbaolou' in the west market, and the 'Juyuan Pawnshop' in the east market. But these are just cover. Their true lair is said to be deep in Black Wind Ridge in the west of the city, but no one knows its exact location. Wang Hu's power is mainly in the military. His residence is in the east of the city, heavily guarded. He has a personal guard called the 'Black Tiger Guard,' all of whom are skilled soldiers and ruthless. In addition, he is greedy and lustful, especially fond of collecting antiques, treasures, and elixirs. If you want to find out about him, you might start from this aspect."

Old Chen then took out another envelope and handed it to Lu Zhao: "This is a simple map I drew, marking the main areas of the county town, the distribution of power, and the locations of Tiangongfang, Huichuntang, and Jishitang. Keep it safe; you might need it."

Lu Zhao took the map and put it in his pocket. This old man Chen was indeed very thoughtful; this information was crucial to him.

"I will certainly act with caution and live up to Elder Chen's expectations," Lu Zhao said solemnly.

"Alright, alright." Old Chen nodded with satisfaction. "Go to the pharmacy to get the medicine first, and decoct it according to the prescription. I will perform acupuncture on you later. You can rest here and recuperate for the next two days. If you need anything, come to me anytime."

"Yes."

Leaving the study, Lu Zhao took the prescription to the pharmacy in the front yard, got the medicine, and handed it to a servant to decoct. He then returned to the courtyard, sat cross-legged, and pondered everything Old Chen had said.

"Black Fiend Sect, Wang Hu, Heavenly Craft Workshop, Hundred Herbs Hall, Prefect Zhao... This swamp is indeed unfathomably deep," Lu Zhao thought to himself. He had only wanted to find a place to settle down, improve his strength, and explore the path of cultivation, but unexpectedly, he had been drawn into such a complex vortex. But now that things had come to this, there was no use in running away; he could only face the challenge head-on.

"The most urgent task is to recover from our injuries and improve our strength as soon as possible. Then, we need to go to the Heavenly Craft Workshop to gather information, purchase what we need, and see if there are any suitable missions to earn resources. At the same time, we need to secretly investigate the movements of the Black Fiend Sect and Wang Hu. As for Su Qingqian, she is temporarily safe with Elder Chen around, but we cannot let our guard down."

He took out the map given to him by Elder Chen and examined it carefully. Luoxia County was divided into four districts: east, south, west, and north. The east district was the government offices and wealthy area, housing the county governor's and commander's offices, heavily guarded. The south district was the commercial district, the most prosperous, lined with shops and a diverse mix of people. The west district was the commoners' district, a gathering place for all sorts of people; Tiangongfang was located on the western edge of the city, near the Black Wind Ridge mountains. The north district housed military camps, warehouses, and docks, and was strictly managed. Baicaotang was located at the junction of the east and south districts, a fairly advantageous location. Huichuntang and Jishitang were located in the east and west markets respectively, and were Baicaotang's properties.

"First, I'll go to the Heavenly Craft Workshop and check the situation. While I'm at it, I'll dispose of any unused items I got from killing Monk Kuwu and exchange them for some silver and urgently needed supplies. Then, I'll go to the Rejuvenation Hall and see if I can use the Hundred Herbs Token to exchange for some healing and cultivation pills, especially those that can speed up the recovery of hidden injuries to the meridians," Lu Zhao thought to himself.

For the next three days, Lu Zhao settled comfortably at Baicaotang, taking his medicine on time each day and receiving acupuncture treatment from Elder Chen. Elder Chen's medical skills were indeed remarkable. After three doses of "Qingxin Huasha Tang" (a traditional Chinese medicine formula), supplemented by acupuncture stimulation, the residual Yin and cold evil energy in his body was completely expelled, and the hidden injuries to his meridians also greatly improved. The state of "severe injury" finally subsided, and his health points recovered to 85%, although his Qi and blood were still somewhat deficient, requiring slow recuperation. He took "Yulu Huiyuan Dan" (another traditional Chinese medicine formula) daily, combined with the "Zelong Mian" (a type of cultivation technique), and his mental and physical strength steadily recovered, even showing some improvement.

He took some time to visit Su Qingqian twice. Su Qingqian's injuries had stabilized, but she was still weak and spent most of her time resting. She was very grateful to Lu Zhao, and several times she seemed to want to say something but stopped herself, as if she had something to say. However, seeing that Lu Zhao seemed preoccupied, she didn't ask further and simply kept this kindness in her heart. Old Chen and Li Gang also came to visit often. Li Gang went back to the escort agency and then rushed back, bringing news from outside. According to him, the county town seemed calm on the surface, but there seemed to be some rumors circulating. It was said that a notorious bandit had infiltrated, and the county magistrate's office was intensifying its investigation. This news made Lu Zhao and Old Chen's hearts skip a beat.

On the morning of the fourth day, feeling that his injuries were no longer a major concern, Lu Zhao asked Old Chen if he could go to Tiangong Workshop. Old Chen gave him several instructions and gave him some items for disguise: a human skin mask as thin as a cicada's wing to slightly alter his appearance; a set of ordinary coarse cloth clothes; and a bottle of powder to change his body odor. He instructed him to try to go around noon, when there would be many people in the workshop and he would not attract attention, and to be sure to return before nightfall.

Lu Zhao agreed to everything, returned to his room to change into coarse clothes, put on a human skin mask, and applied medicinal powder to his neck, wrists, and other exposed areas. He instantly transformed into an ordinary-looking, slightly dark-skinned young man with a rustic air, completely different from his previous appearance. He placed the Hundred Herbs Token, the Loose Cultivator Token, several talismans, and some silver in his close-fitting human skin pouch, while concealing his short knife, crossbow, and poison needles in his sleeves and boots. After confirming everything was in order, he quietly left the Hundred Herbs Hall.

In the early morning, the streets of the prefectural city were already bustling with people. Lu Zhao mingled among them, walking unhurriedly towards the west of the city. He deliberately concealed his presence, his steps leisurely, indistinguishable from the peddlers and laborers around him. As he walked, he carefully observed his surroundings. There seemed to be more soldiers patrolling the streets than usual, especially near the East and West Markets, where checks were more stringent. It seemed that the news brought by Li Gang was not unfounded. The Prefectural Commandant's Office had probably already begun to take action.

After walking for about half an hour, they finally arrived at the west side of the city. Unlike the bustling and clean east district, the streets here were narrow, the houses low, and the air thick with a complex stench of sweat, food, livestock, ironware, and herbs. The pedestrians were dressed in a motley crew: laborers in coarse clothes, martial artists in tight-fitting outfits, strangely dressed cultivators, and even hooded figures whose faces were obscured. The sounds of hawking, haggling, clashing weapons, and even arguments and fights filled the air. This was the lowest, most chaotic, and most vibrant part of Luoxia County.

Following the map's directions, Lu Zhao turned into an even more secluded alley. At the end of the alley was an inconspicuous blue brick wall with an unremarkable wooden door. In front of the door squatted two ragged beggars with unusually wary eyes. Above the wooden door hung a weathered wooden sign with faded writing, but the three characters "Tiangongfang" were still faintly discernible.

"This is it." Lu Zhao took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and walked over.