Volume 3 Chapter 10: Chasing Stars

  Qingyutang is the largest pharmacy in Hangzhou. In this era, medicine and commerce are not separated, so naturally there are also the best doctors in Hangzhou here. Although it's the plum rain season, with a drizzle of small rain falling from the sky, the entrance is still bustling like a market, with people coming to ask for diagnoses and buy medicine continuously.

  An oil-paper umbrella stood still on the street in front of Qingyutang, the young man holding the umbrella raised his head and looked up at the three big characters "Qingyutang" on the signboard. He couldn't help but smile, but there was a complex flavor in that smile.

  The rainwater soaked the mud, and the streets were full of muddy roads. Passersby had more or less some embarrassment on their faces and bodies, but he was calm as if strolling in his own courtyard, without any anxiety. If there is a careful person, perhaps they will find that there is not a single mud spot on his green shirt.

  And on the yellow bamboo handle, a large "许" character is engraved, with a small "云" character below. Only people with sharp eyes can see it, and below that, there is an even smaller "鸾" character, which is not as elegant or beautiful as the previous two characters, but rather crooked and awkward.

  Xu Xian still clearly remembered the scene when Yun Ye handed him this umbrella before he left, and a gentle smile spread from the corner of his mouth, which also diluted the complexity of his original expression, making his whole person become warm and gentle.

  Without another thought, he put away his umbrella and strode through the entrance. Along the long corridor, he headed towards the pharmacy. The walls of the corridor were filled with black plaques inscribed with phrases such as " Bian Que reborn, Hua Tuo in the world", which were nothing but gifts from patients who had been cured, like banners in later generations. However, in the long and narrow corridor, they were lined up one by one, all the way to the main gate, it was clear that it took decades of accumulation to achieve this.

  Xu Xian, if he hadn't forgotten, was originally supposed to be a small apprentice here, like a hospital orderly and intern in later generations. He had to rely on connections to get into such a "large hospital". Now this "butterfly" has flapped its wings a hundred or two times, yet it has ended up here again, inevitably evoking some sighs about life.

  Everything is different now. Xu Xian entered another small door, and only then did he enter the core of the ancient "hospital". The three-story high building had a large signboard on all four sides, which was replaced by an empty space. A whole wall was made into a tall medicine cabinet, with the highest part requiring a ladder to reach. In the empty space, more than a dozen long benches were arranged in rows, where patients who were really ill sat waiting, while opposite them were several long tables, behind which doctors sat and took the pulse of the patients. It was very quiet.

  Xu Xian was looking around, a slightly chubby doctor with a mustache gestured to the patient in front of him to wait for a moment, and then came up and said: "Isn't this Young Master Xu?" Xu Xian hurriedly returned the courtesy and said: "I am indeed Xu Xian. Are you not Wang, the owner of Qingyutang?"

  Wang Yuanwai said, "Indeed, indeed. I don't know how Master Xu would condescend to visit our humble clinic. Could it be that you're not feeling well? Please wait a moment." As a renowned scholar and official in Hangzhou, he had naturally seen Xu Xian before. To have brought Qingyutang to its current state, it was clear that his medical skills were not the only factor at play. He apologized to the patient, called over another doctor to take his place, and specifically came to attend to Xu Xian.

  Xu Xian said, "Don't let me disturb you!" Xu Xian then entered a small door and finally arrived at the core of this ancient "hospital". A three-story high gate tower stood in front of him, surrounded by an empty space on all sides. One entire wall was made into a tall cabinet for storing medicine, with the highest shelves requiring a ladder to reach. In the empty space, over a dozen chairs were arranged in rows, where patients waiting for their turn sat. On the opposite side, several long tables were set up, behind which doctors sat and took the pulse of patients. The atmosphere was very quiet.

  Xu Xian was looking around when a slightly plump doctor with a beard gestured to the patient in front of him to wait, and then came forward saying: "Isn't this young master Xu?"

  Xu Xian hurriedly returned the courtesy and said: "I am indeed Xu Xian. Are you not the master of Qingyutang, Wang Yuanwai?"

  Wang Yuanwai said, "Indeed, indeed. I don't know how Master Xu would condescend to visit our humble clinic. Could it be that you're not feeling well? Please wait a moment." As a renowned scholar-official in Hangzhou, he had naturally seen Xu Xian's appearance before. To have brought Qingyutang to this point, his medical skills must be more than just average. He apologized to the patient and called another doctor to take his place, specifically to attend to Xu Xian.

  "Don't let me disturb you!"

  "Wang Yuanwai waved his hand and smiled: 'No delay, no delay, it's been raining a lot lately, not too busy!' He then led Xu Xian to the back hall and ordered someone to prepare the best Longjing tea to entertain Xu Xian. Only then did he ask: 'Where is Mr. Xu uncomfortable?'"

  "It's not that I'm uncomfortable, but I came here today for another matter!"

  Wang Yuan stroked his beard, furrowed his brow in puzzlement and said: "Unless it's a matter of physical discomfort, what could I, a doctor, possibly do to help you, young master?"

  Xu Xiantan was determined, saying: "I want to learn medicine!" The medical book he wanted to write would far surpass the pharmacology of Bencao Gangmu, but rather a comprehensive medical encyclopedia that covers a wide range of topics. Traditional Chinese medicine has always emphasized experience, and the medical book he wanted to write concerns the lives of countless people, how could he not learn from the experts?!

  Wang Yuanwai was perplexed and couldn't understand, he had also read Xu Xian's poems, although he didn't know him personally, he admired him greatly. Nowadays, who in Hangzhou doesn't know that Xu Xian's future is boundless, he will be attending the feast at the Jade Forest in the future, why would he come to learn medicine for no reason?

  Although he is proud of his own profession, he will not be arrogant enough to think that being a doctor is better than being an official. The original Xian was only mediocre and came to study medicine, but said: "Doing good as an official, bad people will scold, doing bad as an official, good people will scold with excuses." But he didn't say that he couldn't pass the imperial examination and couldn't be an official at all.

  Wang Yuanwai also just thought that Xu Xian was just being impulsive for a moment. Although he saw Xu Xian's serious face, these talented and eccentric people can't help but have such moments sometimes. He originally wanted to decline politely, but after thinking about it, he thought it wouldn't be bad to take the opportunity to get to know Ji Xian either. So he said: "Alright, alright. I think he won't last more than a few days anyway."

  Xu Xian guessed Wang Yuanwai's intention, but didn't explain much. He just took out the prepared gift for his teacher and discussed the matters of study, then chatted and laughed together, host and guest were both delighted. After bidding farewell, he went to the main hall again. Xu Xian's eyes fixed on a familiar green figure, who was supporting someone coming in. Xiao Qing and Zhang Yutang.

  Xu Xian couldn't help but smile bitterly, was it really predestined that these two people would meet again? Seeing Zhang Yutang's bruised face, he seemed to have been beaten. He walked forward and asked: "Young Master Zhang, who beat you up like this?" In his impression, Zhang Yutang was just a rich young master with a few silly airs about him, not the kind of person who would easily offend others.

  Xiao Qing saw Xu Xian, and her heart skipped a beat as she thought of Bai Suzhen's words. She was even more puzzled about whether he had recognized her or not, but she couldn't ask him directly without giving herself away. Her heart felt like it was being clawed by a cat, and she couldn't express the discomfort she felt. When Xu Xian asked her questions, she replied irritably, "It's all because of you!"

  Xu Xian was even more perplexed and asked in surprise: "Why is it because of me?"

  Later, Xiaoqing explained it to Xu Xian, who finally understood that Zhang Yutang had helped him out last time and offended the thugs at the wine house. Those thugs were beaten by Xu Xian but dared not make trouble because of Xu Xian's reputation, yet this foolish young master Zhang still dared to go to that wine house to drink and was almost beaten up again. Luckily, Xiaoqing happened to pass by and "acted heroically" to save this young master.

  Zhang Yutang said with some embarrassment: "This time, thanks to the young lady's rescue" Looking at Little Qing beside him, his eyes were filled with tenderness.

  Xu Xian helped him to the side and asked Wang Yuanwai to examine him. With a mix of apology and amusement, you can't escape this beating after all. Seeing Xiao Qing carefully observing Zhang Yutang on the side, he secretly thought it was not good. It's not that Xu Xian had any improper thoughts about Xiao Qing, but rather he clearly remembered that Zhang Yutang should have been in love with Xiao Qing. However, Xiao Qing still had snake venom in her body and interacting with Zhang Yutang too deeply almost poisoned him to death. In the end, Bai Suzhen used a lot of effort to save him back and ultimately made him forget this romantic affair, but Xiao Qing still remembered it, ( unclear ) enduring untold suffering.

  Xu Xian couldn't let this happen again. He walked over and pulled Xiao Qing, saying: "Miss Qing, I'll take care of things here, you should hurry back to the mansion!"

  Xiao Qing raised an eyebrow and said, "Why?" She always felt annoyed whenever she saw Xu Xian, yet her sister always had nothing but praise for him. Moreover, he had helped her before. Most importantly, she couldn't beat him in a fight. According to her sister, Xu Xian had already cultivated his Golden Body, which ordinary people couldn't even penetrate. Xiao Qing naturally fell into the category of ordinary people.

  Xu Xian thought for a moment and said: "That wine house is not simple, now you've hit their people again, I'm afraid they won't let it go, you'd better avoid them for the time being!"

  Xiao Qing turned a deaf ear to him, with her temperament she was not one to back down. In the original storyline, as a number one she didn't have the awareness of a small number, even when facing a BOSS-level character like Fa Hai she dared to charge forward, and ended up being instantly defeated. Now what would she be afraid of a few thugs in a hotel?

  Xu Xian couldn't help but smile wryly, knowing that his advice had the opposite effect. For the time being, he didn't know what to do, so he could only wait for an opportunity to talk to Bai Suzhen and let her realize it herself. Alas, people living together can have such a big gap between them?

  Zhang Yutang said, "Miss Qing, Mr. Xu is right, you should hurry back to the mansion. But can you tell me where you live? I, Zhang Yutang, will come visit and thank you in person someday!" His eyes were fixed on Xiaoqing's lovely face, as if he couldn't get enough of looking at her.

  Xiao Qing said, "Thank you, Zhang Gongzi, for your concern. I'm fine." She seemed to appreciate his kindness and smiled as she told him her current address. However, it seemed that the nonsense about her background would have to be used again.

  Xu Xian couldn't help but think that it was just as he had said, after all, this was what they called a fateful entanglement, one that could only bring suffering.

  After this, Wang Yuanwai had already finished diagnosing Zhang Yutang's injuries. Fortunately, they hadn't damaged his internal organs, just some flesh wounds. Zhang Yutang sighed and said: "If it weren't for Qing'niang, I wouldn't be alive now."

  Xu Xian couldn't help but roll his eyes, this remark was too apt. However, he knew that Zhang Yutang was not the kind of old hand in brothels, but rather someone with a bit of a foolish streak. He helped Zhang Yutang up and said: "Last time I was fortunate to receive your assistance, recently there have been many trivial matters, I haven't had a chance to thank you yet, let me see Zhang brother off instead!"

  "Mr. Wang, it's settled then. I'll come tomorrow to learn."

  Xiao Qing naturally wouldn't follow them, but only rolled her eyes at Zhang Yutang and Xu Xian. The love between people was something she still didn't quite understand.

  Xu Xian was about to help the reluctant Zhang Yutang leave, when he heard a shout "It's her!" A wine shop owner pointed at Xiao Qing with one hand and covered his eyes with the other. Then several officers rushed in and surrounded Xiao Qing, among them a bailiff-like official said: "You've broken the king's law and think you can escape? Take her away!"

  Zhang Yutang ignored his pain and blocked in front of Xiao Qing, saying: "No one else thinks about moving this girl!"

  Xiao Qing's face suddenly showed a moved expression, and he pushed Zhang Yutang away, preparing to fight again. But he thought that if he fought the officials or was arrested, he would no longer be able to go out on the streets as freely as before. No matter how powerful one's martial arts skills were, in order to survive in the mortal world, one had to follow the rules of the mortal world.

  In the mortal world, what is strongest is not the gods but the government. This social institution that represents human rights can mobilize resources that even the gods and Buddhas rely on. Although Fahai's Buddhist powers are strong, if he wants to spread Buddhism, he still cannot compare to a single word from the emperor of the mortal world.

  Wang Yuan hastily stepped forward to mediate, saying that he was also acquainted with Zhang Yutang's father. After all, Hangzhou was a small city, and there were only so many famous scholars and officials; after living there for decades, who didn't know who? He couldn't just stand by and watch the child get taken advantage of, but as for the young woman, he could do nothing to help her. As for the background of that wine shop, he had some inkling, in short, it was better not to mess with the authorities!

  "What are you doing?" Xuxian furrowed his brow and said. But he felt that this situation was just like the RPG game he played in his past life, triggering a mission scene. A few ruffians surrounded a girl, and the next development would probably be him standing out, teaming up with the girl to chase them away, and then their favorability would increase by ten or eight points. Then they would start their grand adventure around the world, but of course, this was not a game.

  The officers didn't shout "Catch that little scamp" and rush forward. Instead, the officer in charge said, "Hey, isn't this Young Master Xu?" Xu Xian was someone who had dined with their honorable prefect, after all, and wasn't some ordinary commoner, so they needed to be careful how they responded.

  Xu Xianming knew the reason for the question and asked: "This girl is my friend, I don't know what crime she has committed to make you all go to so much trouble?"

  That village head is not a stubborn person like Li Gongfu. Normally, to be able to hold such a position, one must be extremely arrogant and extremely smooth-talking. When dealing with ordinary people without power or influence, they have to be extremely arrogant, but when dealing with someone like Xu Xian who has some background and connections, they have to be extremely smooth-talking, and absolutely unwilling to take any risk.

  Seeing Xu Xian's desire to shirk responsibility, he hastily laughed and said: "It turns out that it was a friend of Xu Xianzi. This young lady injured several people in the wine tower, and the victim refused to give up. I'm also helpless!" With this one sentence, he pushed himself clean.

  Xu Xian smiled and said: "Officer big brother, whoever doesn't want to give up can come find me!" He knew what these people were thinking, so he simply said it straight out, no need for further ado.

  "Alright, alright!" He just collected the money and did his job, it wasn't his own business. Who got beaten up was none of his concern, as long as he himself didn't get beaten up. This way, he could go back and report without offending either side. No need to be a scapegoat for everyone, let these big shots clash directly instead. With a wave of his hand, "Alright, you can go now!"

  The wine shopkeeper wanted to say something else, but under Xian's gaze, he quickly shut his mouth and followed the officer out. That day, Xian's ferocity was something he had witnessed with his own eyes - without saying a word, he would pounce on someone and start beating them up, not showing any signs of being a scholar at all. Xiao Qing whispered, "Is that your friend?" but also acknowledged Xian's feelings, otherwise today's incident would have caused even more trouble. Zhang Yutang hurriedly thanked Xian, but it wasn't for himself, rather he was thanking Xian for saving Miss Qing. This sincere expression of gratitude made Xiao Qing look at Zhang Yutang with different eyes.

  Xiao Qing muttered in a low voice: "Which one is your friend." But also knew that he had accepted Xu Xian's feelings, otherwise today's affairs would not have caused so much trouble. Zhang Yutang hurriedly thanked Xu Xian, but it was not for himself, but to thank Xu Xian for saving Qingniang. This expression of gratitude was extremely sincere, and Xiaoqing's gaze at Zhang Yutang was naturally different again.

  Wang Yuanwai watched from the side and also sighed. This Jade Hall was also a rich young master, and the Zhang family was also a well-known wealthy household. That group of rascals dared to say that they would fight, relying on the power of the official family.

  Now Xu Xian just said a few words and easily solved this matter, which made Wang Yuanwai even more determined to make friends with him.

  This has a great relationship with Xu Xian's background. Not to mention the Pan family, which is deeply rooted in Jiangnan, a single warrant can drive Chu Jianxiong, a big shot in the rivers and lakes, like a dog losing its home.

  It was Wang Xuezheng, Xu Xian's teacher, who was also the leader of the Qingliu group. Although he had been demoted to this place for offending the emperor, his reputation in the "Qingliu" group was even more prominent. With those famous poems, Xu Xian had already established a position among the scholars in Jiangnan. Many people wanted to make friends with him, but not everyone could move him. In the future, he would rise to prominence and soar to great heights, all of which were just a matter of time.

  Xu Xian said to Xiao Qing, "Hurry back, don't keep your sister waiting. I'll visit the mansion in a few days!" As he spoke, he escorted Zhang Yutang out the door, intending to see him home. Zhang Yutang turned his head and looked back longingly, saying, "Miss Qing, I will also come to thank you in person in a few days!" Xiao Qing smiled slightly and didn't say much.

  Xu Xian reluctantly dragged this "lover", just a few days ago still with a "Xu fan" look (Xu Xian's fan), but today didn't even glance at him, truly "I have never heard of good virtue like good looks", the ancients were not deceiving me.

  Until he left, Zhang Yutang was still absent-minded and asked as soon as he went out: "Mr. Xu, what is your relationship with Qing?" He remembered that Xu Xian claimed to be a friend of Xiaqing, and his heart was worried.

  "Oh, it's my childhood sweetheart!" Xu Xian said absent-mindedly. Then he felt Zhang Yutang's hand sink heavily in his, and the worry on his face turned to despair, his complexion turning deathly pale as he stuttered out a question: "R-really? Is that true?"

  Xu Xian said bluntly: "Fake"

  Zhang Yutang suddenly broke free from Xu Xian's hand, his face filled with both joy and anger, saying: "Brother Xu, how can you be so reckless with your words, yet disregard the reputation of someone else's daughter?"

  Xu Xian reluctantly explained and apologized again, which finally calmed Zhang Yutang down. After a while, however, Zhang Yutang became anxious about his previous behavior and explained to Xu Xian that he was just momentarily impulsive, asking Xu Xian to forgive him. This made Xu Xian sigh bitterly once more.

  Arrived at the Zhang's residence, Mr. Zhang was shocked to see his son injured and asked for an explanation, but couldn't help feeling both angry and furious. This Zhang Yutang spends his days eating and drinking, wandering around the streets, not interested in reading books or doing business, had long been a headache for Mr. Zhang. Of course, in Xu Xian's opinion, being able to not bully others with one's power is already an excellent quality for a rich second-generation.

  Xu Xian hastily mediated, saying that this matter was entirely his own fault, and only then did Zhang Yuanwai calm down.

  It was inevitable that Xū Xiān would scold Zhāng Yù Táng severely. After completing his task, just as he was about to bid farewell, Zhāng Yuán Wài said: "On a rainy day, we keep our guests, Mr. Xū must stay for dinner before leaving!"

  Zhang Yutang was beaten because of himself, and Xu Xian couldn't refuse. Moreover, he suddenly thought of something and wanted to see it for himself.

  He clearly remembered that the Zhang family had a treasured heirloom - the Star-chasing Sword, which made even Bai Suzhen take notice and made Xiao Qing, who had 500 years of Taoist practice, not dare to face it. The Five Ghosts were even more afraid, fleeing at the sight of it. Li Gongfu, as an ordinary human, almost killed the Centipede Spirit with this sword, but only failed because the sword was tainted with impurities; otherwise, he would have instantly killed the Centipede Spirit.

  The relationship between Xiao Qing and Zhang Yu Tang also originated from this sword.

  When the wine was getting stronger, Xu Xian made a request. Zhang Gong naturally wouldn't refuse and ordered his son to bring out this sword for Xu Xian to see. Although it was the treasured heirloom of the Zhang family, in the eyes of ordinary people, it was just an ancient sword.

  Zhang Yutang took out the sword, and Xu Xian took a look at it. The silver sword body was engraved with fish scale patterns, and the decoration was quite elegant, but apart from that, he couldn't see anything special about it. With a casual movement, he drew out the long sword, and the blade emitted a low hum, like a dragon's chant. Suddenly, a pure and transparent spiritual energy burst forth from the sword body, condensing into a white light that was almost blinding. Xu Xian was inwardly amazed - the sword that had caught Bai Suzhen's attention was indeed no ordinary sword.

  Xu Xian's famous Qinghong Sword was indeed renowned in history, but it was only an ordinary sharp treasure sword. Compared to this relatively unknown Star-chasing Sword, it was like a firefly compared to the sun and moon, and cannot be mentioned on the same day.

  But looking at others still with a calm expression, as if they had not seen any glory, Xu Xian couldn't help but sigh, the treasure sword is dusty, and it has come to this!

  This sword is obviously a cultivator's sword, and the cultivator's magical power is absolutely not weak. The spiritual light on it was probably condensed after countless years, making it a top-notch magic weapon. The clear and ethereal aura contained within it has an innate restraint on demons and ghosts.

  If Xu Xian had held that Qinghong sword in his hand for decades or even hundreds of years, tempering it with spiritual energy every day, it might have had such an effect. But he didn't have the heart to do so. It's a pity that this divine sword somehow ended up in the hands of the Zhang family and was treated as an antique, stored away on a high shelf.

  Xu Xian said: "Director Zhang, I have an unreasonable request, I don't know..."

  Zhang saw him holding the sword with a reluctant expression, and knew his intention. However, since this was indeed his family heirloom, he said: "If it were anything else, that would be fine, but this sword is a treasured family heirloom, and it's really not convenient to part with!"

  It's a treasure, and it's also a blessing. Mr. Xu didn't force the issue either, so he returned this sword to Zhang Yutang. Until the host and guest were satisfied, Mr. Xu bid farewell and left. As soon as he walked out of the gate, Zhang Yutang hurried up from behind and said, "Brother Xu, please stay!"

  In Xū Xiān's puzzled gaze, Zhāng Yù Táng handed over a long package to Xū Xiān and said: "This sword will be stored at your place for two days." Then he said with some shyness: "Next time you visit Qīng Jiě's home, can you bring me along?" He also hinted to Xū Xiān that this family would soon be his, implying that if Xū Xiān could help him succeed in this matter, the sword would be given to Xū Xiān.

  Xu Xian couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, this guy really didn't care about anything as long as it was for a woman. But hearing him say that, he even more so couldn't accept the sword, if he really did spark some romantic feelings with Xiao Qing, in the end they would only harm each other. He himself wasn't able to stop it in time, how could he possibly go and make things happen?

  But thinking again, if he were to find his own way there, it would probably be even more disastrous. It's better for me to take the initiative and call out to him instead. I took over the Star Chaser sword and said, "We'll talk about it later, but I advise you not to have too much hope!"