Meng Qi: ???
Ning Changyuan quickly turned around and left the room, standing under the eaves for a while before raising his hand to knock on the door again.
The door creaked open.
Mo Li rolled up his sleeves and asked, “What brings you here, Daoist Ning?”
He appeared calm and unruffled, showing no signs of embarrassment from being caught.
Ning Changyuan couldn’t help but admire Mo Li from the bottom of his heart. If it were him in this situation, he would probably have jumped out of the window. After all, running away was the first secret to surviving in the martial world.
“These are some dry rations. According to Qiu Hong, you will be leaving tomorrow,” Ning Changyuan said, holding several packages of herbs, a few flatbreads, and some bite-sized jerky.
“Daoist Ning is too kind. We have already received plenty of supplies in these past few days. It’s enough. The flatbreads can be given to the people in the wilderness gathering,” Mo Li didn’t stop Ning Changyuan at the door. He extended his hand to invite him inside since it was impolite to speak while standing at the doorway.
“No, it’s already late. I won’t come in,” Ning Changyuan quickly declined.
He trusted the Physician’s character, but he couldn’t say the same about the other person.
Meng Qi was simply a monster. In the perception of martial artists, his presence seemed nonexistent, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Nobody knew where he came from.
Ning Changyuan felt worried and wanted to offer some advice, but he hesitated due to their limited acquaintance, fearing that his words would be unwelcome.
He reluctantly entered the room, intentionally avoiding looking in the direction of the bed.
“The world is in turmoil. Physician, please be cautious while traveling the martial world,” Ning Changyuan said, taking out an item from his pocket and unfolding it. It was a map drawn on oiled paper.
The map was exquisitely detailed, capturing every mountain, river, and stream, with clear labels of prefectures and counties written in minuscule characters.
“Daoist Ning?” Mo Li was slightly surprised.
Anyone can draw a map, but most of them are crude. A finely detailed map like this is priceless, and such maps are usually in the possession of government officials, and inaccessible to ordinary people. Only in military campaigns would such precise maps be used.
Ning Changyuan smiled and said, “Physician, there’s no need to be surprised. The information depicted on this map is common knowledge in the martial world. There are no strategic military locations marked on it.”
Mo Li took a closer look and indeed, apart from the counties, there were small black dots indicating various martial sects and headquarters.
“In the martial world, although there are many forces, only a few have truly established themselves,” Ning Changyuan pointed to the map, indicating, “In Yongzhou, there is only the Hengquan Sect, the Cangfeng Temple, and the Red Cloth Gang… It is said that the leader of the Red Cloth Gang practices wicked martial arts. They don’t often cause trouble, only taking on escort missions in the northern region. As for Old Master Chen from the Hengquan Sect, he is known for his sense of righteousness, but some of his disciples and grandchildren are rather disappointing, tarnishing his reputation. The troublesome one is the Cangfeng Temple. The temple’s master, Zhao Cangfeng, also known as the Qingwu Ancestor, is an absolute top expert in the martial world. He has been famous for many years, wielding an iron whisk with sinister techniques. Countless people have been defeated by him. The Qingwu Ancestor is also a Taoist, skilled in feng shui and capable of warding off disasters. He holds prestige even among the influential class, and people often rush from the capital to seek his guidance at the Cangfeng Temple. Therefore, Qingwu Ancestor has significant covert influence, and other martial factions dare not provoke the Cangfeng Temple. It’s a troublesome situation, best to avoid it.”
While Mo Li was still pondering, Meng Qi spoke up, “I’m afraid we can’t avoid it. The young master of the Si family is a disciple of the Qingwu Ancestor.”
Ning Changyuan was shocked; he had never heard of this before.
Meng Qi, who hadn’t even taken off his clothes, leaned against the bed and casually said, “I also heard that there’s a formidable expert under the Heavenly King, who is leading a rebellion in the southwest. That expert is also a disciple of the Qingwu Ancestor. So, those attempting to assassinate the Heavenly King have all suffered setbacks.”
“Is this true? Where did you hear this news?” Ning Changyuan asked in astonishment.
“From a certain official in the Qi Dynasty,” Meng Qi replied with a half-smile, half-smirk. “One rebellion on the left, another conspiracy on the right. What is Qingwu Ancestor planning? Is he sitting in his Cangfeng Temple just to read feng shui? The operatives of the Embroidered Uniform Guards may be incompetent, but they will certainly do everything in their power to eliminate such a dangerous individual! Otherwise, how could the Great Emperor sitting on the dragon throne sleep peacefully at night?”
Ning Changyuan smiled bitterly, “I am just a wandering swordsman. I really don’t understand the affairs of the court.”
Meng Qi waved his hand as if not expecting Ning Changyuan to figure anything out.
“…Did you two encounter people from the Cangfeng Temple in Qiuling County?”
“Perhaps, but none of them made it back alive to report,” Meng Qi said casually.
However, Mo Li was very interested in the identity of this “Taoist” Qingwu Ancestor. To have prestige among the influential class, he must have accomplished some remarkable feats.
“What do those influential figures seek from him? Guidance in feng shui?”
“Um… the positioning of ancestral graves, the fortune of their families?” Ning Changyuan uncertainly replied, “I don’t believe in those things, so I can’t say for sure. Perhaps there are even curses and sinister techniques involved.”
Meng Qi shook his head and said, “Curses and sinister techniques are impossible. There are many fearful individuals, and if there was a Taoist who could use spells to kill someone from afar, then today he may take money to kill for you, and tomorrow he might take someone else’s money to kill you. How could those influential figures be at ease?”
As Meng Qi spoke, he noticed Mo Li’s expression. It seemed that whenever Feng Shui and fortune were mentioned, the Physician would furrow his brow.
“These matters can be discussed when we encounter them,” Mo Li changed the subject and asked, “Earlier, Daoist Ning mentioned your martial arts lineage. May I ask who your master is?”
Ning Changyuan was initially surprised but quickly realized that these two individuals hadn’t even heard of his name at the beginning, so he felt relieved and somewhat embarrassed as he replied, “I was once a disciple of the Tianshan Sect, but I was expelled from the sect several years ago. Please don’t misunderstand, Physician. It was my own decision, and I spread rumors about it on my own accord in the martial world. I’ve caused quite a lot of trouble in my years of wandering, and I didn’t want to burden my sect.”
Mo Li bowed his head and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and Ning Changyuan quickly returned the gesture.
“What is this, Physician?” Ning Changyuan asked.
“Yesterday, I saw a patient, a young and strong man who had only injured his leg from a fall. I heard that you saved him two months ago. His family wishes to establish a longevity tablet for you. Please tell them that because you were previously saved by a certain Mr. Qin, who does not require your gratitude, you turned to help others instead, and you hope that he can also lend a helping hand to others in the future.”
Ning Changyuan felt uneasy and said, “I mentioned this matter on the first day I met you, Physician. I hoped that such people would increase, and I wished for a change in the world. It was all my selfish desire.”
Mo Li looked deeply into his eyes and said, word by word, “No, seeing with one’s own eyes is different from hearing.”
“I don’t speak such words to every person, but compared to other commoners, he is still young, and his family has several laborers. Their lives will be slightly easier, and they will have the ability to help others. If someone like Aunt Yin said these words, it would only add to her worries. She is already living a difficult life and can’t even see clearly. How can she help others? In this world, there are few who have the ability and many who suffer. Those whose minds are pure and benevolent often lack the strength to save themselves.”
Ning Changyuan sighed and smiled, “Sometimes I think that perhaps this is the calamity of the world. The will of Heaven is such, and the actions of individuals are just insignificant splashes in the rivers and seas.”
Meng Qi wanted to say something but held back. As he watched Ning Changyuan take his leave, Meng Qi felt an indescribable melancholy.
“Brother Meng?” Mo Li called out.
Meng Qi snapped back to reality and responded, realizing that Mo Li’s expression was somewhat peculiar.
“Brother Meng, I have no ulterior motive regarding Daoist Ning,” Mo Li explained.
“…”
Meng Qi froze. Did he show it so clearly just now? The Physician couldn’t tell before, but now that he knew Meng Qi’s thoughts, it seemed that he had no secrets in front of the Physician.
“Daoist Ning doesn’t like men,” Mo Li added.
“How do you know?” Meng Qi asked dryly, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Did the Physician telling him all this mean that the Physician saw him differently?
Mo Li contemplated and said, “When he first entered the door and saw you and me, his expression was overly shocked. He even tried to advise me several times, probably because of my teacher. It seems he doesn’t quite approve.”
Meng Qi’s face darkened, and he said displeasedly, “Our matters are undecided in the first place, and what does it have to do with him?”
“Exactly, it has nothing to do with him, so he didn’t bring it up in the end,” Mo Li nodded. “Isn’t Daoist Ning an interesting person?”
“And what’s interesting?” Meng Qi’s face grew even darker. He had met many interesting people, and Ning Changyuan was far from being one of them.
At best, he was just a young man with ideals.
Thinking of the term “young man,” Meng Qi started to feel melancholic again. He was getting old and always thinking about killing people. How could he compare to Ning Changyuan? Ning Changyuan came from a prestigious and upright background, and he was saved by Qin Lu personally. Maybe his master had some connection with Qin Lu. What advantage did he have?
There was only one, being of the same clan as the Physician.
The concept of being of the same clan was too profound.
Mo Li was also thinking about the same clan. When he mentioned it earlier, Meng Qi actually thought he was using it as an excuse to evade the truth and deceive him. Meng Qi didn’t even know who he was, so how could he understand it clearly? How could he distinguish whether his heart’s contentment was due to loneliness and the desire for kinship or if he genuinely had feelings?
“Brother Meng, do you prefer women or men?” Mo Li asked.
Meng Qi was puzzled by the question. Logically, the Physician wouldn’t ask such a question. The Physician was a man, so by extension, Meng Qi should prefer men. Otherwise, how could he suddenly change because of the Physician?
From Mo Li’s expression, Meng Qi realized that the Physician really thought so.
“…”
How did this confidence come about?
Meng Qi was speechless but suddenly realized that this kind of confidence was very much like himself!
“I am the Imperial Teacher, Meng Qi. If I go mad, the world will surely suffer!” Meng Qi firmly believed this and even felt that the Qi Dynasty might collapse. Of course, countless people in Taijing City would also die or be injured. Therefore, he had to treat his illness and prevent himself from going mad.
“…My memory is incomplete, and I don’t recall having a similar experience before. But what if, just if, I prefer women more?” Meng Qi tentatively asked.
Mo Li pondered for a moment and said, “Then let me try to transform into a woman. If you want to be clear about it, you should try these things to find out.”
Meng Qi: “…”
Wait, what did you just say? Is that even possible?
Meng Qi looked at Mo Li in shock, almost reaching out to touch the Physician’s chest. No, the chest couldn’t represent anything. He should touch the lower abdomen instead, but fortunately, he restrained himself.
“Our… our clan, can we change from male to female at will?” Meng Qi’s voice was weak and feeble, and his expression seemed like he was sleepwalking.
“I don’t know, maybe?” Mo Li replied without turning his head.
He opened the herbs that Ning Changyuan had sent. He had only kept the herbs and the map from earlier.
“The ingredients for the Ning Shen Pill are ready. I didn’t tell you much about it before because I was afraid it would trigger your condition,” Mo Li picked through the herbs and placed them in a bamboo basket, ready to boil the medicine by the stove.
“No, it seems like I’ve already started having hallucinations. Physician, you should check my pulse,” Meng Qi said weakly.
The fire in the stove had been burning, and with the help of internal energy, the medicine was brewed very quickly.
Meng Qi drifted in and out of consciousness for an unknown period of time until he suddenly saw a bowl of black potion being handed to him.
“This isn’t…”
“I didn’t make it into a pill, but the effects are similar.”
Meng Qi drank the medicine with mixed emotions. Then, he felt a significant relief in his throbbing head. The room was already lit, and Mo Li was sitting by the bed, clearly looking like a man with Adam’s apple on his neck.
“Ah… Physician, I was feeling very unwell earlier. I had hallucinations and thought I heard you say something about transforming into a woman.”
“It wasn’t a hallucination. I just failed to transform successfully,” Mo Li promptly took the bowl from Meng Qi’s hand.
Meng Qi’s fingers stiffened, almost dropping the bowl.
“Perhaps it’s related to my initial transformation. I may not be able to transform again in the future,” Mo Li explained.
Mo Li covered Meng Qi’s eyes with his hand, his voice low and gentle, like a gentle breeze or a flowing stream. “No matter how much I say, it’s not as good as you discover the truth yourself. Calm your mind and think about your true appearance.”
Meng Qi expected his mind to be in complete chaos at this moment, but strangely, he was incredibly clear-headed. He thought of the tree on Mount Silang, the tree said to be a mountain spirit that could change its size. He thought of the Physician asking if he had ever considered that daemons don’t age. He thought of the Physician asking if he had ever had strange dreams, dreams of freely wandering in the mountains or the water. He also thought of the spiritual herbs he cultivated in seclusion in the mountains, and…
Suddenly, Mo Li’s hand trembled, and Meng Qi disappeared. Instead, there was a pile of clothes on the bed.
He gently moved the clothes aside and came face to face with the familiar chubby rat.
Its round body froze, and its soft white fur seemed to glow. Its small black eyes were filled with astonishment.
Mo Li reached out and scooped up the chubby rat, deep in thought. Could this be considered payback for the Golden Dragon teasing him?
Author’s Note:
You can go back and revisit Chapter 9. At that time, Mo Li, who knew about him being a dragon vein, was like, “What? I’m not a daemon at all??”
Taijing Dragon Vein: Surprise.jpg
Today’s Meng Qi: Wait, I’m actually a daemon???
Physician Mo: Surprise.jpg
Meng Qi: ???
Ning Changyuan quickly turned around and left the room, standing under the eaves for a while before raising his hand to knock on the door again.
The door creaked open.
Mo Li rolled up his sleeves and asked, “What brings you here, Daoist Ning?”
He appeared calm and unruffled, showing no signs of embarrassment from being caught.
Ning Changyuan couldn’t help but admire Mo Li from the bottom of his heart. If it were him in this situation, he would probably have jumped out of the window. After all, running away was the first secret to surviving in the martial world.
“These are some dry rations. According to Qiu Hong, you will be leaving tomorrow,” Ning Changyuan said, holding several packages of herbs, a few flatbreads, and some bite-sized jerky.
“Daoist Ning is too kind. We have already received plenty of supplies in these past few days. It’s enough. The flatbreads can be given to the people in the wilderness gathering,” Mo Li didn’t stop Ning Changyuan at the door. He extended his hand to invite him inside since it was impolite to speak while standing at the doorway.
“No, it’s already late. I won’t come in,” Ning Changyuan quickly declined.
He trusted the Physician’s character, but he couldn’t say the same about the other person.
Meng Qi was simply a monster. In the perception of martial artists, his presence seemed nonexistent, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Nobody knew where he came from.
Ning Changyuan felt worried and wanted to offer some advice, but he hesitated due to their limited acquaintance, fearing that his words would be unwelcome.
He reluctantly entered the room, intentionally avoiding looking in the direction of the bed.
“The world is in turmoil. Physician, please be cautious while traveling the martial world,” Ning Changyuan said, taking out an item from his pocket and unfolding it. It was a map drawn on oiled paper.
The map was exquisitely detailed, capturing every mountain, river, and stream, with clear labels of prefectures and counties written in minuscule characters.
“Daoist Ning?” Mo Li was slightly surprised.
Anyone can draw a map, but most of them are crude. A finely detailed map like this is priceless, and such maps are usually in the possession of government officials, and inaccessible to ordinary people. Only in military campaigns would such precise maps be used.
Ning Changyuan smiled and said, “Physician, there’s no need to be surprised. The information depicted on this map is common knowledge in the martial world. There are no strategic military locations marked on it.”
Mo Li took a closer look and indeed, apart from the counties, there were small black dots indicating various martial sects and headquarters.
“In the martial world, although there are many forces, only a few have truly established themselves,” Ning Changyuan pointed to the map, indicating, “In Yongzhou, there is only the Hengquan Sect, the Cangfeng Temple, and the Red Cloth Gang… It is said that the leader of the Red Cloth Gang practices wicked martial arts. They don’t often cause trouble, only taking on escort missions in the northern region. As for Old Master Chen from the Hengquan Sect, he is known for his sense of righteousness, but some of his disciples and grandchildren are rather disappointing, tarnishing his reputation. The troublesome one is the Cangfeng Temple. The temple’s master, Zhao Cangfeng, also known as the Qingwu Ancestor, is an absolute top expert in the martial world. He has been famous for many years, wielding an iron whisk with sinister techniques. Countless people have been defeated by him. The Qingwu Ancestor is also a Taoist, skilled in feng shui and capable of warding off disasters. He holds prestige even among the influential class, and people often rush from the capital to seek his guidance at the Cangfeng Temple. Therefore, Qingwu Ancestor has significant covert influence, and other martial factions dare not provoke the Cangfeng Temple. It’s a troublesome situation, best to avoid it.”
While Mo Li was still pondering, Meng Qi spoke up, “I’m afraid we can’t avoid it. The young master of the Si family is a disciple of the Qingwu Ancestor.”
Ning Changyuan was shocked; he had never heard of this before.
Meng Qi, who hadn’t even taken off his clothes, leaned against the bed and casually said, “I also heard that there’s a formidable expert under the Heavenly King, who is leading a rebellion in the southwest. That expert is also a disciple of the Qingwu Ancestor. So, those attempting to assassinate the Heavenly King have all suffered setbacks.”
“Is this true? Where did you hear this news?” Ning Changyuan asked in astonishment.
“From a certain official in the Qi Dynasty,” Meng Qi replied with a half-smile, half-smirk. “One rebellion on the left, another conspiracy on the right. What is Qingwu Ancestor planning? Is he sitting in his Cangfeng Temple just to read feng shui? The operatives of the Embroidered Uniform Guards may be incompetent, but they will certainly do everything in their power to eliminate such a dangerous individual! Otherwise, how could the Great Emperor sitting on the dragon throne sleep peacefully at night?”
Ning Changyuan smiled bitterly, “I am just a wandering swordsman. I really don’t understand the affairs of the court.”
Meng Qi waved his hand as if not expecting Ning Changyuan to figure anything out.
“…Did you two encounter people from the Cangfeng Temple in Qiuling County?”
“Perhaps, but none of them made it back alive to report,” Meng Qi said casually.
However, Mo Li was very interested in the identity of this “Taoist” Qingwu Ancestor. To have prestige among the influential class, he must have accomplished some remarkable feats.
“What do those influential figures seek from him? Guidance in feng shui?”
“Um… the positioning of ancestral graves, the fortune of their families?” Ning Changyuan uncertainly replied, “I don’t believe in those things, so I can’t say for sure. Perhaps there are even curses and sinister techniques involved.”
Meng Qi shook his head and said, “Curses and sinister techniques are impossible. There are many fearful individuals, and if there was a Taoist who could use spells to kill someone from afar, then today he may take money to kill for you, and tomorrow he might take someone else’s money to kill you. How could those influential figures be at ease?”
As Meng Qi spoke, he noticed Mo Li’s expression. It seemed that whenever Feng Shui and fortune were mentioned, the Physician would furrow his brow.
“These matters can be discussed when we encounter them,” Mo Li changed the subject and asked, “Earlier, Daoist Ning mentioned your martial arts lineage. May I ask who your master is?”
Ning Changyuan was initially surprised but quickly realized that these two individuals hadn’t even heard of his name at the beginning, so he felt relieved and somewhat embarrassed as he replied, “I was once a disciple of the Tianshan Sect, but I was expelled from the sect several years ago. Please don’t misunderstand, Physician. It was my own decision, and I spread rumors about it on my own accord in the martial world. I’ve caused quite a lot of trouble in my years of wandering, and I didn’t want to burden my sect.”
Mo Li bowed his head and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and Ning Changyuan quickly returned the gesture.
“What is this, Physician?” Ning Changyuan asked.
“Yesterday, I saw a patient, a young and strong man who had only injured his leg from a fall. I heard that you saved him two months ago. His family wishes to establish a longevity tablet for you. Please tell them that because you were previously saved by a certain Mr. Qin, who does not require your gratitude, you turned to help others instead, and you hope that he can also lend a helping hand to others in the future.”
Ning Changyuan felt uneasy and said, “I mentioned this matter on the first day I met you, Physician. I hoped that such people would increase, and I wished for a change in the world. It was all my selfish desire.”
Mo Li looked deeply into his eyes and said, word by word, “No, seeing with one’s own eyes is different from hearing.”
“I don’t speak such words to every person, but compared to other commoners, he is still young, and his family has several laborers. Their lives will be slightly easier, and they will have the ability to help others. If someone like Aunt Yin said these words, it would only add to her worries. She is already living a difficult life and can’t even see clearly. How can she help others? In this world, there are few who have the ability and many who suffer. Those whose minds are pure and benevolent often lack the strength to save themselves.”
Ning Changyuan sighed and smiled, “Sometimes I think that perhaps this is the calamity of the world. The will of Heaven is such, and the actions of individuals are just insignificant splashes in the rivers and seas.”
Meng Qi wanted to say something but held back. As he watched Ning Changyuan take his leave, Meng Qi felt an indescribable melancholy.
“Brother Meng?” Mo Li called out.
Meng Qi snapped back to reality and responded, realizing that Mo Li’s expression was somewhat peculiar.
“Brother Meng, I have no ulterior motive regarding Daoist Ning,” Mo Li explained.
“…”
Meng Qi froze. Did he show it so clearly just now? The Physician couldn’t tell before, but now that he knew Meng Qi’s thoughts, it seemed that he had no secrets in front of the Physician.
“Daoist Ning doesn’t like men,” Mo Li added.
“How do you know?” Meng Qi asked dryly, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Did the Physician telling him all this mean that the Physician saw him differently?
Mo Li contemplated and said, “When he first entered the door and saw you and me, his expression was overly shocked. He even tried to advise me several times, probably because of my teacher. It seems he doesn’t quite approve.”
Meng Qi’s face darkened, and he said displeasedly, “Our matters are undecided in the first place, and what does it have to do with him?”
“Exactly, it has nothing to do with him, so he didn’t bring it up in the end,” Mo Li nodded. “Isn’t Daoist Ning an interesting person?”
“And what’s interesting?” Meng Qi’s face grew even darker. He had met many interesting people, and Ning Changyuan was far from being one of them.
At best, he was just a young man with ideals.
Thinking of the term “young man,” Meng Qi started to feel melancholic again. He was getting old and always thinking about killing people. How could he compare to Ning Changyuan? Ning Changyuan came from a prestigious and upright background, and he was saved by Qin Lu personally. Maybe his master had some connection with Qin Lu. What advantage did he have?
There was only one, being of the same clan as the Physician.
The concept of being of the same clan was too profound.
Mo Li was also thinking about the same clan. When he mentioned it earlier, Meng Qi actually thought he was using it as an excuse to evade the truth and deceive him. Meng Qi didn’t even know who he was, so how could he understand it clearly? How could he distinguish whether his heart’s contentment was due to loneliness and the desire for kinship or if he genuinely had feelings?
“Brother Meng, do you prefer women or men?” Mo Li asked.
Meng Qi was puzzled by the question. Logically, the Physician wouldn’t ask such a question. The Physician was a man, so by extension, Meng Qi should prefer men. Otherwise, how could he suddenly change because of the Physician?
From Mo Li’s expression, Meng Qi realized that the Physician really thought so.
“…”
How did this confidence come about?
Meng Qi was speechless but suddenly realized that this kind of confidence was very much like himself!
“I am the Imperial Teacher, Meng Qi. If I go mad, the world will surely suffer!” Meng Qi firmly believed this and even felt that the Qi Dynasty might collapse. Of course, countless people in Taijing City would also die or be injured. Therefore, he had to treat his illness and prevent himself from going mad.
“…My memory is incomplete, and I don’t recall having a similar experience before. But what if, just if, I prefer women more?” Meng Qi tentatively asked.
Mo Li pondered for a moment and said, “Then let me try to transform into a woman. If you want to be clear about it, you should try these things to find out.”
Meng Qi: “…”
Wait, what did you just say? Is that even possible?
Meng Qi looked at Mo Li in shock, almost reaching out to touch the Physician’s chest. No, the chest couldn’t represent anything. He should touch the lower abdomen instead, but fortunately, he restrained himself.
“Our… our clan, can we change from male to female at will?” Meng Qi’s voice was weak and feeble, and his expression seemed like he was sleepwalking.
“I don’t know, maybe?” Mo Li replied without turning his head.
He opened the herbs that Ning Changyuan had sent. He had only kept the herbs and the map from earlier.
“The ingredients for the Ning Shen Pill are ready. I didn’t tell you much about it before because I was afraid it would trigger your condition,” Mo Li picked through the herbs and placed them in a bamboo basket, ready to boil the medicine by the stove.
“No, it seems like I’ve already started having hallucinations. Physician, you should check my pulse,” Meng Qi said weakly.
The fire in the stove had been burning, and with the help of internal energy, the medicine was brewed very quickly.
Meng Qi drifted in and out of consciousness for an unknown period of time until he suddenly saw a bowl of black potion being handed to him.
“This isn’t…”
“I didn’t make it into a pill, but the effects are similar.”
Meng Qi drank the medicine with mixed emotions. Then, he felt a significant relief in his throbbing head. The room was already lit, and Mo Li was sitting by the bed, clearly looking like a man with Adam’s apple on his neck.
“Ah… Physician, I was feeling very unwell earlier. I had hallucinations and thought I heard you say something about transforming into a woman.”
“It wasn’t a hallucination. I just failed to transform successfully,” Mo Li promptly took the bowl from Meng Qi’s hand.
Meng Qi’s fingers stiffened, almost dropping the bowl.
“Perhaps it’s related to my initial transformation. I may not be able to transform again in the future,” Mo Li explained.
Mo Li covered Meng Qi’s eyes with his hand, his voice low and gentle, like a gentle breeze or a flowing stream. “No matter how much I say, it’s not as good as you discover the truth yourself. Calm your mind and think about your true appearance.”
Meng Qi expected his mind to be in complete chaos at this moment, but strangely, he was incredibly clear-headed. He thought of the tree on Mount Silang, the tree said to be a mountain spirit that could change its size. He thought of the Physician asking if he had ever considered that daemons don’t age. He thought of the Physician asking if he had ever had strange dreams, dreams of freely wandering in the mountains or the water. He also thought of the spiritual herbs he cultivated in seclusion in the mountains, and…
Suddenly, Mo Li’s hand trembled, and Meng Qi disappeared. Instead, there was a pile of clothes on the bed.
He gently moved the clothes aside and came face to face with the familiar chubby rat.
Its round body froze, and its soft white fur seemed to glow. Its small black eyes were filled with astonishment.
Mo Li reached out and scooped up the chubby rat, deep in thought. Could this be considered payback for the Golden Dragon teasing him?
Author’s Note:
You can go back and revisit Chapter 9. At that time, Mo Li, who knew about him being a dragon vein, was like, “What? I’m not a daemon at all??”
Taijing Dragon Vein: Surprise.jpg
Today’s Meng Qi: Wait, I’m actually a daemon???
Physician Mo: Surprise.jpg
