You think too much.
Fate hasn’t arrived, and money won’t come knocking at the door.
Not only did he have to continue living in poverty, but he also have to drink a bowl of bitter medicinal soup every day.
Every morning, Meng Qi would be awakened from his sleep by the bitter smell.
Even before opening his eyes, his brows would furrow, and his lips would involuntarily pursed as he tried to avoid the smell. However, the bitterness of the medicinal soup was unavoidable, permeating everywhere.
If he was lying down to sleep, Meng Qi might pull the blanket over his head.
But in the wild countryside, there were no blankets, not even a proper bed.
He could only find a tree trunk to lean against and occasionally seek shelter from the wind in some dilapidated houses. Then he would assume a meditative posture and endure the night until dawn.
Finding a place to rest was not difficult as long as they weren’t picky.
What was hard to find was a clean water source.
Some riverbeds might seem clear at first glance, but when scooped up in a bowl, the water would turn muddy. Many martial artists didn’t mind and still drank it even after boiling it. However, for preparing medicinal soup, like what Mo Li was doing, he naturally didn’t want to use such water.
Spring water would be ideal, but unfortunately, there was none around. They could only settle for a well as their water source.
Luckily, Mo Li’s ability to sense spiritual energy made finding water sources much easier than others.
As the sky brightened, Mo Li sat by the campfire, not paying much attention to the clay pot where the medicinal soup was simmering. Instead, he glanced at Meng Qi not far away.
He noticed Meng Qi’s brows furrowing, gradually becoming uncomfortable, and looking as if he had endured extreme bitterness. A slight smile appeared on Mo Li’s face as he intentionally sent a burst of internal energy, carrying the fragrance of the medicine toward Meng Qi.
The hot vapor wafted over Meng Qi again and again, causing his hair to be filled with the smell of the medicine.
He finally unwillingly opened his eyes.
Mo Li turned his head, acting nonchalantly as he added more firewood.
“Good morning, Physician.”
Meng Qi stretched his arms lazily and yawned. However, the scent of the medicine mist made his eyes squint from the bitterness. He reached for his clothes, sniffing them, only to find that they were also impregnated with the medicinal smell.
Last night, Meng Qi vaguely had a dream, as if there were battles with golden swords and iron horses, with flashes of blades and swords.
The dream was chaotic and muddled, with familiar faces coming and going, appearing and disappearing.
Numerous past events floated up and sank down, making him feel exhausted by the dream, struggling to break free from it. Finally, in the dream, as he walked on, a strong and bitter smell suddenly appeared out of nowhere, sweeping away all the bitterness and sorrow, dispersing the hazy dream like a gust of wind. And so, Meng Qi woke up.
“…”
He couldn’t remember anything from the dream, including the people who appeared and what they said.
Even the weariness and exhaustion he felt in the dream were gone, like the remnants of snow melted by the sun, leaving only a faint chill.
Could this be a sign of the Physician’s remarkable medical skills?
That he could cure nightmares just by making medicine?
Meng Qi thought with mixed emotions. He quickly left the dilapidated house and washed his face with cold water, then rinsed his mouth.
However, the scent of the medicine on his body couldn’t be eliminated, and after worrying for a while, Meng Qi just let it be.
When he returned, Mo Li was toasting a hard biscuit over the campfire, not even looking up as he said, “There are only two hard biscuits left that we brought from Shimo Mountain.”
“How far is the nearest village or town?”
“Probably can reach it by noon,” Mo Li replied after checking the map.
Meng Qi looked at the medicinal pot placed in front of him and wanted to sigh but restrained himself. He said solemnly, “Physician, last night, I dreamt that I fell into a deep lake, surrounded by darkness…”
Mo Li paused and looked at Meng Qi, wondering if this man had recovered his memories as the Dragon Vein of Taijing. Did he remember the Spiritual Pool at Qimao Mountain?
Just when Mo Li thought Meng Qi was going to say, “There seemed to be something faintly in the lake, like a fish,” Meng Qi held up the medicinal pot and said with regret, “I only realized after waking up that I actually fell into the medicinal pot, because the taste of the lake water was too familiar…”
“…”
Physician Mo Li thought expressionlessly, It must have been a sand rat that fell in!
Meng Qi asked seriously, “Physician, how much longer do I need to drink this medicine?”
Mo Li didn’t speak. He reached out to feel Meng Qi’s pulse, and as he sensed the flow of internal energy without any obvious obstacles, his serious expression eased, nodded, “Hmm, drink another dose today, and tomorrow I’ll change the prescription for you.”
This was indeed a rare piece of good news. Meng Qi felt that if he continued to drink, he wouldn’t be able to distinguish normal tastes anymore. Eating the biscuit was bitter, drinking water was bitter, and even the Physician might turn into bitterness.
Despite this thought, Meng Qi showed no sign of joy on his face and remained composed.
He tilted his head back and finished the medicine in one gulp.
Physician Mo Li had witnessed the true meaning of “Mount Tai collapsing in front without changing expression” with Master Meng. If it were another Physician, they might have been fooled by Meng Qi, thinking he wasn’t afraid of bitterness, and then showed great respect.
Perhaps an exceptional general must possess such a talent.
Bitter medicine was nothing. If it was about deploying an empty-city strategy or using tactics like an illusionary army, one had to maintain an image, or else the enemy might detect a flaw.
Mo Li sensed Meng Qi’s intention to uphold his image and save face.
Just like that sand rat, it was indeed chubby and plump, yet it insisted on striking a calm posture in front of him, believing it stood up straight, but what was the difference between sitting and standing?
Mo Li found it amusing but said nothing.
He broke the hard biscuit and shared half of it with Meng Qi.
Influenced by Meng Qi, Mo Li also deliberately maintained his demeanor.
Even though they were in a dilapidated and drafty straw-thatched hut, surrounded by desolate scenery of withered trees and crows, holding coarse and rough wheat biscuits, they appeared as if they were enjoying wine and scenery in a magnificent palace, looking content and at ease.
Midway through eating, Mo Li faintly heard the sound of hoofbeats.
He glanced at the rising dust in the distance and confirmed it wouldn’t blow their way, so he paid no further attention.
The horse caravan had a red flag, and when they passed by the abandoned village, they didn’t slow down, continuing on, raising dust.
“Did you see someone over there just now?” the leader of the horse caravan asked.
“Report to the leader, we indeed saw a campfire.”
The leader of the horse caravan knew that his men hadn’t seen clearly, but he thought for a moment and then shook his head.
Although the two people looked very strange, many skilled martial artists were rushing to the capital for the treasures of Emperor Li. There might be some formidable old experts among them who hadn’t shown themselves for years.
The journey was still long, so it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The group of people on horseback quickly disappeared from sight.
Meng Qi watched their figures and casually asked, “Physician, care to guess the identities of those people?”
Mo Li pondered for a while. They didn’t seem like official soldiers, but they also appeared different from the people with grand displays, like those from the Golden Phoenix Manor. Their formation was orderly, and there was no disorder even as they ran.
“Caravan guards?” Mo Li made a guess.
“Close enough,” Meng Qi smiled and hinted, “I guess they’re the Red Robe Gang that Ning Changyuan mentioned.”
The Red Robe Gang was one of the few prominent forces in Yongzhou. It was rumored that their leader had formidable martial arts, and the gang specialized in escorting caravans for a living, usually avoiding unnecessary troubles.
While they were talking, Meng Qi saw another group of people approaching in the distance.
They lacked the imposing aura of the Red Robe Gang. They were on foot and walked in pairs or groups of three, all looking exhausted from the overnight journey.
Spotting a village nearby, they quickened their pace, eager to find a place to rest.
However, the only house with a roof was already occupied.
As if that weren’t enough, the first two occupants were rather peculiar.
They dressed plainly, but their postures seemed like those of renowned martial artists engaging in a contest of skills.
Martial artists were generally unpretentious and wouldn’t be so concerned about appearances when sitting down. Even someone like the Golden Phoenix Young Master, who boasted of his status, would have many servants and subordinates, making the simple hut luxurious and comfortable.
Only those with a certain level of status and advanced age would pay attention to their outward demeanor.
After all, respected seniors in the martial arts world should uphold dignity and reverence.
“Who are these two?”
“I don’t know.”
“They seem to have a strange aura.”
The group stopped in the distance and began whispering to each other.
No one dared to approach, and they all waited for someone else to step forward.
Unfortunately, there were no fools among them. While it sounded nice to have respected seniors in the martial arts world, one couldn’t tell just by appearances if they were from the righteous or evil sects.
“I think they might be elders from the Tian Shan Sect.”
“No, the Tian Shan Sect usually doesn’t get involved in martial affairs. It could be someone from the Qing Cheng Sect. Didn’t we hear that a rising star from the Qing Cheng Sect died inexplicably in Pingzhou? The incident seems to be related to the Holy Lotus Altar!”
“Perhaps it’s a hidden expert from one of the factions in the southwest. Things have been unstable there, and the people from the Holy Lotus Altar have become increasingly arrogant. Both the righteous and evil factions hold grudges against them…”
They guessed various factions from all over the place, but they couldn’t reach a conclusion. Nonetheless, this allowed Mo Li and Meng Qi to listen to a lot of gossip from the martial world.
Some of it was unfamiliar, while some were quite familiar.
For example, this one piece of news –
“A few days ago, I met someone who said that the Golden Phoenix Manor had encountered a formidable opponent. No one knows the opponent’s name, but they managed to defeat everyone. It seems that there is really a treasure in Emperor Li’s Tomb. Even these hidden experts are showing up. I wonder if we can get a share of the pie.”
Mo Li finished his last piece of biscuit and noticed that the people in the distance were still squatting at the village entrance, not making any moves. He couldn’t help but wonder what they were doing.
They looked at him and Meng Qi, but he wasn’t particularly concerned. He got up to clean the medicine pot.
“They moved! That person moved!”
“…
Mo Li looked puzzled and glanced back at them. They hurriedly retreated but found no disturbance after waiting for a while. Cautiously, they approached again.
Since there was still some distance between them, they couldn’t see the appearance of Meng Qi and Mo Li, nor could they tell that the object in Mo Li’s hand was a medicine pot.
“What are they doing?”
“They probably want us to fight each other,” Meng Qi smiled wryly and explained, “For example, with some sword or knife energy, the thatched hut would instantly collapse, but the place we’re sitting on would remain intact. Cracks would appear on the ground, and the bonfire would scatter, but it wouldn’t touch our clothes. Even if they’re standing so far away, they can feel the wind force.”
Mo Li: “…”
Did all martial artists in the world behave like characters from stories?
Encounter two experts on the road, and instantly, they’d witness an earth-shattering duel in the martial world?
“From where did they deduce that we are enemies?” Mo Li was full of doubt.
“Aggression may lead to a fight, but old friends might have a friendly contest,” Meng Qi pondered and explained, “Basically, if there are witnesses, then the martial world will be buzzing with rumors. Without relying on these incidents, how can their reputation spread far and wide in the martial world? Whenever the opportunity arises, martial artists are willing to watch the spectacle, and the experts are willing to have a friendly competition.”
Being in the martial world was not easy.
“Besides, experts often spar without moving for a long time.”
So, that’s why they were shouting, ‘They moved!’
Mo Li looked at those Jianghu people who were inexplicably excited and lingered for a long time and felt speechless for a while.
“Does that mean us talking now meant we’re not enemies?”
“No, they might think we are mocking each other,” Meng Qi chuckled. He gestured, “For instance, ‘Even a pearl shines brightly,’ and ‘A superficial move, today you shall witness the true intent of my sword.'”
After speaking, he extinguished the bonfire and began helping Mo Li pack up their belongings.
Sure enough, there was another shout.
“That person moved again! But hey, there was no sound at all… What kind of martial arts is that?”
“Who said there was no sound? The fire was put out, right?”
Mo Li couldn’t help but quicken his pace, putting their things together and grabbing their bags. He employed lightness skills to rush ahead and escape from the noisy and inexplicable crowd of martial artists.
Author’s Note:
Is there anything wrong with wanting to maintain decorum in front of someone you like?
Is there anything wrong with wanting to maintain composure in front of someone who likes you?
Martial Artists: Look, they moved!
————
Meng Qi: Maybe they’re waiting to see a dragon and tiger battle.
Mo Li: …What’s so interesting about a fish and rat struggle?
You think too much.
Fate hasn’t arrived, and money won’t come knocking at the door.
Not only did he have to continue living in poverty, but he also have to drink a bowl of bitter medicinal soup every day.
Every morning, Meng Qi would be awakened from his sleep by the bitter smell.
Even before opening his eyes, his brows would furrow, and his lips would involuntarily pursed as he tried to avoid the smell. However, the bitterness of the medicinal soup was unavoidable, permeating everywhere.
If he was lying down to sleep, Meng Qi might pull the blanket over his head.
But in the wild countryside, there were no blankets, not even a proper bed.
He could only find a tree trunk to lean against and occasionally seek shelter from the wind in some dilapidated houses. Then he would assume a meditative posture and endure the night until dawn.
Finding a place to rest was not difficult as long as they weren’t picky.
What was hard to find was a clean water source.
Some riverbeds might seem clear at first glance, but when scooped up in a bowl, the water would turn muddy. Many martial artists didn’t mind and still drank it even after boiling it. However, for preparing medicinal soup, like what Mo Li was doing, he naturally didn’t want to use such water.
Spring water would be ideal, but unfortunately, there was none around. They could only settle for a well as their water source.
Luckily, Mo Li’s ability to sense spiritual energy made finding water sources much easier than others.
As the sky brightened, Mo Li sat by the campfire, not paying much attention to the clay pot where the medicinal soup was simmering. Instead, he glanced at Meng Qi not far away.
He noticed Meng Qi’s brows furrowing, gradually becoming uncomfortable, and looking as if he had endured extreme bitterness. A slight smile appeared on Mo Li’s face as he intentionally sent a burst of internal energy, carrying the fragrance of the medicine toward Meng Qi.
The hot vapor wafted over Meng Qi again and again, causing his hair to be filled with the smell of the medicine.
He finally unwillingly opened his eyes.
Mo Li turned his head, acting nonchalantly as he added more firewood.
“Good morning, Physician.”
Meng Qi stretched his arms lazily and yawned. However, the scent of the medicine mist made his eyes squint from the bitterness. He reached for his clothes, sniffing them, only to find that they were also impregnated with the medicinal smell.
Last night, Meng Qi vaguely had a dream, as if there were battles with golden swords and iron horses, with flashes of blades and swords.
The dream was chaotic and muddled, with familiar faces coming and going, appearing and disappearing.
Numerous past events floated up and sank down, making him feel exhausted by the dream, struggling to break free from it. Finally, in the dream, as he walked on, a strong and bitter smell suddenly appeared out of nowhere, sweeping away all the bitterness and sorrow, dispersing the hazy dream like a gust of wind. And so, Meng Qi woke up.
“…”
He couldn’t remember anything from the dream, including the people who appeared and what they said.
Even the weariness and exhaustion he felt in the dream were gone, like the remnants of snow melted by the sun, leaving only a faint chill.
Could this be a sign of the Physician’s remarkable medical skills?
That he could cure nightmares just by making medicine?
Meng Qi thought with mixed emotions. He quickly left the dilapidated house and washed his face with cold water, then rinsed his mouth.
However, the scent of the medicine on his body couldn’t be eliminated, and after worrying for a while, Meng Qi just let it be.
When he returned, Mo Li was toasting a hard biscuit over the campfire, not even looking up as he said, “There are only two hard biscuits left that we brought from Shimo Mountain.”
“How far is the nearest village or town?”
“Probably can reach it by noon,” Mo Li replied after checking the map.
Meng Qi looked at the medicinal pot placed in front of him and wanted to sigh but restrained himself. He said solemnly, “Physician, last night, I dreamt that I fell into a deep lake, surrounded by darkness…”
Mo Li paused and looked at Meng Qi, wondering if this man had recovered his memories as the Dragon Vein of Taijing. Did he remember the Spiritual Pool at Qimao Mountain?
Just when Mo Li thought Meng Qi was going to say, “There seemed to be something faintly in the lake, like a fish,” Meng Qi held up the medicinal pot and said with regret, “I only realized after waking up that I actually fell into the medicinal pot, because the taste of the lake water was too familiar…”
“…”
Physician Mo Li thought expressionlessly, It must have been a sand rat that fell in!
Meng Qi asked seriously, “Physician, how much longer do I need to drink this medicine?”
Mo Li didn’t speak. He reached out to feel Meng Qi’s pulse, and as he sensed the flow of internal energy without any obvious obstacles, his serious expression eased, nodded, “Hmm, drink another dose today, and tomorrow I’ll change the prescription for you.”
This was indeed a rare piece of good news. Meng Qi felt that if he continued to drink, he wouldn’t be able to distinguish normal tastes anymore. Eating the biscuit was bitter, drinking water was bitter, and even the Physician might turn into bitterness.
Despite this thought, Meng Qi showed no sign of joy on his face and remained composed.
He tilted his head back and finished the medicine in one gulp.
Physician Mo Li had witnessed the true meaning of “Mount Tai collapsing in front without changing expression” with Master Meng. If it were another Physician, they might have been fooled by Meng Qi, thinking he wasn’t afraid of bitterness, and then showed great respect.
Perhaps an exceptional general must possess such a talent.
Bitter medicine was nothing. If it was about deploying an empty-city strategy or using tactics like an illusionary army, one had to maintain an image, or else the enemy might detect a flaw.
Mo Li sensed Meng Qi’s intention to uphold his image and save face.
Just like that sand rat, it was indeed chubby and plump, yet it insisted on striking a calm posture in front of him, believing it stood up straight, but what was the difference between sitting and standing?
Mo Li found it amusing but said nothing.
He broke the hard biscuit and shared half of it with Meng Qi.
Influenced by Meng Qi, Mo Li also deliberately maintained his demeanor.
Even though they were in a dilapidated and drafty straw-thatched hut, surrounded by desolate scenery of withered trees and crows, holding coarse and rough wheat biscuits, they appeared as if they were enjoying wine and scenery in a magnificent palace, looking content and at ease.
Midway through eating, Mo Li faintly heard the sound of hoofbeats.
He glanced at the rising dust in the distance and confirmed it wouldn’t blow their way, so he paid no further attention.
The horse caravan had a red flag, and when they passed by the abandoned village, they didn’t slow down, continuing on, raising dust.
“Did you see someone over there just now?” the leader of the horse caravan asked.
“Report to the leader, we indeed saw a campfire.”
The leader of the horse caravan knew that his men hadn’t seen clearly, but he thought for a moment and then shook his head.
Although the two people looked very strange, many skilled martial artists were rushing to the capital for the treasures of Emperor Li. There might be some formidable old experts among them who hadn’t shown themselves for years.
The journey was still long, so it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The group of people on horseback quickly disappeared from sight.
Meng Qi watched their figures and casually asked, “Physician, care to guess the identities of those people?”
Mo Li pondered for a while. They didn’t seem like official soldiers, but they also appeared different from the people with grand displays, like those from the Golden Phoenix Manor. Their formation was orderly, and there was no disorder even as they ran.
“Caravan guards?” Mo Li made a guess.
“Close enough,” Meng Qi smiled and hinted, “I guess they’re the Red Robe Gang that Ning Changyuan mentioned.”
The Red Robe Gang was one of the few prominent forces in Yongzhou. It was rumored that their leader had formidable martial arts, and the gang specialized in escorting caravans for a living, usually avoiding unnecessary troubles.
While they were talking, Meng Qi saw another group of people approaching in the distance.
They lacked the imposing aura of the Red Robe Gang. They were on foot and walked in pairs or groups of three, all looking exhausted from the overnight journey.
Spotting a village nearby, they quickened their pace, eager to find a place to rest.
However, the only house with a roof was already occupied.
As if that weren’t enough, the first two occupants were rather peculiar.
They dressed plainly, but their postures seemed like those of renowned martial artists engaging in a contest of skills.
Martial artists were generally unpretentious and wouldn’t be so concerned about appearances when sitting down. Even someone like the Golden Phoenix Young Master, who boasted of his status, would have many servants and subordinates, making the simple hut luxurious and comfortable.
Only those with a certain level of status and advanced age would pay attention to their outward demeanor.
After all, respected seniors in the martial arts world should uphold dignity and reverence.
“Who are these two?”
“I don’t know.”
“They seem to have a strange aura.”
The group stopped in the distance and began whispering to each other.
No one dared to approach, and they all waited for someone else to step forward.
Unfortunately, there were no fools among them. While it sounded nice to have respected seniors in the martial arts world, one couldn’t tell just by appearances if they were from the righteous or evil sects.
“I think they might be elders from the Tian Shan Sect.”
“No, the Tian Shan Sect usually doesn’t get involved in martial affairs. It could be someone from the Qing Cheng Sect. Didn’t we hear that a rising star from the Qing Cheng Sect died inexplicably in Pingzhou? The incident seems to be related to the Holy Lotus Altar!”
“Perhaps it’s a hidden expert from one of the factions in the southwest. Things have been unstable there, and the people from the Holy Lotus Altar have become increasingly arrogant. Both the righteous and evil factions hold grudges against them…”
They guessed various factions from all over the place, but they couldn’t reach a conclusion. Nonetheless, this allowed Mo Li and Meng Qi to listen to a lot of gossip from the martial world.
Some of it was unfamiliar, while some were quite familiar.
For example, this one piece of news –
“A few days ago, I met someone who said that the Golden Phoenix Manor had encountered a formidable opponent. No one knows the opponent’s name, but they managed to defeat everyone. It seems that there is really a treasure in Emperor Li’s Tomb. Even these hidden experts are showing up. I wonder if we can get a share of the pie.”
Mo Li finished his last piece of biscuit and noticed that the people in the distance were still squatting at the village entrance, not making any moves. He couldn’t help but wonder what they were doing.
They looked at him and Meng Qi, but he wasn’t particularly concerned. He got up to clean the medicine pot.
“They moved! That person moved!”
“…
Mo Li looked puzzled and glanced back at them. They hurriedly retreated but found no disturbance after waiting for a while. Cautiously, they approached again.
Since there was still some distance between them, they couldn’t see the appearance of Meng Qi and Mo Li, nor could they tell that the object in Mo Li’s hand was a medicine pot.
“What are they doing?”
“They probably want us to fight each other,” Meng Qi smiled wryly and explained, “For example, with some sword or knife energy, the thatched hut would instantly collapse, but the place we’re sitting on would remain intact. Cracks would appear on the ground, and the bonfire would scatter, but it wouldn’t touch our clothes. Even if they’re standing so far away, they can feel the wind force.”
Mo Li: “…”
Did all martial artists in the world behave like characters from stories?
Encounter two experts on the road, and instantly, they’d witness an earth-shattering duel in the martial world?
“From where did they deduce that we are enemies?” Mo Li was full of doubt.
“Aggression may lead to a fight, but old friends might have a friendly contest,” Meng Qi pondered and explained, “Basically, if there are witnesses, then the martial world will be buzzing with rumors. Without relying on these incidents, how can their reputation spread far and wide in the martial world? Whenever the opportunity arises, martial artists are willing to watch the spectacle, and the experts are willing to have a friendly competition.”
Being in the martial world was not easy.
“Besides, experts often spar without moving for a long time.”
So, that’s why they were shouting, ‘They moved!’
Mo Li looked at those Jianghu people who were inexplicably excited and lingered for a long time and felt speechless for a while.
“Does that mean us talking now meant we’re not enemies?”
“No, they might think we are mocking each other,” Meng Qi chuckled. He gestured, “For instance, ‘Even a pearl shines brightly,’ and ‘A superficial move, today you shall witness the true intent of my sword.'”
After speaking, he extinguished the bonfire and began helping Mo Li pack up their belongings.
Sure enough, there was another shout.
“That person moved again! But hey, there was no sound at all… What kind of martial arts is that?”
“Who said there was no sound? The fire was put out, right?”
Mo Li couldn’t help but quicken his pace, putting their things together and grabbing their bags. He employed lightness skills to rush ahead and escape from the noisy and inexplicable crowd of martial artists.
Author’s Note:
Is there anything wrong with wanting to maintain decorum in front of someone you like?
Is there anything wrong with wanting to maintain composure in front of someone who likes you?
Martial Artists: Look, they moved!
————
Meng Qi: Maybe they’re waiting to see a dragon and tiger battle.
Mo Li: …What’s so interesting about a fish and rat struggle?
