Chapter Twenty-Seven: Destruction Before Rebirth

Absorbed in his own thoughts, Lei Yan paid no attention to when Qing Ling had left; concocting medicine was his priority now. He made his way into the pharmacy that Sun Ji had told him about.

The pharmacy was modest, with wooden shelves lining the four walls. These shelves were divided into tiers, each holding sieves of various sizes, and the medicinal herbs were placed within these sieves.

Though the Ghost Doctor Sect’s collection of herbs was far less abundant than that of the Lei family’s pharmacy, ordinary herbs were still fairly complete. As Lei Yan walked, he identified the herbs within each sieve: “Tiger bone, poria, earth ginseng, birch, rush grass…”

Had Sun Ji been present, he would surely have been astounded by Lei Yan’s genius. These herbs were ones even his own disciples could not fully recognize.

Lei Yan continued his inspection, stopping before one sieve, his eyes flashing briefly, then dimming again. “Ah… what a waste. This Phoenix Spirit Snake is no longer fit for medicine. Its toxicity has likely faded considerably after being dried. Perhaps substituting it with the more potent Dragon Serpent Orchid…”

Out of hundreds of herbs, Lei Yan spent nearly an entire afternoon selecting those he needed. Fortunately, his knowledge of medicinal herbs was profound; otherwise, he could never have chosen such a complex combination of mutually reinforcing and counteracting substances. Some herbs he even found among the chaotic pile outside the door.

After leaving a note, Lei Yan gathered the herbs and various pots and jars for concoction, heading straight for the secret chamber—only there could he work undisturbed.

Two days later, the secret chamber was suffused with the fragrance of herbs drifting from a porcelain jar atop a small stone table and medicine furnace.

Standing beside the table, Lei Yan slowly opened a yellow oil-paper packet. Inside was a vivid red powder, so bright it was unsettling to the eye. He had produced it through roasting, baking, grinding, and other steps over two sleepless days. Gazing at the powder, he hesitated, for it was potent enough to kill him several times over; even innate martial artists could not survive exposure to it. Thus, his hesitation.

Despite his misgivings, his hands did not falter. With a stiff card, he gently scraped out a tiny amount of powder, taking care to keep it from dispersing into the air, even controlling his breath for safety.

The scarlet powder dissolved into the liquid within the jar, and at that moment, a wisp of blue smoke rose. The once-clear medicine now turned cloudy and viscous.

Lei Yan’s expression remained tense as he placed the used card into an earthen jar at the corner of the table, sprinkling in a prepared neutralizing herb and sealing the lid. The herbs would neutralize the toxins left on the card, and the jar crackled softly as the reaction took place. He then restored the yellow oil-paper packet. Using a medicinal ladle, he scooped a spoonful from the jar and poured it into a tub already filled with fresh water. Instantly, the water began to boil and churn.

“Even with such dilution, the medicine remains so potent!” Lei Yan took a prepared pill from the table and swallowed it, then stripped off his clothes and stepped into the bath.

The moment he entered, Lei Yan felt as though he had plunged into boiling water; the scalding ‘cold’ forced his pores open and banished all fatigue. The pain prompted him to curse, “This is self-torture!” After about an hour, he felt as though countless tiny knives were slashing and stabbing his body, the prickling giving way to a tearing agony. He knew this was self-inflicted harm, but for vengeance, he grit his teeth and endured.

Time ticked by, and Lei Yan’s consciousness began to fade. He realized he needed to get out soon, or his life would end here.

Staggering from the tub, he collapsed onto the stone bed, exhaustion overtaking him, and he slipped into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, profound changes were unfolding within his body. Invisible toxins coursed through him, neutralized almost instantly by residual medicines, yet his muscles, meridians, and bones were strengthened under their stimulation. Most notably, his powers, agitated by the toxins, radiated blue light.

He slept for a full day and night. Upon waking, Lei Yan stretched languidly, his bones crackling audibly, and a surge of strength filled him. It was a sensation he had never experienced since arriving in this world. He felt that even if a tiger appeared before him now, he could kill it—though this was only his impression.

Stepping out of the secret chamber, Lei Yan found everything as usual, save that Dong Jiu was absent. The courtyard still bustled with dozens seeking medical attention. Sun Ji sat in the eastern hut treating patients, while his disciple swept the yard.

A refreshing breeze carried clean air, lifting Lei Yan’s spirits.

The disciple, busy sweeping, suddenly noticed Lei Yan emerging from the chamber. He sensed something different about Lei Yan but could not pinpoint what. As Lei Yan approached, the disciple quickly bowed and greeted him, “Master, you look well today!”

“Do I?” Lei Yan replied with a smile. “I’m going out for a stroll.” With that, he ran toward the gate. After about half an hour and nearly a kilometer, he bent over, panting and laughing. “Ha ha ha! Destroy in order to rebuild—indeed, it works!” Though he had only run about a thousand meters in half an hour, it was a major breakthrough for his body, his first time using the medicine. With this experience, Lei Yan believed he would one day rival cultivators.

“What could make you so happy?” A woman’s voice broke his laughter.

He turned toward the sound and saw Qing Ling standing opposite him, frowning. He could not fathom why she always seemed to haunt him like a ghost.

Qing Ling seemed to read his thoughts and smiled, revealing white teeth. “Don’t flatter yourself. I have no time to cling to you. You just happened to wander into the territory of Poison King Valley!”

Lei Yan was momentarily surprised; he truly hadn’t noticed his surroundings. He had been lost in the exhilaration of exercise, forgetting where he was.

Seeing his bewilderment, Qing Ling smiled again, her teeth gleaming. “Since you’re here, as the host, I must properly entertain you. Otherwise, word might spread and harm the reputation of Poison King Valley!”

(P.S.: Dear brothers and sisters, please add this to your favorites! My collection is so pitiful!)