Chapter 52: Do I Have to Say These Medicinal Ingredients Are Fake?

Chapter 52: Do I Have to Say These Medicinal Ingredients Are Fake?

Su Chen didn’t rush this time. After waiting for several minutes, Xiao Ya opened the door and beckoned him inside.

Stepping into the room, Su Chen immediately spotted the elderly woman with white hair lying on the bed. He nodded slightly but remained silent.

He had already noticed Xiao Ya couldn’t speak. The person who had spoken earlier must have been the old woman before him.

Seeing Su Chen dressed as a scholar, the old woman’s tense expression softened slightly.

When she’d heard Su Chen wanted to buy Red Bloodgrass earlier, her heart had clenched, fearing their secret had been discovered.

Although Xiao Ya had recounted their encounter and determined Su Chen wasn’t from the Medicine Gang, she still felt uneasy and wanted to refuse him outright.

But before she could, Su Chen’s offer had given her pause. After deliberating, Xiao Ya decided to take the risk.

Xiao Ya placed a basin of sandy soil in front of Su Chen and gestured for him to look closely.

Confused, Su Chen stared at the dirt as the old woman explained, “We don’t have the Red Bloodgrass you want, but Xiao Ya knows where to find it. However, you’ll need to retrieve it yourself.”

Understanding dawned on Su Chen. “Where exactly?”

Xiao Ya began gesturing wildly.

The old woman translated as Xiao Ya described three locations. After memorizing them, Su Chen departed.

All three locations were near Wazi Village. Su Chen suspected they were where Xiao Ya had hidden the Red Bloodgrass rather than natural growth sites.

His hunch proved correct. Half an hour later, he found ten dried Red Bloodgrass plants wrapped in coarse cloth.

Sighing, he muttered, “What a hassle, but at least I found them.”

After securing the herbs, he left. By the time he returned to Medicine Town, the Night Watchmen were already on patrol.

Fortunately, he hadn’t checked out of his inn. Back at his room, he stored the Red Bloodgrass and studied his Medical Tome before finally drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, Su Chen left his room, returned his key, and departed—but not immediately for White Stone City.

Medicinal ingredients in Medicine Town were generally cheaper than in the city. He decided to gather the remaining ingredients here before returning to concoct his medicine.

Previously, he’d confirmed that except for Red Bloodgrass (which the Medicine Gang was monitoring), the other components of the Unnamed Medicine Formula were widely available in local apothecaries.

He visited several shops, purchasing only one or two ingredients at each. With ten Red Bloodgrass plants (each usable three times), he needed thirty portions of other herbs.

The formula required nineteen different ingredients, each in thirty portions—a massive quantity that forced him to rent a temporary residence in a remote area of Medicine Town for preparation.

After securing lodging, he resumed shopping.

“Just one more ingredient—Yellow Hemp Grass. Once I get this, I can head back.”

By mid-afternoon, he’d gathered most of the herbs and entered an apothecary for the final item.

A disinterested clerk approached. “What can I get for you?”

“Thirty portions of Yellow Hemp Grass, ten coins per portion!” Su Chen declared.

The clerk wasn’t surprised by the volume, simply nodding as he began preparing the order.

“Wait,” Su Chen interjected, pulling one package from the pile. “This batch isn’t fresh. Replace it.”

The clerk stiffened but quickly substituted a new portion.

Su Chen frowned, watching him. After the clerk repackaged it, he said, “Still not fresh. Try again.”

The clerk slammed the herbs down, forcing a smile. “Sir, this is our freshest stock—harvested yesterday from local growers!”

Su Chen shook his head. “Replace it.”

The clerk’s face darkened. “Our Yellow Hemp Grass ranks among the top three in Medicine Town—quality you can trust…”

“Will you replace it or not?” Su Chen cut in.

“Are you here to cause trouble?” The clerk’s eyes narrowed, voice turning icy.

Su Chen snorted. “Must I spell out that you’re cutting corners here?”

“How dare you slander us?!” The clerk’s voice cracked, panic flashing in his eyes. “Our shop guarantees honest trade!”

“What’s going on here?” The store owner arrived, glaring at the clerk before turning a smile to Su Chen. “Is there an issue, honored guest?”

Su Chen waved a hand. “Your herbs don’t suit me. I’ll take my business elsewhere.”

He left, leaving the two men fuming under the owner’s glare.

“It’s not my fault—he started it!” The clerk muttered defensively.

The owner grunted. “Repackage everything!”

After the owner left, the clerk slipped out.

Fortunately, another apothecary sold genuine herbs, and Su Chen quickly secured his final ingredient.

As he returned, he sensed someone tailing him. He abruptly turned into an alley.

“Brother Leopard, he noticed us!”

“So what? Follow him closer—don’t let this brat escape!”

The pursuers quickened their pace as Su Chen weaved through alleys, eventually exiting Medicine Town to a desolate area.

Laughing harshly, the scarred leader surrounded Su Chen. “Kid, I was wondering how to kill you—glad you picked this quiet spot!”

“You insulted my brother at Zhongji Apothecary. Today, you’ll pay!”

Su Chen didn’t respond, striding toward them.

“Fool! Get him!” The scarred man roared.

Five attackers lunged—but five sharp slaps later, they lay groaning on the ground.

The scarred man clutched his face, snarling, “You dare ambush—!”

His threat died as Su Chen advanced.

“What do you think you’re doing? We’re with the Medicine Gang! Harm me and I’ll—!”

Su Chen silenced him with a single motion, slamming the man like a broken puppet. The thug crashed down, spat blood, and died.

Su Chen turned to the remaining four.

Four more slaps echoed.

Surveying the bodies, he spat. “Too many words!”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end