I Can Fix My Talent in Hundred Lives

Chapter 641: Chapter 492: Illusory Heart Volume Ten

The dusk was as dark as ink, spilling over the flying eaves and dougong brackets of Southzhou City.

In a concealed dark chamber, incense smoke coiled, candle flames flickered, illuminating a dozen figures in mysterious garments.

An air of forbidding danger subtly surrounded them, yet it was exceedingly contained. Only the brilliance in their eyes revealed their identities as Cultivators of Martial Country.

These were elite members under the command of the Astronomical Observatory, ordered to secretly gather all information about the Herb Hall. At this moment, they were seated together, whispering and exchanging information.

A cultivator with a full beard was the first to speak, his voice lowered yet confident:

"Gentlemen, we have made some progress in our investigation."

"The owner of the Herb Hall is named Tang Yun, whose medical skills are extraordinary. Nobles from Southzhou and the surrounding state mansions have all dispatched people to seek consultation from him."

Another cultivator, lean in build, added:

"Tang Yun has a son and a daughter; the children frequently seen in the hall are mostly his grandchildren, all with excellent aptitude. It’s also noteworthy that Tang Yun’s father-in-law is Huang Yueyang."

"The ’Replenishing Essence Pill’ circulating among the nobility of Southzhou in recent years was produced by this person. It is very likely that the remnants of the Celestial Master Path are targeting this pill."

"Most likely."

The cultivator in a brocade robe nodded but appeared puzzled:

"Yet here lies the oddity—we used Incense Power to investigate and deduced with magic, but among the dozens of people in the Herb Hall, there is no trace of cultivation."

In this realm, cultivation involves gathering Incense Power and refining forbidding energy.

Even novice cultivators would leave behind a faint aura, with no way to conceal it entirely out of thin air.

The bearded cultivator said in a deep voice:

"More mysterious is their origin."

"We tracked for half a month, only to learn they abruptly appeared in Southzhou twenty years ago and established the Herb Hall. Prior to that, their history seems erased from the earth, leaving no traces."

"Neither the household registration records nor local rumors offer any clue."

As everyone fell silent, the leading tributor in the center of the dark chamber slowly opened his eyes.

His face was like a jade crown, frost at his temples; though there was no evident aura leaking from him, an overwhelming pressure emanated outward. He was precisely Zhou Yunsheng, the primary Grade Two tributor of the Astronomical Observatory.

He lightly frowned, tapping his fingers on the table, producing a clear sound, his tone filled with contemplation:

"Strange, truly strange!"

"No traces of cultivation, no past origins, yet holding wondrous pills and divine medicine. This Herb Hall is definitely not as simple as it appears."

He was silent for a moment, then lifted his eyes to look at the others, his gaze sharp as a blade:

"So be it, we can investigate no further. Our intelligence is too scarce; recklessly reporting to Your Majesty would only showcase our incompetence."

"Tomorrow, I will personally approach Chen Sheng and Huang Yueyang to probe their depths."

All the cultivators nodded, none daring to dissent.

As a trusted confidant of His Majesty, Zhou Yunsheng held the power to act first and report later under the third grade. His decisions were well-considered, and they only needed to follow orders.

...

Inside the Herb Hall in the center of Southzhou City, the fragrance of medicine permeated the air, refreshing and pleasant.

A middle-aged man in a blue official robe, accompanied by four officials wielding long knives, slowly entered the hall.

This man, handsome and quick in the eyes, was Liu Chu, the scribe of the Southzhou yamen and son-in-law of Huang Yueyang’s old friend.

Over the years, he had leveraged his father-in-law’s connections and his own resourcefulness to wield considerable power locally.

In these years, the Herb Hall had firmly established itself in Southzhou, thanks in no small part to his mediations, resolving numerous incidents involving local ruffians and corrupt officials.

Upon entering, Liu Chu cupped his hands and smiled at Huang Yueyang, who was grinding herbs in the hall:

"Uncle, this junior greets you."

His tone was respectful, devoid of any official arrogance.

Huang Yueyang gazed up, placing down the pestle in his hand and nodded with a smile:

"Ah, it’s Liu Chu. What brings you here today? Is it that some noble has come to request medicine again?"

Liu Chu chuckled: "I wish to discuss this matter with Brother Tang first."

With these words, he walked towards the courtyard, spotting Chen Sheng engrossed in the Medicine Scripture, and rushed forward, his face lighting up with genuine joy:

"Brother! I have great news for you!"

Chen Sheng lifted his eyes, his gaze calm and penetrating as if he could see through to the heart, and asked in a detached tone:

"What is it?"

Liu Chu leaned closer, his voice lowered, but couldn’t hide his excitement:

"Brother, your renowned medical skills have reached the Imperial City! A significant figure there, upon hearing of your fame, traveled thousands of miles to seek your expertise."

"That important person is currently at the state mansion, with even Prefect Zhou personally receiving him, not daring to show the slightest neglect."

Upon hearing this, Chen Sheng remained unchanged, lowering his head once more to look at the Medicine Scripture in his hands, his tone still indifferent: "Then let him come."

Liu Chu’s expression froze momentarily, then quickly stepped forward, urgently warning:

"Brother! You must not! This is a highly respected figure from the Imperial City; even Prefect Zhou himself must kneel in welcome. Your attitude may be overly arrogant!"

"Should you offend this person, the consequences could be unimaginable!"

He paused, then softened his tone, earnestly advising:

"I know your character, Brother, is noble and free from worldly power, indifferent to princes and dignitaries."

"But consider, Brother, the Tang descendants are numerous and now established in Southzhou. Should you truly offend this important person, how will they find peace here?"

Liu Chu’s tone was utterly sincere:

"Brother, it’s better to be respectful."

"The disposition of this significant figure, we know nothing about, only that even Prefect Zhou fears him greatly, which indicates vasta authority."