Chapter 276: Chapter 220: I’ll Listen to You

"Power, treasure, and influence, all yours."

Pharmacist’s Wish once again deeply felt the immense energy of these words from the True Man of Locking Dragon.

As long as she wished, the entire nation would revolve around her, and everyone must bow their heads. The dream she had last night could become a reality today. Even Li Long, the renowned ’Rising Dragon Hand’ of the Zhou Kingdom, would have to obediently hand over his most important token to her.

However, what rose in her heart at this moment was not joy or happiness, but a deep and chilling unease.

This was both a gift and a warning. Today she could borrow the power of the True Man of Locking Dragon to intimidate, yet others could equally rely on the power of Foundation Establishment Zhenren to do the same. To the Foundation Establishment, everything in the mortal world was merely a toy to be given or taken at whim... Li Long was like this, and so was Pharmacist’s Wish.

Only by advancing to Foundation Establishment could one become a true ’person,’ qualified to converse on equal terms with Foundation Establishment, rather than becoming a gift given to others by it.

The True Man of Locking Dragon didn’t even need to issue a stern warning; just the overwhelming authority beyond Pharmacist’s Wish’s capacity to bear was enough to make her understand her insignificance.

"Duke?" a palace attendant whispered, "Do you need more time to consider? These three rare treasure tokens can be tested temporarily, but for no more than three days; any longer and I must report to Your Majesty..."

"No need." Pharmacist’s Wish shook her head, quickly scanning the list of tokens, and took the blood sacrifice dagger they brought: "I only need this one."

Though the list included some tokens she very much desired, she had no interest in forcefully exchanging them for others’ tokens on this basis, just as she didn’t want others to rely on Foundation Establishment’s power to seize her Bright King Armor... Moreover, for the upcoming task, the blood sacrifice dagger was indeed the most suitable choice.

"If the Duke is dissatisfied or wants to exchange for other rare treasures, just send someone to the palace to inform me; Your Majesty places great importance on this matter." The palace attendant spoke with respect, almost as if Pharmacist’s Wish were the true Emperor.

...

...

That evening, after training in the Vajra Armor, Pharmacist’s Wish found the armor’s weight just right for her, whereas it was slightly too light before. The price, however, was a rapid increase in fatigue, reaching exhaustion in less than half an hour, and when she removed the cotton padded lining underneath, it was soaked with sweat, highlighting her well-defined muscles. Her whole body was drenched, steaming, with hair sticking to her face, and even the chest-binding bandage, when twisted, wrung out a pile of sweat.

While bathing, Shidong chattered about household matters, like who appeared honest and who might have sticky fingers. Astonishingly, within a day, she had gotten to know almost everyone in the mansion.

Listening silently, Pharmacist’s Wish suddenly asked, "If I were to leave, would you all come with me?"

Wuqiu immediately replied, "Of course, Miss, wherever you go, we’ll follow; we’re your maids for life."

Shidong nodded vigorously, but hesitantly asked, "But, but it won’t be for long, right? If it’s a long leave, at least one of us needs to stay to manage things, or the servants will surely slack off."

"Shidong!" Wuqiu admonished sternly, "If Miss intends to take us along, she must have her reasons! Do you think you’re in charge because you’re so great? You’re just helping Miss manage the household!"

"Wuqiu." Seeing Shidong on the verge of tears, Pharmacist’s Wish quickly waved her hand: "I was just asking casually, no need to be so tense."

"Miss, we do prefer a stable environment, but more importantly, we understand it’s because of your protection," Wuqiu said seriously. "So whatever you decide, do not worry about us. If we cause you to miss something important, then we don’t deserve to be your maids."

Pharmacist’s Wish was silent for a moment, then softly said, "Wuqiu, if you were to marry, you’d surely make a good wife who completely controls her husband."

"I have no intention of marrying; I want to help you keep control over your future husband," Wuqiu said with a gentle smile. "It’s said that after becoming a Foundation Establishment Zhenren, it’s difficult to have children. Shouldn’t you take advantage of this time to find a husband and start a family for the Yao Family?"

At this, Shidong perked up. That afternoon, numerous visitors had called on Duke Jin’s Mansion, including young promising men from various families, bringing various types, and after seeing only demonic messengers atop Shu Dao Mountain, it was refreshing. However, as she spoke, the topic veered awkwardly into the field of romance novels, and Wuqiu had to tap her head several times to knock away the nonsense.

As Pharmacist’s Wish lay down to rest, she gazed at the cloud-covered moon outside the window and thought, even Wuqiu wavered.

Although Wuqiu had sternly reprimanded Shidong, the sudden shift in conversation towards starting a family indicated her own hope that things would settle down. After all, having a husband and children would naturally lead to more considerations.

But it wasn’t just Wuqiu and Shidong who were wavering; even she herself was.

Pharmacist’s Wish’s hesitation wasn’t due to the overwhelming power and stability, but out of fear. She could abandon this unearned foundation of the Ba River Pharmacist Family and forsake the immense authority granted by the True Man of Locking Dragon, but she couldn’t let Rabbit Heroine simultaneously incur the wrath of both the True Man of Locking Dragon and Winter Hunting Zhenren.

Just one casual command from the True Man of Locking Dragon could cause all of Chang’an to revolve around Pharmacist’s Wish. If she truly rescued Rabbit Heroine, and in the wake of the True Man of Locking Dragon’s fury, would the Zhou Kingdom still be a place for them to stand? The mansion soldiers might ransack mountain and sea to find them.

Moreover, Rabbit Heroine was the Heir of Calamity. If the True Man of Locking Dragon disclosed this to the outside world, would the Foundation Establishments of Liang Kingdom and Qi Kingdom sit idly by as Rabbit Heroine entered their territory?

If rescuing Rabbit Heroine only placed her in greater danger, wouldn’t her good intentions be in vain? Thus reflecting, might it be better to heed the Yellow Dog’s advice, and after becoming Foundation Establishment, openly demand the return of Rabbit Heroine from the True Man of Locking Dragon... 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

No way!

Pharmacist’s Wish turned over, her undergarments heavily pressed down on the bed, her whole body curled into a ball.

How can I waver in just one day?

No matter what, I have to try. How can I just watch my sister being locked away in a dark prison, unable to see the sunlight or taste good food, becoming a desperate prisoner in the prime of her life?

Yellow Dog is saying those things to cover his selfish intentions, trying to keep the Return Order for himself. How can I listen to him? Do you really believe he doesn’t want to see you risk your life? How can you trust him?

Pharmacist’s Wish repeatedly told herself these words, strengthening her resolve bit by bit, until she finally calmed her wavering heart, and slowly closed her eyes...

"No, that’s not right!"

Pharmacist’s Wish suddenly sat up, staring blankly at the clear and bright night outside, her pupils slightly trembling.

If Yellow Dog really wanted to preserve the last Return Order, why would the Rabbit Heroine still have it in her hand when she came out of the Corpse Bone Forest? She could even attempt to activate it.

Rabbit Heroine has already used a Return Order in the Secret Realm; her chances have been used up.

Since Yellow Dog could promptly take away the Rabbit Heroine’s token, it shows he clearly understands her situation and can monitor her token at any time. He wouldn’t be unaware that after leaving the Corpse Bone Forest Secret Realm, Rabbit Heroine has only one Return Order left. Nor would he not know that the Rabbit Heroine is already targeted by the Winter Hunting Zhenren.

When facing an ambush by the Foundation Establishment Zhenren, if Yellow Dog were truly rational, he should have abandoned the Rabbit Heroine at that moment.

But the result was the Rabbit Heroine took out the Bingzi Pepper Forest and wreaked havoc. If not for saving herself, Rabbit Heroine could have escaped through the final escape window... but would Yellow Dog really let the Rabbit Heroine activate the Return Order to leave?

Even if it was the last Return Order?

It’s always a mystery because it never had a chance to happen.

The only reality is that the Rabbit Heroine was captured, and the Return Order fell into Yellow Dog’s hands. But could there have been a moment when Yellow Dog was willing to pay any price to let Rabbit Heroine escape... until Rabbit Heroine gave up her last chance to save her?

Pharmacist’s Wish lay bewildered on the bed, arms crossed over her chest, body curled up. She didn’t understand, she really didn’t understand why Yellow Dog couldn’t be purely a good guy or a bad guy? Why couldn’t he support her? Why... did he give more than she did?

That’s why, after Rabbit Heroine was taken away, I wanted to find him immediately... because he was so good to Rabbit Heroine, I felt, at that moment, he was someone I could rely on.

...

...

"This time, I’ll listen to you."

Pharmacist’s Wish looked at Yan Qing and softly said.

She wasn’t being sarcastic; she was truly giving the decision-making power to the man in front of her. If he took the Blood Sacrifice Dagger, Pharmacist’s Wish would completely lose hope and focus on establishing her Foundation as soon as possible.

She had thought about it for a very long time today but still couldn’t make a decision. Even if she rescued the Rabbit Heroine, she couldn’t protect her. She wasn’t confident enough to take Rabbit Heroine and stand against the world. As unbelievable as it seemed, if Yan Qing supported her, Pharmacist’s Wish felt he would definitely have a way to protect Rabbit Heroine.

The person who cared most about the Rabbit Heroine in this world is us two. Rabbit Heroine trusts you so much that she hands over all tokens, spoils of war, and even the Return Order to you without any complaints, so... I’m willing to trust you too.

The Thief Hall was silent, Shang Xinlei didn’t even dare to breathe. Under everyone’s gaze, Yan Qing reached out and pulled out the Blood Sacrifice Dagger from the stone table.

Ying Rushi let out a sigh of relief, Pharmacist’s Wish lowered her head, Shang Xinlei’s eyes were complicated.

In the end... there was still no chance...

Then Yan Qing stood up, grabbed Pharmacist’s Wish’s hand, and placed the Blood Sacrifice Dagger in her palm.

"This time, I’ll help you, and I have a way to let Rabbit Heroine leave." Yan Qing said each word firmly, "But it’s very risky, and it’s not certain to succeed. You have to listen to my instructions, otherwise—"

"Okay!" Pharmacist’s Wish didn’t even wait for him to finish before quickly agreeing, holding his hand tightly with both of hers, as if afraid he would run away.