Chapter 64: The Ancient Names of Healing (2)

Chen Yunlong and his two old friends, Wu Feng and Shi Mingru, continued their discussion in the herb shop. Shi Mingru, just as knowledgeable about herbs as Wu Feng, took a closer look at the note containing Li Chen’s herb names. He scrutinized the list for several minutes, his experienced eyes carefully examining each entry. After his thorough analysis, Shi Mingru turned to Chen Yunlong with a confirmation.

"Master Chen, he is right," Shi Mingru said, pointing to a specific herb name. "See here, this name was last used in the late 1900s. As you may know, herb names evolve over time. He looks no more than 30, yet he’s using names that only a true expert would recognize."

Chen Yunlong absorbed their words and acknowledged the depth of knowledge Li Chen displayed. The young man possessed a level of expertise that far exceeded his years, a testament to his remarkable abilities and dedication to traditional Chinese medicine.

"The young ones are indeed intelligent," Chen Yunlong remarked, admiring the depth of Li Chen’s knowledge. It was clear that Li Chen had a unique gift and a passion for their field. In a rapidly changing world, his presence was a testament to the evolving nature of traditional Chinese medicine.

Wu Feng chuckled, nodding in agreement with Chen Yunlong’s observation. Their conversation eventually shifted to more personal topics, as they shared stories of their own youth and the experiences that had shaped their lives. As they reminisced, the lines of their master-servant relationship between Chen Yunlong and Wu Feng began to blur. In this moment, they were three friends, united by their shared love for herbs and the preservation of ancient knowledge.

After an hour of chatting and laughing, Chen Yunlong and Shi Mingru stood up and bid their old friend Wu Feng goodbye. Wu Feng walked them out as they continued their conversation. Suddenly, Chen Yunlong said, "My friend, please give me a call when that young man comes in again."

Wu Feng nodded and replied, "I see he really intrigued you."

Chen Yunlong smiled and said, "I appreciate young people who respect tradition."

Wu Feng assured him, "I will call you as soon as he walks in."

Chen Yunlong expressed his gratitude, and they walked towards their car. Upon reaching the car, Shi Mingru, now on full butler duty, opened the door for Chen Yunlong, and he got into the driver’s seat.

Shi Mingru started the car and drove at a medium speed. Suddenly, Chen Yunlong smiled and said, "I have found him."

Shi Mingru, still baffled, replied, "I don’t understand, sir."

Chen Yunlong clarified, "The successor, I have found him, and he is more than I expected. He is perfect."

Shi Mingru was taken aback, and his surprise made the car sway slightly. Chen Yunlong, noticing his reaction, playfully said, "Do you plan on killing us before we complete our mission? I haven’t even chosen the next guardian yet, my old friend."

Shi Mingru quickly regained his composure and apologized, "I am sorry, Master Chen. I was just shocked by the news."

Chen Yunlong understood and shared, "We have been here for a week, and the first time we wander around the city, we meet the one we came here for."

Shi Mingru remarked, "The previous guardians are really looking out for you."

Chen Yunlong chuckled and admitted, "At least I know he is perfect. I had my fears."

Shi Mingru inquired, "How did you know it was him?"

Chen Yunlong explained, "I was shown his face yesterday, and when he touched me, I could feel it... I could feel the powerful energy of the first page of the manual flowing within him."

Shi Mingru asked, "So, what do you plan to do next?"

Chen Yunlong responded, "I have to meet him first, try to build a relationship with him before I inform him of everything."

Shi Mingru nodded, saying, "I see."

The remainder of their journey home was filled with silence. Chen Yunlong was content, seeing progress in their mission. What made him even happier was that the first page of the manual had not fallen into the wrong hands. There was hope for the world if they could work together.

Meanwhile when Li Chen drove away from the herbs shop, he engaged in an intriguing conversation with God of War. God of War remarked, "I’m sure you know who that old man is."

Li Chen responded with a thoughtful "hmm."

God of War continued, "Wait for him to come to you. But since he is here, meeting him like this means that the evil energy I have been sensing is indeed present."

Li Chen, with a hint of humor, asked, "Were you doubting yourself?"

God of War replied, "I’ve been wandering as just air for too many years. I can’t be sure of my abilities anymore."

Li Chen chuckled and said, "I see."

God of War, as the very first chosen successor after the manual’s discovery, possessed certain abilities that came with having all the pages of the 7 Fists Manual in his possession. The manual was a mysterious and magical artifact, and even he, as the successor, never fully comprehended its true nature. However, among the abilities he gained, he had the power to sense danger and detect the presence of evil energy. Additionally, he could sense the presence of the guardian.

The very first guardian had been selected by God of War’s grandfather before his passing. The guardian’s role was to work closely with the successor, guiding them in perfecting the abilities that came with being a successor. Guardians possessed innate gifts that made them suitable for this role, and they didn’t have to be a family member of the previous guardian. Anyone born with a specific gift could become a guardian.

Before his death, God of War had appointed the next guardian, but the process of selecting subsequent guardians remained a mystery to him. However, when they encountered Chen Yunlong today, God of War was certain that he was the current guardian, as he could unmistakably sense his presence.

Li Chen suddenly asked, "Do you think he knows about me?"

God of War replied, "I am 100% sure he knows you are the chosen successor."

Li Chen further inquired, "Does he know that you are here?" God of War responded, "I don’t know how far his abilities go; maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t."

Li Chen then pondered, "So what happens now?"

God of War explained, "He will obviously come to you, but the evil energy is getting stronger. We can’t wait for him to try and break the news again. If he makes the effort to meet us, we will break it to him."

Li Chen nodded in understanding, "Okay."

They were prepared for the inevitable meeting with the guardian and the challenges that lay ahead.

Li Chen drove in silence, contemplating the changes happening in his life. He thought about the news of his mother being a Sun, which meant he was connected to a rich and prestigious family with a long history. He had mixed feelings about it, knowing that such families often had internal conflicts. However, he couldn’t forget the look of regret, pleading, and care in Sun Weilong’s eyes.

Deep in thought, Li Chen decided to call his newfound uncle. Before doing so, he made a stop at Tang Ziyi’s house to drop off the herbs. When he arrived, Madame Tang welcomed him and informed him that Tang Ziyi was not at home, as they had gone to the office. Li Chen clarified that he wasn’t there to see Tang Ziyi.

She suddenly suggested, "Li Chen, please call me Aunt instead." Li Chen nodded with a smile and replied, "Of course, Aunt."

As they were conversing, Tang Junjie wheeled himself into the living room, his curiosity piqued by the presence of their guest. Li Chen greeted him, asking, "Tang Junjie, how are you feeling now?"

Tang Junjie, eager to share his improved condition, replied, "Brother Chen, I feel better than this morning."

Li Chen handed Tang Junjie the bag of herbs and explained, "This needs to be boiled for an hour before drinking. Try to have it when it’s still a bit warm."

Tang Junjie opened the bag and the aroma of the herbs filled the room. Excited, he commented, "This smells great."

Madame Tang, looking at the bag, had her reservations and questioned Li Chen, "Li Chen, will this really help him?"

Li Chen, taking a moment to reassure her, replied, "Aunt, I believe these herbs have the potential to make a positive difference. "

Madame Tang, convinced by Li Chen’s confidence and genuine concern, nodded and decided, "Very well, I’ll start preparing the herbs right away."

Tang Junjie, his eyes filled with hope, asked Li Chen, "How long will I have to use these herbs?" Li Chen, with a reassuring smile, responded, "If you don’t feel any changes in your legs after 7 days of drinking it, let me know."

Tang Junjie’s eyes widened in amazement as he realized the implications of Li Chen’s words. He asked in disbelief, "Does that mean...?"

Li Chen nodded, confirming his unspoken question, "Yes, it means there’s a possibility of progress. You might want to keep it a surprise for your mother."

Tang Junjie’s smile grew wider as he thought about the joy and surprise he could bring to his mother. He agreed, "I really hope she’ll be surprised."

Li Chen, standing up to leave, said, "I know she will be." He bid farewell, "Please tell Aunt that I have to rush home. Hope to see you in 7 days."

Tang Junjie, appreciative and filled with newfound hope, said, "Thank you, Brother Chen."

Li Chen corrected him with a friendly smile, "You’re my age; just call me Li Chen."

Tang Junjie warmly replied, "Li Chen."

With those words, Li Chen departed, leaving the Tang family with a mix of emotions. Madame Tang continued preparing the herbs, her skepticism hidden to avoid dampening her son’s spirits. Meanwhile, Tang Junjie’s heart was filled with a spark of hope ignited by Li Chen’s words, giving him a renewed sense of optimism.