Chapter 9

It was not yet noon when a light drizzle began to fall over the sky of Tian Nan City. The raindrops, like pearls, first fell sparsely, but within a quarter of an hour, the rain grew heavier, forming a natural curtain from the sky.

The air in the imperial capital was filled with a misty rain, shrouded in clouds and fog, adding a faint sorrow to the hearts of the people of Tian Nan City.

Feng Jueyu, holding an oiled paper umbrella, walked out of the Shangguan family's gate and proceeded step by step toward the southern part of the city along the wide street.

The vendors on the street had already set up large umbrellas. Some had finished their day's business and returned home early to be with their wives and children. There were few people on the street, and such weather had made the taverns, teahouses, and pleasure quarters on both sides of the street bustling with activity.

The smoke from cooking and the rain mist blended together, the ancient and elegant architecture, and the figures of passersby hurrying through the rain, all formed a beautiful ancient scroll.

The noise from the taverns and teahouses, the barking of dogs from residents' homes, the cries of infants, and the sounds of a man quarreling with his wife over gambling, all told Feng Jueyu that this was a different world, one on a different plane from his original world.

It was rare for Feng Jueyu to have the mood to stroll in the rain, but his seemingly leisurely pace was tinged with a hint of unease. The great assassin suddenly felt that something important was about to happen, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

Unexpectedly obtaining the Hong Yuan Heavenly Scripture, Feng Jueyu's body had undergone a complete transformation over the past half month. Not only had his meridians widened, but his old ailments had also been completely eliminated. The life and death energy of the Hong Yuan Space was truly a marvel of nature. His frail body, which had been like tofu for seventeen years, had been almost fully restored in just half a month.

However, Feng Jueyu always set extremely high standards for himself. Widening his meridians was far from enough, so he recalled the herbal bath method taught by his master in his previous life and decided to thoroughly adjust his body, muscles, blood, and even bones.

So, no matter how important the matter, nothing was more important than his own body.

"Hmm? There's an apothecary here. This will do." While deep in thought, Feng Jueyu finally found his destination as he walked through the rain in Tian Nan City.

In front of him was a small apothecary, about twenty square meters in size. He put away his oiled paper umbrella and shook it a few times before entering the small apothecary named "Jishi Fang" with a carefree Tian Nan dandy's gait.

Upon entering, Feng Jueyu took a general look around. The apothecary was deserted, with no business. On the left was a row of baskets drying a few low-quality herbs, and on the right was a tall cabinet against the wall, with few items, clearly not of high quality.

An elderly man was dozing off, leaning on the high counter, seemingly unaware that a customer had entered. To the great assassin, the apothecary seemed lifeless, and if it were in the market economy of his previous life, it would have closed down in no time.

There was also a girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old, squatting in a basket larger than herself, sorting herbs. Since she was facing away from Feng Jueyu, he couldn't see her face and didn't pay much attention.

He walked straight to the counter and knocked on it. "Shopkeeper, I want to buy some herbs."

The old man was startled awake, and the girl turned her head. Seeing a customer, her large, watery eyes naturally showed a hint of joy. Without waiting for the old man to speak, she walked over with a fragrant breeze.

"Sir, what herbs do you need? Do you have a prescription from a doctor?"

The girl was very delicate, with fair skin, her black hair loosely tied up, and two eyebrows like silkworms above her large, round eyes. She had a pretty nose and pale pink lips. When she spoke, a pure fragrance wafted from her mouth, even overshadowing the strong smell of herbs in the apothecary. It was clear that she often bathed with special fragrances or wore sachets.

By Feng Jueyu's standards for beauty, this girl was definitely a beauty in the making, without the heavy makeup of noble ladies, making her appear exceptionally pure and refined, evoking a sense of pity.

Most importantly, her eyes were clear and free of any worldly or impure thoughts, clearly showing that she was innocent and kind-hearted.

Feng Jueyu felt a liking for her at first glance.

At this moment, the old man also woke up and looked at the young man, who was not dressed extravagantly, with a disinterested gaze, quite different from the girl's.

Since he intended to strengthen his body, Feng Jueyu had already prepared a prescription using his memories from his previous life. Over the past half month, he had spent a lot of time studying medical and herbal books, ensuring that the herbs he chose were suitable. He had written down the prescription.

"Get the herbs according to this prescription, and don't make any mistakes with the quantities."

The prescription Feng Jueyu used was the herbal bath formula taught by his master in his previous life. It not only had the effects of strengthening the body and promoting blood circulation but also contained a trace of toxicity to stimulate the body's potential.

Although the old man had been a doctor for many years, he didn't understand Feng Jueyu's intentions. He took the prescription and examined it carefully, frowning when he saw the highly toxic herbs.

"Sir, this is...?" the old man asked, puzzled.

Feng Jueyu, who had anticipated this, smiled indifferently. "No problem, just get the herbs as written."

The old man was an ordinary person. Although he didn't know what Feng Jueyu was up to, he wasn't interested in finding out. He sighed and handed the prescription to the girl. "Tong'er, go get them."

Tong'er took the prescription and quickly gathered the herbs Feng Jueyu needed, packaged them, and brought them over with a smile. "Thank you, sir. The cost is 25 copper coins."

Feng Jueyu nodded, took out a string of copper coins from his sleeve, and handed them over. Then he took the herbs and suddenly said, "Old sir, what is your honorable surname?"

The old man bowed. "This old man is Li Yide."

"Then it's Old Li. Nice to meet you," Feng Jueyu said. "Old Li, I have a favor to ask. I need these herbs regularly, but due to certain reasons, I can't buy them all at once. I plan to come every so often to pick them up. Can I set up an account here, pay a deposit, and come whenever I need them? And can you keep it confidential for me?"

Feng Jueyu's intention was clear. The herbal bath formula was something he didn't want to be known. Although the Shangguan family was the largest herb supplier in Tian Nan City, it was their territory, and he didn't want to draw their attention until he was strong enough. Buying too many herbs at once would also attract unwanted attention, which was why he deliberately came to the southern part of the city to a small apothecary with few customers. This way, he could remain unnoticed.

Additionally, he had another plan. If it was inconvenient to take the herbal bath at the Shangguan family's place, and if he could reach an agreement with Jishi Fang, he might even consider taking the herbal bath there. It was like a therapy center in his previous life, wasn't it?

This was a normal transaction, but Li Yide and Tong'er exchanged glances and shook their heads. Tong'er said, "Sir, I'm afraid that's not possible."

"Why not?" Feng Jueyu was taken aback. Not making money when there's money to be made? Did I hear that right?

Seemingly understanding Feng Jueyu's thoughts, Li Yide sighed. "To be honest, the herb business is not doing well these days. Most of the business in Tian Nan City is dominated by the three major apothecaries. Their doctors are highly skilled, and they have a wide variety of good herbs. A small shop like mine can't last long and doesn't need to continue."

Li Yide pulled Tong'er closer, and at this moment, tears began to fall from her eyes, showing her reluctance. Li Yide lovingly patted her shoulder and said to Feng Jueyu, "We are a family of two, and I planned to open a small shop in Tian Nan City to save up a dowry for Tong'er, so she could find a good family. I would have no regrets in life..."

"But the business is not doing well. Rather than losing everything, it's better to sell the shop and leave more money for Tong'er to support herself in the future. So, I'm truly sorry, sir, but I can't fulfill your request." Li Yide coughed a few times, looking unwell.

Feng Jueyu understood. This was the result of industry monopolization. The Shangguan, Chen, and Xu families in Tian Nan City mainly operated in the herb business, monopolizing the market. This made it difficult for small businesses to survive, a typical case of the powerful eating the weak, but not necessarily immoral. After all, business is like a battlefield, and those with the means survive longer.

Li Yide became more and more sad, showing a deep sense of helplessness. Tong'er was even more heartbroken, hugging her grandfather tightly and crying, "Grandpa, don't say that. I won't get married. I will take care of you for the rest of my life."

Li Yide's heart warmed, and he gently scolded her, "Silly girl, don't say such foolish things. I don't have much time left, and it would be unfair to your deceased parents if I delayed your future. Besides, my illness..."

He coughed violently again.

Tong'er quickly supported Li Yide, worriedly rubbing his back and shaking her head. "Grandpa, don't say that. Your illness can be cured. I will sell myself to get the money to treat you..."

Feng Jueyu now fully understood the situation. This was a tragic scene of a small business being crushed by industry monopolization, leading to a grandfather and granddaughter losing their home, with the grandfather suffering from tuberculosis. They were truly a pitiful pair.

In his previous life, Feng Jueyu couldn't bear to see such scenes. Even as a killer, he had a heart for helping others. He had saved many poor people in dire straits without taking any payment and had another identity in the martial world: a private doctor known as the "Heavenly Hand."

So, even if he didn't want to reveal his identity, he had to do something.

He looked at the pitiful grandfather and granddaughter and suddenly had an idea. "Old sir, do you have tuberculosis?"

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